US3250054A

US3250054A - Bottom wrap inserter

Info

Publication number: US3250054A
Application number: US230955A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dwight H Hurlbut; John A Rauenbuehler; Bertrum S Shelvik; John H Trumble
Original assignee: Cutler Hammer Inc
Current assignee: Cutler Hammer Inc
Priority date: 1962-10-16
Filing date: 1962-10-16
Publication date: 1966-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 1983-05-10
Also published as: GB970971A

Description

May l0, 1966 D. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER Filed Oct. 16, 1962 '7 Sheets-SheetI 1 UH il' i mlm IW /oaa May 10, 1966 D. H. HURLBUT ETAI. 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001'.. 16, 1962 l I I I l l l l I I l Il f llil` 1 fr\\: v

| l l I I I l IIJI- I WNV UNV

May 10, 1956 D. H. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 16, 1962 May 10, 1965 D. H. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER Filed Oct. 16, 1962 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 /oac 64 6a 28a May l0, 1966 D. H. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER .1

Filed oct. 1e, 1962 v sheets-sheet 5 llu lll

hm i5. mm LW im 5mm May 10, 1966 D. H. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER '7 Sheets-Sheet` 6 Filed OCT.. 16, 1962 May 10, 1966 D. H. HURLBUT ETAL 3,250,054

BOTTOM WRAP INSERTER Filed Oct. 16, 1962 7 Sheecs-Sh =.e'fl 7 United States Patent O Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 16, 1962, Ser. No. 230,955 4 Claims. (Cl. 53-66) This invention relates to bottom sheet wrap inserting machines.

While not limited thereto, the machine of the present invention is particularly suited for inserting sheet wraps Under stacked articles such as newspapers and the like.

Bottom wrap inserting machines which pay off a length of web from a roll supply under moving articles and then cut it off `from the roll to a predetermined length are well known. These have taken various forms, but have commonly employed relatively expensive-to-build web cut-off mechanisms. Prior constructions have also left much to be desired as to ease of initial threading of a web from a new supply roll, and providing easy access to the web drive and cut-olf mechanism for maintainance and clearing of web jams.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention 4to provide an improved bottom wrap inserting and cut-otf machine of a construction providing ready and easy access to the web drive and cut-off mechanism and which permits use of a simple type of web cut-off mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inserting and cut-off machine of the aforementioned type wherein the wrap is inserted under the articles and is positively driven in synchronism with the movement of the articles along a conveyor and appropriately cut off to provide overlap at both ends of the article.

A further object is to provide a machine of the aforementioned type which provides means whereby the length of the articles automatically determines the point at which the wrap web is severed to provide the desired length of sheet wrap.

A still further object is to feature in the construction for the aforementioned machine limit and interlock v switches insuring `the safety of the operator.

Still another object is to pro-vide a machine of the aforementioned type which can be driven by an electric drive motor individual there-to, orbe driven through mechanical connection by a newspaper stacking machine or the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter 'be apparent.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment which will now be described in detail, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the device;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the device with portions of the cover elements broken away;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the incoming end of a portion of the device;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. .3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional View similar to FIG. 4 showing the operated position of Various parts;v

FIG. 6 is an elevational view `tif -a subassembly with portions broken away;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are end views of a portion of Vthe device showing it in three different positions;

FIG. 11 is an opposite end view `of the portion of the device shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, and

lvFIG. 12 is a partially diagrammatic Iand partially schematic view of the control system for the device.

A bottom wrap inserter machine constructed in accord- Patented May 10, 1966 lCe ance with the invention has an incoming conveyor 16 mounted on the left end of a framework as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an outgoing conveyor 18 mounted on the opposite end. Also mounted on the frame, between

conveyors

16 and 18, is a cutter-drive unit 20. Cutter-drive 2i) can be removed as a unit by removing bolts 36. These components are driven through a system of sprockets by chain 22, represented by a broken line in FIG. 2. Chain 24, also represented by a broken line, connects the end rollers of outgoing conveyor 18. Chain 22 is driven by motor 26 mounted within the frame of the device. If it is desired, incoming conveyor 16 may be replaced by the output end of a counter-stacker, such as the one described in Howdle et al. Patent No. 2,819,661, granted January 14, 1958, now Reissue No. 25,018, and chain 22 connected to be driven by the counter-stacker drive.

A roll of wrapping paper 28 is mounted on a cradle assembly 30 and positioned in an opening of the frame below conveyor 18. This asesmbly can be positioned to load the roll from either side of the device. The roll is slid over a spindle 30a and then held firm by threading a hub 3tlb snuggly against it.

A dancer roll assembly 32 is pivotally mounted on the right-hand leg of the frame at 34. This assembly comprises two substantially L-shaped tubes 32a connected at one end by-a roller 32h, and holds the paper under tension during the operation of the device. A plate 32e rigidly secured to one of the tubes 32a cooperates with the actuator of a limit switch LSS mounted on the right-hand leg of the frame for a purpose that will hereinafter be eX- plained.

As best shown in FIGS. 8-10, the cutter-drive unit comprises three main sections; a base or lower section 38, a power or upper section 40, and a pressure roll transfer section 42. These sections and the means for connecting them make up a feature of the invention that will be later described in detail.

End plates 44 of base section 38 are attached to spacer bars 46 by bolts 48, which also secure angle mounting members 50 to the base. Bearing plates 52 are rigidly secured to'the upper ends of end plates 44 by screws 54 which take into threaded openings in L-shaped bracket 56 through clearance holes in end plates 44 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). Bearing plates 52 and end plates 44 form the housing for the ball bearings that support a main power shaftv SS. A sprocket 60 secured to main power shaft 58 provides the cutter-drive unit a driving connection with chain 22 from motor 26.

Also attached to brackets 56 is another pair of brackets 62, which serve as mounting means for curved guide plate 64. Plate 64 is attached to brackets 62 by flat head screws 66. Clearance slots 64a have been provided in plate 64 to accommodate rollers 42e of pressure roll transfer section 42.

Pressure roll transfer section 42 is rotatably mounted on main power shaft 58 by ball bearings housed in end pieces 42a. End pieces 42a are bolted to each end of a connecting plate 421). Shafts 42C and 42d are also mounted freely rotatable on ball bearings housed within end pieces 42a. Rubber

idler rollers

42e and 42f are non-rotatably attached to

shafts

42e and 42d, respectively, in spaced apart relation.

A clevis plate 68 is bolted to connecting plate 42h at approximately its center. A headed clevis pin 68a is inserted through clearance holes in plate 68 and in lever 70 and held in place by a cotter key. The other end of lever 70 is attached to the plunger of air cylinder AC1 by threading the plunger extension into a tapped hole in horizontal leg 70a of lever 70. Adjustment of the travel of pressure transfer section 42 may be made by these means, and a nut 70b is threaded against the underside of leg portion '70a to lock the adjustment. Air cylinder AC1 is secured by a clevis plate 72 and a headed clevis pin 72a to mounting plate 74.

A bracket 76 is bolted to connecting plate 42b near its left end (FIG. 3) for attachment thereto of one end of an actuator rod 78 which is pivotally connected at its other end to the actuator of a limit switch LS3. Limit switch LS3 is mounted on the left end plate 44 by a pair of screws.

A rod S extends between end plates 44 and is secured thereto at each end by bolts 80h. Collars 80a are held in place on rod 80 by set screws, and these collars linearly position a cutter assembly 82. Rod 80 also aids in spac-l ing apart end plates 44, as do spacer bars 46.

Cutter assembly 82 is mounted on rod 80 by yoke portion 82a which has insert bearings 82h of bronze or the like pressed in each leg, affording the assembly free rotation on rod 00. A V-shaped bracket 82e is mounted on yoke portion 82a by bolts 84. The length of this assembly can be adjusted by slots 82d in yoke portion 82a. A cutter blade 82e having a saw-toothed edge, -is held in place on bracket 82e by screws 82f which take into threaded holes in a back-up bar 82g. A bracket leg 82h extends downwardly of yoke portion 82aand is connected to a clevis plate 82]' by a headed clevis pin 82k, which is retained by a cotter key. The horizontal member of -clevis plate 82j is slotted lengthwise and has a tapped hole at its center. The plunger extension of air cylinder AC2 is threaded into this hole until the proper adjustment of cutter assembly 82 is obtained, and

then screws 82m are tightened to hold the adjustment. Air cylinder AC2 is secured by clevis plate S6 and clevis pin 36a to mounting plate 74. A bracket 88 is mounted on spacer bars 46 for mounting a limit switch L86. Limit switch LS6 is actuated by plate S211 mounted on yoke portion 82a by bolts 84.

A guide plate 90 is mounted between end plate's 44 by means of brackets 90a which are secured to each end 64, plate 90 has clearance slots provided to accommodate rollers 42j" of pressure roll transfer section 42.

As can more clearly be seen in FIG. 7, plate 90 also houses the cooperating lower portion of the paper stop mechanism 98. A resilient brake lining material 92, such as rubber or the like, is secured to a backing plate 94 by screws 94a. A support plate 96 is fastened to the underside of plate 90 by means of a hinge assembly 96a. A screw 96h also is fastened to plate 90 by nut 96C and extends downwardly from` plate 90. Backing plate 94 is then placed on the support plate 96 which -is swung into position and held in place by wing nut 96d, trapping backing plate 94 between itself and plate 90. Rubber lining 92 and part of backing plate 94 extend through opening 90b in plate 90 to allow contact with the paper stop assembly 98. Replacement of worn brake linings is facilitated in this manner.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 4, and 6, upper portion of paper stop mechanism 98 is secured to end plates 44 by bolts 100, which take into threaded holes in mounting frame 98a. Vertical adjustment of such portion of the mechanism 98 is afforded through slots 44a in end plates 44. A U-shaped member 98]? is bolted to frame 98a to support paper stop lever 98C. Nylon bearings 98d are inserted into holes in the legs of member 98b and screws 98e penetrate through the bearings and thread into stop lever 98C, leaving it free to pivot. Secured by bolts on top of mounting frame 98a is a bracket 98j, in which is pivotally mounted an air cylinder AC3. A tongued clevis adapter 98g is threaded onto the plunger extension of air cylinder AC3 and positioned in a slot 98h in paper stop lever 98o. A bolt 98]' projects through a iirst clearance hole in the tongue of adapter 98g, and is threaded into a tapped hole in the lever 98e, connecting the air cylinder to the stop lever.

As best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, power section 40 comprises a sub-frame having end plates 102 mounted vof plate 90 and screwed to end plates 44. Like guide end plates 102 and helps to maintain their spaced relation. An idler roller 106a is rotatably mounted on shaft 106 and is held against axial movement thereon by collars 106i).

A bearing block 108a for top plate 108 is also pivoted on shaft 106 to allow the top plate 108 to be pivoted upward from the power section 40. This will be later explained in more detail. Top plate 108 has a downwardly bent portion 108k at the incoming end of the unit to prevent loose edges of incoming papers from slipping or snagging under the plate. A slot 108e is also provided in plate 108 for the web 28a of wrapping paper to pass through above the plate and under a stack of newspapers. Clearance slots 108d are also provided for the rolls 116e of power section 40. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, guide

plates

110 and 112 are secured to brackets 114, which in turn are screwed to end plates 102, and along with shaft 106, serve to'space end plates 102.

Plates

110 and 112 are also provided with clearance slots to accommodate their respective rollers;

A shaft 116 extends through end plates 102 at both ends of the power section 40, and is mounted in antifriction bearings held by housings secured on the outside of each end plate 102. Rubber drive wheels `116a are non-rotatably secured to shaft 116 in spaced apart relation to cooperate with the rubber idler rollers '42e on shaft 42C. Power is imparted to shaft 116 through a gear 110 nonrotatably mounted thereon which normally meshes with a gear 120 fixed on main power shaft 58. At its other outer end, shaft 116 has a gear 122 fixed thereon which meshes with an idler gear 124, which in turn meshes with a gear 126' fixed on shaft 128 to drive the latter (FIG. ll).

Like shaft 116, a shaft 128 also extends through end plates 102 and is mounted in antifriction bearings within housings bolted on the outside of end plates`102.v These housings 130 have special legs 130:1 formed on them for a -purpose to be later described. Shaft 128 also has rubber drive rollers 128:1 non-rotatably mounted in spaced apart relation to cooperate with rubber idler rollers 42jc of shaft 42d.

In article handling systems, the output received is dependent upon a smooth, eicient operation of all components within the system. The length of time required to p restore a breakdown anywhere in the vsystem lowers the output considerably. FIGS. 8-11 in the drawings show a particular feature of the invention which greatly facilitates restoring the cutter-drive unit to working order in a short time should a breakdown :or web jam occur therein.

FIGS. 8 and ll are opposite end views of the cutterdrive unit 20 in its latched and operable condition. Power unit 40 is held to base unit 38 by

levers

132 and 134 which are pivoted at 136 and 138, respectively.

Levers

132 and 134 are biased in counterclockwise and clockwise directions respectively, by tension springs 140 and 141. Lever 134 has an extension 134a to which a disk shaped member i13417 is eccentrically mounted to cooperate with the plunger type actuator fof a limit switch LS7, mounted on the outside of an end plate 44. Member 134b may be rotated to adjust the tripping point yfor the limit switch LS7.

On the inside of their upper ends levers 132 and 134 have substantially triangular shaped members 142 mounted by pins and screws as shown. These members cooperate with a surface on the leg portions 1300: of bearings 130 to latch power section 40' to base section 38.

Rollers 144 are mounted on

levers

132 and 134 for cooperation with cams 146 which are rigidly mounted on a common shaft 148. Shaft 148 extends through the base section 38 and is rotatably mounted in openings in the end plates 44. Spacers 148e (FIG. 3) located between the carns146 and end plates 44 serve to properly position the assembly. Shaft 148 extends to the outside of the device and operating handles 150 are fixed to each end (FIGS. 1 and 2).

Should a jam occur in the paper web 28a within the cutter-drive unit, the operator turns handle 150 until the rollers 144 snap over the detent portions 146o of cams 146 (FIG. 9). Detent portions-146a oifer feel of position of cams 146 an-d serve to Ahold or lock the latch' assembly out of engagement until 'a positive rotating pressure is applied to handle 150 to overcome the locking action. The action of the cams 146 on the rollers 144 force the levers 132 and 134 'outwardly against the bias of springs 140 and triangular members y142 move out 0f engagement with leg portions 130:1 of bearing housings 130. Previous to this in the operation of cams 146 extension 134a of lever 134 moves inwardly, causing member 134b to trip safety limit switch LS7 to interrupt electrical power supply to motor 26 and its controls as will hereinafter be more fully explained. The operator can then lift top plate 108 from its position on power section 40. Spring loaded balls held in block 108e cooperate with slots on the inner edges of end plates 102 of power section 40 to give a detent type of latch to plate 108.

These steps completed, the operator can then pivot power section 40 upwardly, or counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 10, around pivot point 104, exposing the inner mechanism of cutter-drive unit 20, and the paper jam. Once the jam is cleared, the procedure is reversed and the device is ready to function again.

The motor 26 of the device is connected to a threephase, 60 cycle, A C. source of 220 or 440 volts (FIG. 12). The control components for this motor are connected to the more common 110 volt, A.C. source. The connections and components are vmade readily accessible by mounting them on a control panel behind a door 21 in the lower left-hand portion of the frame. A control station 2S is mounted on the device within easy reach of the operator and may be mounted on either side of the device.

The pneumatic control elements are located in a drawer in the same location as door 21, but on the opposite side of the device. The air supply manifold, which is located in this drawer, is connected to a suitable source of pressure air supply.

FIG. 12 illustrates the device in its at rest state, air pressure being supplied to the manifold and electrical power supplied to the machine, but without connection to the device through the control components. To start the device, a push-button start switch S1, moun-ted on the control station 25, is momentarily depressed to cause current flow from A.C. supply line L4 through the start switch S1, a normally closed push-button stop switch S2, limit switch LS7 and a relay coil 4CR to A.C. supply line L5. This energizes relay `4CR which closes its contacts'4CR1 to maintain a circuit around pushbutton S1 when the latter is released. Current also flows from line L4 through contacts 4CR1, stop switch S2,limit switch LS7, .and main contactor M, to line L5, energizing contactor M which closes its contacts M1, M2 and M3.

These contacts connect the motor 26 with main power supply lines L1, L2 and L3, causing motor 26 to run and drive

conveyors

16 and 18 and cutter-drive unit 20 through drive chain 22.

. A selector switch S3, also located at the control station 25, is moved to its run lposition, thus affording a circuit from line L4 through closed contacts 4CR1, stop switch S2, selector switch S3 and relay SCR to line L5. This energizes relay SCR, which closes its normally open contacts 5CR2, to connect line L4 to line L5 through contacts 1 of limit switch LS1, contacts 1 of limit switch LS3 and an air valve solenoid 2 SOL to energize the latter. Energization of solenoid 2 SOL actuates a spring return air valve 2AV, located on the air supply manifold, moving it to its right-hand position against the bias of its return spring. I-t its right-hand position, air valve 2AV directs air flow to the bottom of air cylinder AC2, forcing the cutter assembly 82 upwardly, to its cutting position.

6 Limit switch LS6, actuated by the movement of cutter assembly 82, is thereby opened.

As a stack of newspapers enters incoming conveyor 16, it operates limit switch LS1, closing its contacts 2 and opening its contacts 1 thereby opening the circuit to air valve solenoid 2SOL causing cutter assembly 82 to d-rop to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and l2. Limit switch LS6 consequently recloses and current ows from line L4, through contacts 2 of limit switch LS1, limit switch LS6, and an air valve solenoid 1 SOL to line L5. Solenoid 1 SOL consequently becomes energized and moves its associated spring return air valve to the righthand position against the bias of the return spring, directing air into the top of air cylinder AC1. Thus pressure roll transfer section 42 is rotated counterclockwise to engage rollers 42f with web 28a and force it against rubber drive wheels 128a of the power section 40. A manually adju-stable air throttling valve 158 is inserted in the line between the bottom end of air cylinder AC1 and the valve 1 AV to adjust the rate of ow and thus eliminate bounce of the rubber wheels 42f upon engagement with rubber drive wheels 128er. With wheels 42]c and 128a engaging web 28a, the latter is driven through

guide plates

110 and 64 up tothe top of the device and under the oncoming stack of papers at the same speed that the papers are traveling.

When pressure roll transfer section 42 is rotated counterclockwise it actuates limit -switch LS3, thereby opening contacts 1 and closing contacts 2 of the latter. Closure of contacts 2 of limit switch LS3 completes an energizing circuit for air valve solenoid 3 SOL which, upon energization, moves spring return air valve 3 AV against the bias of its return spring to its left-hand position, directing air into the bottom of air cylinder AC3. This releases the paper stop brake lever 98e and allows the web 28a to be driven freely by engaged rollers 42]c and 128a (FIG. 4). v

Web 28a will be driven as long yas the stack of papers holds limit switch LS1 in its position 2. When the stack passes beyond the actuator of limit switch LS1 the latter returns to its operating position 1. Solenoid 1 SOL -air flow into the bottom end of cylinder AC1 forces its plunger upwardly, rotating presure roll transfer section 42 clockwise. Thus, rubber wheels 42e engage web 28a and press it against drive Wheels 116m andthe latter continue to drive the wrap under the advancing stack of papers, maintaining tension in the web between these rollers and the dancer roller 32b.

The last mentioned movement of pressure roll transfer section 42 lalso reopens contacts 2 and recloses contactsl of limit switch LSB. The then closed contacts 1 of LS3, along with already 'closed contacts 1 of LS1, cause energization of air valve solenoid 2 SOL, moving air valve 2 AV to the right, directing the air flow into the bottom of air cylinder AC2. Cutter assembly 82 is then forced upwardly through the opening between

guide plates

64, and 90, 112, severing paper web 28a (FIG. 5). The points of the saw teeth of the cutter blade 82e puncture the paper due to the tension imparted by the roller-

s

42e and 116a and the dancer roller 32b. The continued upward movement of the cutter assembly and forward movement of the web cause a tearing action to finish the cut.

The opening of contacts 2 of limit switch LS3 opens the circuit to .air valve solenoid 3 SOL and the latter drops out, allowing air valve 3 AV to be spring returned to its right-hand position and direct air flow into the top of air cylinder AC3. This causes movement of paper stop lever 98C against web 28a to press it against rubber brake lining material 92, thereby preventing the web 28a from falling out of cutter-drive unit 20. A pressure regulator valve is inserted in the line between air valve 3 AV and the manifold to govern the rate and pressure of air flow to valve AC3.

As web 28a feeds through cutter-drive unit 20, roll 28 is held stationary by an electromagnetic brake BR, mounted on spindle 30a of cradle assembly 30. The dancer roll assembly 32 pivots around pivot point 34, and roller 32b travels upward with the paper web 28a, placing the web under tension. At a predetermined adjusted limit, 'the dancer roll assembly 32 closes a limit switch LSS which completes a circuit from line L4, through closed contacts CR2, through LSS, and the coil of brake BR to line L5. This circuit energzes the coil of 'the brake BR thereby withdrawing the brake shoe to release the roll and allow more paper to pay off under the weight of dancer roll assembly 32, until the latter reopens the limit switch LSS.

As can be seen, thedevice is now ready for another stack of papers, and will continue to function in the above manner upon each subsequent actuation of limit switch LS1. Through adjustment of LS1, the amount of lead and tail of the wrap can be altered, while the length of the stack determines the length of the wrap. The further upstream on the conveyor the limit switch is placed, the sooner the device will start and therefore the more leading edge will be had. The amount of tail is varied by increasing or decreasing the length of the actuator of the switch LS1; the longer the arm, the longer the stack holds it depressed, therefore, the greater the amount of tailing edge.

A limit switch LS4 is mounted on the cradle assembly 30 and the actuator of switch LS4 is depressedagainst the rear surface of the roll 28, maintaining the contact open. When the diameter of paper on the roll core decreases below a given limit contacts of LS4 close thereby energizing paper low indicating light 156 at control station 25. If desired, an audible alarm could be connected in place of light 156i, or both could be connected in parallel.

When the operator is ready to load a newroll 28 to the device, he moves selector switch S3 to the LOAD position, opening the circuit to relay SCR, which causes contacts SCRZ to reopen and open the lower part of the circuit connecting the pneumatic controlling solenoids. Deenergization of relay SCR also recloses contacts 5CR1, which completes the circuit from line L4, through contacts 4CR1, stop switch S2, contacts 5CR1, and LOAD indicating light 152 to line L5. LOAD indicating light is mounted on control station 25 and is energized when the selector switch S3 is in the LOAD position as described above.

With the power thus shut oi to the pneumatic components, the operator can then replace the roll 28, slipping it over spindle 30a and holding it in place by threading hub 30b up snug against the front edge of the roll. The web 28a is payed olf the top of the roll 28, under roller 32b', over positioning roller 35, and inserted into the cutter-drive unit 20. A manual air release valve 154 is mounted on the frame close to the control station 25, and connected in the line between air cylinder AC3 and air valve 3 AV. The operator opens this valve, which releases the air pressure on the upper side of the air cylinder AC3 and `allows him to raise lever 98C of paper stop mechanism 98 while he inserts the web 28a. Web 28a is fed into the unit 20 between

guide plates

90 and 112 until it is past rollers 421 and 128a. Then the operator recloses manual release valve 154 and the air pressure is returned to the top of cylinder AC3, holding the web in place. The device is now ready to lcontinue operation upon reclosure of the selector switch S3 to its run position.

We claim:

1. In a web feeding mechanism, the combination with a pair of cooperating driven and pressure rollers, a drive input shaft, of gear driving connections between said input shaft and said driven roller, a base having spaced side walls between which said pressure roller and said input shaft and its gear are supported, a sub-frame, means pivotally supporting said sub-frame on said base and having spaced side walls between which said driven roller and its gear are supported, and means for releasably locking said sub-frame in web feed operating position on said b ase wherein the gears of said input shaft and driven roller are meshed, said rst mentioned means including means whereby upon release of said locking means said sub-frame is pivotable out of said operating Iposition to another position affording complete interruption of said gear driving connections and open access to the then widely separated driving and pressure rollers.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said releasable locking means comprises a spring biased latch carried on said base engaging with a part on said `subframe to lock the latter in said operating position and a member operable to release said latch from said part to permit said sub-frame to be pivotally moved out of said operating position.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein switch means are mounted on the base to be actuated by the aforementioned spring biased latch, said switch means connecting electrical power to the device only when said sub-frame is locked securely to said base.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said sub-frame is pivotally mounted on said base adjacent the upper end of the lside walls of the latter and wherein said sub-frame has a guide plate pivoted thereon having a clearance opening for said driven roller and for said web and being pivotally movable away from said driven roller to expose .a portion of the roller and drive mechanism.

FRANK E. BAILEY, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, A. E. FOURNIER,

Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. IN A WEB FEEDING MECHANISM, THE COMBINATION WITH A PAIR OF COOPERATING DRIVEN AND PRESSURE ROLLERS, A DRIVE INPUT SHAFT, OF GEAR DRIVING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SAID INPUT SHAFT AND SAID DRIVEN ROLLER, A BASE HAVING SPACED SIDE WALLS BETWEEN WHICH SAID PRESSURE ROLLER AND SAID INPUT SHAFT AND ITS GEAR ARE SUPPORTED, A SUB-FRAME, MEANS PIVOTALLY SUPPORTING SAID SUB-FRAME ON SAID BASE AND HAVING SPACED SIDE WALLS BETWEEN WHICH SAID DRIVEN ROLLER AND ITS GEAR ARE SUPPORTED, AND MEANS FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING SAID SUB-FRAME IN WEB FEED OPERATING POSITION ON SAID BASE WHEREIN THE GEARS OF SAID INPUT SHAFT AND DRIVEN ROLLER ARE MESHED, SAID FIRST MENTIONED MEANS INCLUDING MEANS WHEREBY UPON RELEASE OF SAID LOCKING MEANS SAID SUB-FRAME IS PIVOTABLE OUT OF SAID OPERATING POSITION TO ANOTHER POSITION AFFORDING COMPLETE INTERRUPTION OF SAID GEAR DRIVING CONNECTIONS AND OPEN ACCESS TO THE THEN WIDELY SEPARATED DRIVING AND PRESSURE ROLLERS.