Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for folding discrete items such as diapers at high speeds. Discrete items are conveyed in a machine direction toward a pair of engaging members rotating in the machine direction and first carrying a top side of a leading edge of the discrete item with a first engaging member away from the conveyor, and then carrying a bottom side of the leading edge with a second engaging member back towards the conveyor. The diaper fold is created at a contact point with a folding finger which travels rotationally and straight in a fixed orientation about a travel path into and out of contact with the diaper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding and engaging side panels of a training pant are provided. The training pant comprises a leading portion, a trailing portion, a central portion, and a first pair of side panels and a second pair of side panels attached to the central portion. The central portion of the training pant is folded about a transverse axis to form a folded training pant. Portions of the first pair of side panels and second pair of side panels are engaged while the central portion of the folded training pant is received by at least one recessed seat. The at least one recessed seat is located on at least one of a first belt and a second belt of a conveyance system.

Abstract: A folder includes a cylinder having a first gripping device receiving a folded edge of a signature and rotating the signature at a first surface speed. A conveyor presses the signature against the outer surface and the conveyor contacts the signatures at a second surface speed slower than the first surface speed. The present invention also provides a method for removing signatures from a cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding the flaps of a package is provided. The apparatus has a pair of folding conveyors positioned such that, as a package having open major flaps is urged towards the folding conveyors, the folding conveyors fold the major flaps of the case to a closed position. The apparatus has a front flap mechanism configured to close the front flap of the package, and a rear flap mechanism configured to close the rear flap of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting folded signatures is provided which includes a first roller and a second roller forming a first nip with the first roller. The first and second rollers each have a compressible outer layer, and are rotatable about respective axes. Preferably, the compressible outer later comprises a microcellular foam. The apparatus also includes a plurality of first transport tapes passing through the first nip and a plurality of second transport tapes passing through the first nip. The plurality of second transport tapes are wrapped at least partially around the second roller so that a signature transported between the first and second transport tapes between the first nip undergoes a change in transport direction as it is transported at least partially around the second roller. Preferably, the signatures enter the first nip perpendicular to a plane passing through the axes of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum. Thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.

Abstract: A web has a series of cut outs that define bridging portions therebetween. A method for folding the web includes providing the web to a first conveyor, folding the web about a folding wheel to define a folded edge that extends through the series of cut outs, transferring the web to a second conveyor having an included angle of 15 to 40 degrees in relation to the first conveyor, folding the web about a folding bar to maintain the folded edge, and spanning at least one cut out with the folding bar and contemporaneously contacting at least two bridge portions with the folding bar to maintain the folded edge of the web about the folding bar as the web passes the folding wheel edge.

Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum. Thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning a pliable member extending from an article moving along a machine direction is disclosed. The apparatus may include a conveyor system adapted to convey the article along the machine direction, and a member turning system situated alongside the conveyor system in a position to contact the pliable member. The member turning system may include first and second pulleys at first and second locations alongside the conveyor system and having axes of rotation transverse to the machine direction, and a flexible belt engaged about the first and second pulleys in a twisted configuration. The flexible belt may define an operative twisting moving surface between the first and second pulleys that engages the pliable member and turns it as the article moves along the machine direction.

Abstract: A method for turning a pliable member extending laterally from a precursor structure is disclosed. The method may include conveying the precursor structure in a machine direction on a conveyor at a conveyance speed, receiving at least a portion of the pliable member onto an operative twisting moving surface defined by a twisted moving belt situated alongside the conveyor, retaining the portion of the pliable member in contact with the operative twisting moving surface, and driving the twisted moving belt at a speed coordinated with the conveyance speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a printed copy is disclosed. A collecting cylinder is operable in a non-collect mode and a collect mode. A cam collect is coupled to the collecting cylinder. The collecting cylinder is switchable between the non-collect mode and the collect mode by a relative rotational movement between the collecting cylinder and the cam collect.

Abstract: A folder includes a first signature conveyor conveying first signatures along a first signature path; a second signature conveyor conveying second signatures along a second signature path; and a chopper located between the first and second signature paths imparting a fold on both the first and second signatures. A chopper and method are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a folding section 2 for folding a web W in two so that opposite side edges Wa and Wb of the web W are brought into a predetermined positional relationship with each other by bringing the web W into contact with an abutting member 4; a pair of carrying means 10A and 10B arranged along opposite sides of the web W for carrying the web W in the longitudinal direction X; a plurality of holding means 20 provided in each of the carrying means 10A and 10B wherein the holding means 20 can be displaced in the transverse direction D of the web W; displacement means 30 for displacing the holding means 20 in the transverse direction D upstream of the abutting member 4 so as to correct a positional relationship between the web W and the abutting member 4; detection means 3 for outputting positional information regarding a position of the web W in the transverse direction D; and control means 200 for controlling the displacement means 30 based on the positional information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device for printing presses or folders which does not require pressure brushes for fixing the printed product on surface inlet and outlet sections folding table. The folding device (11) which includes a folding table (4), at least one stop (8) associate with the folding table (4), a plurality of transfer belts (5) for engaging and transferring printed products (3) onto said folding table to said at least one stop, a pair of rotatably driven folding rolls (7), a folding blade (2) moveable relative to the folding table (4). The transport belts (5) can be set against inlet and/or outlet sections (9, 10) of the folding table (4) forming full-area contact in order to fix the printed product (3) in position for folding, and the inlet and/or outlet sections (9, 10) are situated just in front of and just behind the printed product (3).

Abstract: A folder includes a first signature conveyor conveying first signatures along a first signature path; a second signature conveyor conveying second signatures along a second signature path; and a chopper located between the first and second signature paths imparting a fold on both the first and second signatures. A chopper and method are also provided.

Abstract: A quarter folder comprising an input conveyer for receiving a shingled stream of half folded signatures, an aligning section for aligning the signatures, a folding section for folding the shingled stream to thereby form a quarter folded shingled stream, a singulating section to separate the shingled signatures into individual folded signatures and a re-shingling section. The quarter folder of the present invention can operate at a high speed and receive copies directly from a press.

Abstract: A web has a series of cut outs that define bridging portions therebetween. A method for folding the web includes providing the web to a first conveyor, folding the web about a folding wheel to define a folded edge that extends through the series of cut outs, transferring the web to a second conveyor having an included angle of 15 to 40 degrees in relation to the first conveyor, folding the web about a folding bar to maintain the folded edge, and spanning at least one cut out with the folding bar and contemporaneously contacting at least two bridge portions with the folding bar to maintain the folded edge of the web about the folding bar as the web passes the folding wheel edge.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A packaging container production method includes the steps of: folding a folding allowance formed along one edge of a blank, which is formed from a paper substrate and having a predetermined shape, to thereby form a seal allowance; and superposing the seal allowance and another edge of the blank on each other and longitudinally sealing the resultant overlap portion to thereby form a tubular body. In the folding step, the folding allowance is pressed against a running folding belt to thereby fold the folding allowance. Since the folding belt is used instead of a die in order to fold the folding allowance, even when the thickness, water content, hardness, and other properties of a paper substrate vary among the blanks, the folded state of the folding allowance can be stabilized through adjustment of the position of a pulley. Thus, the quality of packaging containers can be improved.

Abstract: The folding device of a folding machine, which can perform parallel double folding and delta folding, and which can smoothly and reliably transfer a parallel single-folded signature between first and second jaw cylinders regardless of paper quality. A first jaw cylinder and a second jaw cylinder arranged with circumferential surfaces thereof opposed to and in contact with each other. At least one belt is looped between the first jaw cylinder and a set of rollers, and wherein one of the rollers is moved to switch the belt between a guide position and a retreat position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sanitary napkin having flaps folded onto the main body of the napkin and temporarily held in this position by a finger means. At least one end of the napkin is then folded onto the flaps thereby retaining the flaps in their folded position. The finger means is then disengaged from contact with the napkin.

Abstract: The present invention includes a web folding apparatus that adheres the web to a belt. A gripping mechanism periodically grips the web from the belt. The action of the gripping ends the travel of the web on the belt and creates a first fold. The gripping mechanism releases the web to create a second fold. Consequently, a continuous web is folded into a zig-zag, continuous fold.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A former is used to fold webs longitudinally. During the web drawing-in process, the individually incoming paper webs in a group of paper webs are conveyed smoothly to a folding mechanism at the end of the former. This is accomplished by using a number of upper and lower transport elements which are located above and next to each other at least inside the boundaries of the upper surface of the former. These upper and lower transport elements can be brought together and can be separated. They can be driven as desired.

Abstract: A former is used to fold webs longitudinally. During the web drawing-in process; the individually incoming paper webs in a group of paper webs are conveyed smoothly to a folding mechanism at the end of the former. This is accomplished by using a number of upper and lower transport elements which are located above and next to each other at least inside the boundaries of the upper surface of the former. These upper and lower transport elements can be brought together and can be separated. They can be driven as desired.

Abstract: A folding device for signatures includes a saddle-shaped folding sword having an upright folding edge and an inside guide element below the upright folding edge on which the signatures are folded while passing through the folding device. An outside folding element follows and operates jointly with the inside guide element for folding the signatures.

Abstract: A signature folding device includes a rotating belt and a plurality of blades attached to the belt, each of the plurality of blades contacting one of the signatures over an entire length of the one signature at a same time. Also disclosed is a method for folding a signature comprising transporting the signature on a fold table having a gap, the signature moving in a transport direction and forming a plane. A folding blade having a blade edge is moved in a direction both perpendicular and parallel to the transport direction, the blade edge being parallel to the plane upon contact with the signature, so as to pass through the gap and fold the signature.

Abstract: A signature folding device including a first transport device for transporting a first part of a signature, and a second transport device next to the first transport device for transporting a second part of the signature. The second transport device is skewed with respect to the first transport device so as to move the second part of the signature toward the first part of the signature. Also provided is a method for folding a signature including the steps of transporting a first part of the signature in a first direction, and transporting a second part of the signature in a second direction, the second direction being skewed toward the first direction so that a fold begins to form in the signature.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding a portion of a textile length, in particular a bed sheet or similar, with a lengthwise folding device (16) in which the textile length is folded to produce a tubular folded product (2) with lengthwise folding edges extending substantially parallel to one another, and a crosswise folding device (1) in which the tubular folded product (2) is folded to produce a folded product in packet form with at least one crosswise folding edge (14) extending substantially perpendicularly to the lengthwise folding edges. The tubular folded product (2) can be brought to lie with one lengthwise edge against a stop strip (23, 24), at least in certain regions, in the crosswise folding device (1) before being folded. A drawing device (12) is disposed in the region between the two ends of the tubular folded product in order to draw in the folded product for crosswise folding.

Abstract: A method of making a pleat in a sheet-like material comprising the steps of feeding a flexible and thin sheet-like material having a flat surface in a direction of an extended line of an imaginary straight line which is perpendicular to its one end and along the surface, left and right parts of the sheet-like material being conveyed at a substantially same speed at both sides of the straight line, the one end of the sheet-like material being of a flat form at a start of the feeding, the left and right parts of the sheet-like material being gradually reduced in distance therebetween and drawn near toward the straight line at the middle portion of the extended line so as to face with each other and diagonally cross the surface, and coming in contact with each other perpendicularly to the surface at the forward portion of the extended line, thereby to form the pleat, conveying the sheet-like material through the middle portion to the forward portion with the left and right parts gradually twisted in a direction

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially forming folds in a sheet of paper which is continuously moving substantially in a single plane. A first fold is formed in the center of the continuously-moving sheet of paper and subsequent pairs of folds are sequentially formed, one on each side of the previously-formed folds, until the entire continuously-moving sheet is folded. Guide wires retain each folded section until the entire sheet is folded by the cyclic upward movement of a continuous flexible wire loop held for free movement on a pair of spaced apart pulley assemblies. Each pulley assembly includes a plurality of evenly spaced pulleys each of which are held for free rotation on a support frame. Each support frame is driven in rotation about a central axis of rotation. Each individual pulley includes a freely rotatable ring surrounding the periphery of the pulley around which the flexible wire loop is held.

Abstract: A system for pleating a continuous strip of foldable material including feeding the strip of foldable material between adjacent flights of cooperatively positioned endless conveyors having pleat folding arms pivotally associated therewith which are alternatively and interfittingly positioned to pleat the strip of foldable material as it movingly passes from one end of adjacent flights to the other end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding machine for folding the side flaps flanking the middle section of a foldable cardboard blank. For this purpose in the frontal area of the folding machine auxiliary folding devices are arranged. In addition turning belts for the inward tilting of the side flaps can be arranged, which are provided with projections insuring that the side flaps are swung parallelly to their folding grooves.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are for forming open-edge V-shaped notches (32) in a binding margin (42) of large-format sheets (11) such as shop drawings or construction plans for example, so that after the sheets have been folded the notches (32) are aligned in registration with binding holes (46) also provided in the binding margin. A cutting and crosswise folding table (20) is provided at the top of a folding machine, and stamping tools (22) are provided at an edge of the table. The large-format sheets are continuously, sequentially output from a device such as a plotter, and fed to the folding machine, where the sheets are folded lengthwise and transported onto the table (20). There, the notches are cut in the binding margin by the stamping tools. The binding holes may be simultaneously formed. Thereafter, a crosswise folding beam (65) folds the sheet in a crosswise direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding sheet blanks (1), e.g. for boxes and trays from carton or corrugated cardboard. It includes press means (6, 7) attached to at least one endless conveying means (10). The press means are intended to coact with selected parts (2, 3) of the blanks for folding them up or down from the plane of the blank during their passage through the apparatus. The blanks are arranged to be conveyed through the apparatus at the same speed as that at which the conveying means is driven. The latter is guided in a helical path by an elongate, rigid structure (8, 9) forming continuous support for the conveying means. During the entire folding operation the operative ones of the press means attached to the conveying means press against the same area on the part of the blank with which they coact.

Abstract: A signature to be folded in a folding device is first provided with a pre-fold that is formed along the intended fold line. The signature is conveyed through a linear guide where it is pre-folded. The pre-folded signature is then delivered to a folding device where it is folded by being caused to pass between a pair of folding rollers.

Abstract: A folding device for blanks has the shape of a removable module with an integrated securing device for securing the module in the frame of a machine. The module has two series of pulleys, which have a common drive drum and provide a path for a first belt having an upper twisted folding path and a second belt having a lower planar part. The drum is provided with a connecting element to connect the drum directly to a shaft normally provided to drive a gluing wheel which the module replaces.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing corrugated strip packaging parts to be used for packaging cylindrical or elongated parts in separate compartments. The device includes a series of form bodies arranged on an endlessly rotating belt. The form bodies have essentially the same inside cross-section as the lower loops of the corrugated strip material formed by the device and are joined together at their base flanks by elastic material areas. The belt is guided over rerouting points that temporarily spread apart two adjacent form bodies to form an enlarged intermediate space. A form tool is arranged adjacent one of the rerouting points to engage and press the material of the packaging part into the enlarged intermediate space.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding of sheet material into symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes. The method and apparatus is shown as applied to making a pallet construction wherein a series of symmetrical stringer members made on the apparatus of the present invention are inserted into an equal plurality of nonsymmetrically shaped cross-stringers, also made by the apparatus of the present invention, both of which have had adhesive applied while being folded to retain the shape into which they are made, a top sheet is applied and also glued in place to make a pallet. The method involves essentially supplying a sheet of material such as fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through crushing and scoring rollers to produce fold lines in the blank, and asymmetrically (making more folds from one side of the bank than from the other side) or symmetrically folding the blank into a predetermined shape while applying adhesive at predetermined points.

Abstract: A machine for folding sheets of paper, particularly for folding large sheets leaving a printer or copier, including first, second and third flexible entrainment means for entraining a sheet to be folded and defining first and second fold channels and actuable alternately in opposite senses to supply a sheet to be folded to the first and to the second folding channel alternately so as to achieve a fold each time the sheet passes from one to the other of the folding channels.

Abstract: A device for the zigzag folding of flexible tapes is mounted on an entablature. The entablature includes a guide for distributing the tape. A pair of rollers are disposed within a transverse slot on the entablature. The rollers are each provided with an alternating succession of disks and pulleys. The disks are fixed to said rollers so as to rotate together. Each of the pulleys accepts a cable. The plurality of cables constitutes a belt for aiding in advancement of the tape. The rollers are coupled to a support carriage including a motor for rotating the rollers in opposite directions, the tape being guided between the oppositely rotating rollers and disks.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding of sheet material into symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes. The method and apparatus is shown as applied to making a pallet construction wherein a series of symmetrical stringer members made on the apparatus of the present invention are inserted into an equal plurality of nonsymmetrically shaped cross-stringers, also made by the apparatus of the present invention, both of which have had adhesive applied while being folded to retain the shape into which they are made, a top sheet is applied and also glued in place to make a pallet. The method involves essentially supplying a sheet of material such as a fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through crushing and scoring rollers to produce fold lines in the blank, and asymmetrically (making more folds from one side of the blank than from the other side) or symmetrically folding the blank into a predetermined shape while applying adhesive at predetermined points.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an edge (11) of a continuous web (10) is disclosed, wherein the continuous web (10) is held against a belt (1) which is twisted through substantially 180.degree. between two wheels (2, 3) to fold over the edge (11) during the twisting action. The belt (1), which is endless, runs over two other wheels (4, 5) in order to return to the wheels (2, 3).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for folding flaps onto panels formed in folded box blanks, particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line, a first station engages leading edges of the flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane representing a partial folding operation. Then a second station controls the relative velocities of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur in other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The resulting fold is made about an axis, or fold line. if the flap is to be folded about a prestamped score line, the fold and score lines are coextensive. Typically the flaps are folded 180.degree. and the first station produces intermediate folds that are displaced 90.degree. from the panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flipping and folding a pliable workpiece, such as a pre-hemmed sleeve blank, along a desired fold axis. A workpiece is conveyed past a flipping roller and down against a clamp bar wherein it is clamped at a predetermined time by a lower hem guide. The flipping roller is sped to impart linear momentum to the unclamped, trailing portion of the workpiece. The flipping action serves to re-orient the workpiece from a right side-up orientation to an inside-out orientation so as to properly present the workpiece for subsequent seaming or stitching operations. A sensor is provided to determine the length of the workpiece so as to enable the device to clamp the workpiece about any desired fold axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for folding flaps onto panels formed in folded box blanks, particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line, a first station engages leading edges of the flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane representing a partial folding operation. Then a second station controls the relative velocities of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur in other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The resulting fold is made about an axis, or fold line. If the flap is to be folded about a prestamped score line, the fold and score lines are coextensive. Typically the flaps are folded 180.degree. and the first station produces intermediate folds that are displaced 90.degree. from the panels.

Abstract: Apparatus for the zigzagged folding and stacking of a web of material fed from below and, further, for conveying away stacks as they are finished. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating carriage containing deflection members that define a reciprocating passage through which web feeds from below and two supporting belts associated with the deflection members. The belts have upper stack-supporting surfaces that alternately lengthen and shorten as the deflection members reciprocate to form a stack. Compensating arrangements accommodate changes in length of those upper surfaces. To convey away finished stacks, one belt is endless. A releasable holding element clamps the endless belt to the carriage during stack formation but releases the belt for conveying away stacks. A drive unit is provided to drive the endless belt, when unclamped, for conveying away stacks.

Abstract: To fold large sheets of different sizes with different folding patterns, in zig-zag folds, the sheets are introduced into a folding system having first, second and third belts (5, 6, 10) which, between the first, second and third belt define a folding gap. The belts are driven, respectively, in selected directions of rotation to fold a sheet in a zig-zag pattern. A control system (35) having a memory (50) with folding patterns stored therein, is responsive to a sheet-length signal derived, for example, from a printer (75). A stepping motor moves a sheet, in accordance with a selected program stored in the memory, to form the fold based on the length of the sheet. Prior to folding sheet a maybe end-for-end a sheet is flung upwardly in a reversing gap (46) whereupon the sheet is transported by paper removal rollers (44, 48) and transport belts (55, 63) to sheet supply rollers (3) of the folding apparatus.

Abstract: An improved folder includes a first series of belts which grips and moves sheet material along converging deflectors to fold the sheet material. As the space between the deflectors narrows, a second series of belts grips the sheet material and continues its movement between the deflectors. The first series of belts includes a first plurality of tapes disposed on a first side of a fold line and a second plurality of tapes disposed on a second side of the fold line. The second series of belts includes a pair of creaser belts which extend from between the tapes to an outlet portion of the folder. The speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts is coordinated by using speed signal generators which are driven at the speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts. A controller compares the speed signals and maintains a desired relationship between the speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts. It is believed that the creaser belts will usually be driven at the same speed.

Abstract: An improved folder apparatus includes a first folder assembly which forms a first fold in sheet material along the path of movement of the sheet material. A second folder assembly forms a second fold in the sheet material in a direction extending transversely to the path of movement of the sheet material. A third folder assembly forms a third fold in the sheet material with the first and third folds extending along the path of movement of the sheet material through the third folder assembly and the second fold at a leading edge portion of the sheet material. During the forming of the three folds, the sheet material is continuously moved through the folder assemblies without stopping. The third folder assembly includes an array of upper and lower tapes. The array of tapes tapers from a wide inlet portion of the third folder assembly toward a discharge portion of a third folder assembly.