Card package production system with modular carrier folding apparatus for multiple forms

US6846278B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Gregory S. Hill · Columbia, US
• Jeffery L. Hill · Mundelein, US
• Robert J. Bretl · Menominee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 11, 1996
• Grant date: Jan 25, 2005
• Expiry date: Jun 25, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H45/14
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A card package production system (20) for producing card packages (22) with cards (26) mounted to bifold carrier forms (24) with a pair of parallel, spaced, preweakened fold lines (33) and (34) dividing the body (32) of the carrier forms into leading end (35), middle (36) and lagging end (37) sections, a card carrier form folding apparatus (30) having a stop member (46) located extending downwardly into a blocking position along a folding path (44), a plurality of rollers (38)(39) and (40) for moving the carrier forms (24) along the folding path (44) and into the stop member (46) to buckle the leading end (35) and middle section (36) away from the folding path (44), a pushing member (56) driven by an electric motor (57) engaging the lagging end section (37) to push the carrier form (24) along the folding path (44) to pivotally swing the stop member (46) to a nonblocking position enabling the middle section (36) to fall back against the lagging section (37) folding the carrier (24) along fold lines (33) and (34) a transporting pushing pin member (74) interconnected with a circulating chain linkage (76) extending through a slot opening (242) in the folding path (44) to turn the folde…