US2819658A - Apparatus for curling edges on paper drinking cups - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 14, 1958 H. A. SCOTT ETAL 2,

APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES. ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS Filed June 25, 1953 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 1. 25

. INVENTORY #477 A. Scofif 66 Char/es A. Cheap/Lev" Jan. 14, 1958 H, A. sco-r'r ETAL APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES QN PAPER DRINKING CUPS '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 23, 1953 Fig.2.

Jan. 14, 1958 H. A. SCOTT ETAL APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 23, 1953 H nu A INVENTORS Harry A. Scafi & CaT/as A. Z/ncapfier fan), M214 4 ATTORNEYS BY wm Jan. 14, 1958 H. A. sco'r'r ETAL APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 23, 1955 Farr A. Uncq p/zer 3W ATTORNEYS BY We Jan. 14, 1958. H. A. scc-r'r ETAL 2,819,658

APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS Filed June 23, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS Jan. 14, 1958 H. A. SCOTT ETAL APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 23, 1953 m m N E V m Che/7322A, Unca rher I MAW! ATTORNEB' Jan. 14, 1958 H. A. SCOTT ETAL APPARATUS FOR CURLING EDGES 0N PAPER DRINKING CUPS '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June 25, 1953 INVENTORS Harr y 14.30012" C/zar/esfl. HIZCdf/LQT ATTORNEYS nited States Patent APPARATU5 FOR CURLING EDGES ON PAPER DRINKING CUPS Harry A. Scott and Charles A. Uncapher, Van Wert, Ohio, assignors to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 23, 1953, Serial No. 363,528

18 Claims. (Cl. 93-365) The invention relates generally to the making of paper drinking cups and primarily seeks to provide a novel method of and apparatus for forming an edge curl at the open mouth end extremities of such cups.

Paper cups are extensively manufactured today, and the present invention has reference to a novel edge curling apparatus forming a part of a machine structure wherein the bodies of the cups are formed by shaping flat paper blanks about frusto-coniform mandrels and providing lapped and bonded side seams. The mandrels are spaced equidistantly about a turret which is indexed about a horizontal axis, and a second turret is provided which is moved in timed relation to the mandrel carrying turret so as to present one of the pockets therein in position to receive a cup body from the first turret at a discharging station and present the same first at a positioning station and then at the curling station. An object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus for accurately placing a cup body at the positioning station, and then provide an edge smoothing and strengthening curl of novel form thereon at the curling station. The machine structure as a Whole includes novel means for feeding the blanks to the, mandrels, and also novel means for eifecting the shaping of the cup bodies and bonding the side seams thereof, but these individual apparatuses are not covered herein but rather in separate applications for Letters Patent of the United States filed on May 22, 1953 by Orville L. Dellinger and Franklin D. Scott, Serial Number 356,792 relating to the Blank Feeding Mechanism, and on June 9, 1953 by Harry A. Scott and Louis F. Fallows, Serial Number 360,512 and relating to the Paper Cup Body Forming Apparatus.

In the making of paper drinking cups it is common practice to form an edge curl at the open mouth end extremities of the cup bodies, but these edge curls have only partially served their intended purposes of strengthening the cup months because it has been impossible, heretofore, to provide an edge curl which equalled or exceeded a complete circle in radial cross section. For this reason, the edge curls formed on known cups, While adding some mouth edge strength and providing an edge extremity smooth and neat in appearance, have been objectionably weak against radially inwardly directed compressive pressures, and many persons have had the embarrassing experience of having such cups partially collapse upon application of normal hand pressures, disastrously spilling liquid contents. An object of the present invention is to provide a novel paper cup edge curling apparatus in which means are included for forming an edge curl of much greater than usual strength and exceeding a complete circle in radial cross section, thereby presenting overlapping curl wall portions.

In its more detailed nature the invention seeks to provide a novel apparatus of the character stated wherein are included a curling head, means for rotatably and longitudinally-shiftably supporting the head, means for rotating the head, means for supporting a paper cup,

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means for shifting the head back and forth along the axis of the cup to alternately present the same in edge curling position while in rotation and then retract the same from said position, a curling ring rotatable with the head and having an annular curling recess approximately half-circular in radial cross section and disposed for engagement with a cup edge held by said holding means, and at least one curling finger movable with the head and having an approximately half-circular curling surface plaeeable opposite the ring recess to cooperate therewith in presenting a composite curling surface approximately circular at the particular radial cross section, and means to move the finger relative to the head to place the same in edge curling position. during a curling operation and for retracting the same after completion of the curling operation to clear the edge curl and permit retraction of the head.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated wherein the cup holding means includes a frusto-conical sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted for longitudinal movement with the curling head for engaging in the cup and gripping the same against the sleeve and remaining stationary therein while the head rotates during the curling of the cup edge.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated wherein the cup holding sleeves are positioned in equidistantly spaced relation and means is provided for indexing the turret to present individual cups first at a positioning station and then at the curling station, and wherein there is included a yieldable presser plate movable back and forth with the curling head and so positioned that as the head moves for- Ward to engage and curl a cup edge at the curling station the presser plate will simultaneously engage and accurately position a cup at the positioning station.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated wherein there is included a shifter rod reciprocable along the axis of the curling head and having an abutment on an end portion thereof opposed to a cup being curled, the chuck being slidable on said rod end and spring held against said abutment so that it can engage in the cup and yield along the rod away from the abutment as the head is moved toward and against the cup in a curling operation, said rod also having connection with the curling finger means for shifting the same into effective curling position as the head moves against the cup edge, and for retracting said finger means to clear the edge curl prior to retraction of the head, and there being included means for moving the rod relative to the head and in timed relation to the movement thereof for the purposes stated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated wherein the shifter rod is longitudinally slidable in a sleeve which is longitudinally reciprocable and whereon the curling head has rotative bearing, there being included a plurality of the curling fingers and means for swingably mounting them in equidistantly spaced relation about the head, ring means rotatable on and movable longitudinally with the rod, and shifter bars movable with the ring means and connected with the fingers for moving them to their effective and retracted positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated wherein each curling finger means half-circular curling surface terminates in a relatively sharp tucking edge which lies close to the cup and is directed toward the starting edge portion of the curling ring curling recess for the purpose of directing the curl into lapping relation as the endwise and rotary pressure application of the ring against the cup edge is being completed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus "(if the characterstatedwherein the curlin Ting includes a convexly curvingflare which merges smoothly at one end into the periphery of the chuck at the completion of a'c'urlin'g operation, and which merges smoothly at its other end into the lead in or starting edge portion of the curling recess.

Another Object of the invention is to provide a novel method offo'r'r'nin'g'an edge curl at the open mouth end of a .paper drinking cup which comprises, presenting the cup mouth edge opposite an annular curling surface which is approximately half-circular in radial cross sectioh,'and'impar'tin'g relative movement to said edge and surface along and about a common axis while opposing said surface with an approximately half-circular surface effective to turn the curling edge upon itself to form a curl comprising 'at least a complete circle at any radial cross section thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method of the character stated wherein the imparting of relative movement tothe cup edge and the curling surface along and about the common axis is continued until a curl having a 90? overlap is provided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method of the character stated wherein the mouth of the cup adjacent the edge being curled is expanded slightly as the curling is in progress.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method of the character stated wherein the annular curling surface is opposed by a plurality of approximately half-circular surfaces of limited width and equidistantly spaced about said annular surface during the curling operation.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary vertical cross section illustrating the invention, the mandrel carrying turret and the cooperating cup body receiving turret being shown in dot and dash line phantom.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevation illustrating the edge curling mechanism and its cooperative relation to the cup body receiving turret which holds the cup bodies in position during the edge curling operation.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view approximately on the line 3-3 on Figure 2, parts being broken away and in section, the curling head and the cup body positioning presser being in the retracted position.

Figure 4 is aview similar to Figure 3, the curling head and the cup body positioning presser being shown in the projected, cup edge curling position.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 5-5 'on Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical cross section taken approximately on the line 6-6 on Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical cross section taken approximately on the line 7-7 on Figure 2.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section illustrating a portion of the curling die ring and one cooperating finger, the latter being shown in full lines in the position in which the edge curling is effected, and in dot and dash lines in the retracted or swung away position for clearing the curl to permit retraction of the curling head.

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail radial section through an edge curl formed by the improved curling mechanism.

Figure 10 is a detail side elevation of the rotary coritrol cam, looking from left to right as viewed in Figures '1 and 7. v

in the example of embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, the turret carrying the mandrels about which 4 the cup bodies are shaped is indicated at A, the receiving turretin "the pockets "of which the cup bodies are received and have their month end extremities edge curled is indicated at B, and the cups are indicated at C. The curling mechanism is generally designated D.

The cup bodies are transferred from the turret A to the turret B at the discharging station E, and the bodies are accurately positioned on the turret B at the positioning station F, the curling mechanism D being located at the curling station.

The mandrel turret shaft 5 is indexed, and the receiver turret shaft 6 is moved in timed relation thereto, and to the cam shaft 7 in a manner clearly disclosed in the previously'mentioned copending application of Harry A. Scott and Louis F. Fallows, and detailed illustration and description of these driving mechanisms are deemed unnecessary herein. The turret B includes a plate-like body 8 having equidistantly spaced cup body receiving pockets 9 in the form of flared open sleeves. See Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. U

A support bracket 10 is secured as at 11 on the drive housing 12, and two parallel supporting pins project therefrom 'in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures 3 through 7. The pins 13 'slidably support the sleeves forming parts of the cross head slide 15, and said slide includes a clamp bearing 16 in which is secured the sleeve 17 forming a part of the curling head structure.

The curling head structure includes a two-part mounting ring '18 which is rotatable about the sleeve, being supported on anti-friction bearings 19 in the manner best illustrated in Figure 5. The ring 18 also includes a groove pulley portion 20 for receiving the driving belt 21 which also passes over the driver pulley 22 on the shaft of the driving motor 23 which is adjustably supported at 24 on the housing 12 in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The drive connections 20, 21 and 22 serve to impart continuous rotation to the curling head. The head proper 25 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a ring portion 26 through which secure attachment is 'made at 27 with the sleeve mounted ring 18. g

A slide rod 28 is longitudinally slidable as at 29 in the sleeve 17 and has a reduced portion 30 whereon a bearing hub 31 is secured, the same carrying the inner race of a ball bearing 32 about which a shifter ring 33 is rotatably supported. The ring 33 has a plurality of equidistantly spaced shifter bars 34 adjustably mounted thereon at 35 to project in parallel relation to each other and to the axis of the sleeve and rod 17 and 28. Each bar 34 is slidable in a guide 36 provided therefor in the head 25, and each bar also includes an inwardly directed finger actuator recess 37, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. Compression springs 33 interposed between the ring 18 and the ring 33 constantly tend to advance the ring 33 and the actuator bars carried thereby, or in other words to shift said bars to the left as viewed in Figure 5. I

The curling head 25 includes a hollow hub portion 39 which is rotatably supported through anti-friction bearings 40, the outer race of which is slidable in the hub 39 and the inner race of which is supported on an enlarged portion 41 of the slide rod 28. The enlarged rod portion 41 also provides an abutment shoulder engaged by the abutment ring 42, and then an abutment member 43 is provided at the end extremity of the rod which projects toward the cup when one is presented at the curling station.

It will be noted by reference to Figure 5 that the shifter ring 33 is 'shi ftable between limiting rings 44 and 45, the former constituting a part of the head hub 39, and the latter a part of the pulley ring 18. These rings 44 and 45 serve to limit movement of projection and retraction of the actuator bars 34. I A sleeve 4'6 is sli'd'ablymounted on the end of the rod28 between the abutments 42 and 43, and this sleeve carries a ta ered chuck or clamp head 47 disposed to enter a cup presented at the curling station when the curling head is moved into curling position in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures 4, and 8 of the drawings. A compression spring 48 interposed between the chuck and abutment 42 constantly tends to hold the sleeve 46 against the abutment 43, this projected position of the chuck being illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. r

A curling ring 49 is removablysecured as at 50 on the curling head hub 39, and this ring includes a concavely curved flare 51 which merges into an annular curling recess 52 which is approximately half-circular at any radial cross section thereof. It will be noted by reference to Figures 5 and 8 that when the curling head is fully projected to the curling position, the surface 51 of the curling ring 49 will merge smoothly into the periphery of the chuck or clamp head 47. It will also be apparent by reference to Figure 8 that the surface 51 flares outwardly in its approach to the curling recess 52 at a greater rate than does the clamped wall of the cup C and thus is effective to expand the mouth of the cup slightly as the edge curling is in process.

A plurality of curling fingers 53 are provided and each thereof is pivotally mounted as at 54 between a pair of mounting ears 55 provided on the hub portion 39 of the curling head. It will be observed by reference to Figure 6 that each of the curling fingers is placed in alignment with one of the actuator bars 34, and each finger has a rounded head 56 engaging in the respective actuator bar recess 37 so that as the bars 34 are reciprocated they will impart swinging movement to the curling fingers. At its inner end, each finger 53 is provided with a curling surface 57 which extends across the limited width of the finger and is approximately half-circular in cross section and disposed to oppose and cooperate with the curling ring recess 52 in providing a composite curling chamber which is approximately full circular in radial cross section when the finger is in effective, curling position as illustrated in full lines in Figure 8. The inner end extremity of each finger 53 also is angle cut at 58 to provide a sharp edge which will closely approximate the cup during a curling operation and provide a sort of tucking action which will assure that the curl will continue in overlapping relation as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. It will be noted by reference to Figure 9 that the finished curl overlaps to an extent of 90, as indicated at 59, thereby providing a curl well in excess of a complete circle, namely a curl of 450". Such a curl not only smoothly defines the mouth of the cup, but also provides edge reinforcement which will preclude collapsing of the cup by any normal hand pressures incidental to the grasping of the cup during the filling and drinking processes.

The cross head 15 has a bracket arm 60 secured thereon as at 61, and this arm carries a plunger 62 having a reduced end portion 63. An abutment 64 is secured on the plunger portion 63 and limits outward movement of a slide 65 which is slidable on the plunger portion 63 and is yieldably held against the abutment by a compressing spring 66. A presser disk 67 is carried by the sleeve 65, and each time the curling head is moved from its ineffective position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 to its effective or curling position illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the presser 67 will engage a cup C in the pocket next to be presented at the curling station for the purpose of accurately positioning said cup in its car rying sleeve or pocket 9. In this manner, the presser 67 serves toaccurately position the cup next tobe presented at the curling station simultaneously with the curling of the mouthedge portion of a cup at said curling station.

Attention isdirected to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 wherein the means for shifting the curling head 25 and the rod 28 is illustrated. A cross head shifter arm 68 is pivoted intermediate its ends as at 69 between mounting arms 70 which are supported on the housing 12, and a rod shifter arm 71 is similarly pivoted intermediate its ends on the said pivotal mounting. Thearm 68 has a lug 72 pivotally mounted in and depending from the actuator end thereof, and this lug is pivotlink attached as at 73 to the cross head 15 so that shifting movement will be imparted to the cross head 15, the sleeve 17 and the curling head 25 carried thereby when the arm 63 is oscillated. The rod 28 has an annularly grooved head 74 secured thereon, and a roller 75 mounted on the actuator end of the arm 71 engages in the groove so that the rod 28 will be longitudinally shifted when the arm 71 is oscillated.

At their other ends the arm 63 carries a follower roller 76 and the arm 71 carries a follower roller 77, said rollers being engaged by the rotary control cam '78 secured on the cam shaft 7 for imparting properly timed movements to the arms 68 and 71. The cam has a groove 79 in which the roller 77 follows, and said cam includes an actuator portion engageable with. the roller 76 to impart independent movement thereto.

The cam 78 is so constructed, and the parts of the curling head equipment are so constructed and arranged in the manner described that each time the turret B is indexed to present a cup at the curling station, the arm 68 will be actuated to move the curling head 25 from is retracted position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 to the curling position illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 8. During this movement of the curling head the chuck 47 first engages in the cup backed up by its carrying sleeve 9 and is stopped thereby, after which movement of the head 25 and the rod 28 will continue, the curlingring d9 serving to start the curling action in the manner illustrated in Figure 5.

It will be apparent by reference to Figures 2 and 10 that the cam grooving 79 engaged by the follower roller 76 and the shaping of the cam portion opposed by the follower roller 77 are so related that the head as a whole and the rod 18 move back and forth in unison except for the limited amount of independent retraction of the rod efiective to swing the fingers 53 to the dot and dash line positions of Figures 5 and 8. The springs 38 constantly tend to hold the parts in the full line positions shown in Figure 5.

The movement of projection of the head and rod is controlled. by the portion of the cam shown in dotted lines inFigure 10 and is gradual, thus assuring gradual, progressive pressure application during the actual edge curling process. Completion of the curling is accom plished while the dwell in the cam grooving holds the head in its projected position, and then, just before the head retracting portion of the cam 78 shown at the top in Figure 10 becomes efiective, the cam portion till engages ,the follower roller 77 and efiects a retraction of. the rod 28 to assure that the fingers 53 will be swung away before the movement of retraction of the curling head is started. Thereafter the head and rod move back together into position for starting another curling cycle.

While example structures and method step sequences have been disclosed herein, it is to be understood that these structures and steps are subject to variation without departing, from'the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In apparatus of the character described, a curler head including a curling ring having an annular curling surface which is approximately half-circular in radial cross section, cup holding means for presenting a cup in axial alignment with the ring with the cup edge opposing said curlingsurface, curling finger means having curling grooving therein approximately half circular in cross section and presentable in opposition to the annular ring surface, means for presenting the finger means in edge curling opposition to the curling surface during a curling operation and for displacing the same after completion of a curling operation, means for bringing about relative movement of the holding means and the ring along and about a common axis to engage the cup edge and curling surface in edge curling contact 7 while the finger means is'in edge curling'opposition to turn the "-edge'inwardly upon itself to form 'a'curlcomprising'at least a complete circle'at any radial cross section thereof, and means for bringing about movement of separation of said holding means and the ring after the curling operation has been completed and said finger means has been moved away.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a curler head including a curling ring having an annular curling surface which is approximately half-circular in radial cross section, cup holding means for presenting a cup in axial alignment with the ring with the cup edge opposing said curling surface, curling finge'r means having curling grooving therein approximately half circular in crosssection and presentable in opposition to the annular ring surface, means for presenting the finger means in edge curling opposition 'to "the curling surface during a curling operation and for displacing the same after completion of a curling operation, means for bringing about relative movement'of the "holding means and the ring along and abouta common axis "to engage'the cup edge and the curling surface in edge curling contact while the finger means is in edge curling opposition to turn the edge inwardly upon itself to form 'a curl and continuing said relative movement until the curl exceeds a complete circle and includes a lapped portion at any radial cross section thereof, and means for bringing about movement of separation of said holding means and the ring after the curling operation has been completed and said finger means has been moved away.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the curling finger means comprises a plurality of equidistantly spaced fingers of limited width and each including a relatively sharp curl guiding edge directed toward the annular curling surface and lying closely adjacent the cup body as the edge thereof is being turned into the curl.

4. In apparatus of the character described, a curler head, means for rotatably and longitudinally-shiftably supporting the head, means for rotating the head, means for holding a paper cup, means for shifting the head back and forth along the axis of the cup to alternately present the same in edge curling position while in rotation and then retract the same from said position, a curling ring rotatable with the head and having an annular curling recess approximately half-circular in radial cross section and disposed for engagement with a cup edge held by said holding means, and at least one curling finger movable with the head and having an approximately halfcircular curling surface placeable opposite the ring recess to cooperate therewith in presenting a composite curling surface approximately circular at the particular radial cross section, and means to move the finger relative to the head to place the same in edge curling position during a curling operation and for retracting the same after completion of the curling operation to clear the edge curl and permit retraction of the head.

5, Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the cup holding means includes a frusto-conical sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted for longitudinal movement with the head for engaging in the cup and gripping the same against the sleeve and remaining stationary therein while the head rotates during the curling of the cup edge.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the cup holding means includes a turret having a. plurality of frusto-conical sleeves thereon in. equidistantlyspaced relation and in which cups are receivable, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted for longitudinal movement with the head for engaging in a sleeve supported cup and gripping the same against the sleeve and remaining stationary while the head rotates during the curling of the cup edge, there being included also means for indexing the turret to present individual cups first ata positioning station and then at a curling station opposite the curler head, a yieldable presser plate movable back and forth with the curler head and sopositioned that as the 'headmoves forwardto engage and curl a cup edge at the curling station, the presser plate will simultaneously engage and accurately position a cup at the positionin'gstation.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for moving the finger relative to the head comprises a rod longitudinally shiftable along ,the axisof the head, means connecting the rod with the finger, and means for shifting the rod in timed relation to the movement of the head.

8. Apparatus as defined in cljaimA wherein themeans for moving the finger relative to the head comprises a rod longitudinally 'shiftable along the axis of the head, means connecting the rod with the finger, and means for shifting the rod in timed relation to the movement of the head, and wherein the cup holding means includes a frusto-conical sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted on said rod and movable therewith for engaging in the cup and gripping the same against the sleeve, said rod having rotary bearing in the head so that the head can rotate thereabou-t while the chuck is engaged'in a cup. I

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 whereinthe means for moving the finger relative to the head comprises a rod longitudinally .shiftable along the axis of the head, means connecting the rod with the finger, and means for shifting the rod in timed relation to the movement, of the head, and wherein the cup holding means includes a frusto-conical sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted on said rod and movable therewith for engaging in the cup and gripping the same against the sleeve, said rod having rotary bearing in the head so that the head can rotate thereabout while the chuck is engaged in a cup, said rod having an abutment on the cup entering end thereof and said chuck being slida'ble along the rod and spring urged toward said abutment so that it can engage in a cup and yield along the rod away from the abutment as the head is moved against the cup in a curling operation.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein are included a plurality of the curling fingers equidistantly spaced about and pivotally supported on the head, and wherein the finger moving means includes a shifter bar connected with each finger and slidably mounted on the head, a shifter ring connected with all of said bars, and means for moving the shifter ring in timed relation to the movement of the head.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein are included a plurality of the curling fingers equidistantly spaced about and pivotally supported on the head, and wherein the finger moving means includes a shifter bar connected with each finger and slidably mounted on the head, a shifter ring connected with all of said bars, a rod longitudinally shiftable along the axis ofth'e head, means for supporting the shifter ring on the rod for rotation thereabout and for longitudinal movement; therewith, and means for longitudinally shifting the rod in timed relation to the movement of the head.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein are included a plurality of the curling fingers equidistantly spaced about and pivotally supported on the head, and wherein the finger moving means includes a shifter bar connected with each finger and slidably mounted on the head, a shifter ring connected with all of said bars, a rod longitudinally shifta'ble along the axis of the head, means for supporting the shifter ring on therod for rotation thereabout and for longitudinal movement therewith, and means for longitudinally shiftingthe rod in timed relation to the movement of the head, and wherein thecup holding means includes a frusto-conical sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted on said rod and movable therewith for engagingin the .cup and gripping the same against the sleeve, said rod having an abutment on the cup entering end thereof and said chuck being slidable along the rod and spring urged toward said abutment so that it can engage in a cup and yield along the rod away from the abutment as the head is moved against the cup in a curling operation.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for rotatably and shiftably supporting the head includes a sleeve whereon the head is mounted for longitudinal movement therewith and for rotative movement thereabout, and wherein the means for rotating the head includes a pulley on the head, a belt passing over the pulley, and a driver pulley for driving the belt and spaced a distance from the head pulley for permitting free fiexure of the belt during longitudinal shifting of the head.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for rotatably and shiftably supporting the head includes a sleeve whereon the head is mounted for longitudinal movement therewith and for rotative movement thereabout, and wherein the means for rotating the head includes a pulley on the head, a belt passing over the pulley, and a driver pulley for driving the belt and spaced a distance from the head pulley for permitting free flexure of the belt during longitudinal shifting of the head, there being included a cross head to which said sleeve is rigidly secured, and spaced pins slidably supporting the cross head, the head shifting means being connected with said cross head.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for rotatably and shiftably supporting the head includes a sleeve whereon the head is mounted for longitudinal movement therewith and for rotative movement thereabout, and wherein the means for rotating the head includes a pulley on the head, a belt passing over the pulley, and a driver pulley for driving the belt and spaced a distance from the head pulley for permitting free fiexure of the belt during longitudinal shifting of the head, there being included a cross head to which said sleeve is rigidly secured, and spaced pins slidably supporting the cross head, the head shifting means including a rocker arm pivotally supported intermediately of its ends and having one end pivot link connected with the cross head and its other end engaged with a rotary cam.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for moving the finger relative to the head comprises a rod longitudinally shiftable along the axis of the head, means connecting the rod with the finger, and means for shifting the rod in timed relation to the movement of the head, the head shifting means and the rod shifting means comprising a rocker arm pivotally supported intermediately of its ends and having an actuator end connected with the head, a rocker arm pivotally supported intermediately of its ends and having an actuator end connected with the rod, and a single rotary cam means engageable with the other ends of the arms for rocking the arms and imparting movement to the head and rod in proper timed relation.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein are included a plurality of the curling fingers equidistantly spaced about the head, each said finger having its approximately half-circular curling surface terminate in a relatively sharp guide edge which lies close to a cup during a curling operation and is directed toward the starting edge portion of the curling ring curling recess for the purpose of directing the curl into lapping relation as the endwise and rotary pressure application of the ring against the cup edge is being completed.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the cup holding means includes a frusto-conieal sleeve in which the cup is inserted, and a frusto-conical chuck mounted for longitudinal movement with the head for engaging in the cup and gripping the same against the sleeve and remaining staitonary therein while the head rotates during the curling of the cup edge, and wherein are included a plurality of the curling fingers equidistantly spaced about the head, each said finger having its approximately halfcircular curling surface terminate in a relatively sharp guide edge which lies close to a cup during a curling operation and is directed toward the starting edge portion of the curling ring curling recess for the purpose of directing the curl into lapping relation as the endwise and rotary pressure application of the ring against the cup edge is being completed, said curling ring including a concavely curving flare which merges smoothly at its large end into the starting edge portion of the curling ring curling recess and also approximates smooth merger at its other end into the periphery of the chuck at the completion of a curling operation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,238,330 Kock et al. Apr. 15, 1941 2,272,920 Merta Feb. 10, 1942 2,278,299 Barbieri Mar. 31, 1942 2,284,492 Mandell May 26, 1942 2,541,905 Amberg Feb. 13, 1951 2,703,514 Thiem Mar. 8, 1955

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