Abstract: A folding apparatus for preparing a zigzag web of paper or paper pulp or sues or similar material for the production of paper handkerchiefs, paper serviettes or similar articles, has two oppositely rotating folding rolls each having a folding stick and at least one row of suction orifices for temporary retention of the web. Each roll also has two guard guides disposed before the folding stick and two guides disposed before the suction orifice row.

Abstract: A method of lapping webs wherein two series of web sections are advanced, reversely folding a portion of each section about a transverse line adjacent the section leading edge to lap a portion of the preceding section adjacent the trailing edge, and retarding one series relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding one or more continuous single or multiple ply webs wherein the webs are guided generally downwardly by an oscillating arm that oscillates fore and aft about a horizontal transverse axis relative to the direction the web travels, and directed by the oscillating arm alternately between opposed folding assemblies. The folding assemblies have a plurality of gripper means which travel continuously about a preselected path and receive the web at locations where the folds are to occur, then grip and thus fold the web, and thereafter release the web allowing it to exit downwardly in a folded configuration. The apparatus and method possess high speed capabilities in providing a parallelogram linkage for driving the oscillating arm and by timing the gripper means of the folding assemblies to close more rapidly and grip the web fed thereto by the oscillating arm.