Device for folding materials to be folded

Device for folding materials, comprising:

• means for transporting the material along a substantially horizontal transport path including, a belt conveyor material transport assembly extending over a first, second and third transport section respectively disposed along the direction of transport of the material, said assembly including a first, second and third group of individual endless belts each having an outer surface and an upper and lower run, said outer surface of said lower run of said first group of belts being disposed above each of said three transport sections, said outer surface of said upper run of said second and third group of belts respectively conveying the material through said second and third transport sections, and a swing-plate having an upper and lower surface, a rear edge being closest to said third transport section and a front edge opposite said rear edge, one of said surfaces of said swing-plate being disposed below the transport path;
• a retractable material stop disposed between said individual belts of said third group of endless belts;
• means for rotatably supporting and guiding said swing-plate about an axis adjacent said rear edge from a starting position wherein said front edge thereof is in a given position through a 180.degree. turn about said rear edge thereof and returning said opposite front edge thereof to said given position after the turn;
• a holder supported above said swing-plate which is movable through a given swing and having extensions disposed thereon, said extensions cooperating with said swing-plate to return said swing-plate to said starting position;
• in a double-folding operation, said holder being contactable with said rear edge of said swing-plate, said front edge of said swing-plate forming a first crease in the material to be folded as the material is pressed against said first group of belts and said swing-plate is turned, and said rear edge forming a second crease;
• guide rollers supporting said third group of endless belts at an end thereof closest to said swing-plate;
• in a single-folding operation, said guide rollers being swingable between individual belts of said first group of belts for preventing said rear edge of said swing-plate from forming a crease;
• simultaneously operable exit rollers disposed subsequent to said third transport section relative to the direction of transport for additionally creasing the folds in the material as it leaves the device;
• sensor means disposed on said stop and being actuatable by the leading edge of the material in the transport direction for shutting off said belt conveyor assembly and for synchronizing operation of said swing-plate, holder and stop;
• and comb means for folding the material around said front edge of said swing-plate, said comb means including a multiplicity of spaced apart fingers, each finger including an angular folder having an acute-angle notch formed therein into which said front edge of said swing-plate is insertable with the material there between.