"A Roller Folder"

Abstract

The present invention provides a roller folder (100c). Existing roller folders do not provide sufficient entry margin for entry of intermediate items into the roller folder. The roller folder includes swiveling arms (212 or 224) that are angularly oriented from a first tangent (221) which increase entry margin (220) for the intermediate items such as paper strips. In some of embodiments, biasing members (237 or 238) restore positions of swivel arms (212 or 224) during folding operation. In other embodiments, slots (300 or 310) are provided for changing the angular orientation of the swiveling arms (212 or 224). The angular orientation of the swivel arms (212 or 224) reduces the occurrence of jamming of intermediate items while performing folding, pressing operations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a folding device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a roller folder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, rollers are used for various operations in producing different types of articles. Some applications of rollers are seen in rolling operations, folding operations, pressing and the like. Folding operations of paper sheets or paper strips can be performed by a roller folder, which includes at least two rollers. The roller folder is a machine which is used to for performing a cross folding operation on a paper strip or a paper sheet for obtaining intermediate items with cross folds therein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic front view of a roller folder (200) is illustrated. The roller folder (200) includes a first roller (210′), a second roller (214′) and a third roller (210c′). The roller folder (200) includes a first swiveling arm (210a′). The first swiveling arm (210a′) is hinged to a frame (100a′) by a first hinge (241′). Further, a first arm end (210b′) of the first swiveling arm (210a′) is connected to a first roller centre (211′) of the first roller (210′). The first roller (210′) is swivelable around the first hinge (241′).

Further, the roller folder (200) includes a second swiveling arm (212′). The second swiveling arm (212′) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a′) at a second hinge (213′). A second arm end (215′) of the second swiveling arm (212′) is connected to the second roller (214′) at a second roller center (214a′). The second roller (214′) is swivelable around the second hinge (213′). When the second roller (214′) is swiveling around the second hinge (213′), the second roller centre (214a′) of the second roller (214′) traces a first locus (290a′) as shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, the roller folder (200) includes a third swiveling arm (224′) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a′) at a third hinge (225′). A third arm end (227′) of the third swiveling arm (224′) is connected to the third roller (226′) at a third roller center (228′). The third roller (226′) is rotatable around the third roller center (228′). When the third roller (226′) is swiveling around the third hinge (225′), the third roller centre (228′) of the third roller (226′) traces a second locus (290b) as shown in FIG. 1.

Further, there is an entry gap (251) between a first tangent (221′) of the first roller (210′) and a second tangent (218′) of the second roller (214′) as shown in FIG. 1. Intermediate items such as a paper strip or a folded paper strip are introduced between the first roller (210′) and the second roller (210c′) through the entry gap (251). When the size (thickness) of the paper strip is increased, the entry gap (251) needs to be increased by swiveling the second roller (214′) and fixing the second roller (214′) at a swivelled position (not shown). In the existing roller folders (200), there is a frequent jamming of the folded paper strips between the rollers (210′, 214′ and 226′) during repeated folding operation, which results in wear and tear of the paper strips and also cause damage to the rollers.

The patent document JP3253669B2 discloses a paper folding machine equipped with adjustable folding roller. The invention includes a plurality of folding rollers, lever arm for supporting a lever, pivoting levers movable in directions away from each other against the action of a radial spring force, a second lever arm of the pivoting lever being provided with an adjusting member.

The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,157A discloses a folding machine which includes a primary folder having conveyors for transporting a sheet to folding stations, a secondary folder having a folding station including folding rolls for performing additional folds on said folded sheet, the improvement in said secondary folder comprising means for pre-creasing and urging said sheet toward the nip of said secondary folding rolls and means for moving said creasing shoe into engagement with said sheet along a line parallel to the nip defined by said pair of folding rolls which line is generally normal to a previous fold line.

The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 589,083A provides a machine for closing folded blanks in combination with a propelling mechanism which seizes each blank near its fold, a folding guide having its receiving end arranged obliquely on one side of said propelling mechanism and extending from its receiving end underneath the propelling mechanism longitudinally and spirally to the opposite side thereof. However, the folding machines discloses in patent documents JP3253669B2, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,790,157A and 589,083A are complex in structure and likely to cause jamming of folded articles.

Therefore, there is a need for a roller folder, which overcomes problems of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a roller folder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a roller folder, wherein the roller folder is smoother in operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a roller folder, which is having less occurrence of jamming of intermediate items between the rollers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a roller folder, which is simple in construction and cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a roller folder. The roller folder may include a first roller rotatably connected to a frame of the roller folder. In an embodiment of the roller folder, a position of a first roller centre of the first roller can be fixed to the frame. The first roller can be rotatable around the first roller centre. Further, a second swiveling arm can be pivotally connected to the frame at a second hinge.

The second swiveling arm may have a second arm end. A second roller can be connected to the second arm end at a second roller centre. The second roller can be rotatable around the second roller centre. The second roller can be swivelable around the second hinge between a first position and a second position. The first roller can have a first radius and the second roller can have a second radius. The first radius can be extending towards the second roller and the second radius can be extending towards the first roller.

Further, the first roller can have a first tangent and the second roller can have a second tangent. The first tangent can be perpendicular to the first radius and the second tangent can be perpendicular to the second radius. At the first position, the first tangent and the second tangent can have a predefined first parallel distance therebetween. At the second position, the first tangent and the second tangent can have a predefined second parallel distance therebetween.

When the second roller is at any position between the first position and the second position, the second swiveling arm can be extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent or both. When the second roller is at the first position, the second swiveling arm can be extended at an angle from the first tangent in an anticlockwise direction.

Further, the roller folder may include a third swiveling arm pivotally connected to the frame at a third hinge. The third swiveling arm can have a third arm end and the third roller can have a third roller centre. The third roller is rotatable around the third roller centre.

The third roller can be connected to the third arm end at the third roller centre. The third roller can be swivelable around the third hinge between a third position and a fourth position. The third roller can have a third tangent and the second roller can have a fourth tangent. The third tangent and the fourth tangent can be perpendicular to the first tangent. At the third position, the third tangent can be at a predefined third parallel distance from the fourth tangent when the second roller is at the first position.

At the fourth position, the third tangent and the fourth tangent can have a predefined fourth parallel distance therebetween when the second roller is at the first position. When the third roller is at any position between the third position and the fourth position, the third swiveling arm can be extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the fourth tangent or both.

The third swiveling arm can extended at an angle from the first tangent in a clockwise direction when the third roller is at the third position. In an embodiment, a first swiveling arm can be pivotally connected to the frame at a first hinge. The first swiveling arm can have a first arm end attached at the first roller centre of a first roller. The first roller can be swivelable around the first hinge.

In an embodiment, the second hinge can be connected to the frame at a position between a fifth position and a sixth position. The second swiveling arm can be anchored to the frame in an orientation non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the first tangent or both between the fifth position and the sixth position. The position of the first roller centre is fixed to the frame.

The fifth position can be an angular position of the second swiveling arm at an angle from the first tangent and the sixth position can be an angular position of the second swiveling arm at an angle from the first tangent. The third hinge can be connected to the frame at any position between a seventh position to an eighth position. The third swiveling arm can be anchored to the frame in an orientation non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent or both to the frame between the seventh position and the eighth position. The seventh position can be an angular position of the third swiveling arm at an angle from the first tangent and the eighth position can be an angular position of the third swiveling arm at an angle from the first tangent.

Further, the roller folder can include a first slot configured in the frame. The first slot can extend from the fifth position to the sixth position. The second hinge can be movable within the first slot between the fifth position and the sixth position. The second hinge can be movable within the first slot between the fifth position and the sixth position. The second hinge can be anchored at a position between the fifth position to a sixth position by a first anchoring mechanism.

Further, a second slot can be configured in the frame. The second slot can extend from the seventh position to the eighth position. The third hinge can be movable within the second slot between the seventh position and the eighth position and vice versa. The second hinge can be fixed at a position between the seventh position and the eighth position by a second anchoring mechanism. The second hinge can be anchored within the second slot so that the third swiveling arm can be oriented non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent or both.

Further in an embodiment, a first biasing member can be attached to the second swiveling arm. When a force is applied on the second swiveling arm to move from first position to the second position, the first biasing member can restore the second swiveling arm at the first position. Further, a second biasing member can be attached to the third swiveling arm.

When a force is applied on the third swiveling arm to move from third position to the fourth position, the second biasing member may restore the second swiveling arm at the third position.

During operation of the roller folder, when the second roller is at the first position and the third roller is at the third position, a folded article can enter through the first parallel distance between the first roller and the second roller and further pass through the third parallel distance between the second roller and the third roller.

When the second roller is at the second position and the third roller is at the fourth position, the folded article may enter through the second parallel distance between the first roller and the second roller and further pass through the fourth parallel distance between the second roller and the third roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description of some embodiments of the and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which;

FIG. 1 showing a schematic front view of an existing roller folder (prior art);

FIG. 2a shows a schematic front view of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2b shows another schematic front view of FIG. 2a with a second roller at a second position and a third roller at a fourth position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3b shows a schematic front view of FIG. 3a with a second roller at a second position and a third roller at a fourth position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4a shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4b shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5b shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6a shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6b shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic front view of one more embodiment of a roller folder in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words “comprising, “having, “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a roller folder for performing folding or pressing operation of articles such as paper strips or paper folds. The roller folder prevents the occurrence of jamming of folded articles within the rollers, thereby results in smoother folding operation. Also, the roller folder prevents wear and tear of the folded articles due to excess friction between the rollers and folded articles.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a schematic front view of an embodiment of a roller folder (100c) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The roller folder (100c) includes a first roller (210) rotatably connected to a frame (100a) of the roller folder (100c) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The frame (100a) can be a rigid supporting member for positioning operating rollers in the roller folder (100c). In the present embodiment of the roller folder (100c), a position of a first roller centre (211) of the first roller (210) is fixed to the frame (100a) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

The first roller (210) is rotatable around the first roller centre (211). In the present embodiment, the first roller (210) rotates around an X axis (400) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The X axis (400) is oriented perpendicularly outwards from the plane of FIGS. 2a and 2b. Further, a second swiveling arm (212) is pivotally connected to the frame (100) at a second hinge (213) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

The second swiveling arm (212) has a second arm end (215). A second roller (214) is connected to the second arm end (215) at a second roller centre (214a). The second roller (214) is rotatable around the second roller centre (214a) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Also, in the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100c), the second roller (214) rotates around the X axis (400) passing through the second roller centre (214a) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

In the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100c), the second roller (214) is swivelable around the second hinge (213) between a first position (216) and a second position (217) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The second swiveling arm (212) is swiveled between the first position (216) and the second position (217) by applying a force F₁ on an extension (212a) of the second swiveling arm (212) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator connecting and operating accordingly as shown in FIG. 2b. The first position (216) of the second roller (214) is shown in FIG. 2a and the second position (217) of the second roller (214) is shown in FIG. 2b.

The first roller (210) has a first radius (222) and the second roller (214) has a second radius (219) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In the preferred embodiment, the first radius (222) is extending towards the second roller (214) and the second radius (219) is extending towards the first roller (210) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

Further, the first roller (210) has a first tangent (221) and the second roller (214) has a second tangent (218) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100c), the first tangent (221) is perpendicular to the first radius (222) and the second tangent (218) is perpendicular to the second radius (219) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. At the first position (216), shown in FIG. 2a, the first tangent (221) and the second tangent (218) has a predefined first parallel distance (220) therebetween. At the second position (217), shown in FIG. 2b, the first tangent (221) and the second tangent (218) has a predefined second parallel distance (223) therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the second parallel distance (223) is more than the first parallel distance (220).

In the preferred embodiment, when the second roller (214) is at any position between the first position (216) and the second position (217), the second swiveling arm (212) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. When the second roller (226) is at the first position (216), the second swiveling arm (212) is extended at an angle (θ_c) from the first tangent (221) in an anticlockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. When the second swiveling arm (212) is swiveling around the second hinge (213), the second roller centre (214a) traces a third locus (290c) as shown in FIG. 7.

Further, the roller folder (100c) includes a third swiveling arm (224) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at a third hinge (225) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The third swiveling arm (224) is having a third arm end (227) and the third roller (226) has a third roller centre (228) as shown in FIG. 2a. The third roller (226) is rotatable around the third roller centre (228) as shown in FIG. 2a. In the preferred embodiment, the third roller (226) is rotatable around the X axis (400) passing through the third roller centre (228) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

The third roller (226) is connected to the third arm end (227) at the third roller centre (228). The third roller (226) is swivelable around the third hinge (225) between a third position (229) and a fourth position (230). The third swiveling arm (224) is swiveled between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230) by applying a force F₂ on an extension (224a) of the third swiveling arm (224) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator as shown in FIG. 2b. The linear actuator can be a pneumatic or a hydraulic actuator and the rotary actuator can be a servomotor or a stepper motor. The third position (229) of the third roller (226) is shown in FIG. 2a and the fourth position (230) of the third roller (226) is shown in FIG. 2b.

The third roller (226) has a third tangent (231) and the second roller (214) has a fourth tangent (233) as shown in FIG. 2a. The third tangent (231) and the fourth tangent (233) are perpendicular to the first tangent (221) as shown in the FIG. 2a. At the third position (229), the third tangent (231) is at a predefined third parallel distance (232) from the fourth tangent (233) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) as shown in FIG. 2a.

At the fourth position (230), the third tangent (231) and the fourth tangent (233) has a predefined fourth parallel distance (234) therebetween when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) as shown in FIG. 2b. In the preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the fourth parallel distance (234) is more than the third parallel distance (232). When the third roller (226) is at any position between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230), the third swiveling arm (224) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the fourth tangent (233) or both as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

In the preferred embodiment, the third swiveling arm (224) is extended at an angle (θ_d) from the first tangent (221) in clockwise direction when the third roller (226) is at the third position (229) as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. When the third roller (226) is swiveling from the third position (229) to the fourth position (230), the third roller centre (228) traces a fourth locus (290d).

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a schematic front view of an embodiment of the roller folder (100d) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the roller folder (100d), a first swiveling arm (210a) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at a first hinge (241) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The first swiveling arm (210a) is having a first arm end (210b) attached at the first roller centre (211) of a first roller (210). The first roller (210) is swivelable around the first hinge (241).

The first roller (210) is rotatable around the first roller centre (211). In the present embodiment, the first roller (210) rotates around an X axis (400) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The X axis (400) is oriented perpendicularly outwards from the plane of FIGS. 3a and 3b. Further, the second swiveling arm (212) is pivotally connected to the frame (100) at the second hinge (213) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

The second swiveling arm (212) has the second arm end (215). The second roller (214) is connected to the second arm end (215) at the second roller centre (214a). The second roller (214) is rotatable around the second roller centre (214a) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Also, in the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100d), the second roller (214) rotates around the X axis (400) passing through the second roller centre (214a) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

In the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100d), the second roller (214) is swivelable around the second hinge (213) between the first position (216) and the second position (217). The second swiveling arm (212) is swiveled between the first position (216) and the second position (217) by applying a force F₁ on the extension (212a) of the second swiveling arm (212) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator connecting and operating accordingly. The first position (216) of the second roller (214) is shown in FIG. 3a and the second position (217) of the second roller (214) is shown in FIG. 3b.

The first roller (210) has the first radius (222) and the second roller (214) has the second radius (219) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In the preferred embodiment, the first radius (222) is extending towards the second roller (214) and the second radius (219) is extending towards the first roller (210) as shown in FIG. 3a.

Further, the first roller (210) has the first tangent (221) and the second roller (214) has the second tangent (218) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In the preferred embodiment of the roller folder (100d), the first tangent (221) is perpendicular to the first radius (222) and the second tangent (218) is perpendicular to the second radius (219) as shown in FIG. 3a. At the first position (216), shown in FIG. 3a, the first tangent (221) and the second tangent (218) has the predefined first parallel distance (220) therebetween.

At the second position (217), shown in FIG. 3b, the first tangent (221) and the second tangent (218) has a predefined second parallel distance (220) therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the second parallel distance (223) is more than the first parallel distance (220).

In the preferred embodiment, when the second roller (214) is at any position between the first position (216) and the second position (217), the second swiveling arm (212) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. When the second roller (226) is at the first position (216), the second swiveling arm (212) is extended at an angle (θ_c) from the first tangent (221) in an anticlockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3k When the second swiveling arm (212) is swiveling around the second hinge (213), the second roller centre (214a) traces the third locus (290c) as shown in FIG. 7.

Further, the roller folder (100d) includes the third swiveling arm (224) pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at the third hinge (225) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The third swiveling arm (224) is having the third arm end (227) and the third roller (226) has the third roller centre (228) as shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c. The third roller (226) is rotatable around the third roller centre (228). In the preferred embodiment, the third roller (226) is rotatable around the X axis (400) passing through the third roller centre (228) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

The third roller (226) is connected to the third arm end (227) at the third roller centre (228). The third roller (226) is swivelable around the third hinge (225) between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230). The third swiveling arm (224) is swiveled between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230) by applying a force F₂ on the extension (224a) of the third swiveling arm (224) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator. The linear actuator can be a pneumatic or a hydraulic actuator and the rotary actuator can be a servomotor or a stepper motor. The third position (229) of the third roller (226) is shown in FIG. 3a and the fourth position (230) of the third roller (226) is shown in FIG. 3b.

The third roller (226) has the third tangent (231) and the second roller (214) has the fourth tangent (233) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The third tangent (231) and the fourth tangent (233) are perpendicular to the first tangent (221) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. At the third position (229), the third tangent (231) is at the predefined third parallel distance (232) from the fourth tangent (233) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) as shown in FIG. 3a.

At the fourth position (230), the third tangent (231) and the fourth tangent (233) has the predefined fourth parallel distance (234) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) as shown in the FIG. 3b. In the preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the fourth parallel distance (234) is more than the third parallel distance (232). When the third roller (226) is at any position between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230), the third swiveling arm (224) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the fourth tangent (233) or both as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

In the preferred embodiment, the third swiveling arm (224) is extended at an angle (θ_d) from the first t gent (221) in the clockwise direction when the third roller (226) is at the third position (229) as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. When the third roller (226) is swiveling from the third position (229) to the fourth position (230), the third roller centre (228) traces the fourth locus (290d).

Further, due to the angular orientation of the second swiveling arm (212) with respect to the first tangent (221) as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b, there is an eccentricity (Ec) between the first locus (290a) and the third locus (290c) as shown in FIG. 7. Similarly, due to angular orientation of the third swiveling arm (224) with respect to the first tangent (221) as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b, there is an eccentricity (Ed) between the second locus (290b) and the fourth locus (290d) as shown in FIG. 7.

It is observed that, due to the eccentricity (Ec) and the eccentricity (Ed), there is less occurrence of the jamming of intermediate items while performing operations such as folding and/or pressing by the rollers (210, 214 and 216). Due to angular orientations of the second swivelling arm and the third swivelling arm, there is first tangent (221) gets tilted at an angle (not shown in figure), which increases entry margin for entering the intermediate items between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214). The entry margin (not shown in figure) in the roller folder (100c or 100d) is having more magnitude as compared to entry margin in case of roller folder (200) (Prior art). Due to increment in entry margin, there is less possibility of jamming, wear and tear of intermediate items and rollers and provides smooth folding operation.

Referring now to FIG. 5a, an embodiment of the roller folder (100g) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In roller folder (100g), the second hinge (213) is connected to the frame (100a) at a position between a fifth position (300a) to a sixth position (300b) as shown in FIG. 5a. The second swiveling arm (212) is anchored to the frame (100a) in an orientation non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b). In the roller folder (100g), the position of the first roller centre (211) is fixed to the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 5a.

The fifth position (300a) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (212) at an angle (θa) from the first tangent (221) and the sixth position (300b) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (221) at an angle (θb) from the first tangent (221) as shown in FIG. 5a. The movement of the second swiveling arm (212) between the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b) by manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

Similarly, the third hinge (225) is connected to the frame (100a) at any position between a seventh position (310a) to an eighth position (310b) as shown in FIG. 5a. The third swiveling arm (224) is anchored to the frame (100a) in an orientation non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both to the frame (100a) between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b). The seventh position (310a) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at an angle (θe) from the first tangent (221) and the eighth position (310b) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at an angle (θf) from the first tangent (221) as shown in FIG. 5a.

Further, the roller folder (100g) includes a first slot (300) configured in the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 5a. The first slot (300) extends from the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b) as shown in FIG. 5a. The second hinge (213) is movable within the first slot (300) between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b).

The second hinge (213) is movable within the first slot (300) between the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b). The second hinge (213) is anchored at a position between the fifth position (300a) to a sixth position (300b) by a first anchoring mechanism (235) as shown in FIG. 5a. The first anchoring mechanism (235) is a bolt or a screw or a plunger lock or any retaining mechanism known to the person skilled in the art.

Similarly, a second slot (310) is configured in the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 5a. The second slot (310) extends from the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b). The third hinge (225) is movable within the second slot (310) between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (300b) and vice versa. The second hinge (225) is fixed at a position between the seventh position (310a) and the eighth position (310b) by a second anchoring mechanism (236). The second hinge (225) is anchored within the second slot (310) so that the third swiveling arm (224) is oriented non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both.

Referring to FIG. 5b, an embodiment of the roller folder (100h) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In roller folder (100h), the second hinge (213) is connected to the frame (100a) at a position between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b) as shown in FIG. 5b. The second swiveling arm (212) is anchored to the frame (100a) in an orientation non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b). In the roller folder (100h), the first swiveling arm (210a) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at the first hinge (241) in FIG. 5b. The first swiveling arm (210a) is having the first arm end (210b) attached at the first roller centre (211) of the first roller (210). The first roller (210) is swivelable around the first hinge (241).

The fifth position (300a) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (212) at the angle (θa) from the first tangent (221) and the sixth position (300b) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (221) at the angle (θb) from the first tangent (221) as shown in FIG. 5b. The movement of the second swiveling arm (212) between the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b) by manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

Similarly, the third hinge (225) is connected to the frame (100a) at any position between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b) as shown in FIG. 5b. The third swiveling arm (224) is anchored to the frame (100a) in an orientation non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both to the frame (100a) between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b). The seventh position (310a) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at the angle (θe) from the first tangent (221) and the eighth position (310b) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at the angle (θf) from the first tangent (221) as shown in FIG. 5b.

Further, the roller folder (100h) includes the first slot (300) configured in the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 5b. The first slot (300) extends from the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b) as shown in FIG. 5b. The second hinge (213) is movable within the first slot (300) between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b).

The second hinge (213) is movable within the first slot (300) between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b). The second hinge (213) is anchored at the position between the fifth position (300a) and the sixth position (300b) by the first anchoring mechanism (235) as shown in FIG. 5b. The first anchoring mechanism (235) is a bolt or a screw or a plunger lock or any retaining mechanism known to the person skilled in the art.

Similarly, the second slot (310) is configured in the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 5b. The second slot (310) extends from the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b). The third hinge (225) is movable within the second slot (310) between the seventh position (310a) and the eighth position (300b) and vice versa. The second hinge (225) is fixed at a position between the seventh position (310a) and the eighth position (310b) by the second anchoring mechanism (236). The second hinge (225) is anchored within the second slot (310) so that the third swiveling arm (224) is oriented non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both.

Referring to FIG. 4a, an embodiment of the roller folder (100e) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the roller folder (100e), a first biasing member (237) is attached to the second swiveling arm (212) as shown in FIG. 4a. When a force is applied on the second swiveling arm (212) to move from first position (216) to the second position (217), the first biasing member (237) restores the second swiveling arm (212) at the first position (216). Similarly, a second biasing member (238) is attached to the third swiveling arm (212) as shown in FIG. 4a. In the roller folder (100e), the position of the first roller centre (211) is fixed to the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 4a.

When a force is applied on the third swiveling arm (212) to move the second roller (214) from the third position (229) to the fourth position (230), the second biasing member (237) restores the second swiveling arm (212) at the third position (229). In the preferred embodiment, the first biasing member (237) and the second biasing member (238) are springs or bellows or any elastic member known to the person skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 4b, an embodiment of the roller folder (100f) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the roller folder (100f), the first swiveling arm (210a) is pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at the first hinge (241) in FIG. 4b. The first swiveling arm (210a) is having the first arm end (210b) attached at the first roller centre (211) of the first roller (210). The first roller (210) is swivelable around the first hinge (241).

In the roller folder (100f), the first biasing member (237) is attached to the second swiveling arm (212) as shown in FIG. 4b. When a force is applied on the second swiveling arm (212) to move from first position (216) to the second position (217), the first biasing member (237) restores the second swiveling arm (212) at the first position (216). Similarly, the second biasing member (238) is attached to the third swiveling arm (212) as shown in FIG. 4b.

When a force is applied on the third swiveling arm (212) to move the second roller (214) from the third position (229) to the fourth position (230), the second biasing member (237) restores the second swiveling arm (212) at the third position (229). In the preferred embodiment, the first biasing member (237) and the second biasing member (238) are springs or bellows or any elastic member known to the person skilled in the art.

During operation of the roller folder (100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g and 100h), when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) and the third roller (214) is at the third position (229), a folded article such as a paper strip enters through the first parallel distance (220) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) and further passes through the third parallel distance (232) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226).

Similarly, when the second roller (214) is at the second position (217) and the third roller (226) is at the fourth position (230), the folded article enters through the second parallel distance (223) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) and further passes through the fourth parallel distance (234) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226).

In one of the embodiments, the first roller (210), the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) are rotatable around a Y axis passing through the first roller centre (211), the second roller centre (214a) and the third roller centre (228) respectively as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b. Further, in one of the embodiments, the first roller (210), the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) are rotatable around a Z axis passing through the first roller centre (211), the second roller centre (214a) and the third roller centre (228) respectively as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b.

Referring to FIG. 6a, an embodiment of the roller folder (100i) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The roller folder (100i) includes a first driving gear (410) and second driving gear (411) arranged over the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 6a. The roller folder (100i) includes a fourth roller (412) arranged with the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 6a. In one of the embodiments, the fourth roller (412) is fixed to the frame (100a). In another embodiment, the fourth roller (412) is swivelable. In the roller folder (100i), the position of the first roller centre (211) is fixed to the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 6a.

The first driving gear (410) is arranged with the first roller (210) and the third roller (226). The first driving gear (410) is fixed in contact with the first roller (214) and the third roller (226) so that even the rollers (210 and 226) are swivelled, meshing between the rollers (210 and 226) and the first driving gear (410) is retained (maintained). Further, the second driving gear (411) is arranged with the fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214) as shown in FIG. 6a. The second driving gear (411) is fixed in contact with the fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214) so that even the rollers (412 and 214) are swivelled, meshing between the rollers (412 and 214) and the second driving gear (411) is retained (maintained).

Referring to FIG. 6b, an embodiment of the roller folder (100j) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The roller folder (100j) includes the first driving gear (410) and the second driving gear (411) arranged over the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 6b. The roller folder (100j) includes the fourth roller (412) arranged with the frame (100a) as shown in FIG. 6b. In one of the embodiments, the fourth roller (412) is fixed to the frame (100a). In another embodiment, the fourth roller (412) is swivelable. In the roller folder (100j), a first swiveling arm (210a) pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at the first hinge (241), the first roller (210) is connected to the first arm end (210b) at the first roller centre (211) of the first roller (210) and the first roller (210) is swivelable around the first hinge (241).

The first driving gear (410) is arranged with the first roller (210) and the third roller (226). The first driving gear (410) is fixed in contact with the first roller (214) and the third roller (226) so that even the rollers (210 and 226) are swivelled, meshing between the rollers (210 and 226) and the first driving gear (410) is retained (maintained). Further, the second driving gear (411) is arranged with the fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214) as shown in FIG. 6b. The second driving gear (411) is fixed in contact with the fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214) so that even the rollers (412 and 214) are swivelled, meshing between the rollers (412 and 214) and the second driving gear (411) is retained (maintained).

Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing the roller folder (100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i and 100j) which eliminates the jamming of intermediate items such as paper strips or paper folds within the rollers (210, 214 and 226), thereby provides a smoother folding operation and reduces wear and tear of intermediate items as well as rollers. Further, the device (100) is smoother on the operation. Furthermore, the device (100) is having less occurrence of jamming of intermediate items compared to existing roller devices.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain best the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roller folder (100c, 100d, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i and 100j), the roller folder (100c, 100d, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i and 100j) includes a first roller (210) rotatably connected to a frame (100a) of the roller folder (100), the first roller (210) rotates around a first roller center (211) of the first roller (210), the roller folder (100), characterized in that: a second swiveling arm (212) pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at a second hinge (213);a second roller (214) connected to a second arm end (215) of the second swiveling arm (212) at a second roller center (214a) of the second roller (214), the second roller (214) is rotatable around the second roller center (214a);wherein the second roller (214) is swivelable around the second hinge (213) between a first position (216) and a second position (217), the first position (216) is a position of the second roller (214) at which a second tangent (218) of the second roller (214) which is perpendicular to a second radius (219) of the second roller (214) which is extending towards the first roller (210) is at a predefined first parallel distance (220) from a first tangent (221) of the first roller (210) which is perpendicular to a first radius (222) of the first roller (210) which is extending towards the second roller (214), the second position (217) is a position of the second roller (214) at which the second tangent (218) is at a predefined second parallel distance (223) from the first tangent (221), wherein the magnitude of the second parallel distance (223) is more than the first parallel distance (220),wherein when the second roller (214) is at a position between the first position (216) and the second position (217), the second swiveling arm (212) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both.

2. The roller folder (100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i and 100j) as claimed in claim 1, the roller folder (100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i and 100j) includes: A third swiveling arm (224) pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at a third hinge (225);A third roller (226) is connected to a third arm end (227) at a third roller center (228) of the third roller (226), the third roller (226) is rotatable around the third roller center (228), wherein the third roller (226) is swivelable around the third hinge (225) between a third position (229) and a fourth position (230);the third position (229) is a position of the third roller (226) at which a third tangent (231) of the second roller (226), which is perpendicular to the first tangent (221) is at a predefined third parallel distance (232) from a fourth tangent (233) of the second roller (214) which is perpendicular to the first tangent (221), the fourth position (230) is a position of the third roller (226) at which the third tangent (231) is at a predefined fourth parallel distance (234) from the fourth tangent (233) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216), wherein the magnitude of the fourth parallel distance (234) is more than the third parallel distance (232);Wherein when the second roller (226) is at a position between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230), the third swiveling arm (224) is extended either non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the fourth tangent (233) or both.

3. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second swiveling arm (212) is extended at an angle (θc) from the first tangent (221) in anticlockwise direction when the second roller (226) is at the first position (216).

4. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third swiveling arm (224) is extended at an angle (θd) from the first tangent (221) in a clockwise direction when the third roller (226) is at the third position (229).

5. The roller folder (100c) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a position of the first roller center (211) of the first roller (210) is fixed.

6. The roller folder (100d) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller folder (100d) includes a first swiveling arm (210a) pivotally connected to the frame (100a) at a first hinge (241), the first roller (210) is connected to a first arm end (210b) at the first roller center (211) of the first roller (210) and the first roller (210) is swivelable around the first hinge (241).

7. The roller folder (100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second hinge (213) is connected to the frame (100a) at a position between a fifth position (300a) to a sixth position (300b), thereby anchoring the second swiveling arm (212) non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both, wherein the fifth position (300a) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (212) at an angle (θa) from the first tangent (221) and the sixth position (300b) is an angular position of the second swiveling arm (221) at an angle (θb) from the first tangent (221).

8. The roller folder (100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third hinge (225) is connected to the frame (100a) at a position between a seventh position (310a) to an eighth position (310b), thereby anchoring the third swiveling arm (224) non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both, wherein the seventh position (310a) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at an angle (θe) from the first tangent (221) and the eighth position (310b) is an angular position of the third swiveling arm (224) at an angle (θf) from the first tangent (221).

9. The roller folder (100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 7, the roller folder (100g or 100h) includes: a first slot (300) is configured in the frame (100a), the first slot (300) extends from the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b), wherein the second hinge (213) is movable within the first slot (300) between the fifth position (300a) to the sixth position (300b); anda first anchoring mechanism (235) for fixing the second hinge (213) at a position between the fifth position (300a) to a sixth position (300b), thereby anchoring the second swiveling arm (212) non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both.

10. The roller folder (100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 8, the roller folder includes: a second slot (310) is configured in the frame (100a), the second slot (310) extends from the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b), wherein the third hinge (225) is movable within the second slot (310) between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (300b); anda second anchoring mechanism (236) for fixing the second hinge (225) at a position between the seventh position (310a) to the eighth position (310b), thereby anchoring the third swiveling arm (224) non-parallel or non-perpendicular to the first tangent (221) or both.

11. The roller folder (100e or 100f) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first biasing member (237) is attached to the second swiveling arm (212) to restore the second swiveling arm (212) at the first position (216).

12. The roller folder (100e or 100f) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a second biasing member (238) is attached to the third swiveling arm (224) to restore the third swiveling arm (224) at the third position (229).

13. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second swiveling arm (212) is swiveled between the first position (216) and the second position (217) by applying a force on the second swiveling arm (212) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

14. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third swiveling arm (224) is swiveled between the third position (229) and the fourth position (230) by applying a force on the third swiveling arm (224) through a manual effort or a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

15. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a folded article enters through the first parallel distance (220) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) and further passes through the third parallel distance (232) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) when the third roller (226) is at the third position (229).

16. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h or 100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a folded article enters through the first parallel distance (220) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) when the second roller (214) is at the first position (216) and further passes through the third parallel distance (232) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) when the third roller (226) is at the third position (229).

17. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a folded article enters through the second parallel distance (223) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) when the second roller (214) is at the second position (217) and further passes through the fourth parallel distance (234) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) when the third roller (226) is at the fourth position (230).

18. The roller folder (100c or 100d or 100e or 100f or 100g or 100h) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a folded article enters through the second parallel distance (223) between the first roller (210) and the second roller (214) when the second roller (214) is at the second position (217) and further passes through the fourth parallel distance (234) between the second roller (214) and the third roller (226) when the third roller (226) is at the fourth position (230).

19. The roller folder (100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 1, a first driving gear (410) is arranged with the first roller (210) and the third roller (226), wherein the first driving gear (410) is fixed in contact with the first roller (210) and the third roller (226) so that meshing between the rollers (210 and 226) and the driving gear (410) is retained after swiveling of the rollers (210 and 226).

20. The roller folder (100i or 100j) as claimed in claim 2, a second driving gear (411) is arranged with a fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214), wherein the second driving gear (411) is fixed in contact with the fourth roller (412) and the second roller (214) so that meshing between the rollers (412 and 214) and the second driving gear (411) is retained after swiveling of the rollers (412 and 214).