Method and apparatus for forming a stream of partly overlapping paper sheets or the like

A method of forming a stream of partially overlapping flexible sheets, comprising the steps of transporting a series of discrete spaced-apart non-overlapping sheets at a relatively high first speed in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path;

• decelerating successive sheets of said series in a first portion of said path to a lower speed whereby each sheet following the respective preceding sheet in said first portion of said path catches up with the preceding sheet in a second portion of said path upstream of said first portion, as considered in said direction;
• deflecting the trailing portion of each preceding sheet at a first deflecting station as it travels at said lower speed past said first station and when there is no gap in said series of discrete sheets due to the absence of at least one sheet in said series, said deflection occuring substantially immediately before the following sheet catches up therewith so that the leader of each following sheet overlies the trailing portion of the respective preceding sheet before the following sheet enters into and is decelerated in said first portion of said path;
• and deflecting the trailing portion of a decelerated sheet as it travels at the lower speed past a second deflecting station downstream from said first station, as considered in said direction when said series of discrete sheets exhibits a gap as a result of the absence of at least one sheet in said series so that the trailing portion of the sheet preceding a gap is deflected substantially immediately before the sheet following such gap catches up therewith.