Folding/stitching apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a folding/stitching apparatus for folding a plurality of superimposed (laminated) sheets and stitching the sheets in the folded position by staples.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1

shows one of folding/stitching apparatus that has been proposed. As shown in

FIG. 1

, a folding/stitching apparatus

100

includes a plurality of paper feed trays

101

disposed in upper and lower directions, on each of which a plurality of superimposed sheets are placed, not-shown paper feed means for feeding the plurality of sheets set on the paper feed trays

101

, sheet loading means

102

for conveying and setting the plurality of sheets fed by the paper feed means respectively in stapling and saddle-stitching positions, stapling means

103

for sticking staples (so-called stapling) into the plurality of sheets set in the stapling position by the sheet loading means

102

, folding means

104

for folding the plurality of sheets set in the saddle-stitching position by the sheet loading means

102

, sheet discharge means

105

for moving the plurality of sheets folded by the folding means

104

in a discharging direction, trimmer means

106

for trimming folded and saddle-stitched sheets P conveyed by the sheet discharge means

105

and a paper receiving tray

107

, on which the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P discharged by the trimmer means

106

are placed.

In the above-described constitution, the plurality of sheets set on the paper feed trays

101

are conveyed to the sheet loading means

102

by the paper feed means, and the plurality of sheets are set in the stapling position by the sheet loading means

102

. The stapling means

103

sticks staples into the plurality of sheets set in the stapling position, and thus the plurality of sheets are stapled in a desired stapling position to be stitched.

The plurality of sheets are set in a folding position by the sheet loading means

102

. The folding means

104

folds the plurality of sheets set in the folding position, and thus the plurality of sheets are folded in the stapling position. The folded and saddle-stitched sheets P are conveyed by the sheet discharge means

105

, and guided to the trimmer means

106

. After trimming at the trimmer means

106

, the sheets P are discharged to the paper receiving tray

107

.

However, in the proposed folding/stitching apparatus

100

, the stapling position for sticking staples into the sheets by the stapling means

103

and the folding position for folding the sheets by the folding means

104

must be aligned with each other. If positions of both are shifted from each other, sheets P well folded and saddle-stitched cannot be obtained. An alignment unit is necessary in order to obtain well-folded and saddle-stitched sheets P, which has resulted in complexity of a structure and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a folding/stitching apparatus capable of accurately setting both a folding position and a stitching position. Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding/stitching apparatus having a simple structure.

The first aspect of the present invention provides a folding/stitching apparatus comprising: a sheet setting tray having an upper surface side where the slit is opened and sheets are set; a folding/stitching plate provided to be freely moved between a standby position for not entering the slit of the sheet setting tray and a folding/stitching position for entering the slit, the folding/stitching plate having a staple bending portion provided in an insertion tip into the slit; and a stapler pressed into contact through the sheets with the folding/stitching plate set in a folding/stitching position to stick staples into the sheets.

The second aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the first aspect of this invention, further comprising: a handle to be manually operated, wherein the folding/stitching plate is moved between the standby position and the folding/stitching position in conjunction with an operation of the handle.

The third aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the first aspect of this invention, still further comprising: a motor, wherein the folding/stitching plate is moved between the standby position and the folding/stitching position by a driving force of the motor.

The fourth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the first aspect of this invention, wherein a pair of introduction rollers is provided in the slit, and the folding/stitching plate is inserted integrally with the sheets between the pair of introduction rollers.

The fifth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the fourth aspect of this invention, wherein the pair of introduction rollers is freely moved in both a contact direction with each other and a separate direction from each other, and pressed in the contact direction by an urging means.

The sixth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the fourth aspect of this invention, wherein the folding/stitching plate is moved from the standby position to the folding/stitching position, and then the pair of introduction rollers is rotated in a direction for moving folded sheets integrally.

The seventh aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the sixth aspect of this invention, wherein the folding/stitching plate advances from the standby position to the folding/stitching position, and then the pair of introduction rollers is rotated in conjunction with the operation of the handle.

The eighth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the sixth aspect of this invention, wherein the pair of introduction rollers is rotated by a driving force of the motor.

The ninth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the first aspect of this invention, yet further comprising: a sheet lead-out member, wherein the sheet lead-out member guides the folded and stitched sheets in a discharging direction when the folding/stitching plate is returned from the folding/stitching position to the standby position.

The tenth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the ninth aspect of this invention, wherein a pair of folding rollers is provided at a position to which the sheets are guided by the sheet lead-out member, and the sheets being inserted between the folding rollers are moved in a discharging direction by rotation of the pair of folding rollers.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the ninth aspect of this invention, wherein the folding/stitching plate is returned from the folding/stitching position to the standby position, and then the sheet lead-out member is moved in conjunction with operations of both the handle and the folding/stitching plate.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the tenth aspect of this invention, wherein the pair of folding rollers is rotated in conjunction with an operation of the handle.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides the folding/stitching apparatus according to the tenth aspect of this invention, wherein the pair of folding rollers is rotated by the driving force of the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a schematic constitutional view of a proposed folding/stitching apparatus;

FIG. 2

is a perspective view showing a folding/stitching apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3

is a schematic constitutional view showing the folding/stitching apparatus of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4

is a perspective view showing main portions of the folding/stitching apparatus of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5

is a schematic constitutional view showing a state where a plurality of sheets are set on a sheet setting tray according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6

is a schematic constitutional view showing a state where a folding/stitching plate is in a folding/stitching position;

FIG. 7

is a schematic constitutional view showing a state where the folding/stitching plate has been returned from the folding/stitching position to a standby position according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8

is a perspective view of a folding/stitching apparatus according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9

is a schematic constitutional view of the folding/stitching apparatus in a state where a folding/stitching plate is in a standby position and a plurality of sheets are set on a sheet setting tray according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 10

is a front view showing main portions of a folding/stitching drive system of a folding/stitching drive unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11

is a plan view showing the folding/stitching drive system of the folding/stitching drive unit of the second embodiment;

FIG. 12

is a front view showing main portions of a sheet discharge system of a folding/stitching unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13

is a plan view showing the sheet discharge system of the folding/stitching unit of the second embodiment;

FIG. 14

is a schematic constitutional view of the folding/stitching apparatus having a folding/stitching plate set in a folding/stitching position according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15

is a schematic constitutional view of the folding/stitching apparatus in a state where the folding/stitching plate is being returned from the folding/stitching position to a standby position, and a sheet lead-out member is guiding folded and stitched sheets to a discharge side according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16

is a schematic constitutional view of the folding/stitching apparatus in a state where the folding/stitching plate has been returned from the folding/stitching position to the standby position according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17

is a circuit diagram of the folding/stitching drive unit showing a switch position in each step of a folding/stitching operation according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18

is a circuit diagram of the folding/stitching drive unit showing a switch position in each step of a folding/stitching operation according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 19

is a circuit diagram of the folding/stitching drive unit showing a switch position in each step of a folding/stitching operation according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 20

is a circuit diagram of the folding/stitching drive unit showing a switch position in each step of a folding/stitching operation according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 21

is a circuit diagram of the folding/stitching drive unit showing a switch position in each step of a folding/stitching operation of the second embodiment;

FIG. 22

is a plan view of a counter unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 23

is a front view showing the counter unit of the second embodiment; and

FIG. 24

is a schematic constitutional view showing a counter unit according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, in order to describe the present invention more in detail, preferred embodiments of this invention will be explained with reference to the accompanied drawings below.

As shown in

FIGS. 2

to

4

, a case

2

of a folding/stitching apparatus

1

includes a pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

erected in parallel with each other at a fixed space, and a rear plate

2

b

for connecting the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

to be integral with each other in a rear side. A sheet setting tray

3

disposed in a horizontal direction is fixed between the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

, a space above the sheet setting tray

3

is used as a paper feed space

4

, and a space below the sheet setting tray

3

is used as a paper discharge space

5

. A plurality of superimposed (laminated) sheets P

1

are set on the sheet setting tray

3

from a front side, and folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are taken out from the front side below the sheet setting tray

3

.

A stopper member

6

is provided in a rear side of the sheet setting tray

3

. The stopper member

6

enables the sheets P

1

to be easily set in a predetermined position on the sheet setting tray

3

. Namely, by being advanced to reach the stopper member

6

, the plurality of sheets P

1

can be easily set with a folding stitching position thereof aligned with a slit position. The stopper member

6

can be freely moved back and forth on the sheet setting tray

3

and positioned in a proper place. Accordingly, regarding the sheets P

1

of various sizes, folding/stitching positions thereof can be variably set in desired positions. A slit

7

is provided roughly in a center of the sheet setting tray

3

. This slit

7

is extended left and right, and provided to be longer than a width of at least the sheet P

1

to be folded and saddle-stitched.

As shown in

FIG. 3

, a pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

is rotatably provided in the slit

7

. Gears

9

are provided to be engaged with each other, each of which is fixed on one end of a rod

8

a

of each introduction roller

8

. As shown in

FIG. 4

, a pinion is fixed on the other end of the rod

8

a

of one introduction roller

8

. The pinion

10

is engaged with a rack

18

of a later-described folding/stitching plate

16

. Namely, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are moved in conjunction with movement of the folding/stitching plate

16

from a standby position to a folding/stitching position, and rotated in a direction for moving the folded sheets P

1

integrally with the folding/stitching plate

16

. The pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are freely moved in directions for contacting with/separating from each other while the engagement of the gears

9

with each other is maintained, and pressed in the contacting direction by a spring

11

as urging means. Further, a not-shown one-way clutch is interposed between each introduction roller

8

and each rod

8

a

. Rotation for advancing the sheets P

1

into the slit

7

is transmitted from each rod

8

a

to each introduction roller

8

, while rotation in an opposite direction thereto cannot be transmitted.

As shown in

FIGS. 2

to

4

, a handle

12

is provided between the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

in a manner that a base end side thereof is rotatably supported by a rod

13

, and a tip side thereof is disposed above the sheet setting tray

3

, thereby enabling a user to manually operate the handle. The operation of the handle

12

includes a feeding operation in an arrow direction A and a returning operation in an arrow direction B of

FIG. 3. A

pressure roller

14

is rotatably supported below a middle position of the handle

12

. The pressure roller

14

is abutted on a pressure application portion

16

a

of the folding/stitching plate

16

.

The folding/stitching plate

16

is disposed in a position above the sheet setting tray

3

, which corresponds to a position of the slit

7

of the sheet setting tray

3

. Parts of both left and right ends of the folding/stitching plate

16

are inserted into guide holes

17

(see

FIG. 2

) provided in both of the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

. Each guide hole

17

is extended in upper and lower directions.

The pressure application portion

16

a

is fixed on an upper end of the folding/stitching plate

16

. The pressure application portion

16

a

and a member for supporting the pressure roller

14

of the handle

12

are connected to each other by a connecting member

15

, and the pressure application portion

16

a

and the connecting member

15

are connected to each other through a long hole

15

a

, thereby maintaining connection while slightly varying a length of linkage. In conjunction with the operation of the handle

12

, the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved between a standby position indicated by a solid line shown in

FIG. 3

, where the plate is not inserted into the slit

7

of the sheet setting tray

3

, and a folding/stitching position indicated by a virtual line shown in

FIG. 3

, where the plate is inserted into the slit

7

of the sheet setting tray

3

.

The rack

18

is provided in a place protruded from the paper guide

2

a

in one end of the folding/stitching plate

16

. As described above, the rack

18

is engaged with the pinion

10

of the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

. Moreover, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are rotated when the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved from the standby position to the folding/stitching position. Namely, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are also rotated in conjunction with the feeding operation of the handle

12

.

Staple bending portions

19

are provided in positions corresponding to a pair of staplers

20

and

20

in a lower end (i.e., insertion tip of the slit

7

) of the folding/stitching plate

16

. Each stapler

20

is fixed in a position below the slit

7

of the sheet setting tray

3

, and disposed to stick a U-shaped staple

30

upward. Further, each stapler

20

is pressed into contact through the sheets P

1

with the folding/stitching plate

16

set in the folding/stitching position. By such press-contact force, the staple

30

is stuck into the sheets P

1

.

As shown in

FIGS. 2

to

4

, a sheet lead-out member

21

is provided in a position below the sheet setting tray

3

between the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

slidably in a horizontal direction. A support pin

22

of the sheet lead-out member

21

is engaged with a cam hole

24

of a swing plate

23

fixed on the rod

13

of the handle

12

, and thus moved in conjunction with the rotating operation of the handle

12

. Namely, in a lower position of the handle

12

where the folding/stitching plate

16

is in the folding/stitching position, the sheet lead-out member

21

is moved out from a position below the slit

7

to permit entry of the sheets P

1

, and set in the standby position indicated by the virtual line shown in

FIG. 3

, where the sheets P

1

are not guided in the discharging direction. In an upper position of the handle

12

where the folding/stitching plate

16

is in the standby position, the sheet lead-out member

21

is protruded from a position below the slit

7

, and set in a lead-out position indicated by a solid line shown in

FIG. 3

, where sheets P

2

are guided in the discharging direction.

A pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

is provided in positions below the sheet setting tray

3

between the pair of paper guides

2

a

and

2

a

, where the sheets P

2

folded and saddle-stitched are guided by the sheet lead-out member

21

. A pulley

26

is provided in one rod

25

a

of the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

. A belt

28

is placed between the pulley

26

and a pulley

27

fixed on the rod

13

of the handle

12

.

A not-shown one-way clutch is interposed between each folding roller

25

and each rod

25

a

, and thus only rotation in a direction for moving the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

in the discharging direction can be transmitted from each rod

25

a

to each folding roller

25

. When the handle

12

is rotated from the lower position to the upper position, such rotation is transmitted through the belt

28

to the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

, and the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are rotated to move the sandwiched sheets P

2

in the discharging direction.

Now, a folding/stitching operation of the folding/stitching apparatus

1

will be described by way of example, where sheets P

1

of a predetermined size are folded and saddle-stitched precisely in a middle position. The position of the stopper member

6

is adjusted such that a precisely middle position of the sheets P

1

can be aligned with that of the slit

7

when the sheets P

1

of a predetermined size are loaded on the sheet setting tray

3

to be abutted on the stopper member

6

.

As shown in

FIG. 5

, a user inserts a plurality of superimposed sheets P

1

on the sheet setting tray

3

, and then insertion tip surfaces of the sheets P

1

are set in a position for abutment on the stopper member

6

. Next, when the handle

12

is operated for feeding in an arrow direction A in

FIG. 5

, the folding/stitching plate

6

in the standby position is lowered from above the sheets P

1

, and abutted on the sheets P

1

. When the handle

12

is further operated for feeding from such abutted state, the sheets P

1

are folded in the abutting position by the folding/stitching plate

16

, and then inserted into the slit

7

of the sheet setting tray

3

integrally with the folding/stitching plate

16

.

By the lowering of the folding/stitching plate

16

, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are rotated in a direction for moving the sheets P

1

integrally with the folding/stitching plate

16

, and then the sheets P

1

are smoothly inserted into the slit

7

. By the feeding operation of the handle

12

, the sheet lead-out member

21

is moved out from the lead-out position below the slit

7

, so that the folding/stitching plate

16

and the sheets P

1

accordingly inserted are permitted to be moved.

The user stops the feeding operation of the handle

12

when the folding/stitching plate

16

reaches the folding/stitching position. As shown in

FIG. 6

, when the folding/stitching plate

16

is lowered to the folding/stitching position, the staple bending portions

19

of the folding/stitching plate

16

are pressed into contact through the sheets P

1

with the pair of staplers

20

and

20

. By such press-contact force, each stapler

20

sticks staples, and then a tip of the staple

30

stuck into the sheets P

1

is bent by the staple bending portions

19

. The plurality of superimposed sheets P

1

become folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

.

Next, when the user returns the handle

12

in an arrow direction B in

FIG. 7

, the folding/stitching plate

16

is raised in conjunction with the returning operation of the handle

12

. The pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are not rotary-driven in conjunction with the movement of the folding/stitching plate

16

by the one-way clutch, and thus the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are retained in the position without being raised integrally with the folding/stitching plate

16

. Further, in conjunction with the returning operation of the handle

12

, the sheet lead-out member

21

is protruded from the standby position to the lead-out position below the slit, and the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are guided to the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

in the discharging direction. The pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are rotated in the direction for discharging the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

in conjunction with the returning operation of the handle

12

. Therefore, as shown in

FIG. 7

, the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are passed between the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

, and then guided in the discharging direction.

After having finished the returning operation of the handle

12

, the user pulls out the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

protruded from the pair of the folding rollers

25

and

25

. Then, the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are run idle by the one-way clutch, thereby facilitating the pulling-out of the folded and stitched sheets P

2

.

The pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are also run idle by the one-way clutch. Thus, the pulling-out of the folded and stitched sheets P

2

is not interfered with.

In the folding/stitching apparatus

1

, the sheets P

1

are set on the sheet setting tray

3

such that the folding position can be aligned with that of the slit

7

. When the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved from the standby position toward the folding/stitching position, the sheets P

1

are folded in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate

16

and inserted into the slit

7

. When the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved to the folding/stitching position, staples are stuck into the sheets P

1

by the staplers

20

in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate

16

, and thus the folding position and the saddle-stitching position of the sheets P

1

are naturally brought into agreement with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to add any positioning units. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a folding/stitching apparatus

1

high in accuracy of the folding and saddle-stitching positions and simple in structure.

According to the first embodiment, the handle

12

, which can be manually operated by the user, is provided, and the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved between the standby position and the folding/stitching position in conjunction with the operation of the handle

12

. Accordingly, the folding/stitching operation can be manually performed by the user, thereby achieving a simple structure and low costs.

According to the first embodiment, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are provided in the slit

7

, and the folding/stitching plate

16

is provided so as to enter between the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

integrally with the sheets P

1

. Thus, in the process of the insertion of the plurality of sheets P

1

into the slit

7

by the folding/stitching plate

16

, the plurality of sheets P

1

are smoothly moved by the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

. Accordingly, a folding operation can be carried out by preventing damage from being given to the sheets P

1

as much as possible.

According to the first embodiment, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are freely moved in the contacting/separating directions, and pressed in the contacting direction by the spring

11

as the urging means. Hence, a space between the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

is varied according to a total thickness of the plurality of sheets P

1

, and a predetermined sandwiching force is applied by the spring

11

as the urging means such that the sheets P

1

varied in total thickness can be folded. When the folding/stitching plate

16

is moved from the standby position to the folding/stitching position, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are rotated in the direction for integrally moving the sandwiched sheets P

1

. Thus, when the sheets P

1

are pressed and folded by the folding/stitching plate

16

, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

feed the sheets P

1

integrally. Therefore, the sheets P

1

are smoothly folded. Moreover, when the folding/stitching plate

16

is advanced from the standby position to the folding/stitching position, the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

are rotated in conjunction with the operation of the handle

12

. Therefore, driving of the pair of introduction rollers

8

and

8

leads not be performed separately so that high usability can be provided for the user.

According to the first embodiment, the sheet lead-out member

21

is provided for guiding the folded and stitched sheets P

2

in the discharging direction when the folding/stitching plate

16

is returned from the folding/stitching position to the standby position. Accordingly, the folded and stitched sheets P

2

are discharged to the position for easily taking-out the sheets P

2

, thereby providing high usability for the user.

According to the first embodiment, the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are provided in the position, to which the sheets P

2

are guided by the sheet lead-out member

21

. The sheets P

2

entered between the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are moved in the discharging direction by rotation, so that the folded and stitched sheets P

2

can be discharged to a position for easier taking-out, and folded well. Accordingly, high usability is provided for the user. Further, when the folding/stitching plate

16

is returned from the folding/stitching position to the standby position, the sheet lead-out member

21

is moved in conjunction with the operation of the handle

12

. Therefore, driving of the sheet lead-out member

21

needs not be performed separately so that high usability can be provided for the user.

According to the first embodiment, the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

are rotated in conjunction with the operation of the handle

12

. Rotational driving of the pair of folding rollers

25

and

25

needs not be performed separately, thereby providing high usability for the user.

According to the first embodiment, the folding/stitching apparatus

1

is constructed without using any power sources. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the folding/stitching apparatus

1

at much lower costs compared with the proposed art.

Next, description will be made for a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

, a case

32

of a folding/stitching apparatus

31

includes a pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

erected in parallel with each other at a fixed space, a rear plate

32

b

for connecting the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

to be integral with each other in a rear side, a front plate

32

c

for connecting the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

to be integral with each other in a front side, and an upper plate

32

d

for connecting the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

to be integral with each other in an upper side. A sheet setting tray

33

disposed in a horizontal direction is fixed between the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

. A space between the front plate

32

c

and the sheet setting tray

33

is used as a paper feed space

34

, and a space below the sheet setting tray

33

is used as a paper discharge space

35

. A plurality of superimposed (laminated) sheets P

1

are set on the sheet setting tray

33

from a front side, and folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are taken out from a front side below the sheet setting tray

33

.

As in the case of the first embodiment, a stopper member

36

is provided in a rear side of the sheet setting tray

33

. The stopper member

36

enables the sheets P

1

to be easily set in a predetermined position on the sheet setting tray

33

. The stopper member

36

can be freely moved back and forth on the sheet setting tray

33

, and positioned in a proper place. Therefore, regarding the sheets P

1

of various sizes, folding/stitching positions thereof can be variably set in desired positions.

A pair of left and right sheet guides

37

and

37

is provided near left and right edge positions in a front portion of the sheet setting tray

33

. By the pair of left and right sheet guides

37

and

37

, a plurality of sheets P

1

can be set on the same left and right position without being shifted left or right.

A slit

38

is provided roughly in a center of the sheet setting tray

33

. The slit

38

is extended left and right and provided to be sufficiently longer than a width of the sheet P

1

to be folded and saddle-stitched.

A pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

is rotatably provided in the slit

38

. A surface of each introduction roller

39

is made of, for example, a rubber having 60 degrees about type A durometer hardness (this hardness is consistent with ISO 7619), requiring only a frictional force but not elasticity. Gears

40

and

40

are provided to be engaged with each other, each of which is fixed on one end of each of rods

39

a

and

39

a

of the introduction rollers

39

and

39

. As shown in

FIG. 13

, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are freely moved in directions for contacting with/separating from each other while the engagement of the gears

40

and

40

with each other is maintained. Further, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are pressed in the contacting direction by a spring

41

as urging means. The pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are rotary-driven by a sheet discharge system of a folding/stitching drive unit

42

in a direction for inserting the sheets P

1

into the slit

38

.

A one-way clutch (not-shown) is interposed between each introduction roller

39

and each rod

39

a

. Rotation for advancing the sheets P

1

into the slit

38

is transmitted from each rod

39

a

to each of the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

, while rotation of an opposite direction thereto cannot be transmitted. Thus, when a folding/stitching plate

43

is moved from a standby position to a folding/stitching position, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are freely rotated in a direction for moving the folded sheets P

1

integrally with the folding/stitching plate

43

.

The folding/stitching plate

43

is disposed in a position above the sheet setting tray

33

, which corresponds to a position of the slit

38

of the sheet setting tray

33

. In an upper end of the folding/stitching plate

43

, guide pins

44

are provided to be protruded from both left and right ends. The left and right guide pins

44

are inserted into guide holes

45

respectively provided in the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

. Each guide hole

45

is extended in upper and lower directions. Further, the folding/stitching plate

43

is driven by a folding/stitching drive system of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

between the standby position for not entering the slit

38

of the sheet setting-tray

33

shown in FIG.

9

and the folding/stitching position for entering the slit

38

of the sheet setting tray

33

shown in FIG.

16

.

As in the case of the first embodiment, staple bending portions (not shown) are provided in positions corresponding to a pair of staplers

46

and

46

in a lower end (i.e., insertion tip into the slit

38

) of the folding/stitching plate

43

. Each stapler

46

is fixed in a position below the slit

38

of the sheet setting tray

33

, and disposed to stick a U-shaped staple

30

upward. Moreover, each stapler

46

is pressed into contact through the sheets P

1

with the folding/stitching plate

43

set in the folding/stitching position. By such press-contact force, the staple

30

is stuck into the sheets P

1

. The pair of staplers

46

and

46

are fixed on a stapler base

47

detachably disposed in the case

32

. The stapler base

47

can be attached/detached by an operation of a knob

47

a

. The stapler base

47

is made of sheet metal having a spring characteristic and reduces a pressing force of the folding/stitching plate

43

applied on each stapler

46

.

As shown in

FIG. 9

, a sheet lead-out member

48

is provided in a position below the sheet setting tray

33

between the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

slidably in a horizontal direction. A support pin

49

protruded from each of left and right ends of the sheet lead-out member

48

is inserted into a guide hole

50

provided in each of the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

. The guide hole

50

is extended in a horizontal direction. Then, the sheet lead-out member

48

is moved out from a position below the slit

38

to permit entry of the sheets P

1

. The sheet lead-out member

48

is driven by the folding/stitching drive system of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

between the standby position for not guiding the sheets P

1

in the discharging direction shown in

FIG. 16 and a

lead-out position for being protruded from the position below the slit

38

to guide sheets P

2

in the discharging direction shown in FIG.

9

.

A pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

is provided in positions below the sheet setting tray

33

between the pair of paper guides

32

a

and

32

a

, where the sheets P

2

folded and stitched are guided by the sheet lead-out member

48

. Each folding roller

51

is made of, for example, rubber having 60 degrees or lower about type A durometer hardness (this hardness is consistent with ISO 7619) and having elasticity.

Gears

52

and

52

are provided to be engaged with each other, each of which is fixed on one end of each of rods

51

a

and

51

a

of the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

. Further, the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are freely moved in directions for contacting with/separating from each other while the engagement of the gears

52

and

52

with each other is maintained, and pressed in the contacting direction by a spring

53

as urging means. The spring

53

has a spring force set stronger than that of the spring

41

in the side of the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

, and thus provides stronger folding than those in the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

. Further, the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are rotary driven in a direction for discharging the sandwiched sheets P

1

by the sheet discharge system of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

.

A one-way clutch (not shown) is interposed between each folding roller

51

and each rod

51

a

. Rotation of a direction for moving the sheets P

2

in a discharging direction is transmitted from each rod

51

a

to each folding roller

51

. However, rotation of an opposite direction thereto cannot be transmitted. Therefore, when the user pulls the sandwiched sheets P

2

in the discharging direction, the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are freely rotated to enable the jammed sheets P

2

to be easily taken out.

Now, the folding/stitching drive unit

42

will be described. As shown in

FIGS. 10 and 11

, the folding/stitching drive system of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

includes an AC motor as the only driving source of the folding/stitching apparatus

31

. On an outer peripheral surface of a rotary shaft

60

a

of the AC motor

60

, a first gear

62

is provided by interposing a first one-way clutch

61

. The first one-way clutch

61

transmits only rotation of a counterclockwise direction (arrow direction A seen in

FIGS. 10 and 12

, and similar thereinafter) of the AC motor

60

to the first gear

62

. Clockwise rotation of the AC motor

60

causes the first gear

62

to run idle. The first gear

62

is engaged with a second gear

63

of a large diameter. The second gear

63

has a cam pin

65

fixed in an eccentric position of a rotary shaft support pin

63

a

thereof. The cam pin

65

is inserted into a cam hole

66

a

of a swing lever

66

. The swing lever

66

is supported on the paper guide

32

a

with a center pin

67

set as a fulcrum. A guide pin

44

of the folding/stitching plate

43

is engaged with an upper side end of the swing lever

66

. The swing plate

65

is swung by rotation of the second gear

63

, so that the folding/stitching plate

43

can be moved up and down. A support pin

49

of the sheet lead-out member

48

is engaged with a lower side end of the swing lever

65

. The swing lever

66

is swung by the rotation of the second gear

63

such that the sheet lead-out member

48

can be moved horizontally.

A third gear

64

is engaged with the second gear

63

. A rod

64

a

of the third gear

64

is extended to the other paper guide

32

a

. Similar units (third and second gears

64

and

62

, and swing lever

66

) are provided in this paper guide

32

a

. Hence, the folding/stitching plate

43

and the sheet lead-out member

48

are surely and smoothly moved.

As described above, during the counterclockwise rotation (arrow direction A in

FIG. 10

) of the AC motor

60

, the folding/stitching plate

43

is reciprocated between the standby position and the folding/stitching position. Further, the sheet lead-out member

48

is reciprocated between the standby position and the lead-out position. Moreover, while the folding/stitching plate

43

is in the standby position, the sheet lead-out member

48

is set in the lead-out position. While the folding/stitching plate

43

is in the folding/stitching position, the sheet lead-out member

48

is set in the standby position.

As shown in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, the sheet discharge system of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

uses the AC motor

60

, which is the only driving source of the folding/stitching apparatus

31

, also as a driving source. On the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft

60

a

of the AC motor

60

, a large-diameter pulley

71

is provided by interposing a second one-way clutch

70

therebetween. The second one-way clutch

70

transmits only rotation of a clockwise direction (arrow direction B in

FIGS. 10 and 12

, and similar thereinafter) of the AC motor

60

to the large-diameter pulley

71

. Counterclockwise rotation of the AC motor

60

causes the large-diameter pulley

71

to run idle. One end of a timing belt

72

is placed on the large-diameter pulley

71

. The other end of the timing belt

72

is placed on a small-diameter pulley

73

. The small-diameter pulley

73

is fixed on the rod

39

a

of one introduction roller

39

. Further, an idler gear

74

is engaged with the gear

40

fixed on the rod

39

a

of the other introduction roller

39

. The idler gear

74

is engaged with a gear

52

of the rod

51

a

of one folding roller

51

.

Both pairs of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and folding rollers

51

and

51

are rotary-driven in a direction for discharging the sandwiched sheets P

2

during clockwise rotation (arrow direction B in

FIG. 12

) of the AC motor

60

. Peripheral velocities of the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are set to be faster within 20% against those of the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

.

Circuitry of the folding/stitching drive unit

42

will be now described based on

FIGS. 17

to

21

. As shown in

FIGS. 17

to

21

, the AC motor

60

includes a common terminal t

1

, a terminal t

2

of a clockwise direction side, and a terminal t

3

of a counterclockwise direction side. A capacitor C is interposed between the terminals t

2

and t

3

of the clockwise and counterclockwise direction sides. Power inputs to the terminals t

2

and t

3

of the clockwise and counterclockwise direction sides are varied, thereby switching rotational directions. A start switch SW

1

and a motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

are interposed between the AC motor

60

and an AC power source

75

. By the two switches SW

1

and SW

2

, power inputs to the terminals t

2

and t

3

of the clockwise and counterclockwise direction sides are switched. The start switch SW

1

is provided in the front plate

32

c

shown in FIG.

8

. Further, the start switch SW

1

is operated by the user. The start switch SW

1

is pressed to a terminal t

4

of a clockwise direction selection side by a built-in spring, whereby the start switch SW

1

is switched to a terminal t

5

of a counterclockwise direction side by a depressing operation of the user.

The motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

is provided in the case

32

shown in

FIG. 9

or the like, and operated according to a position of the folding/stitching plate

43

. The motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

is pressed to a terminal t

6

of a counterclockwise direction selection side by a built-in spring. Moreover, in positions of the swing lever

66

corresponding to the standby position of the folding/stitching plate

43

and the vicinity thereof, the motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

is depressed by the swing lever

66

to be positioned in a terminal t

7

of a clockwise direction selection side. In the position of the swing lever

66

other than the above-described position of the folding/stitching plate

43

, the motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

is positioned in a terminal t

6

of the counterclockwise direction selection side by a spring force of the built-in spring.

A folding/stitching operation of the folding/stitching apparatus

31

will be described by way of example, where sheets P

1

of a predetermined size are folded and saddle-stitched precisely in a middle position. The position of the stopper member

36

is adjusted such that a precisely middle position of the sheets P

1

can be aligned with that of the slit

38

when the sheets P

1

of a predetermined size are loaded on the sheet setting tray

33

to be abutted on the stopper member

36

.

As shown in

FIG. 17

, when power is supplied to the folding/stitching apparatus

31

, an AC current of the AC power source

75

is applied to the clockwise direction side terminal t

2

of the AC motor

60

, so that the AC motor

60

can be rotated in a clockwise direction. By the clockwise rotation of the AC motor

60

, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are rotary-driven in the sheet discharging direction. As shown in

FIG. 9

, a user inserts a plurality of superimposed sheets P

1

on the sheet setting tray

33

, and then insertion tip surfaces of the sheets P

1

are set in a position for abutment on the stopper member

36

.

The user depresses the start switch SW

1

. Then, as shown in

FIG. 18

, a power input is switched to the counterclockwise direction side terminal t

3

of the AC motor

60

, thereby reversely rotating the AC motor

60

in the counterclockwise direction. By the counterclockwise rotation of the AC motor

60

, the rotary-driving of the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

is stopped. The folding/stitching plate

43

starts to move from the standby position to the folding/stitching position. Further, the sheet lead-out member

48

starts to move from the lead-out position to the standby position.

The folding/stitching plate

43

in the standby position is lowered from above the sheets P

1

, and abutted on the sheets P

1

. When the folding/stitching plate

43

is further lowered from such state, the sheets P

1

are folded by the folding/stitching plate

43

in the abutting position, and inserted integrally with the folding/stitching plate

43

into the slit

38

of the sheet setting tray

33

. By the lowering of the folding/stitching plate

43

, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are following rotated in a direction for moving the sheets P

1

integrally with the folding/stitching plate

43

, and then the sheets P

1

are smoothly inserted into the slit

38

. The sheet lead-out member

48

is moved out from the lead-out position below the slit

38

, so that the folding/stitching plate

43

and the sheets P

1

accordingly inserted are permitted to be moved.

In the foregoing operation process, when the swing lever,

66

is slightly moved after the depression of the start switch SW

1

, as shown in

FIGS. 19 and 20

, the swing lever

66

no longer presses the motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

. Accordingly, the motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

is switched to the counterclockwise direction selection side, and the AC motor

60

is continuously rotated in the counterclockwise direction even if the user releases the depression of the start switch SW

1

.

As shown in

FIG. 14

, when the folding/stitching plate

43

is lowered to the folding/stitching position, the staple bending portions of the folding/stitching plate

43

are pressed into contact through the sheets P

1

with the pair of staplers

46

and

46

. By such press-contact force, each stapler

46

sticks staples, and then a tip of the staple

30

stuck into the sheets P

1

is bent by each staple bending portion. Then, the plurality of superimposed sheets P

1

become folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

.

After the lowering of the folding/stitching plate

43

to the folding/stitching position, the folding/stitching plate

43

is raised. However, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

are not rotated in conjunction with the movement of the folding/stitching plate

43

by the one way clutch. Thus, the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are retained in the position without being raised integrally with the folding/stitching plate

43

. As shown in

FIG. 15

, the folding/stitching plate

43

is raised to the standby position. The sheet lead-out member

48

is protruded from the standby position to the lead-out position, and the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are guided to the side of the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

in the discharging direction.

In the foregoing operation process, as shown in

FIG. 21

, when the folding/stitching plate

43

is raised to the vicinity of the standby position, the swing lever

66

depresses the motor reverse-rotation switch SW

2

again. Thus, a power input is switched to the clockwise direction side terminal t

2

of the AC motor

60

, thereby reversely rotating the AC motor

60

. Therefore, while the folding/stitching plate

43

and the sheet lead-out member

48

are stopped respectively in the standby position and the lead-out position, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are rotary-driven in the sheet discharging direction. Accordingly, the folded and saddle-stitched sheets P

2

are passed between the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

, and then discharged.

In the folding/stitching apparatus

31

, the sheets P

1

are set on the sheet setting tray

33

such that the folding position can be aligned with that of the slit

38

. The folding/stitching plate

43

is automatically moved from the standby position toward the folding/stitching position only by operating the start switch SW

1

. The sheets P

1

are folded in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate

43

and inserted into the slit

38

. When the folding/stitching plate

43

is moved to the folding/stitching position, staples are stuck into the sheets P

1

by the stapler

46

in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate

43

, and thus the folding position and the saddle-stitching position of the sheets P

1

are naturally brought into agreement with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to add any positioning units. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the folding/stitching apparatus

31

high in accuracy of the folding and saddle-stitching positions and simple in structure.

According to the second embodiment, the AC motor

60

is provided and, by the driving force of the AC motor

60

, the folding/stitching plate

43

is moved between the standby position and the folding/stitching position. Thus, the driving force of the AC motor

43

enables folding/stitching work to be carried out. Accordingly, work of the user is reduced more compared with manual folding/stitching work, thereby reducing work mistakes and achieving a high processing speed. The operation of the folding/stitching plate

43

is stabilized more compared with the manual folding/stitching work, so that folding/stitching quality can be improved. A processing speed thereof is also high, and any instability is prevented.

According to the second embodiment, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are constructed to be rotated by the driving force of the AC motor

60

. Accordingly, the pair of introduction rollers

39

and

39

and the pair of folding rollers

51

and

51

are driven by the AC motor

60

for driving the folding/stitching plate

43

, thereby reducing the number of mounted motors. According to the second embodiment, the folding/stitching apparatus

31

is manufactured by mounting only one AC motor

60

.

Description will be made for a counter unit

80

additionally provided in the folding/stitching apparatus

31

of the second embodiment based on

FIGS. 22 and 23

.

As shown in

FIGS. 22 and 23

, the counter unit

80

indicates the numbers of remaining staples of the staplers

46

and

46

. The counter unit

80

includes a worm gear

81

fixed on a support shaft

64

a

, a worm wheel

83

engaged with the worm gear

81

and rotatably supported on a support plate

82

, a dial plate

84

, which is coaxial to the worm wheel

83

and is rotated separately and independently, and a spring plate

85

for adhering the dial plate

84

and the worm wheel

83

to each other by a predetermined frictional force.

Scales are provided at predetermined intervals on an outer periphery of the dial plate

84

. During rotation of the worm wheel

83

, the dial plate

84

is rotated integrally by a spring force of the spring plate

85

. A rotational angle of the worm wheel

83

is decided in proportion to the number of revolutions of the second gear

63

. Accordingly, the dial plate

84

indicates the number of remaining staples by using such proportional relation.

The second gear

63

is rotated once by one staple sticking operation, and the third gear

64

is rotated by the number of revolutions decided by a gear ratio with the second gear

63

. The numbers of revolutions are equal between the third gear

64

and the worm gear

81

. The worm wheel

83

is advanced by one tooth per one revolution of the worm gear

81

. Accordingly, the number of revolutions of the second gear

62

is proportional to a rotational angle of the worm wheel

83

. Such proportional relation enables the number of remaining staples to be indicated. For example, assuming that the number of staples is 100, and the second and third gears have 60 and 30 teeth respectively, the number of teeth of the worm wheel

83

is set to 200 in order to rotate the worm wheel

83

precisely once when 100 staples are stuck.

By mounting the counter unit

80

, the user can know when to replenish the staplers

46

and

46

with the staples

30

respectively before the staples

30

are finished up.

For using the staples

30

broken in the middle of staples connected to be integral or the staples

30

used partway in staples connected to be integral, the user sets the dial plate

84

in a rotational position corresponding to the number of connected staples. Accordingly, the number of remaining staples can be accurately indicated even when the staples

30

broken in the middle of the staples connected to be integral or the staples

30

used halfway in the staples connected to be integral are used.

FIG. 24

is a schematic constitutional view showing a modified example of a counter unit. As shown in

FIG. 24

, a counter unit

90

of the modified example includes a first counter gear

91

, which is coaxial to the second gear

63

and is fixed by a predetermined frictional force, a second counter gear

92

, which is engaged with the first counter gear

91

and has a mark (mark position indicated by an arrow), and a mark plate

93

, which is disposed close to the second counter gear

92

and has a mark (mark position indicated by an arrow). The first counter gear

91

has the number of teeth set equal to the sum of 1 and the number of teeth N set in each stapler

46

. The second counter gear

92

has the number of teeth set equal to the number of teeth N set in the stapler

46

. By one folding/stitching operation, i.e., one staple sticking operation, the second counter gear

92

is rotated 1+1/N times. By performing the folding/stitching operation N times, i.e., the staple sticking operation N times, the second counter gear

92

is rotated N+1(=N/N) times. Thus, the described constitution enables the second counter gear

92

to be stopped when the mark position thereof is rotated precisely once, thereby indicating the number of remaining staples.

In the second embodiment, in order to assure the operation, the sheets P

1

are set in the position for abutment on the stopper member

36

, and then the user depresses the start switch SW

1

. However, if the start switch SW

1

is mounted in the position, where the sheets P

1

abuts on the stopper member

36

, a process can be automatically started only by setting the sheets P

1

.

In the second embodiment, the AC motor

60

is used as a motor, and thus an electric system of the automatic folding/stitching apparatus

31

can be manufactured at low costs. Needless to say, however, members other than the AC motor

60

may be used for manufacturing the same.

The first and second embodiments have been described by way of example, where the sheets P

1

are folded and saddle-stitched precisely in the middle position. However, the invention can be similarly applied to a case where the sheets P

1

are folded and saddle-stitched in positions other than the precisely middle position. In the foregoing, the staplers

20

and

46

are respectively provided in the two places, and the staples

30

were stuck into the two places of the sheets P

1

. Needless to say, however, the numbers of staplers

20

and

46

may be one, three or more.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sheets are set on the sheet setting tray such that the folding position can be aligned with the slit position. When the folding/stitching plate is moved from the standby position toward the folding/stitching position, the sheets are folded in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate, and inserted into the slit. After the folding/stitching plate is moved to the folding/stitching position, staples are stuck into the sheets by the stapler in the tip position of the folding/stitching plate. Thus, the sheet folding/stitching positions are naturally brought into agreement with each other, removing the necessity of adding any positioning units. Therefore, accuracy of the folding/stitching positions is high, and the structure is simple.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the folding/stitching operation can be performed by manually operating the handle, so that a structure thereof can be simplified more and costs can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the folding/stitching operation can be performed by the driving force of the motor. Thus, compared with the manual folding/stitching work, work of the user can be reduced more, thereby reducing mistakes and achieving a high processing speed. Further, compared with the manual folding/stitching work, the operation of the folding/stitching plate is stabilized more, thereby improving folding/stitching quality. Moreover, a higher processing speed can be achieved without any instability.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the process of the insertion of the plurality of sheets into the slit by the movement of the folding/stitching plate, the plurality of sheets are smoothly moved by the rotation of the pair of introduction rollers. Accordingly, the folding operation can be performed by preventing damage from being given to the sheets as much as possible.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a space between the pair of introduction rollers is varied according to the total thickness of the plurality of sheets, and a predetermined sandwiching force is applied by the urging means. Therefore, sheets varied in total thickness can be folded.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the sheets are pressed and folded by the folding/stitching plate, the pair of introduction rollers integrally feed the sheets, such that the sheets can be folded smoothly.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, driving of the pair of introduction rollers needs not be performed separately, so that high usability can be provided.

According to the eight aspect of the present invention, the pair of introduction rollers are driven by the motor for driving the folding/stitching plate, whereby the number of motors to be mounted can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the folded and stitched sheets are discharged to the position for easy taking-out, thereby high usability can be provided for the user.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the folded and stitched sheets are discharged to the position for easy taking-out, and folded well. Therefore, very high usability can be provided.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, driving of the sheet lead-out member needs not be performed separately, so that high usability can be provided.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, rotational driving of the pair of folding rollers need not be performed separately, whereby high usability can be provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the pair of folding rollers is driven by the motor for driving the folding/stitching plate, or the motor for driving the pair of introduction rollers in addition. Accordingly, the number of motors to be mounted can be reduced.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments or constructions. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various elements of the preferred embodiments are shown in various combinations and configurations, which are exemplary, other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only a single element, are also within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
P2001-172880	Jun 2001	JP
P2002-085592	Mar 2002	JP

Number	Name	Date	Kind
389147	Heyl	Sep 1888	A
3492955	Gallagher	Feb 1970	A
4270742	Kobayashi	Jun 1981	A
4592651	Oikawa et al.	Jun 1986	A
4595187	Bober	Jun 1986	A
4735406	Weber	Apr 1988	A
5342032	Meier	Aug 1994	A
5377965	Mandel et al.	Jan 1995	A
5461469	Farrell et al.	Oct 1995	A
6251054	Cruz et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6554267	Trovinger	Apr 2003	B2
6578838	Trovinger et al.	Jun 2003	B2

Folding/stitching apparatus

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Term Extension

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (2)

US Referenced Citations (12)

Foreign Referenced Citations (1)