US2823594A - Box making machine - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 18, 1958 P. E. FISCHER Box MAKING MACHINE I l R J l Q" NGN E Y u Z n@ m H WW W m l Il m u V l o l MF M m 5 A m @5% L u@ m s@ QV. man.. mN. NNNNNN. y @NTL B QN m MNM Q WsQW Nu Y# m QQQK WUYL WQN QWNK J A Feb. 18, 1958 P. E. FISCHER 2,823,594

BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed March 2, 1955 6 Sheets-Shea?I 2 A INVENToR. l

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84m HJC/1ER ATTORNEYS United States Patent O Box MAKING MACHINE Paul E. Fischer, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor to E. G. Staude Manufacturing Company, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., a corporation of New Hampshire Application March 2, 1955, Serial No. 491,570

17 Claims. (Cl. 93-49) This invention relates to box making machines and more particularly to those machines which incorporate a plurality of work sections in series operation. Characteristically the modern box making machine will include as its usual components, a plurality of work stations of which there may be mentioned, a feeding station, a preolding section, a gluer Isection and a delivery table. In some box making machines there may be incorporated additional sections or stations at which other work operations are carried out. The present invention is applicable to most modern box making machines and it will be understood that the particular work stations and sections that are incorporated into machines made according to this invention may be varied according to the desire of the machine designer.

In the usual box making machine the work stations are arranged along either a straight line or along a path which may be described as L-shaped. The present invention is adaptable to use in either general form. In either form of box making machine it is customary to provide a plurality of adjustments at each station, so that the box forming mechanisms can be varied to many sizes of boxes undergoing formation. The usual form of box making machine has been constructed upon what may be roughly described as a frame of rectangular form, the frame being composed of side members extending along the length of the machine. Upon this usual type of frame are provided a plurality of cross frame members positioned at appropriate intervals to serve as mountings for the various box forming components. Whether of straight line or of L-shaped plan, the box forming machine has invariably been composed of such side frame members, used on at least one side.

In addition, the customary box forming machine is provided with a-power transmission shaft or other device such as belts or chains extending along the entire length of the machine, the power shaft being positioned along one or the other sides of the machine. From the power shaft there extends power transmitting mechanisms of varying forms which may include gear or chain drives to the various rolls, belts, and other box forming mechanisms which lie along the path of movement of the box component through the machine.

The usual form of box forming machine includes upper and lower belt carriers arranged to run `along track-ways in parallel disposition, and positioned so that the box blank may be gripped between the parallel moving belts. As the box i-s thus carried the box component, or blank, as it is most usually called, is caused to engage various moving and stationary box forming mechanisms, such as twist belts, swords, plows, or guides which serve to cause a folding motion of the box blank, upon preformed crease lines in the box blank of which the box isformed. Since the sizes of the boxes which may be formed on` a particu- `lar machine, may vary widely, it is essential that the .mechanismsfor mounting the moving belts and forholding the cooperating box forming twist belts, swords, plows, guides and stationary lelements shall all be capable of 2,823,594 Patented Feb. 18, 1958 Fpice being adjusted and moved transversely of the longitudinal axis of the box machine frame, so as to accommodate manufacture of any size of box'within the range of machine. Machines have thus customarily been provided with belts, belt guides, belt drives and supporting mechanisms, all adjustable according to the will of the operator, to' varying positions transversely in respect to the longitudinal axis of the machine.

Thus in the customary machine heretofore available there have been provided fixed side frame members along one or both sides of the machine and a power transmitting device such as a shaft or chains along one or both sides of the machine. These, in general, form the boundary of the machine and yet within this boundary, which may be of considerable width, the varying mechanisms must be adjusted transversely at the various stations along the box forming machine. In wide box forming machines particularly, the operator is thus compelled to reach Aover a considerable portion of the width of the machine to be able to handle the box forming mechanisms which are adjustable transversely within the width of the machine. The long reach thus necessitated is cumbersome and awkward for the operator; it leads to maladjustment of the machine and a sloppy operation, and has many disadvantages.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved box forming machine where the main frame of the machine is of negligible, non-interfering height and width and is located centrally along the longitudinal axis of the machine, regardless of whether the machine is a straight-line machine, or one of L-shape formation. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved box forming machine wherein the entire power transmitting mechanism of the machine is confined to a narrow space along'the central axis of the machine and at a low level. It is another object of the invention to provide an improved box forming machine having a low main central frame of narrow width extending along the active portions of the box forming machine and to provide a plurality of drive units at intervals along the box forming machine and uponwhich the various box forming mechanisms are mounted for transverse adjustment relative to the axis of the machine. It is another object of the invention to provide a box forming machine having a main frame and power transmission of 10W total elevations and narrow width with connection extending from one end of the machine to the other but interrupted at a plurality of stations, herein designated vdrive units. It is a further object of the invention to provide a box forming machine in which there are a plurality of drive units of uniform design and positioned at spaced intervals along the paths of movement of the box through the box forming operation, and to provide connecting frames joining each drive unit with the next one, said frames rbeing low and of much narrower transverse dimensions than the drive units themselves. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved box making machine wherein the folding frames are supported at opposite ends thereof by spaced drive units of uniform construction, said folding frames being so made as to allow translating to various positions transversely of the axis of the machine and to provide simultaneous adjustment of cooperating folding frames and top carriers, and all box forming elements carried thereby, from any one of .a plurality of stations. v

' Other and'further objects are those inherent in the apparatus herein illustrated, described and claimed.

The invention is illustrated with reference to the drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary form of box forming machine constructed in accordance with the present invention. In Figure 1 all folder frames and top carriers lare removed.

Figure 2 is a side elevational View of the exemplary form of box forming machine shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2 the folder frames are shown, but top carriers are omitted.

Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational view partly broken away of one of the drive units of the box forming machine of the present invention. This particular drive unit is the one forming the end of the prefolder sections (to the left) and the beginning of the gluer section (to the right), but all drive units are similar and this view therefore illustrates all of them.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a portion of the box forming machine of the present invention with certain of the parts removed for purposes of simplicity. In Figure 4 one representative sequence of belts (along the center track) of the complete machine is illustrated. The framing has been largeiy eliminated in this figure in the interest of simplification.

Figure 5 is an enlargement of the central part of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical side elevational view of the right side of the prefolder section, and representatively illustrates that portion of the box forming machine extending from approximately the center of the drive unit at the feeder end to the center of the next adjacent drive unit which forms the junction of the prefolder and gluer sections. It will be noted parenthetically that the particular section of Figure 4 which shows the center track, should not be confused with the side elevations of Figure 6. There are three folder frames in the pre-folder section and the belt patterns are not identical, but vary from folder frame to folder frame as is well known in the art.

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line in the direction of arrow 7-7 of Figure 6. This figure shows the folder frames of the prefolder sections.

Figure S is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 8 8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 9 9 of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is fragmentary thru the vertical transverse sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 1tl-1tl of Figure 3 thru the drive unit gear core.

Figure ll is a transverse fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 11-11 of Figure 3. This ligure assists in understanding the drive unit gearing.

Figure 12A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View thru one of the top carrier bracket position adjustment shafts showing the chain sprocket and sprocket clutch of said shaft, and the clutch control rod. Figure 12B is a sectional View taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 12B-12i3 of Figure 12A.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figures l and 2 there is illustrated one exemplary form of machine made according to the present invention. ln this machine there are a plurality of work stations or sections including a feeder station, generally designated it?, a prefold section generally designated 11, a gluer section generally designated 12, and a delivery table generally designated 13. It will be understood that in other machines, other different sequences of work operations may occasionally be included and that in some machines the prefolder section may be omitted, and that the particular number and variety of work operations in the box form.- ng sequence may be varied according to the desire of the designer and that the work stations or sections will be varied accordingly.

In accordance with the present invention the entire box forming machine is composed of a plurality of transmission mechanisms and support stands which for purposes of nomenclature are herein designated drive units, the number of such drive units whichare used, being appropriate to the number and variety of work operations in the device. These drive units are, in Figure 1, the mechanisms shown generally at 15, 16, and 17. For the convenience in design and to reduce cost, it is preferable according to this invention, to utilize identical mechanisms at the points 15, 16 and 17, although they may be varied if desired. The details of the drive units will be described more fully hereinafter.

Between the drive units 15 and 16 and between the units 16 and 17 there are longitudinally extending machine :frames 1S and 19. At the feed end of the machine there is a box blank feeding mechanism generally designated 20 which may be of any approved type. At the delivery end of the machine there is usually provided what is known as a delivery table here generally designated 21. rThe details of the feeding and delivery mechanisms may be widely varied and are selected by the designer according to the needs of the particular situation. Where power is needed for driving the feed table, it is derived from drive unit 15, upon which the feed table may be entirely supported, if desired. Where power delivery belts are needed or desired, power therefore is derived from drive unit 17.

Between each of the drive units 15 and 16 and between drive units 16 and 17 there are provided narrow longitudinal machine frames here designated 18 and 19. These machine frame members have a transverse dimension (Figure 1) which need be only sufficient to provide space for the power transmitting shaft generally designated 22 and composed of sections 39A and 39B. The frames 18 and 19 may, if desired, be of box section only a few inches across, for example 8 to l0 inches wide at the dimension for enclosing drive shaft 22. In some instances the drive units 15, 16 and 17 can simply be set upon a floor plate so as to hold dimension, and a simple cover provided for drive 22.

At each end of the frame 18 and at each end of the frame 19 it is desirable somewhat to enlarge the width as at 23 and 24 for the frame 18 and 25 and 26 for the frame 19, so as to allow a more rm attachment to the transverse central base boxes 27 of each of the drive units 15, 16 and 17.

Within the central base boxes 27 of each of the drive units 15, '16 and 17 there is provided a gear unit as at 2S for drive unit 15; 29 for drive unit 16 and 30 for drive unit 17. These gear units are identical for all drive units 15, 16 and 17. Each gear unit has a through shaft, that is to say each is provided with a shaft extending entirely thru the housing of the gear unit aligned with the longitudinal axis of the entire machine. This thru shaft of each gear unit is providediat opposite ends with couplings, preferably of a flexible type so as to accept slight misalignment. Within each of the gear housings there is provided an angle gear which drives and rotates the side output drive shaft as at 31 for the housing 28, 32 for the housing 29, and 33 for the housing 30. Upon the gear rousing 30 of drive unit 17, or at some other convenient place' along the machine, there is mounted an extending input power shaft 34 provided with a multiple V-belt pulley 35 over which the belts 36 are run. A drive motor is provided at 37. Accordingly, the motor 37 drives the belt 36 which drives the multiple V-belt pulley 35 and this will cause rotation of the shaft 34 thereby causing rotation of the through shaft of the housing 30 which is connected by means of the flexible coupling 38 to the connecting transmission shaft 39A, which is in turn connected by the flexible coupling 40 to the through shaft of the transmission housing 29. Another llexible coupling at 41 connects to shaft 39B which is in turn connected by the flexible coupling 42 to the through shaft of the gear housing 28. The protruding end 44 of the gear housing 28 is not connected to anything unless power is needed at this point for auxiliary mechanisms. Power for the feed table is best derived from the gearing and shafts of drive unit 15.. 1t is desirable so far as uni- ,gear box 51.

formity of design and convenience and economy of manufacture to use gear cases of uniform design, at 28, 29 and 30.

Therefore, it is one of the features of the machine to provide a longitudinally extending shaft assembly 22 from a drive motor at one point along the length of the machine thence through a plurality of gear units at intervals along the machine all located at a low level along the center line of the path of movement of box blanks thru the machine. This center line is here designated C-L, Figure 1.

From each of the gear housings (28, 29 and 30) there extends a side shaft as at 31, 32 and 33 and these extend into the side frame of their respective drive units .and provide the power input thereto. The drive units are best illustrated in Figures l, 2, 3, l0 and l1. The drive units are preferably of identical design and are here illustrated as such. Hence only one drive unit need be described in detail.

Thus the drive unit 16, which is representative, is composed of upright frame members 50 and 51. These upright side frame members serve as mechanical frame and as mountings for all of the transversely extending shafts and frame members of the drive unit. The frame member 50 contains no gear mechanisms but the frame member 51 is a housing made in several parts which may be separated as along the plane 1-2, in Figures 10 and ll and within this two part frame housing are contained the driving gears of that drive unit. Thus referring to Figure 10, the housing 51 is composed of an inner portion 52 and an outer or cover portion 53 suitably attached together so as to form a gear case space at 54 within which a plurality of interconnecting gears are journaled. The drive shaft 32 of the gear housing 29 is connected through a flexible coupling at 55, see Figure 1, to the shaft 56, see Figures l0 and 11, which extends through a grease seal and journal at 57 and is provided with a gear 58 thereon within the housing space 54. The gear 58 is the main drive gear for the entire gearing in the drive unit. Referring to Figures 3, and l1 it will be noted that gear 58 meshes with and rotates the gear 60 which is thick and in turn meshes with and rotates the gears 61 and 62. Gear 61 is offset forwardly and gear 62 rearwardly in Figure 3. Gear 62 is keyed upon and drives shaft 64, :and gear 61 is similarly keyed upon and drives shaft 65. Gear 61 serves as the drive gear for the idler 66 with which it meshes. Gear 66 meshes with idler gear 68, which in turn meshes with and drives the gears 69 and 70. The gear 69 is keyed upon and drives the shaft 71 and the lgear 70 is keyed upon and drives the shaft 72. Any of' the gears in the housing 51 may be utilized as a source of power for any desired work operation of the machine.

If desired other gear arrangements or sprocket and chain drive may be substituted for the particular gearing shown. It is only necessary that shafts 64,65, 71 and 72 be rotated in unison and in the directions shown from :a common power input shaft at 56. Each drive stand 15, 16 and 17 may be considered as composed of two independent halves to the right and to the left of a division plane at the line 11-11 in Figure 3. Shafts 65 and 72, each driven as described, serve the mechanisms to the left of the stand, and shafts 64 and 71 serve the mechanisms to the right of the stand. Mechanical support for mechanisms to the left and those to the right of the stand are independent and are provided by the drive unit frame. It is as though the entire drive unit were sliced through at plane 11-11, except that a common power supply via `shaft 56 and the gear box is provided and unitary framing for the stand is possible. This mode of construction, a feature of the herein dened invention and discovery, permits wide variation in design and adjustment of successive sections.

Each of the shafts 65, 72, 64 and 71 is provided with a key slot extending from side frame 50 to side frame Upon these shafts are keyed pulleys of identical Working diameter (in the usual machine) .which 6 are slideable along the shafts, or they may be connected to other power using mechanisms.

For uniformity of nomenclature, the various shafts at positions 65, 72, 64 and 71 are given these same numbers in all of the drive units 15, 16 and 17.

As here illustrated the shafts 65 and 72 are the driving shafts by means of which the box forming belts to the left, in Figure 3 of drive unit 16 (namely the prefolder sections), are operated whereas shafts 64 and 71 are the shafts -by means of which the driving belts to the right, in Figure 3 (namely the gluer sections) are operated. This will be better understood from Figure 4. Thus referring to Figure 4 the drive unit 15 is at the feed table end of the entire machine. Shaft 72 of drive unit 15 is idle; shaft 65 drives the feed table 20. The two shafts 71 and 64 of drive unit 15 are the shafts by means of which the carrier belts at the beginning end of the prefold section of the machine are operated. These carrier belts, of the prefold sections run over a series of pulleys which include pulley 96 on the shaft 72 and pulley 86 on `the shaft 65 of the drive unit 16. Similarly at the drive unit 16 the shaft 71 and the shaft 64 are the operating shafts which serve to operate the belts of the gluer sections in cooperation with drive unit 17. Thus, the lower belt 250 of the gluer section runs over a series of pulleys which are driven from the shaft 64 of the drive unit 16 and from the shaft 65 of the drive unit 17. The upper carrier belt 251 operates from only th'e shaft 71 of the drive unit 16. It will be understood that the transmission mechanisms 28, 29 and 30 of drive units 15, 16 and 17, respectively, see Figure l, have equal gear ratios and accordingly correspondingly numbered shafts, such as shaft 71 of drive unit 15 and 71 of drive unit 16 and 71 of drive unit 17 operate at precisely the same speed. Therefore all correspondingly numbered shafts at each drive unit will therefore operate at a speed corresponding with that of each similarly numbered shafts at other drive units. This could be varied if desired, but it will usually be found more convenient to have a uniform gear ratio throughout the entire mechanism, so as to allow for interchangeability of parts.

Thus, in each of the drive units there is provided a suitable driving mechanism by which power may be derived conveniently and adequately for driving the various travelling belts of the box forming machine.

Each of the drive units 15, 16 and 17 is likewise provided with transverse supporting shafts and guides by means of which there may be supported between the adjacent drive units, various folder frames, top carriers, top carrier brackets and other mechanisms along which the travelling belts move and with which they cooperate for carrying out the box folding operations.

The paths of movement of the traveling belts of the gluer station and the prefold station, and any other stations that may be incorporated in a particular machine, are well known in the industry, and it will therefore be assumed that the designer is acquainted with the particular travelling belt path and arrangement that is desired. So likewise, it will be assumed that the designer of a particular machine is familiar with the use of such Well known box forming mechanisms as the sword, the plow, curved bars, guides and other fixed (adjustably positionable) elements as are normally used in the box making machine industry.

In the interest of uniformity of nomenclature some of these elements will be defined. In the usual box making machine and in each of the so-called prefolder and gluer sections, there are normally provided three lower belts which travel thru the length of such section. These belts are carried on beam-like elements called folder frames and rollers are provided below each belt at intervals to provide belt support with minimum friction. These frames are called the right folder frame (as viewed, looking in the direction the blank moves thru the machine), the left folder frame and the center track. The box blanks are carried by first one and then another of these belts, and the blanks are held down by upper belts which travel portions of the distance of each lower belt travel. The upper belts are carried by top carrier brackets or more simply top carriers. The top carriers also serve as mechanical mounts for various fixed elements such as a sword, plow and ban A sword is used to hold the blank down while it is being folded over by a fixed or movable element, whereas a plow will fold or open the blank again to iiat condition. Curved bars and guides, variously shaped and contrived aid in the folding and opening operations. In the prefolder" the box blanks are folded along some of the preformed creases of the blank and then opened again flat. In the gluer, the blanks are again folded along the crease lines usually differing from those where folds were made in the prefolder.y Glue is applied by glue rolls. Such, briefly, is the usual operation and nomenclature, and it will be used herein.

The support for the travelling belts and other mechanisms is according to this invention entirely derived from the drive units. Thus, referring to Figure 4, in the prefolder section, there are provided three lower belts, of which one, namely, belt S9 (Figure 4) has a horizontal upper `course of travel as indicated by the arrow 81. This belt travels in the direction of motion of the box blank travel through the machine, i. e., in the direction of arrow 82 and begins its horizontal travel at a guide pulley 83. The belt then travels along the folder frame (not shown in Figure 4) which is positioned in the space 84 and supported as will hereinafter be described, at its ends by drive units l5 and 16. The belt S8 is supported along its path of travel by closely spaced rollers, as is well known in the art. The horizontal travel of belt 80 continues until it reaches a guide pulley 85 at drive unit 16 whereupon the belt turns around the guide pulley and proceeds downwardly around a large drive pulley 86 which is mounted upon the shaft 65 of drive unit 16. This pulley is driven by the gear 61, see Figure 3. After travelling around a major portion of the periphery of the drive pulley 86 the belt then proceeds over an idler and guide pulley 88 and returns along a horizontal path of travel and passes over two belt tightener pulleys 89 and then continues to an idler 9i) whence it then continues around a drive pulley 91 at the drive unit 15, the latter being mounted on shaft 64 at unit l5. The belt then returns to pulley 83. The belt 80 is of course continuous and is of any appropriate width. Pulleys 91 and 86 are both of the same size and are both driven at the same speed. Each is keyed to its shaft and may slide thereon. Cooperating with the belt 80 is another belt 92 which begins its path of horizontal travel at the guide pulley 94 and also travels horizontally in the direction of arrow 81 along a path of travel parallel to and superimposed upon the path of travel of the lower belt 80, so as to hold a box blank between the belts. rThis path of travel coincides and terminates at guide pulley 95, whence the belt continues around a large drive pulley 96 which is on the shaft 72 at the drive unit 16 then travels around a guide pulley 97 and along a short horizontal path of travel to a second guide pulley 98, a takeup pulley 99, further takeup pulley 100, another guide pulley 101, thence to the guide pulley 102 and around another large drive pulley as the same diameter of pulley 96, the latter being pulley 104- on the shaft 71 of the drive unit 15. Whereupon the belt continues to the starting pulley 94. The pulleys 99 and 100 are so mounted as to permit belt tightening or may be desired for removing the path of travel from the upper belt for operational purposes involving folding of the box blank. Thus the pulleys 89, 90, 100 and 101 guide the upper belt off of the lower belt, and in this free space, various stationary elements for performing work operations, may be placed.

In the section designated gluerj of Figure 4, there are cooperating lower belt 250 and upper belt 251. The

lower belt has a horizontal course of travel in the direction of arrow 252 which begins at pulley 253 on the folder frame upstream end at drive unit 16. The belt 250 then travels horizontally along its folder frame (not shown in Figure 4) to pulley 254 at drive unit 17, thence around drive pulley 255 keyed to (but slideable on) shaft 65 of unit 17, thence back over guide pulley 256, belt take up pulleys 257 and 258, guide pulley 259, drive pulley 270 keyed to (but slideable on) shaft 64 of drive unit 16 and then to pulley 253. Belt 251 starts a horizontal course of travel at pulley 272, and is superimposed on belt 250 for a ways, thence travels up around pulley 273, over tighteners 274 and 276, around pulley 277, thence around drive pulley 278 keyed to (but slideable on) shaft 71 and thence to pulley 272. All of the pulleys on which belt 251 travel are mounted on a top carrier frame 275 of which only a fragment is shown in Figure 4. Frame 275 is carried by drive unit 16. The free space downstream from pulley 273 normally receives stationary guides such as swords, plows, etc., as is well known. The mounting of such stationary elements is elsewhere described herein.

The entire section marked Conveyor in Figure 4 is driven from drive unit 17 to which it is attached. It consists of a lower belt 280 running on pulleys 281, 282, 283 and driven by pulley 284 keyed to shaft 64 of drive unit 17. Pulley 284 can, if desired, be slid along shaft 64 to varying positions to align the delivery belt 280 with the work, if belt 280 is of narrow design. The holddown belt 285 runs on pulleys 286, to an end pulley not shown, and back over pulleys 288, 289, 290, 291 and 292 to drive pulley 293 keyed to shaft 71 of unit 17. Shaft 72 of unit 17 can be omitted in this unit. A pair of squeeze rolls 295 and 296 are mounted as shown so the finished and glued boxes pass between them and are driven by gears or chain drive from shafts 71 and 64 respectively.

The feed table in Figure 4 is shown diagrammatically. Its belt 300, if such is used, is run over appropriately positioned pulleys and is driven by drive pulley 301 on shaft 65 of unit 15. Where other modes of feeding are used requiring power feed, the power can be derived from shaft 65 or shaft 72.

lt will be understood that in the prefold station and in the gluer station there are usually three set sof belts such as belt and 92 which cooperate to carry the blank during various portions of its travel thru the prefolding and gluing operations, as is well known. Hence those described are merely illustrative. The paths of travel must be adjustable to various positions at different spacings from the center line (C-L) of the machine (see Figure l) and for full utility any of said belts should be capable of wide adjustment to varying paths on either side of the center line of the machine. According to the present invention the folder frames carrying the pulleys for the lower belts and the top carriers which similarly serve to carry the upper belts, and stationary mechanical elements are entirely supported from the drive units 15, 16 and 17 which define the beginning and the end of the particular section of the machine. Thus, the particular folder frame providing support for the belt 80 and all other folder frames of the prefolder section (Figure 4) are supported at their ends from drive units 15 and 16 for this prefolder and by drive units 16 and 17 for the gluer. Likewise, the top carrier brackets for supporting the belt 92 (Figure 4) throughout its continuous course of travel and all other top carriers in the prefolder section and glucr are supported at one or both of their ends by the drive units 15 and 16 or 16 and 17. Top carriers may be supported from one drive unit alone or both and these likewise are laterally adjustable with the folder frames with which they cooperate.

All of the folder frames and top carriers are not specifically illustrated in the drawings, for to do so would unnecessarily multiply the illustrations. However, a repfesentative folder `frame and cooperating top y:carrier is shown in Figures 6 and 7, which shows'one cooperating pair (frame and bracket) of the prefolder. Thus, in Figure 6 there is provided a belt generally designated 105 having a horizontal course of travel 106 in the direction of the arrow 107. This belt begins this horizontal course of travel at the pulley 108 of drive lunit 15 and the horizontal course of travel is terminated at the pulley 109 of drive unit 16. The belt then travels around a large drive pulley 110 which is keyed to (but slideable on) the shaft l65 of the drive unit 16, thence continues around a guide pulley 111 another guide pulley 112, a takeup pulley 113 (these being mounted on folder frame 116) thence over a guide pulley 114 o n folder frame l116 near drive unit '.15 and around a large drive pulley 115 keyed to (but slideable on) the shaft 64 of the drive unit 15 and the belt then continues to the originating pulley 108. This belt 105 is continuous and therefore travels continuously over the path described. The support of the belt 105 and of all of the pulleys on which it travels (except drive pulleys 110 and 115) is by means of the folder frame generally designated 116 in Figures 6 and 7. Folder frame 116 may be considered as representative of all folder frames used throughout the entire machine.

Similarly in cooperation with the belt 105 there is an upper b elt 118 having a horizontal course of travel at 119 parallel to and overlying the horizontal course of travel 106 of the belt 105.l This horizontal course of travel begins at the pulley 120 and ends at the pulley 121 whence the belt continues over the idler pulleys 122 which may be arranged in any position desired for accomplishing the appropriate belt tightening operation. The belt 118 then continues around the pulley 123 and passes over a large drive pulley 124 which is keyed to (but slideable on) the shaft 71 of the drive unit 15 and thence returns over the pulley 120. Belt 118 is likewise continuous.

All of the pulleys for guiding and driving the belt 118 (with the exception of pulley 124) and the stationary and other box blank guiding and folding devices which may be required at the upper level of the box folding operation areY carried on top carrier bracket 125 from the drive unit 15 or from the drive unit-16 or both. This top carrier is generally designated 125 in Figure 6..

As shown in Figure 7, which illustrates only the lower portion of the machine, there are three folder frames v116,` 126 and 127. There are a corresponding number of cooperating top carriers of which one, generally designated 125 in Figure 6, isshown. It will be understood that as manyv top carriers as needed will be provided for lsupporting. the upper belts which cooperate with the belts on folder frames 116, 126 and 127.

In general it may be stated that all folder frames are s upported in a corresponding manner andv that all are adjustable so that they can bev moved to any desired position relative to but always parallell to thel center line of the entire machine. The folder frames (116, 126 and 127) are mountedl sov that they can be moved parallel to the center line from any one of a plurality of stations around the machine, and yet the overall width of the machine is so greatly reduced, due to the absence of main side frame members for the machine that the operator can stand right. next to the folder frames. A description of the mounting of one of the folder frames; is therefore considered suicient for illustrative purposes.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, and to Figures 3.andx4, it will be noted that on each of the drive units and at the incoming and outgoing sides thereof, in respect to travel of the box blank therethrough, there are provided transverse mounting rods for supporting the folder frames and top carrier brackets. Thus referring to Figure 3, this figure shows drive unit 16 at the junction of the prefolder. and gluer sections. At the lower part of the drive unit and to Yeach edge of each side frame 751 member are attached side brackets 130 (near side -and` far left) and brackets 140 (near side `and far side kright).I .Brackets 130 support three horizontal screws 131, 1321 and 133 and a cross-rail 157 which respectively supports the downstream ends of the three folder framesl 116, 126 and 127 of the prefolder (see Figures 6 andA 7). Brackets 140 similarly supports three horizontaly screws 141, 142 and 143 and a cross-rail 147, which in' turn support the (upstream) ends of the three folder l All of the drive units areb Thus drive unit 15, Figures 6 Iand 7, or brackets 140, support three screws (141-142-143) at that` drive stand which likewise the upstream ends of thel three folder frames 116, 126 and 127 of the prefolder..

It is a feature of the invention that each of thef folder frames supporting box forming belts and folding:

frames of the gluer section. similar.

mechanisms between the drive units, may be adjusted laterally in respect to the center line of the machine. This adjustment is similar at all drive units and descriptions in respect to those illustrated in Figures 3, 6 and 7 will therefore suce. This provision is made, as follows, for moving the folder frames transversely in respect to the center line of the machine as shown by double arrow 167 of Figure 7. Thus, the upstream ends of the folder frame 116, 126 and 127 are supported upon a horizontal stationary rail 147 extending transversely lat drive unit 15. This rail is supported from the side brackets on side frames 50 and 51 of the drive unit 15. A similar rail 157, mounted on brackets 130 of drive unit 16 supports the downstream ends of the folder frames 116, 126 and 127. At each end and under each folder frame are small brackets 148 carrying rollers 149 resting on the rails to reduce friction. This construction is shown in Figure 3 for the upstream end of the right folder frame 116 of the gluer sections. All are similar. Extending from the bottom of the left end of the folder frame (and similarly for all other folder frame upstream ends) is a link 150 (see detail Figures 3 and 9). The upper end of this link is pivotally attached to the lower edge of the upstream end of folder frame 116, as shown best in Figure 9, link 150 is enlarged at its lower end to form a hub 152 in which a cylindrical nut 155 is journaled in bearings 153 and 154. The nut 155 is threaded to turn on the screw 141, and at the right end of the nut (as shown in Figure 9) there is a ange 155A and at the left (reduced) end 155B a gear 156 is keyed on. Outside the gear 156 there is keyed on a chain sprocket 158. The nut 155 and the gear 156 and the sprocket 158 thus rotate as a unit in the bearing 153-154 in the hub 152 and when thus turned, will move the folder frame 116 as shown by the double arrow 167, the direction depending upon the direction nut 155 is turned. On the hub there is another downwardly extending bear ing at 159, in which there is a rotatable collar 160 which is held in place at one end by a pressed on gear 166 (which mates with gear 156) and is held at the other end by collar 169. Collar 160 has a key at 161 that is arranged to slide in a keyway slot 162 in a crossl shaft 163. The cross shaft 163 is also shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7. The cross shaft extends out throughY the brackets 140-140 at each side of the drive unitr and upon each extending end there is provided a pin as at 164, upon which the operator may conveniently place a removable wrench for turning the cross shaft. When the operator turns the shaft 163, this also rotates the collar 160 which then turns gear 166 and the latter turns the gear 156 and, accordingly, the gear 156 is rotated. This causes the nut 155 to rotate and, as it rotates on the stationary threaded screw shaft 141, it causes theV entire hub 152 to move in one direction or the other (as shown by arrow 167), depending upon the direction of rotation and this carries the end of` the folder frame 116 in the corresponding direction.

In order that the folder frame 116 should not be cocked but always move parallel to successive positions paralel to the center line of the machine, the same motion is transmitted to the far end of the corresponding folder frame 116 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9). This is accomplished by means of the sprocket 158 and a corresponding sprocket 168 at the opposite end of the folder frame at hub 165 (see Figures 6 and 7). A chain 170 is arranged to run on these sprockets and, accordingly, as the shaft 163 is turned, this produces rotation of the nut 155 on the threaded stationary shaft 141 (left end Figures 6 and 7) :and the sprocket 153 will produce rotation of the corresponding nut at hub 165 at the far end of the folder Vframe 116 upon the threaded shaft 131, thus moving that end cf the folder frame the same distance and direction. `In this way, the entire folder frame 116 is caused to be moved (translate) to any position along the two stationary threaded supporting shafts 141 and 131, and yet always keeps its position parallel to the center line of the machine. The link motion at 150 permits a slight amount of misalignment without imposing undue stresses on the various elements. The link motion 150 is provided only at one end, namely the upstream end (left in Figures 6 and 7), of each of the folder frames. At the downstream end of each folder frame the nuts 155 are merely journaled in a suitable hub 165 similar to hub 150, attached directly to the web of the folder frame as at hub 165, right to downstream end of folder frame 116, Figure 6. This is equivalent to making the device as illustrated in Figure 9, but without the pin connection at 150. At hub 165, the parts 150-152 are attached solid with the web of the folder frame 116.

Any slight movement about pin 151 (at the upstream end, left Figure 6) might be thought to be opposed by the support (against rotation of hub 152) afforded by shafts 141 and 163. To some extent this is true, however, the movement at pin 151 is very small, and shaft 163 has enough flexibility to permit the required motions. At the hub of 165 there is provided a gear corresponding to the gear 156, see Figure 9, and a sprocket corresponding to sprocket 166. The latter sprocket is mounted upon the adjustment shaft 171, which is supported in the side frames 130-130 on the drive unit 16 similarly to the brackets 140 and adjustment shaft 163. The adjustment shaft 171 is likewise provided with pins 174 at fr opposite ends and a keyway, along which keyed hub 160 (corresponding to Figure 9 construction) may slide. Accordingly, the operator may place his adjusting wrench on either end of the adjustment shaft 171 (at drive unit 16) or on either end of the adjustment shaft 163 at drive unit 15, and by merely rotating (others) the shafts will produce the translation of the folder frame 116 to a new position of adjustment along the two screws 141 and 131.

Each of the folder frames 116, 126 and 127 is mounted correspondingly. It will be understood that, in general, the mode of mounting of folder frames in each section of the machine will be in this way. At each end there is provided a rail, as rails 147 and 157 and the ends of the folder frames are provided with rollers to ride on these rails. Then for each end of every folder frame there is provided a screw and a nut operating thereon (as screws 141 and 131 and the nuts 155 thereon) and provision is made for imposing simultaneously at each end of the folder frame relative rotation of the nut with reference to the screw, thereby causing translation motion of the folder frame relative to the center line of the machine.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention the screws 141 and 131 are shown as stationary and nuts 155 are turned, but this is merely a matter of choice. If desired the nuts 155 can be held stationary in the folder frame and the screws journaled for turning. ln such form the screw would have a key slot and by having sprocket 158 keyed therein and held for sliding on the screw by a bracket against the folder frame the sprocket is available for turning or transmitting screw motion. Then by coupling such keyed on sprockets at both ends by a chain, both screws can be rotated simultaneously. According to the present invention the illustrated mode of construction is preferred for mechanical design reasons, since the screws are solidly mounted they also serve as cross frame members for the drive units. Only little bearings are needed for the shafts 163 and 171 whereas large ones would be needed for the screws. Also a screw with a key slot is difficult to make, and not strong.

All pulleys for mounting the box blank carrier belts, and all stationary devices are carried on the appropriate folder frames and hence move with them. The mounting of the belt under-support and drive pulleys for the various folder frame box carrier belts is illustrated in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 8, it will be noted that there is shown thereon an enlarged section through the drive-shaft of the drive unit 16. This drive-shaft is provided with a keyway 65A throughout its entire effective operating width between the side-frames of the drive unit and on the shaft 65 there is mounted a pulley (110, 86 and 178) for each of the folder frames. Thus, for the folder frame 116, there is provided a pulley 110. For the folder frame 126, there is provided a pulley 86. For the folder frame 127, there is provided a pulley 178. In each instance7 the pulley hub is provided with a key cooperating with keyslot 65A so the pulley will turn with the shaft but still is permitted to slide along the shaft. The hub is also provided with a circumferential groove such as the groove 110A for the pulley 110 and in this vgroove there fits a plate 116A fastened to the folder frame. The plate is of steel and has a partial circumferential notch in its lower edge which is faced with tough plastic layers 116B, which t into the groove of the pulley, as groove 110A, and by means of which the pulley is held in alignment with the folder frame itself. Thus, as the folder frame is caused to be moved in either direction, as shown by the double arrow 167 of Figure 8, such motion is transmitted through the plate 116A-116B to the groove 110A and hence also correspondingly moves the pulley 110 and causes it to slide along in one direction or the other upon the shaft 65 while keyed thereto. Now, it should be remembered that there is a limit of adjustment position. Thus when the folder frames 116, 126 and 127 are all brought towards each other, their motion will be stopped when the hubs of all the pulleys 110, 176 and 178 are brought into abutment. However, the folder frames 116, 126, and 127 may be spread apart, one placed at one position, measured from the center line of the machine, another at another position and a third at lstill another position, appropriate to the size of the box blank being operated upon. Regardless of the position, the pulley 110 of folder frame 116, pulley 86 of folder frame 126 and pulley 178 of folder frame 127 will always be moved and held in alignment with the folder frame and hence the box blank carrying belts which run over the pulleys 110, 86 and 178 respectively will always run true. The belt under-support pulleys 116B, as on folder frame 116, pulley 126B on folder frame 126 and pulley 127B on folder frame 127. The belt support pulleys are of any approved design and are mounted on the folder frames for appropriately supporting the travel of the belt. The pulley 109, see Figure 6, at drive unit 16, which decides the limit of movement of the belt along its path of movement 106, is likewise journaled in the folder frame 116. Similarly, the pulleys 112 and 113 are mounted appropriately on the folder frame 116. This is also true for the pulleys 108 and 114 at drive unit 15. The pulley 115 is slidably keyed on shaft 64 and is held with reference to the folder frame 116 at drive unit 15 in a manner precisely similar to that for the pulley at folder frame 16. Therefore, as the folder frame 116 is moved or translated from one position to another, parallel to the center-line of the machine,-every pulley upon which the box blank support belt travels is likewise 13 moved. This is also true of any other folder frame and the pulleys mounted on each of them and the belts carried thereby. It will be understood that the pattern of travel of the box blank support belts and the placement of guide pulleys may be varied, but pulleys 110, 186 and 178 (Figure 8) are always as described.

In addition to the lower belts which carry the box blanks, there are, in every box-forming machine, cooperating upper belts. The paths of travel of the upper belts are varied widely depending upon the scheme of operation of the box-forming machine, but in general, the upper belt will travel parallel to and superimposed upon the lower belt-for at least a portion of the path of travel of the lower belt and will then be guided by an appropriately mounted pulley out of contact with the blank and the blank is then operated upon in one way cooperating folder frames and top carrier according to the present invention, the upper belt mounting top carriers is arranged to be moved transversely of the machine simultaneously an amount and direction exactly equaling the corresponding movement of the cooperating folder frame beneath it. Thus referring to Figure 6, for the folder frame 116 there is for example, provided a top carrier, generally designated 125 upon which the belt 118 is mounted. The path of travel of belt 118 is from pulley 120, thence in the direction of arrow 109 along a path contacting the upper surface of belt 105 (at 106), and thence to pulley 121, which may be cocked, thence back around tightener pulleys 122 and under pulley 123, thence up around drive pulley 124 on shaft 71 of drive unit 15 and to pulley 120. Unit 169 is a top carrier hold-down which contains a plurality of rollers (not shown) bearing on the top of belt 118, between pulleys 120 and 121. The top carrierhold-down is mounted on threaded posts 125A125A connected to top carrier bracket 125, to allow for adjustment vertically `of unit 169, as is well known. Now, the pulley 124 is keyed to shaft 71, but can slide along the shaft, the position of pulley 124 along the shaft being determined by a fork 125B on bracket 125, the fork reaching into a groove in the hub of pulley 124, in a manner precisely similar to the way pulleys 110, 86 and 178 are held with reference to folder frames 116, 126 and 127 respectively, as shown in Figure 8. Hence when top carrier bracket 125 is moved (translated) one way or the other relative to the path of movement of the boX blanks thru the machine, pulley 124 will also be correspondingly slid along shaft 71, and all belts, pulleys and appurtenances on top carrier 125 will be moved correspondingly.

For mounting the top carrier bracket 125 (and similarly, for mounting every other top carrier used in the upper portion of the machine), there are provided at each of the drive units 15, 16, 17, etc., mechanisms as follows. (Please refer to Figure 3.) At the upper part of each of the drive units there is a horizontal cross shaft 182, preferably made square, and a circular cross shaft 183. These cross shafts are stationary and extend from one side frame to the opposite side frame member of drive unit. The cross shafts are most conveniently carried upon upper brackets 184-184 which are bolted on to the side frames 50 and 51.

Figure 6 shows (beginning at the left in this view), approximately one-half ofthe drive unit 15, from approximately the transverse vertical center-line therethru, thence continuing thru the prefolder section to approximately the center of the next drive unit 16. By referring to Figure 3 (which is illustrative of not only the particu-` lar drive unit 16 there shown, but also of all drive units), it will be noted that there are brackets 184 and brackets on the upper part of the drive unit. The brackets 184 support the square shaft 182 and the round shaft 183. The bracket 185 supports another square shaft 202 and a round shaft 201. These square and round shafts are simply cross-frame members and extend between side frames 50 and 51 of the drive units and form slides upon which the various top carrier brackets are mounted for supporting the upper belt pulleys, stationary devices, etc., used in the box forming mechanism. The shape of a particular top carrier bracket will vary to suit its location, but all are fitted on these round and square shafts. Thus the frame 125 is provided with an aperture through which the round shaft 183 passes and a' square notch in which the square shaft 182 is fitted. The frame can then slide transversely on these two transverse structural supports on the drive unit. The open side of the square notch at shaft 182 helps prevent binding. In order to impose a transverse movement on top carrier 125, it is provided with an upstanding ear at 125C having in it a screw threaded aperture 126. In this threaded aperture there is fitted a transverse screw threaded shaft 187 which extends from one of the brackets 184 on one side of the drive unit to the other bracket 184 at the opposite side of the drive unit. The shaft 187 has on its a sprocket 189 (which is tted to the shaft by means of a dog or pin clutchsee Figures 12A and 12B) and over this sprocket is run a rollertype chain 190 which goes down and runs yaround another sprocket at 191 mounted on the adjusting shaft 163. Therefore, when the operator turns the shaft 163 to move the folder frame 116, as previously described, this will also turn the shaft 187 (assuming the clutch in sprocket 189 is engaged) and, therefore, causes to move the top carrier bracket 125 in a direction either one way or the other, across the width of the machine and an amount and direction corresponding to the movement of the folder frame 116.

Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, shaft 187 is a tube, threadedat 187B to go thru the threaded opening in lug 125C, Figure 3, to shift frame 125. Shaft 187 has a bore 187A, thru which clutch control rod 177 passes entirely thru from end to end and at each end it has knobs 177A for shifting the rod 177 back and forth to allow control from either side of the machine. Tubular screw shaft 187 has a collar 207 held tight thereon which holds shaft between frame members 184 at opposite sides Aof the'machine. Sprocket 189 has a thick hub journaled on the outer surface of shaft 187. The hub of sprocket 189 has a bore at 189A and at the bottom of the bore is a cross slot 189B to receive pin 177B of control shaft 177. Pin'177B protrudes thru slots 187D in the shaft 187. When knob 177A is moved to the dotted position pin 177B will vbe pulled out of slot 189 (where it is in driving engagement with the sprocket), to the bore 189A where the ends of pin 177B are free and not driven by sprocket 189. The sprocket bore is covered by collar 173, which therefore holds the sprocket from sliding out on shaft 187.

The pitch of the screw on shaft 187 and size of the sprocket 189 is appropriate to keep the top carrier bracket 125 and the folder frame 116 always positioned in vertical alignment or at some appropriate position of displacement according to design requirements of the machine. However, by disengaging the sprocket clutch Figures 12A and 12B, the top carrier and folder frame can be moved independently.

The shaft 187 is provided at each of its ends with a cross-pin upon which the operator may place his operating wrench. Therefore, there are these two additional stations at the drive unit 15 where the operator can place a wrench for moving not only the top carrier 125, but also the folder frame 116.

As shown in Figure 6, at the opposite end of the pre- A15 folder section, at drive unit 16 there may, for example, be provided another top carrier generally designated 200 which is similarly mounted upon the drive unit 16 by means of a round cross-frame shaft 201, and a square cross-frame shaft 202. The top carrier 200 may in this instance carry the box opening plow 203, which is mounted upon vertical threaded studs MP4-204 which pass through appropriate apertures in the bracket 200 and are held by the pairs of nuts 205-205- By means of these vertical position of the sword 203 may be adjusted with reference to the path of travel of the underlying belt 105. The transverse position of the top carrier bracket is determined by an upstanding bracket at 200A having a threaded aperture therein through which a threaded shaft 210 passes. This threaded shaft is journaled in appropriate brackets 185 at each side of the drive unit 16. The shaft 210 is provided at one end with a sprocket 211 which is mounted on shaft 210 by the pin clutch shown in Figures 12A and 12B and sprocket 210 is connected by the drive chain 212 to a corresponding sprocket 213 on the shaft 171 at drive unit 16. The shaft 171, as will be remembered, has been mentioned with reference to the folder frame 116. Thus, the two shafts 163 and 171 of folder frame 116 are connected by chain belt 170, see Figure 7. Also shaft 163 is connected by chain 190 to shaft 187 and shaft 171 is connected by chain 212 to shaft 21). Hence when the operator places a wrench on either end of any of the shafts 187, 163, 210 or 171 and rotates it, all shafts will be turned in unison and the two upper top carrier brackets 125 and 200 will be moved and the folder frame 116 will be correspondingly moved, precisely and simulaneously in exact cooperating relationship from one position to another transversely relative to the centerline of the machine. Therefore, at the drive unit 15, there are four stations where the operator may place his adjusting wrench and at the drive unit 16 four additional stations, total of eight, at which an adjustment of the folder frames 116 and the top carrier brackets 125 and 200 may be made.

All other cooperating sets of folder frames and top carrier brackets of the prefolder section and gluer section and other sections which may be used in the machine between successive drive units are similarly constructed and each set may be similarly and independently operated in respect to the other sets, for adjusting the machine for making various sizes of boxes.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the over-all width of the machine is very much narrowed since there are no side-frame members of the machine which interfere with the operator. Accordingly, an operator may stand at the station A or at stations B, C or D, or at any place close in to the box-shaping mechanism, as for example at stations E and F (see Figure 7) and without stooping or bending adjust the machine and its components.

As will be noted from Figure 4, the box blank travels with the belt according to arrow 82. The box enters from the feed table or feeder to the nip face 220 between the belts Si) and 92 or other belts at the upstream end of the prefolder section and they then pass along and are carried by the belts of the prefolder and are not liberated until they are delivered from the prefolder as between pulleys 85 and 95, see Figure 4. The box blanks then project unsupported across the vertical transverse center line CL16 of drive unit 16 and as the leading edge of the box blank proceeds, it passes between the belts of the gluer, as for example, belts 2519 and 251 where they run around the pulleys 253 and 272. The box blank then proceeds thru the gluer and is carried by the various belts in the gluer section until the blank passes the vertical centerplane CL17 of drive unit 17, and enters the conveyor section. It is a feature of the present invention that the box blank is thus progressed as shown in greater detail in Figure from one stage of the machine to the other, but the stages are independent of each other and are spaced but in close proximity at the transverse centerplane of each of the drive units. This provides what may be designated a flying transfer of the box blanks from one box forming stage to another box forming stage.

This mode of operation has the advantage in that each stage of the machine is a separate entity and yet is driven and operates in synchronism with all other stages due to the common drive along the center line drive shaft which operates all of the drive units, each in synchronism and unison with all others. Such construction allows the insertion of varying stages merely by inserting additional drive units and appropriate folder frames and top carriers between adjacent roll stands. Also any one of the set of three folder frames of one section, such as the prefolder and any one of the set of three folder frames of the next section, for example the gluer, do not overlap and hence can be adjusted at will, since they do not interfere with each other at their adjacent ends. This vastly increases the range of adjustments in the box-making machine.

While there has been herein described a specific form of the invention, it should be understood that the same may be altered in many particulars `and arrangement of parts without ydeparture from the `spirit and the scope of the invention which is only limited by the appended frame. The drawings are not scale, and some liberty has been taken in omission of usual parts.

While I have herein shown and described one specific embodiment of the invention for the sake of disclosure, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such specific embodiment but contemplates all variations thereof as fairly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A box making machine comprising a plurality of drive units at spaced intervals along the longitudinal center line of the path of movement of the box blank through the machine, a power transmission gearing at each drive unit along said center line, box blank operating mechanisms mounted `on adjacent drive units and operated by said gearings and power transmission shafts connecting the gearings of successive drive units.

2. The box making machine of claim 1 further characterized in that main frame members are provided for connecting the successive drive units, said main frame members being positioned so as to enclose the transmission shafts, said drive units extending transversely of the machine center line substantially beyond said main frame members.

3. A box making machine wherein a box blank is moved along a prescribed path of motion through a plurality of box forming zones including blank feeding, folding, gluing and delivery zones, drive units between successive zones, each of said drive units including side frames, dening the width of the machine in a direction transversely to the path of motion of the box blank, a tier of stationary transverse frame members and rotatable transverse shafts 'oeing provided at each side of the transverse vertical center line of each drive unit and mounted thereon so as to form the support and rotary power supply shafts for box forming devices supported by the drive units, a gearbox at each drive unit positioned along the longitudinal center line of the path of motion of the box blank through the machine, shafting connecting the gearboxes of successive drive units, gearing on at least one side frame lof each drive unit connected to the gearbox -of said drive unit and to the rotary power supply shafts of said drive unit for rotating themV and narrow main frame members connecting the drive units near the bases thereof and enclosing the shafting connecting the gearboxes of successive drive units.

4. The box making machine of claim 3 further characterized in that the drive units are of substantially uni- :form construction.

5. The box making machine of claim 3 further characterized in that longitudinal frames are mounted upon adjacent transverse stationary frame members of successive drive units so as to be supported thereby and pulleys are mounted on said longitudinal frames so as to be driven by the adjacent rotary shafts of successive drive units, and box carrying continuous belts arranged to run on said pulleys, the path of travel of the belts in each Zone terminating within the longitudinal space defined by the vertical transverse centerplanes of successive drive units.

6. The box making machine of claim further characterized in that means is provided on the drive units for translating the positions of the longitudinal frames while maintaining them parallel to path of motion of the box blank through the machine.

7. In a box forming machine, the improvement comprising successive drive units at spaced intervals along the center line of the path of motion of a box blank through the machine, each drive unit being composed of side frames spaced at each side of said center line, a plurality of transverse screw threaded shafts extending between and supported by said side frames at a low level thereon, a lower rotary shaft journaled in said side frames near said level, a plurality of folder frames extending from one drive unit to the next and mounted so as to be carried by a transverse screw threaded supporting shaft of one drive unit at one end and by a transverse screw threaded supporting shaft yof the next drive unit at the other end, nut means on the folder frames at the points of mounting of the folder frames on its supporting shafts at opposite ends thereof and means connecting said shafts and nut means at 4opposite ends "of the same folder frame imposing simultaneous relative motion of the nut means and screw threaded shafts for imposing like motion on each end of the folder frame for moving the folder frame in a direction transverse to said center line to varying positions parallel to said center line, and pulley means key mounted on the rotary shafts of successive drive units and -on said folder frames for rotation by said rotary shafts and keyed sliding movement along said shafts with said folder frames.

8. The box making machine of claim 7 further characterized in that the nut means is journaled in the folder frames and the screw threaded shafts are stationary.

9. The box making machine of claim 8 further characterized in that each drive unit is provided with one transverse rotary adjuster shaft for each screw threaded shaft, said adjuster shafts being provided with adjuster gear means connected in gear driving relation to and for rotating said nut means, said adjuster gear means being slidable along the adjuster shaft while rotating therewith.

10. The box making machine of claim 7 further characterized in that supplementary rail supports are provided across each drive unit for supporting some Iof the weight of the folder frames.

11. The box making machine of claim 7 further characterized in that the nut means on at least one end of each folder frame is mounted for slight movement endwise in respect to the folder frame.

12. The box making machine of claim 7 further characterized in that at least some drive units of the machine are provided with upper transversely extending rails at a higher level for supporting top carriers above said folder frames for sliding translatory movement above and simultaneously with said folder frames, and means is provided interconnecting the folder frames and cooperating top carriers for simultaneously moving them in unison transversely of said center line.

13. The box making machine of claim l2 further characterized in that said drive units are provided with transverse upper rotary shafts each provided with drive means so as to be driven in unison with one of said lower rotary shafts and pulley means is mounted for axial sliding movement thereon while being driven thereby and means is provided for holding said pulley in alignment with a top carrier carried by upper rails.

14. In a box making machine a support and transmission drive unit composed of frame members spaced generally parallel along side of the center line of the path of movement of a box blank through said machine, said drive unit being generally symmetrical about a vertical plane transverse to said center line, said drive unit being characterized in that at each side of said centerplane and at a lower level there are provided a plurality of transverse rail members, at least one of which is a screw threaded shaft and at least one transverse lower level shaft journaled in said side frames at approximately said lower level and further characterized in that at `an upper level that at least one side of said centerplane there are provided a plurality of fixed rails and at least one transverse threaded screw shaft and a transverse upper level shaft journaled in said side frames at said upper level.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further characterized in that for each screw threaded shaft at said lower level there is provided a companion parallel mounted adjustment shaft journaled in said side frames.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 further characterized :in that pulleys are mounted on said lower level and upper level shafts at each side of said centerplane, the diameters of the pulleys being such that when a belt is run thereon it will not pass beyond said centerplane. U

17. A box making machine wherein a box blank 1s moved along a prescribed path of movement through a plurality of box forming zones including blank feeding, folding, gluing .and delivery zones, drive units between successive zones, each of said drive units including side frames defining the width of the machine in a direction transverse to the path of movement of the box blank, a tier of stationary transverse frame members and rotatable transverse shafts being provided at each side of the transverse vertical center line of each drive unit and mounted thereon so as to form the support and rotary power supply shafts for box forming devices supported by the drive units, a gearbox at each drive unit positioned along a line paralleling the path of movement of the box blank through the machine, shafting connecting the gearboxes of successive drive units, gearing on at least one side frame of each drive unit connected to the gearbox of said drive unit and to the rotary power supply shafts of said drive unit for rotating them, one side frame member of each drive unit constituting an enclosed gear housing wherein the gearing of said drive unit is contained, and narrow main machine frame members connecting the drive units near the bases thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,104,013 Staude July 21, 1914 1,298,586 Sidebotham Mar. 25, 1919 1,613,132 Rosener Jan. 4, 1927 2,068,163 Bowersock et al. Jan. 19, 1937 2,125,147 Bergstein July 26, 1938

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