Abstract:
An economical foldable padding press for compressing paper and other sheet material. Adhesive is applied to the compressed edges for making pads, tablets and books. The components of the press rotate around a base to a folded and compact position for shipping and storing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/758,086, filed Jan. 12, 2006, for Foldable Paper Padding Press, by Hugh M. Lyman, Jr., included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to padding presses, and more particularly to a simple desk top device for padding varying sizes of paper.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Paper padding is a known and frequently used process for making booklets, memo, note and scratch pads. Prior art for padding presses have been known for some time. Plain or printed paper of normally equal dimensions is placed and aligned in the press, clamped tight and then the compressed edges receive a common adhesive compound.  
         [0004]     Prior art presents varying methods and systems common to the process. Exemplary of the padding presses of the prior art are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 354,953; 452,898; 796,346; 943,094; 1,024,721; 1,285,914; 1,354,061; 1,928,789; 2,030,353; 2,169,341; 2,494,424; 2,499,744; 2,503,112; 2,641,781; 2,654,932; 2,708,400; 3,986,447; 4,146,942; 4,373,843; and 4,488,845. These all present many complicated mechanisms requiring awkward manipulations for accomplishing the padding process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,845 issued to Dupre is a typical example, with complicated clamping mechanisms. It illustrates a major problem with most padding presses, wherein the compressed paper edges are at an awkward angle for applying liquid adhesive with a brush as Dupre requires a drip trough for receiving run-off adhesive. U.S. Pat. No. 1,354,061 issued to Palmer is one of a few that offers means for positioning the paper in a convenient position for applying the adhesive, yet his invention is complicated requiring considerable space.  
         [0005]     Available today in the market place are numerous padding presses offered in varying designs, all requiring screw or grip clamps and further, relative to the present invention, are considerably more expensive.  
         [0006]     Heretofore, prior art fails to address a desk top paper padding press device for the home and small office that is simple to use, folds to store in a small space, is easy to tilt for positioning a paper stack to a convenient position for applying adhesive and is inexpensive to produce.  
         [0007]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple device for aligning a stack of paper to be padded.  
         [0008]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that easily compresses a paper stack after its alignment.  
         [0009]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that the alignment back plate is quickly and easily rotated from the edge of the paper stack.  
         [0010]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that can position the paper stack so the edge receiving the adhesive compound is in a horizontal position.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that can be stored in a minimum of space.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that can be used on a desk or bench top.  
         [0013]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that is packaged for shipment and storage in a small container.  
         [0014]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that does not require assembly or disassembly.  
         [0015]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that is simple and inexpensive to produce.  
         [0016]     It is another object of the invention to provide a padding press that is light in weight for easy portability.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldable padding press for making paper or cardboard pads from sheet material, which is simple, compact, inexpensive and easy to operate. The invention includes a base plate assembly, a back plate assembly and a clamp arm assembly. The base plate assembly comprises a flat panel with two polygon shaped leg members attached vertically to the underside of the flat panel in a position wherein the flat panel is at an incline position to horizontal. The back plate assembly comprises a flat panel with two cradle shaped supports rigidly attached to the back plate, wherein the back plate assembly is rotatably attached to the base plate assembly. The clamping assembly comprises a flat pressure plate, two clamp arms rigidly connected with a cross bar handle and two pressure wedges. The base plate assembly, back plate assembly and clamp arm assembly are rotatable through matching holes with an axle shaft. The operation consists of placing the paper stack on the base; aligning the paper to the back plate; and positioning the clamping assembly. The pressure wedges are inserted into slots of the clamp arms, tapped in against the taper shape of the pressure plate, forcing the pressure plate against the paper stack. Once the paper stack is compressed the entire assembly is tilted, positioning horizontally the compressed edges of the paper stack. Then the back plate assembly is rotated away from the compressed paper edges. Adhesive compound is applied in this convenient position. After the adhesive is cured and the padded paper removed, the device is folded into a compact size for easy storage.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective expanded front view of the foldable padding press invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective back view of the assembled foldable padding press invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the foldable padding press invention taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the foldable padding press invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective process view of the foldable padding press invention illustrating paper being placed on the device;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective process view of the foldable padding press invention with the clamping assembly being positioned;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective process view of the foldable padding press invention with a paper stack compressed;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective process view of the inventive foldable padding press invention positioned for applying adhesive;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective process view of the foldable padding press invention illustrating the start of the device being folded;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is a perspective process view of the device fully folded ready for storing;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the invention with spacer plates included;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the invention illustrating clamping with grip clamps;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the back plate assembly illustrating notches in the cradle supports;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the clamp arm assembly with notches in the clamp arms;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the invention illustrating an alternate clamp arm assembly with screw type clamps;  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the invention, compressing a paper stack with screw type clamps shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the invention folded with screw type clamps shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the clamp arm assembly with axle pins;  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the invention illustrating another alternate clamp arm assembly with grip type clamps;  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the invention, compressing a paper stack with grip type clamps shown in  FIG. 19 ; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the invention folded with grip type clamps shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ; 
     
    
       [0040]     For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures. For purposed of brevity the ‘foldable paper padding press’ will be referred to as ‘device’.  
         [0041]     The following reference numerals are used to indicate parts and environment of the invention:  
                                       20   device       22   base bed plate       24   base leg plate       26   shaft hole       28   rib       30   base leg front edge       32   back plate       34   cradle support       35   notch       36   alignment lip       38   clamp arm       39   rod clamp arm       40   clamp arm slot       41   flange lug       42   handle cross bar       44   axle shaft       45   axle pin       46   pressure plate       48   pressure bar       49   alternate pressure bar       50   pressure bar taper       52   pressure wedge       53   screw clamp       54   paper stack       55   grip clamp       56   paint brush       58   spacer plate       60   base plate assembly       70   back plate assembly       80   clamp arm assembly       90   rod clamp arm assembly                  
 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0042]     The following description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, set forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention in such a manner that anyone with ordinary skill can make and use the invention. The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is the best method envisioned by the inventor for use in a home and office environment, although it should be understood that various modifications can be accomplished within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0043]     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , the device  20  comprises three assemblies: base plate assembly  60  which provides a stationary platform, back plate assembly  70  which provides for paper alignment, and clamping assembly  80  which provides for compression of paper or other sheet material  54  ( FIG. 2 ).  
         [0044]     The base plate assembly  60  comprises a base bed plate  22  with two base leg plates  24  rigidly attached orthogonally to the bottom of the base bed plate  22 . The base leg plates  24  are of a polygon shape so the base bed plate  22  is resting on table or desk top at an inclined angle to horizontal. Each base leg plate  24  has a shaft hole  26  disposed therein, wherein an axle shaft  44  freely rotates. The base bed plate  22  and the base leg plates  24  may be one integral assembly if molded from thermoplastic.  
         [0045]     The back plate assembly  70  is the means for aligning the paper stack  54  ( FIG. 2 ). The back plate assembly  70  comprises a back plate  32  with two cradle supports  34 , rigidly attached to the back plate  32 , positioned so that the cradle supports  34  fit outside of the base bed plates  22 . The cradle supports  34  protrude beyond the face of the back plate  32  forming an alignment lip  36 . Each cradle support  34  has a shaft hole  26  disposed therein, wherein the back plate assembly  70  is rotatably attached to the base plate assembly by the axle shaft  44 . The back plate  32  and the cradle supports  34  may be one integral assembly if molded from thermoplastic.  
         [0046]     The drawing figures refer to the panel components and attachment as if constructed of wood. Anyone ordinarily skilled in the art would know that other types of material such as metal or plastic could be used with appropriate attachments.  
         [0047]     As illustrated the base leg plates  24  and the cradle supports  34  are all rigidly attached to their respective panels by any appropriate method.  
         [0048]     The clamp arm assembly  80  comprises a pressure plate  46  rigidly attached to a pressure bar  48 , two clamp arms  38  and a cross bar handle  42 . The cross bar handle  42  is rigidly connected to the two clamp arms  38 . Each clamp arm  38  has a longitudinal slot  40  disposed therein. The clamp arms  38  are rigidly attached to the axle shaft  44 . The axle shaft  44  extends through the shaft holes  26  of the back plate assembly  70  and the base plate assembly  60 . The shaft holes  26  are disposed within each assembly  60 ,  70  at a position that allows for perfect alignment of the respective assemblies and accommodates proper rotation therof, The pressure plate  46  fits inside between the clamp arms  38 . The pressure bar  48  which is rigidly attached to the pressure plate  46 , projects beyond the ends thereof engaging into the slots  40  of the clamp arms  38 , thus transversely affixed to the clamp arms  38 . Further, the pressure bar  48  ends are tapered at the top edge, as indicated by numeral  50 . The pressure wedges  52  are polygon shaped with bottom edges tapered to match the pressure bar taper  50 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 2  illustrates the device  20  with the three assemblies  60 ,  70 ,  80  rotatably attached. Once assembled the axle shaft  44  is rigidly attached to the clamp arms  38 .  
         [0050]     An alternate method of rotatably attaching the clamping assembly  80  to the base plate assembly  60  is by individual axle pins  45  rigidly attached to each clamp arm  38  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is a side section view of the embodiment taken along lines A-A as shown in  FIG. 2 . The view illustrates the position of a rib  28  rigidly attached to the bottom rear of the base bed plate  22 . This rib  28  minimizes deflection of the base bed plate  22  when under compression. The pressure plate  46  freely traverses up or down in slots  40  of the clamp arm  38 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the device  20  illustrating the assembled position of the base leg plates  24 , the cradle supports  34  and the clamp arms  38 .  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the device  20  is shown positioned for loading a paper stack  54 . The clamp arm assembly  80  is rotated back to rest on the work top surface where it is out of the way while paper  54  is being stacked on the device  20 . The back plate assembly  70  is positioned with the back plate  32  perpendicular to the base bed plate  22  and maintains that position by the cradle arms  34 . The paper stack  54  is placed on the base bed plate  22  and is aligned between the alignment lips  36  of the back plate assembly  70 .  
         [0054]     With paper  54  aligned, the clamp arm assembly  80  is rotated so that the pressure plate  46  is perpendicular to the paper stack  54  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The pressure plate  46  with the pressure bar  48  slides down in the slots  40  to rest on the paper stack  54 . Pressure wedges  52  are inserted into the slots  40  engaging against the compression taper  50  of the pressure bar  48  and the top of the slots  40 , forcing the pressure plate  46  tight to compress the paper stack  54 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows the paper stack  54  compressed after placing the pressure wedges  52  above the pressure bar  48  in the slots  40  and pressing the paper stack  54  horizontally together, wherein the pressure wedges  52  force the pressure bar  48  and pressure plate  46  against the paper stack  54 . The pressure wedges  52  can be tapped into the slots  40  with the palm of the hands.  
         [0056]     In  FIG. 8  is shown the device  20  with the compressed paper stack  54  tilted to rest on the face edge of the base leg front edges  30  thereby positioning horizontally the compressed paper stack  54  edges to be coated with adhesive. This is the best position for applying adhesive compound to the compressed paper stack  54  edges. Liquid adhesive will not run or drip. The brush  56  illustrates applying adhesive compound.  
         [0057]     After the adhesive compound has cured the loaded device  20  is returned to the loading position and the pressure wedges  52  are released. This can be accomplished by wiggling the pressure wedges  52  loose. The padded paper  54  is now removed and the device  20  is now ready for another load of paper  54  or for storage.  
         [0058]      FIG. 9  illustrates the process for storing the device  20 . The pressure plate  46  is held to the top of the slots  40  in the clamp arms  38  and is then rotated forward where the edge of the pressure plate  46  rests against the base leg front edges  30  of the base legs  24 . Next the back plate assembly  70  is rotated forward and rests upon the base bed plate  22  of the base plate assembly  60 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 10  illustrates the device  20  fully folded with the pressure wedges  52  placed in position for storage. Folding the device  20  reduces the space it occupies by approximately two thirds.  
         [0060]     When varying heights of paper stacks  54  are to be compressed as shown in  FIG. 11 , one or more auxiliary spacer plates  58  are placed between the pressure plate  46  and the paper stack  54 , thereby maintaining the correct spacing between the top of the clamp arms slots  40  and the top of the pressure bar  48  for the insertion of the pressure wedges  52 .  
         [0061]     It is noted here that an alternate method of compressing the paper stack  54  can be obtained by adding a flange lug  41  to the bottom of the clamp arms  38  and an alternate pressure bar  49  without the taper  50 , protruding beyond the clamp arms  38 , wherein screw or grip clamps  55  can be engaged from the flange lug  41  to the pressure bar  49  and tightened thereon, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Another method would be to extend the axle shaft  44  beyond the clamp arms  38  in lieu of the flange lug  41 .  
         [0062]     If it is desirable to remove the back plate assembly  70  and the clamp arm assembly  80  from the base plate assembly  60  at the axle shaft  44 , it can be accomplished by providing a notch  35  to the holes  26  in the cradle supports  34  and a notch  35  to the holes  26  of the clamp arms  38  of the respective assemblies  70  and  80  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In this configuration the axle shaft  44  is rigidly connected to the back plate assembly  70  or the base plate assembly  60 .  
         [0063]     It would be evident to anyone ordinarily skilled in the art that there are different means of compressing the paper stack  54  in the scope of the clamp arm assembly  80 .  FIG. 15  illustrates one such means with an alternate rod clamp arm assembly  90 . This assembly  90  introduces a rod clamp arm  39  rigidly attached to the axle shaft  44 , wherein transversely affixed to the rod clamp arms  39  are screw clamps  53  or grip clamps  55 . Screw clamps  53  or grip clamps  55  are positioned onto the pressure plate  46  and hand tightened, compressing the paper stack  54  as shown in  FIG. 16 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 17  shows the device  20  folded with the rod clamp arm assembly  90 , the same as it would fold with clamp arm assembly  80  as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate means of rotatably connecting the clamp arm assembly  80  to the base plate assembly  60  using axle pins  45  in lieu of an axle shaft  44 .  
         [0066]      FIGS. 19, 20 ,  21  illustrations are similar to  FIGS. 15, 16 ,  17  wherein the screw clamp  53  is replaced with grip clamps  55 .  
         [0067]     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.