US2712907A

US2712907A - Apparatus for multi-folding elongated pliable articles

Info

Publication number: US2712907A
Application number: US344016A
Authority: US
Inventors: Martin W Hayden; Jr John T Macisaac; Frank T Suttenfield; Glenn H Simpson
Original assignee: Fieldcrest Mills Inc
Current assignee: Fieldcrest Mills Inc
Priority date: 1953-03-23
Filing date: 1953-03-23
Publication date: 1955-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 1972-07-12

Description

2, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET AL 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 23, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS: F MARTIN W. HAYDEN, dorm Wine Isnnqdr; J .1 9 2 FRANK T Surrmrmu and 6mm HSmrsou.

ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET L 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 23, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS'. MARTIN W. HAYDEN, JOHN TMncIsnnc,Jre.,

FRANK T. SUTTENFIELD and GLENN H. SIMPSON.

ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET AL APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIA'BLE ARTICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 25, 1953 INVENTORS: MARTIN W. HAYDEN, Jomv I MAcbnngJR, FRANK I SUTTENFIELD and GLENN H.5IMP50N.

ATTORNEYS //\////////////MMMMMJ Ill July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET AL APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 25, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS: MARTIN W. Hmmm, Joan TM cIsAnc, JR, FRANK I Surrmnzm and 6mm H. 5m? N.

BY 6 M) ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ETAL 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 25, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS'. MARTIN W. HAYDEN, J HNTMAcISAAc,J

FRRNK T. Summnsw ml 6mm H. $mPsou.

BY gmnmgm/ ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FGLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Martin W. Hayden, John T. Maelsaac, Jr., and Frank T. Suttenfield, Spray, and Glenn H. Simpson, Lealrsville, N. C., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Fieldcrest Mills, lne, a corporation of Delaware Application March 23, 1953, Serial No. 344,016

24 Claims. (Cl. 24262) This invention generally relates to the art of folding by winding and more especially to an improved apparatus for folding elongated relatively narrow pliable articles, such as strips of tape, cloth, plastic and the like.

It is the primary object of the invention to provide improved means for automatically folding elongated blanks, particularly pillow cases, which have previously been partially folded longitudinally thereof and wherein opposite longitudinal side portions of each successive pillow case have previously been folded in overlapping relation to the central portion thereof to form an elongated, relatively soft and relatively narrow blank, the im roved apparatus including means for multi-folding such blanks in rapid succession transversely thereof so that adjacent folds of the blank are disposed in overlapping relation thereby foiTning the blank into a compact mass preparatory to being packaged.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved multi-folding apparatus of the character described wherein a form of reel is employed which includes means for supporting a pair of substantially diametrically opposed, axially movable folding rods or pins which normally extend outwardly parallel to the axis of the reel, the reel normally being stationary with conveyor means for advancing each successive blank to the reel in such a manner that the leading portion of each successive blank passes between the diametrically opposed folding rods or pins, whereupon automatically operable means imparts rotation to the reel with the result that the article will be folded transversely thereof as it is wound about and between the diametrically opposed folding rods.

Means controlled by the leading edge of the article to be folded is effective to initiate rotation of the reel for a predetermined period to cause the reel to rotate sufficiently to cause the article to be wrapped around the pins until all portions of the article are completely folded in overlapping relation to adjacent portions thereof whereupon automatically operable means withdraws the diametrically opposed folding rods or pins from between the folds of the article to thereby release the article and permit the same to fall downwardly onto a suitable chute l for carrying the articles to other points and whereby the article is then completely folded for packaging purposes.

t is still another object of this invention to provide means for maintaining the article taut between said pins during rotation thereof. To this end, a horizontal retaining plate is urged upwardly by resilient means to sub ceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in Which Figure l is a right-hand side elevation of the improved multi-fold apparatus showing portions of an ingress and an egress conveyor in association therewith;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the improved multi-fold apparatus;

Figure 3 is an elevation of the right-hand end of Figure l, with parts in section, taken substantially along the line 33 in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a left-hand side elevation of the improved folding apparatus looking at the opposite side of the machine from that shown in Figure I;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, somewhat schematic, longitudinal vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 55 in Figure 2 and showing an article in association therewith in broken lines with the front portion thereof disposed between the diametrically opposed folding pins of said reel, preparatory to being folded;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but showing the reel as though rotated approximately two hundred twenty-five degrees from the position shown in Figure 5 and wherein the article is partially folded;

Figure 7 is another view similar to Figure 5, but wherein the article has been completely folded and the folding pins withdrawn from the folds of said article thereby permitting the same to fall into an inclined chute for direct-- ing the completely folded article to the discharge conveyor;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 88 in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line' 99 in Figure 2, but showing one of the folding pins in withdrawn position after having completed a folding operation;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the right-hand portion of Figure 9, but wherein the reel has been rotated to a different position from that shown in Figure 9 and also showing the folding pins in operative position with a partially folded article supported thereon;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 11-11 in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary elevation, with parts in section, taken substantially along the line 12-12 in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary inverted plan view looking up along the line 1313 in Figure 8;

Figure 14 is an electrical diagram showing the manner in which the various electrical parts of the improved folding apparatus are controlled and wherein fragmentary portions of said parts are illustrated for purposes of I clarity.

stantially the level of the axis of the reel and being so arranged that the pins, during downward arcuate movement, engage and force the plate downwardly therewith. Thus, the article is held tightly against the pins by said retaining plate. As the pins are withdrawn from the article, the pressure effected by the resilient means is reduced automatically so the weight of the article will lower the retaining plate while tilting the same, and the article will slide off the retaining plate by gravity.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description pro- Brief synopsis of the machine The improved apparatus for multi-folding an elongated pliable article generally comprises a feed or ingress conveyor broadly designated at C onto which the elongated pliable articles may be placed by an operator or delivered from a previous folding operation to cause the article to move lengthwise along the conveyor C. Only one of the articles is shown in broken lines in Figures 2, 5, 6', and 7 indicated at A. In this instance, the folding apparatus is provided particularly for additionally folding pillow cases which have previously been folded lengthwise thereof so the pillow cases are in the form of a soft pliable strip and the purpose of the machine is to provide means for folding and re-folding the pillow cases, as previously explained,

a transversely thereof in such a manner that adjacent folds completely folded pillow cases in relatively small packages.

The conveyor C initially feeds the articles A onto a platform along which they move by momentum and, thence, onto a vertically movable resiliently supported retaining plate or fold effecting plate 11 which is disposed adjacent the lateral axis of a reel support bar broadly designated at R. The reel R, which is normally stationary as each successive article or blank A is fed thereto, is provided with at least two substantially diametrically opposed and axially movable folding rods, pins or

bars

13 and 14 which are spaced from each other according to the size to which it is desired to fold each successive article A. While the reel R is stationary, the first folding pin 13 is normally spaced below the level of the retaining plate 11 and beyond the free front end of said retaining plate and the second folding rod or pin 14 is spaced substantially above the folding or retaining plate 11.

Thus, as each successive article A is fed onto the platform 10 by said conveyor C, the front portion ofthe article A lies' between the

pins

13 and 14 as the leading edge thereof engages an arm 15 of a normally open switch 16 to close a circuit which is connected to means, later to be described, for effecting rotation of the reel R in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, the first folding pin 13 moves upwardly as the second folding pin 14 moves down- Wardlya s the

pins

13 and 14 rotate about the axis of the reel R to fold the article A transversely thereof until it is completely folded as shown in Figure 7. As the

pins

14 and 13 successively and repeatedly move downwardly adiacent the front edge of the platform 10, the portion of the article A engaging and extending between the corre- 5 sponding

pins

13 and 14 bears against the plate 11, thus causing the article to be pulled taut between the pins13 and 14, so the article is straight between the junctures of adjacent folds thereof when discharged from the machine.

Upon the reel R rotating sufficiently to cause the article A to be wrappedtherearound until completely folded, automatically operable means are provided to release the front portion of the retaining plate 11 while substantially simultaneously withdrawing the folding pins or bars 13 and 14' from the junctures of adjacent folds of the completely folded article. Thus, the completely folded article is released from the pins and the weight thereof causes the retaining plate 11 to swing downwardly substantially as shown in Figure 7. Y

Since the retaining plate 11 is then inclined downwardly and forwardly, the completely folded article falls onto a suitable forwardly and downwardly inclined chute C1 whose lower end terminates immediately above a discharge or egress conveyor generally designated at (3-2 which conveys the completely folded article to subsequent operations, such as pressing and packaging operations.

Detailed description of machine 7 The platform 10 is suitably secured to, and spans the a roller 23 fixed thereon on which the front portions of a 6 plurality of closely spaced and relatively narrow endless conveyor belts 24 are mounted The rear portions ofthe belts 24 may be supported in any desired manner, not

shown. p 7

i The

frame members

20, 21 are part of a frame broadly designated at F and are suitably secured to the upper surface of an upper rear transverse frame member 27 which extends laterally beyond the

side plates

20, 21 and is fixed to the upper ends of

legs

28, 29. The legs carry an intermediate transverse frame member 39, spaced rearwardly of the

legs

28, 29 by spacing blocks 31'. Spaced below the

side plates

20, 21 are intermediate

longitudinal frame members

32, 33 whose rear ends are fixed to the intermediate transverse frame member and whose front ends are fixed to

respective frontlegs

34, 35 Corresponding front ends of the platform 10 and side plates.

20, 21 are spaced substantially rearwardly of the vertical planes of the

legs

34, 35 and are fixed to the upper ends of respective support blocks or

vertical frame members

36, 37 whose lower ends are fixed intermediate the ends of the intermediate longitudinal frame members 32,. 33.

A guide plate 40 is disposed forwardly and to one side of the longitudinal center of the conveyor C and rests upon the platform 10. The guide plate 49 extends beyond the front edge of the platform 19 and has a substantially semi-circular projection 41 depending therefrom which is disposed opposite the reel R. The guide plate 40 is suitably secured to a substantially L-shaped bracket 42 which extends outwardly and is suitably secured to another inverted substantially L-shaped bracket or strap iron member 43, the vertical leg of which is fixed to the side plate 28. Thus, each successive article delivered by the conveyor C onto the platform 10 is then properly positioned for engagement by the folding bars or pins 13, 14 of the reel R.

clined bottom wall or plate 45, to opposite edges of which suitable flanges or side walls 46, 47 are suitably secured. The bottom wall 45 of the inclined chute C-l is suitably secured to a transverse frame member 50 extending between, and suitably secured to, the

legs

34, 35. Another front transverse frame member 51 is spaced beneath the frame member 50 and is also suitably secured to the

legs

34, 35.

The switch 16 is carried by a suitable substantially L- shaped bracket 52 adjustably mounted on a 'plate 53 whose rear end is suitably secured to the inner end of a bracket 53a fixed to the upper end of the leg 35. The

switch arm 15 is pivotally connected to the switch 16, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 14 and has the lower portion of the vertical leg of an inverted substantially L-shaped bracket 54 suitably secured thereto or suitably secured to the bracket 53a. L-shaped bracket 54 is preferably disposed on a slightly lower level than that of the platform 10 and the retaining plate 11 and has a longitudinally extending slot 55 therein through which the finger or switch arm 15 loosely extends. a

The vertical leg of the L-shaped bracket 54 also has a convex member 56 suitably secured to the rear surface thereof whose upper edge coincides substantially with the upper surface of the horizontal leg of the L- shaped bracket 54 to thereby direct the leading edge of each successive article A onto the plate 54 as it is thrown against the finger or switch arm 15 by the conveyor C. The plate 53 has a longitudinally extending slot 57 therein which is penetrated by a bolt 60 for adjustably securing the bracket 52 to the plate 53.

Article folding reel article opposite the edge thereof which engages the guide plate 40 and also serves as a guide for the article folding pins or bars 13, 14. The folding pins or bars 13, 14 are mounted for axial sliding movement in the plate 65.

It will be best observed in Figures 9 and 10 that the reel guide plate is fixed on one end of a reel shaft 66 whose other end is rotatably' mounted in a pair of bearing blocks '67. The bearing blocks 67Qpreferably con- The horizontal leg of thetain antifriction bearings but are shown as being friction hearings in Figure 9. In order to prevent longitudinal movement of the reel shaft 66, a thrust bearing or collar is fixed on the shaft 66 and engages the proximal surfaces of the closely spaced bearing blocks 67.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9, it will be observed that the bearing blocks 67 are fixed on a plate 71 carried by

brackets

72 and 73. The bracket 72 is substantially L-shaped in plan and is suitably secured to the outer surface of the side plate 21 and the bracket 73 extends downwardly and inwardly at an angle (Figure 3) and is suitably secured to the medial portion of the leg 35. The reel rotary guide plate 65 is provided with a pair of outwardly projecting bosses 75 (Figure 10) which are slidably penetrated by the folding bars or pins 13, 14 and which correspond to bosses 76 projecting inwardly from .an axially movable folding rod or bar support member or plate 77 in which the outer ends of the folding bars or pins 13, 14 are suitably secured.

In order to absorb the shock of, and deaden the sound of, the impact of the bosses 76 of the folding bar support 77 against the bosses 75 of the rotary reel guide plate 65, the

rods

13, 14 are each surrounded by a resilient washer 80, preferably made from felt or rubber, which is adhesively or otherwise secured to the outer ends of the bosses 75.

The hub portion of the axially movable folding rod support 77 is indicated at 81 and is mounted for axial sliding movement on the shaft 66. The hub portion 81 has a peripheral groove 82 therein in which a collar 83 is mounted in such a manner as to permit rotation of the folding rod support 77 relative to the collar 83. The collar 83 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed radial projections 84 disposed in the slotted upper ends of a pair of

arms

85 and 86 which collectively form a yoke member broadly designated at 87. It will be noted in Figure 4 that the

arms

85 and 86 extend downwardly and the convergent lower portions thereof are suitably interconnected. The arm 85 has a lever extension 90 integral therewith which is a part of the driving means for the reel R to be presently described.

Reciprocating means for reel Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14, it will be observed that the lever 90 extends downwardly and is pivotally mounted intermediate the ends thereof on a bracket 91 carried by the leg 35. The extreme lower end of the lever 90 has one end of a belt or cord 93 connected thereto which extends outwardly and passes substantially half around a pulley 94 rotatably mounted on a bracket 95 also suitably secured to the leg 35.

The end of the belt or cord 93 remote from the lever 90 has one end of a tension spring 96 connected thereto whose other end is connected to a spring anchor 97 depending from the bracket 95. The other end of a solenoid plunger 100 is pivotally connected to the lever 90 at a point between the bracket 91 and the belt or cord 93 and this solenoid plunger 160 is surrounded by a solenoid coil 161 of a solenoid broadly designated at 102. The solenoid 192 is fixed to a plate 103 carried by an angle bracket 104 fixed to a longitudinal frame member or bar 105. The front and rear ends of the bar 105 are suitably secured to the medial portions of respective

transverse frame members

106, 107. The opposite ends of the transverse frame member 106 are suitably secured to the

legs

34, 35 and opposite ends of the bar 107 are suitably secured to the

legs

28, 29.

It is thus seen that the spring 96 normally causes the folding pins 13, 14 to assume the operative position shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10. Upon energization of the solenoid coil 101, by means to be later described, the lever 99 is caused to move in a clockwise direction in Figure 3 to thereby move the plate 77 axially along the shaft 66, along with the folding pins 13, 14, to move the same to the inoperative position shown in Figures 7 and 9.

Driving means for reel In order to impart intermittent rotation to the reel in accordance with the presence of an article being properly positioned between the folding pins 13, 14 thereof, the reel shaft 66 has a sprocket wheel or pulley 11% fixed thereon, the hub of which has a resilient shock absorbing washer 111 adhesively or otherwise secured thereto. This washer 111 is provided for substantially the same purpose as the washers 80, in that it is engaged by the outer end of the hub 81 of the plate 77 as the folding pins 13, id withdrawn to inoperative position in the manner heretofore described.

It will be observed in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 that the sprocket wheel or pulley is engaged by an endless sprocket chain or belt 112 which extends downwardly and forwardly and is mounted on a sprocket wheel or pulley 113 fixed on a transverse cam shaft 114. The transverse cam shaft 114 is journaled in bearing blocks 115 suitably secured to, and depending from, the longitudinal side frame members 32 and 33 (Figure 8).

The cam shaft 114 is driven for a predetermined period each time that an article A is positioned between the pins 13, 14- of the reel R and, in order to prevent excessive movement of the cam shaft 114, a suitable braking means is provided in the form of a brake drum 116 fixed on the shaft 114 and substantially surrounded by a brake band 117. Opposite ends of the brake band 117 are connected to a stud 120 projecting outwardly from the longitudinal side frame member 33 (Figures 4 and 8).

The cam shaft 114 has a gear 121 rotatably mounted thereon which is fixed to a hub member 122 of a single revolution clutch broadly designated at 123. There are many different types of single revolution clutches which may be employed to serve the clutch 123 shown in Figures 3, 8 and 14, the particular clutch shown being of a type disclosed in the patent to Richard D. Dickens. No. 2,140,737, dated December 20, 1938. Therefore, a complete illustration and a description of the clutch 123 is deemed unnecessary.

it might be stated, however, that the clutch 123 also includes an intermediate cam plate 124- which loosely encircles the shaft 114 and is effective in normally maintaining a fixed connection between the hub member 122 thereof and the cam shaft 114 when it is in operative position, to which it is urged by a tension spring 125 (Fig. 14), One end of a tension spring 125 is connected to the outer face of the cam plate 124 and the other end thereof is connected to an outer hub plate 126 which is also, at times, rotatable relative to the cam shaft 114. The

elements

122, 124, 125 and 126 are the equivalent of the

respective elements

7, 21, 25 and 23 shown in said Patent No. 2,140,737.

It will be noted in Figure 14 that the cam plate 124 is formed with a cam surface 127 culminating in a raised portion or shoulder 128 with which a trip bar 131 may engage. The trip bar 131 is fixed to the upper end of a vertically disposed solenoid plunger 133 mounted for vertical sliding movement in the upper horizontal portion of a substantially Z-shaped bracket 134 carried by the longitudinal frame member 105. The lower end of the solenoid plunger 133 is surrounded by a coil 135 of a solenoid 136 which is also carried by the longitudinal frame member 105.

Now, it is evident that continuous rotation of the gear 121, which is imparted thereto in a counterclockwise direction in Figure l by means to be presently described, tends to rotate the cam plate 124 in a like direction; iowever, when the intermediate cam plate 124 is restrained from rotation, as by the trip bar 131 engaging the shoulder 128, the tension spring 125 permits relative movement between the cam plate 124 and the hub 122 whereby conventional means, not shown in the present application, but clearly shown in said Patent No.

2,140,737, permit the gear 121 to rotate freely on the cam shaft 114.

Of course, upon energization of the solenoid coil 135, by means to be later described, the trip bar 131 is moved downwardly to inoperative position and out of engagement with the shoulder 128 on the cam plate 124 of the single revolution clutch 123, whereupon the tension spring 125 passes the cam plate to swing about its pivot point to establish a fixed connection between the gear 121 and the cam shaft 114 by means clearly shown in said Patent No. 2,140,737. It is evident that, with rotation of the cam plate 124, the spring 137 urges the trip bar 131 into engagement with the cam surface 127 of the cam plate 124, since the solenoid coil is only momentarily energized, and whereupon the trip bar 131 will engage the shoulder 128 to disengage the clutch mechanism and to cause the cam shaft 114 to rotate exactly one revolution each time the solenoid coil 135 is energized.

Now, in order to impart continuous rotation to the gear 121 on the cam shaft 114, a rotary member in the form of a gear engages the gear 121 and is fixed on a transverse jack shaft or intermediate shaft 141 jour naled in bearing blocks 142 carried by the frame F (Figure 1). One end of the shaft 141 has a sprocket wheel or pulley 144 fixed thereon which is engaged by a sprocket chain or belt 145 (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).

' The sprocket chain or belt 145 also engages a sprocket wheel or pulley 146 fixed on a transverse idler shaft 147 suitably journaled in the frame F. The shaft 147 also has pulleys or

sprocket wheels

150, 151 fixed thereon which are engaged by respective endless belts or sprocket chains 15 2, 153. The sprocket chain 153 represents a suitable driving means for the machine and imparts continuous rotation to the idler shaft 147. The sprocket chain or belt 152 is also mounted on a sprocket wheel or pulley 155 fixed on one end of the conveyor shaft 22.

It is thus seen that the continuously driven sprocket chain or belt 153 imparts continuous rotation to the conveyor C and the gear 121 mounted on the cam shaft 114, through intervening connections.

Biased article retaining plate As heretofore stated, during the folding of the article around the article folding pins 13, 14 of the reel R, the article retaining plate 11 assists in maintaining the article taut between the

pins

13, 14. It will be observed in Figure 2 that the article retaining plate 11 is of substantially rectangular configuration and the rear end thereof is nor-' mally biased upwardly in engagement with the lower surface of the platform 19 by an elongated leaf spring member 161 whose rear end is suitably secured and pivots, as at 161, to the lower surface of the platform 10 adjacent the rear edge thereof.

In order to insure that the retaining plate 11 is urged upwardly under sufficient pressure to tightly engage the article as it is being wound about the

pins

13, 14 and to also insure that the plate 11 will remain in the horizontal position shown in Figure 5 as each successive article A is initially fed onto the plate 11, the medial portion of the leaf spring member is held in close proximity to, or against, the lower surface of the platform 10 by a latch 162, best shown in Figures 8 and 13. It will be observed in Figure 8 that the upper inner edge of the latch 162 is rounded to form a cam surface 163 thereon so that, when the latch 162 is moved to operative position, from the position shown in Figure 8, by a tension spring 164, the cam surface will insure that the leaf spring member 16!) is positioned above the latch 162.

8 also has one end of a cord or cable 171 connected thereto which passes over and partially around a grooved pulley 172 suitably journaled in brackets 173 suitably secured to the lower surface of the platform 10.

The cable 171 then extends downwardly and is connected to the rear end of a lever 175 (Figures 1, 4, 8 and 12) oscillatably mounted intermediate its ends on a bracket 176. The bracket 176 extends outwardly andthen inwardly and is suitably secured to the inner surface of the upper longitudinal side frame member. 32.

The rear portion of the lever 175 is normally urged into engagement with a cam wheel 177 having an elongated projection 180 thereon, which cam wheel is fixed on the cam shaft 114. v

It is thus seen that the latch 162 normally occupies the position shown in Figures 5 and 6 so the plate is urged upwardly under relatively heavy pressure during the winding of each successive article A around the folding pins 13, 14 of the reel R. On the other hand, upon the completion of each winding or reeling operation, the latch 162 is withdrawn to inoperative position, as shown in Figure 8, due to the projection 180 on the cam 177 engaging the lever 175, as shown in Figure 12. It is evident that the plate 11 willthen be biased upwardly under relatively light pressure and, upon the

pins

13 and 14 withdrawing from the folded article A, the weight of the article A then causes the retaining plate 11 to move downwardly, substantially as shown in Figure 7 and to subsequently slide off the'then inclined plate 11 and into the inclined chute C-1 which will, of course, direct the completely folded article onto the conveyor (3-2 for directing the folded articles to otheroperation, such as pressing and packaging. Of course, a V

truck or other suitable container may be positioned beneath the discharge end of the inclined chute C-1 for receiving the folded articles, if desired.

Upon each successive completely folded article sliding off the free end of the plate 11, the plate 11 will then return to the position shown in Figure 5, whereupon the projection 130 on the earn 177 (Figure 12) moves out of engagementwith the lever 175 to permit the spring 164 to return the latch 162 to operative position.

Electrical controls Referring to Figure 14, it will be observed that the normally open switch 16, which is closed upon theleading edge of each successive article A pressing againstthe switch arm or finger 15, has corresponding ends of wires or

conductors

135, 186 connected to opposite sides thereof, the other end of the wire being connected to one of a pair of lead wires or conductors 187,188. One end of a wire or conductor is'connected intermediate the ends of lead wire 188 and the corresponding ends of a the

wires

186 and 190 are connected to opposite ends of the solenoid coil 135.

Thus, upon the switch 16 being closed, a circuit is completed to the solenoid coil 135 to initiate rotation of the cam shaft 114, whereupon the high point of a cam wheel 191, fixed on the cam shaft 114, engages a follower 192 to close a normally open switch 193. It will be observed in Figure 1 that the switch 193 is suitably secured to an angularly disposed bar 195 which extends upwardly and is suitably secured to the'outer surface of the intermediate longitudinal frame member 32.

One end of the lead wire 187 is connected to one side of the switch 193 and the other side of the switch 193 has one end of a wire 196 connected thereto whose other end is connected to one end of a solenoid coil 197 of a timedelay-relay mechanism broadly designated at 200. The time-delay-relay mechanism 260 is shown only in Figure 14, since it is evident that it may be mounted on the machine at any desired location and/or may be disposed at a point remote from the machine. 7

There are many different types of time-delay-relay mechanisms which may be employed to serve in the capacity of the mechanismltlfi, such as a type manufactured by American Gas Accumulator Company, Elizabeth, New Jersey, and known as their type NEll Agustat Tim: ing Coil. A wire or conducor 2.01 is connected to the end of the solenoid coil 197 remote rom the end to which the wire 1% is connected and the other end of the wire 201 is connected to one side of the coil 101 of the solenoid 102.

The coil 197 of the time-delay-relay switch or mechanism 209 surrounds a solenoid plunger 282 having a transverse member 203 integral therewith to one end of which a tension spring 204 is connected. The other end of the tension spring 204 is'suitably connected to a diaphragm housing 205 shown diagrammatically and in longitudinal section in Figure 14. The diaphragm housing 295 has a flexible diaphragm 206 mounted therein, to a medial portion of which one end of a delay shaft 207 is connected.

The delay shaft 207 slidably penetrates the diaphragm housing 205 and its outer portion is surrounded by a compression spring 210 which bears against an enlarged portion 211 at the free end of the delay shaft 207. The tension spring is of substantially greater strength than the compression spring 210 and, upon energization of the solenoid coil 197, the solenoid plunger 202 moves downwardly in Figure 14, thus moving the upper end of the plunger 202 away from the enlarged portion 211 at the lower end of the delay shaft 207.

The compression spring 210 then urges the delay shaft 2117 downwardly, movement of which is retarded by the diaphragm 266, the admittance of air to the upper end of the diaphragm housing 205 being controlled through suitable control jets, only one of which is shown and indicated at 212 in Figure 14. These jets are usual parts of time-delay-relay mechanisms and a detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Now, the enlarged portion 211 of the delay shaft 207 has one end of an oscillatable bar 213 pivotallyconnected thereto. The end of the oscillatable bar 213 remote from the enlarged portion 211 of the delay shaft 207 has a switch bar 214 connected thereto which, upon downward movement of the delay shaft 207, moves to closed position for completing a circuit between a wire or conductor 215 and a wire or conductor 216.

The end of the wire 215 remote from the switch bar 214 is connected to the lead wire 187 and the end of the wire 216 remote from the switch bar 214 is connected to the end of the solenoid coil 101 of the solenoid 102 remote from the end to which the wire 201 is connected. The traverse member 203 is fixed on the plunger 202 and has a switch bar 217 at its free end which is adapted to serve as a conductor between a pair of

wires

220 and 221, upon energization of the solenoid coil 2 92. The wire 220 extends to the lead wire 137 and the wire 221 is connected intermediate the ends of the wire 196.

It will be observed in Figures 3 and 14 that a normally closed switch 2'23 is disposed above the pivot point of the lever The switch 223 is carried by a substantially L-shaped bracket 224 which extends inwardly and is suitably secured to the leg 3:3 of the frame F. The normally closed switch 223 has corresponding ends of wires or conductors 22 i and 188 connected thereto, the other end of the wire 224 being connected intermediate the ends of the wire 201. Corresponding ends of the

lead wires

188 and 216 are connected to a suitable plug 225 adapted to be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown.

Method of operation In actual practice, the improved multi-folding machine has a machine associated therewith for feeding the partially folded articles A onto the belts 24 of the endless conveyor C in spaced relation to each other and so the corresponding edges of succeeding articles are properly alined for engaging the guide plate 40 as they were, delivered onto the table of platform 10. Of course, operators or an operator could place the articles on the belts 24 of the conveyor C in spaced relation to each other, since they need not be spaced accurately the improved folding apparatus being initially controlled by the leading edge of each successive article A.

As heretofore stated, as each successive article A is advanced onto the platform 10 and the upwardly biased retaining plate 11, the folding reel R occupies substantially the position shown in Figure 5 so the leading portion of each successive article A passes between the

pins

13, 1 and the leading edge thereof engages the switch arm 15 to close the normally open switch 16. Upon the leading edge of each successive article A closing the switch 16, this effects a single revolution in rotation to the cam shaft 114, in the manner heretofore described, since current flows from the lead wire 187 (Figure 14), through wire 185, switch 16, wire 1%, solenoid coil and through wire to the lead wire 183. The trip bar 131 thus moves to inoperative position, permitting rotation to be imparted to the cam shaft 114 by the constantly driven gear 121.

Of course, as soon as the shaft 114 commences rotating, the reel R also rotates in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 5, thus moving the leading edge of the corresponding article A out of engagement with the finger or switch arm 15 and permitting switch 16 to open. This releases the trip bar 131, permitting the same to bear against the cam plate 124 preparatory to stopping the cam shaft 114 upon the shoulder 123 of cam plate 124 engaging the trip bar 131.

Each time the switch 16 is closed, the cam 191 occupies substantially the position shown in Figure 14 and it is thus seen that the reel R is permitted to rotate substantially a complete revolution before the switch 193 is closed by the high point of cam 191 engaging the follower 192. As heretofore stated, during rotation of the reel. R, the latch 162 is in the operative position shown in Figures 5, 6 and i3 and, therefore, the retaining plate 11 bears against the pins 13, d or the portion of the article passing therebeneath as they move through the lower portion of their arc of movement. This insures that the folds of the article A are held taut between the

pins

13, 14. The curved or convex member 56 also assists in maintaining the creases of the folds of the article in close proximity to the

pins

13, 14 as said pins move past the curved or convex member 56.

Now, the time-delay-relay mechanism 200 is provided to insure that the folding pins 13, 14 are not withdrawn from the folds of the completely folded article A until the cam shaft and, of course, the reel R, have ceased rotation and wherein the reel R is again positioned for reception of a succeeding article. Thus, upon the switch 193 being closed, a circuit is completed to the solenoid coil 197 of the time-delay-relay switch 200- which immediately causes the switch bar 217 to move to closed position so that the switch 193 and the switch 217 momentarily complete the circuit to the coil 197.

As soon as the solenoid plunger 202 has moved downwardly, as caused by energization of the coil 197, the delay shaft 207 commences to move downwardly and, at precisely the time that the high point of the cam 191 moves out of engagement with the follower 192 and permits switch 193 to open, the switch bar 214 moves to closed position to complete the circuit to the coil 101 of the solenoid 102. It might be stated that, when the switch 193 or switch bar 217 are in closed position, the current flows through the wire 19 6, coil 197, wires 201, 224' and switch 223 to the lead wire 188.

Now, although switch 193 is opened upon the high point of cam 191 moving out of engagement with follower 192, the circuit to the coil 197 is still completed by the switch bar 217 and the circuit is completed to the solenoid coil 101 since currentflows from the plug 225. through the

wires

187, 215, switch bar 214, wire a t taco"? the completely folded article A, thearticle falls downwardly in engagement with the retaining plate 11 and is discharged into the discharge chute C1 and thence onto the discharge or egress conveyor C2.

Now, as the folding pins 13, 14 are moved to the position shown in Figures 7 and 9, it is evident that the upper portion of the lever 90 moves outwardly and engages the plunger'of the switch 223, moving the same to open position. This breaks the circuit to the solenoid coils 197 and 101 simultaneously whereupon the spring 96 (Figure 3) returns the folding pins 13, 14 to operative position (Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10) and, substantially simultaneously, the projection 180 on cam 177 moves out of engagement with the lever 175 to permit the tension spring 164 to return the latch 162 to the operative position shown in Figures 5, 6, and 13, it being obvious that the leaf spring member 160 will have then returned the retaining plate 11 to its normal position as shown in Figure 5.

It is evident that successive articles A positioned upon the belts 24 of the ingress conveyor C would be so positioned that the leading portions thereof would move into substantially the position shown in Figure 5 immediately'following the return of the folding pins 13, 14 to the operative position shown in Figures 5, 6 and 10 and immediately following the return of the latch 162 to the operative position preparatory to a repeat operation.

It is thus seen that we have provided an improved apparatus for multi-folding elongated strip-like articles transversely thereof wherein a reel is employed in which each successive article is wrapped around the folding pins 13, 14 of the reel R and adjacent folds are maintained taut between the

pins

13, 14 by the'vertically movable resiliently supported retaining plate 11. Also, it is seen that we have provided means for automatically releasing the completely folded article from the reel and discharging each successively completely folded article from the machine.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in V the claims.

We claim: 7

1. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a rotary shaft, guide means fixed on the shaft, a support movable longitudinally of said shaft, a pair of spaced, parallel, normally stationary folding pins having one of their ends fixed in said support and slidably penetrating said guide means, means responsive to the positioning of a portion of an article between said pins for imparting rotation to the pins about a common axis whereby the article is wound about and between said pins,

and means for moving said support longitudinally of said shaft away from the guide plate for withdrawing said pins from the article wound thereabout.

2. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, normally stationary folding pins,

means for guiding said pins for parallel movement therein, means responsive to the positioning of a portion of an article between said pins for imparting rotation to the pins about a common axis whereby the article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mounted member disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as to be alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each of said pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article taut between the pins, and means for withdrawing said pins from the article Wound thereabout.

" 3. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, normally stationary folding pins, means for guiding said pins for parallel movement therein, means responsive to the positioning of a portion of an article between said pins for imparting rotation to the pins about a common axis whereby the article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mounted member disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as to be alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each of said pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article taut between the pins, means for vwithdrawing said pins from the article wound thereabout, and means automatically operable in synchronism with the Withdrawal of'said pins for relaxing the resilient pressure of the resiliently 'mounted member so the pins may readily withdraw from the folds of the article.

4. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a rotary shaft, a guide plate fixed on said shaft, a normally stationary support bar movable longitudinally of said shaft and having a substantially horizontal axis, a pair of elongated, substantially diametrically opposed folding pins having one of their ends fixed in said support bar and having their other ends unsupported at all times,

*the guide plate fixed on said shaft being slidably penetrated by said pins and said pins being adapted to receive a portion of an article therebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an article between said pins for imparting momentary rotation to said support bar whereby said article is wound about and between said pins, and means for moving the support bar longitudinally of said shaft and away from the guide plate for withdrawing said pins from the article upon said article being wound thereon whereby said article may fall to a point below said support bar.

5. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a normally stationary reel having a substantially horizontal axis, a pair of elongated, substantially diametrically opposed folding pins mounted for axial movement in said reel and being adapted to receive a portion of an article therebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an article between said pins for imparting momentary rotation to said reel whereby said article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mounted member disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as to be alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each of said pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article taut between the pins, and means for withdrawing said pins from the article upon said article being wound thereon whereby said article may fall to a point below said reel.

6. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a normally stationary reel having a substantially horizontalaxis, a pair of elongated, substantially diametrically opposed folding pins mounted for axial movement in said reel and being adapted to receive a portion of an article therebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an article between said pins for imparting momentary rotation to said reel whereby said article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mounted member disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as to be alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each of said pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article taut between the pins, means for withdrawing said pins from the article upon said article being wound thereon whereby said article may fall to a point below said reel, and means automatically operable in synchronism with the withdrawal of said pins for relaxing the resilient pressure 13 of the resiliently mounted member so the pins may readily Withdraw from the folds of the article.

7. Apparatus for multi-folding elongated relatively narrow strips of pliable material transversely thereof comprising a rotary shaft, a support bar movable longitudinally of said shaft and having one end of at least two diametrically opposed folding pins fixed therein and projecting outwardly therefrom in spaced substantially parallel relation to the axis of said shaft, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slidably penetrated by said pins, means for successively feeding the strips, one at a time, between the folding pins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to the shaft upon each successive strip being positioned between said pins, whereby said strip is Wound about and folded by the folding pins, means limiting rotational movement of said shaft for stopping the shaft upon each successive strip being wound about the pins, and means operable automatically upon cessation of rotation of said shaft for moving the support bar away from said guide plate for withdrawing the pins from the folds of the strip to thereby release and permit said folded strip to fall away from the rota tional path of said pins.

8t Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transversely thereof comprising a first substantially horizontally disposed folding pin, a second folding pin disposed in spaced substantially parallel relation to, but normally at a higher elevation than, the first folding pin, a rotary shaft, a support bar mounted for slidable movement relative to said shaft in which one end of the 1 pins are fixed and forming the sole support for the pins, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slideably penetrated by said pins, means for successively directing said articles, one at a time, to a position partially between said first and second folding pins, means controlled by each suc- 7,:

cessive article being partially disposed between the folding pins for imparting rotation to the shaft for revolving said folding pins about a common axis substantially parallel to the pins whereby the corresponding article is wound about the folding pins, and means operable automatically upon each successive article being completely wound about said folding pins for moving the support bar away from the guide plate for withdrawing said folding pins from the article wound thereon.

9. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles, such as pillow cases and the like, comprising a reel disposed on a horizontal axis and having at least two diametrically opposed folding pins extending therefrom in spaced substantially parallel relation to the axis thereof, a support for said articles disposed closely adjacent the arcuate path of travel of said folding pins and being disposed at a level substantially coincident with that of the level of the axis of said reel, an imaginary line extending between said folding pins normally being extending at an angle relative to said support whereby each successive article may be positioned partially on said support with the remaining portion thereof at least partially disposed between said foldin pins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to said reel for a predetermined period upon an article being positioned between said folding pins, and means operable automatically upon rotation of said reel for a predetermined period for withdrawing said folding pins from the article wound thereabout to thereby release said article from the folding apparatus.

10. In a structure according to claim 9, an article retaming plate normally disposed at least partially between said folding pins and at a level approximating that of said support, a leaf spring member fixed to said retaining plate at one end thereof and being fixed to said support at the other end thereof, a latch member normally engaging said leaf spring member closely adjacent said retaining plate and normally holding said retaining plate in said normal position whereby said retaining plate will be successively biased downwardly by each of said pins during rotation of said reel for maintaining the folds of the article taut between said folding pins, and means oper-. able automatically for moving said latch means out of engagement with the leaf spring member substantiallysimultaneously with the withdrawal of the, folding pins from the folds of the article to thereby permit the article to fall downwardly against the retaining plate and where,- by said retaining plate will be tilted to discharge the article from the folding apparatus by gravity.

11. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transversely thereof comprising a first substantially hori- Zontally disposed folding pin, a second horizontally disposed folding pin normally disposed in spaced parallel relation to, but at a higher elevation than, the first fold ing pin, means for directing each successive article to. where its front portion is disposed above the first folding pin and its medial portion is disposed beneath the sec ond folding pin, means operable automatically upon the front portion of each successive article being positioned above the first folding pin for imparting rotation to said folding pins about a common axis substantially parallel to the axis of said folding pins and for a predetermined period sufiicient to cause the corresponding articles to be wound about and between said folding pins, and means operable automatically substantially upon cessation of rotary movement of said folding pins for Withdrawing said folding pins from the folds of the corresponding article whereby said article will be released therefrom and moved downwardly, by gravity.

12. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles of a given length transversely of the articles comprising a platform, means for throwing each successive article lengthwise across said platform, a reel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of said articles and positioned adjacent the platform opposite from said means, said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposed folding pins projecting therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the axis thereof and normally being positioned so that each successive article is at least partially disposed between said folding pins, means controlled by each successive, article being positioned between the folding pins of said reel for imparting suflicient rotation to said reel to cause each successive article to be completely wound about said folding pins, and means operable automatically upon the termination of each rotational movement of said reel for withdrawing the folding pins from the article for releasing said article.

13. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles of a given length transversely of the articles comprising a platform, means for throwing each succesive article lengthwise across said platform, a reel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of said articles and positioned adjacent said platform opposite from said means, said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposed folding pins projection therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the axis thereof and normally being positioned so that each successive article is at least partially disposed between said folding pins, means controlled by each successive article being positioned between the folding pins of said reel for imparting sufficient rotation to said reel to cause each successive article to be completely wound about said folding pins, vertically movable means normally biased upwardly adjacent the axis of said reel for initially supporting each successive article and also serving to hold the folds of each successive article in close proximity to the corresponding folding pins during the course of each revolution of the reel, and means operable automatically upon the termination of each rotational movement of said reel for releasing said article.

14. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transversely thereof comprising a constantly driven conveyor onto which said articles are placed, a platform disposed adjacent and forwardly of said conveyor, a reel a a V i disposed closely adjacent and forwardly of said platform and being mounted on a horizontal axis substantially at the same level as that of said platform, said reel including first and second substantially diametricallyopposed folding pins extending substantially parallel to the axis of said reel, said first folding pin normally being disposed at a slightly lower elevation than that of the platform and said second folding pin normally being disposed at a higher elevation than that of the platform whereby each successive article is thrown across said platform by said conveyor with its leading portion between said pins, means automatically operable upon the leading portion of each successive article being positioned between said pins for imparting rotation to said reel for a predetermined period whereby the corresponding article is wound about and between said pins, and means operable automatically upon the cessation of each rotational movement of said reel for, withdrawing said pins from i the folds of the article whereby the said article will be released from said pins.

15. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles of aigiven length along lines disposed transversely of the articles comprising a platform, means for throwing the articles lengthwise across said platform, a reel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of said articles, said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposed folding pins projecting therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the axis thereof and normally being positioned so that each successive article is at least partially disposed between said folding pins, means controlled by each successive article being positioned between the folding pins for imparting sufficient rotation to said reel to cause each successive article to be completely wound about said folding pins, a vertically movable article retaining plate normally positioned adjacent the axis of said reel and in the path of travel of said pins, resilient means normally urging the retaining plate upwardly for initially supporting each successive article and to also hold the folds of each successive article in close proximity to the corresponding folding pins during the course of each revolution of the reel, means operable automatically upon the a termination of each rotational movement of said reel for withdrawing the folding pins from the article for releasing said article, means also operable automatically upon the termination of each rotation of the reel for substantially reducing the upward pressure effected by said resilient means whereby, upon each successive article being released from said pins, the weight of said article will be sufficient to move said article retaining plate downwardly, and said article retaining plate being so supported as to tilt in the course of its downward movement whereby the corresponding article is discharged from the article retaining plate by gravity. Y

16. Apparatus for folding successive elongated pliable articles transversely thereof comprising a platform, means for moving each successive article lengthwise across the platform, a reel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of said articles and positioned adjacent the platform opposite from said means, said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposed folding pins projecting therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the axis of the reel and normally being positioned so that the leading portion of each'successive article is disposed between said folding pins, a normally inactive shaft, a driving means, an'electrically controlled normally inactive clutch mechanism connecting the driving means with said shaft, a normally open switch disposed in the path of each successive article and being closed thereby upon the leading position of each successive article being positioned between said folding pins, said switch being interposed in a circuit to said electrically controlled clutch mechanism to thereby render said clutch active to effect rotation to said shaft upon said switch being closed, mechanical connectionsv switch disposed adjacent said cam, said cam being so arranged as to momentarily close said second switch in the course of each rotational movement of said shaft, a time-delay-relay mechanism interposed in an electrical circuit connected to said second switch and being momentarily energized thereby, electrically operable means interposed in an electrical circuit connected to said timedelay-relay mechanism for imparting movement in one direction to said lever and to said pins upon the termination of rotation of said shaft, means operable automatically upon said lever moving in said one direction for breaking the electrical circuit to the time-delay-relay mechanism, and resilient means to return said lever and the folding pins to normal position.

18. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transversely thereof comprising a reel 'mounted on a horizontal axis and including a pair of axially movable, substantially diametrically opposed first and second folding pins extending in substantially parallel relation to said axis, said first folding pin normally being disposed at a lower elevation than the second folding pin, 'a platform disposed closely adjacent the arcuate path of travel of the second folding pin, means forcibly directing each successive article longitudinally thereof across the upper surface of said platform with suificient impetus to cause portion resting upon the first folding pin, means operable utomatically, upon the leading portion of each successive article being positioned between the first and second folding pins, for directing a predetermined amount of rotational movement to said reel whereby said article is taken up by and wound about said folding pins, a normally substantially horizontally disposed retaining plate disposed adjacent the front edge of said platform, the front edge of said retaining plate being disposed rearwardly of the normal vertical plane of the first folding pin, resilient means normally maintaining said retaining plate in a position approximating that of the axis of said reel, said retaining plate being disposed in the path of travel of said pins during the course of the downward movement thereof with rotation of said reel whereby the said retaining plate will cause the folds of the article to be drawn taut between the folding pins during downward movement of each successive folding pin, means operable automatically following each rotational movement of said reel for withdrawing the folding pins from the folds of the corresponding article whereby said article will fall upon said retaining plate, and means operable automatically a substantially simultaneously with the withdrawal of said folding pins for substantially reducing the upward pres sure effected by the resilient means to an extent that. the weight of the completely folded article will cause said folding plate to move downwardly therewith, and said retaining plate being so supported as to tilt in the course i positioned one above the path of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel of the article, the other ends of said pins being devoid of support, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins, means 17 for imparting rotation to the rotatable member when the article has reached a predetermined position between the pins to wind the article around the pins, a guide member slidably penetrated by the pins, and means for causing relative movement between the guide member and the rotatable member for removing the article from the other ends of the pins after the same has been wound around the pins.

20. Apparatus for folding longated pliable articles comprising a rotatable member having a pair of spaced pins projecting therefrom in parallel relation to each other and normally positioned one above the path of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel of the article, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to the rotatable member when the article has reached predetermined position between the pins to wind the article around the pins, and means automatically operabte when the article has been completely folded for effecting relative longitudinal movement between the wound article and the pins for removing the article from the pins after the same has been wound around the pins.

21. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising a rotatable member having one end of a pair of spaced pins secured thereto and projectin therefrom in parallel relation to each other and having their other ends free, said pins being normally positioned one above the path of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel of the article, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to the rotatable member whet the article has reached a predetermined position between the pins to wind the article around the pins, and means operable automatically for removing the article from the pins after the same has been wound around the pins.

22. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising a rotatabie shaft, a member loosely mounted around said shaft and having one end of a pair of spaced pins secured thereto and projecting therefrom in parallel relation to each other and normally positioned one above the path of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel of the article, the other ends of the pair of pins being free during rotation, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slidably penetrated by the pins, means for imparting rotation to the rotatable member when tl;

article has reached a predetermined position between the pins to wind the article around the pins, and means for effecting relative movement between the guide plate and the member fixed on said shaft for withdrawing the wound article from the free ends of the pins upon completion of the winding operation.

23. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising a shaft, a rotatable member movable longitudinally of the shaft and having one end of a pair of spaced parallel pins secured thereto and projecting therefrom normally positioned one above the path of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel of the article, the other ends of the pins being free during rotation, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slidably penetrated by the pins, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins, means for imparting rotation to the shaft when the leading edge of the article has reached a predetermined position to Wind the article around the pins, and means causing relative movement between the rotatable member and the guide plate for removing the wound article from the pins over the free ends thereof upon completion of the winding operation.

24. Apparatus for folding sheet material into relatively small bundles comprising a member rotatable in a vertical plane and provided with parallel horizontal spaced pins having one of their ends secured to the rotatable member and having their other ends free and projecting from one side of the rotatable member, means for normally positioning said pins in two horizontal planes disposed one above the other, means for feeding the sheet material below one pin and above the other pin, means for rotating the member having the pins therein a predetermined number of revolutions to wind the sheet around the pins, a plate rotatable with said member and slidably penetrated by the pins, means for causing longitudinal movement of the member and plate relative to each other to discharge the wound sheet material from the free ends of the pins.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,857,037 Bacon May 3, 1932 2,205,171 Kile et al June 18, 1940 2,463,790 Moore Mar. 8, 1949 2,652,246 Kagan Sept. 15, 1953