Patent GB-190803129-A (GB)
Title: A Machine for Folding Handkerchiefs and like Articles.
Inventor: CUNNINGHAM ROBERT
Filed: 1908-02-12
Granted: 1908-11-12
Abstract: 3129. Cunningham, R. Feb. 12. Pleating.-Handkerchiefs &c. are folded twice at right-angles, as shown in Fig. 9, to reduce their dimensions prior to packing. The folding operation is performed in two stages by two movable blades set at right-angles and co-operating with two fixed blades also at right-angles, both pairs of blades operating above an endless band a, Fig. 1, which is given an intermittent unidirectional movement following the arrows. The unfolded handkerchief is placed on the band near a tightening-screw b<2>. The band is moved sufficiently far to place the handkerchief over the first fixed blade m<1>. Movement is given to the band by means of chain gearing e passing over a reciprocating wheel d and over a wheel f connected by a free-wheel clutch to a roller b, over which the band passes. The extent of reciprocation of the wheel d is governed by adjusting its connecting-rod g in a slot h in itself and a slot i<2> in a wheel i, which is continuously rotated by the main driving-shaft C. The band having stopped, the movable blade m, Fig. 6, which, together with pressure rollers, is mounted in a depressible cage D, descends on to the handkerchief and moves horizontally to fold up a portion underneath the fixed blade m<1>. This compound movement is effected by side projections n on the cage, which pass through sloping slots n' in fixed guides A, one projection passing also into a slot in a pivoted arm j. During the stroke, the arm j is moved against a spring o by a roller k on the wheel i, and the cage is reset with the blade off the work when the wheel i has rotated the roller out of contact. The return of the wheel d carries the band forward so that the handkerchief rests across the other fixed blade, and another blade in a similar cage descends as before to make a transverse fold. The second cage is moved transversely across the band by mechanism arranged on the other side of the apparatus. This consists of a pivoted arm q<2>, Fig. 3, engaged by a cam q<4> on the wheel i, and connected to a crank r on a rock shaft q, arms p<2> on which are pivoted to connecting-rods p<1> attached to the cage. The completely folded handkerchief is then passed on to a second endless band a<1> which is reciprocated by the chain e and wheel d. The band a' passes under a heated smoothing-device u and on the back stroke delivers the goods on to a collecting-strip v. This strip is stretched between a blind-roller device v<2> and the band a<1>, to which its other end is attached after passing over a roller u<1>. The second band may be arranged as shown in Fig. 10 so as to press the handkerchief down on to the smoothing-device u, which is then arranged consecutively to the first band. Another smoother u<2> may be used prior to the folding operations. The size of the fold may be varied by adjusting the position of the blade m in a slot in the fixed frame, and several sets of blades and bands may be fitted into one framework and simultaneously actuated by one mechanism. The inner surfaces of the travelling bands may be provided with strips of leather which would bear on the guiderollers and obviate unequal stretching or twisting while in operation.