Apparatus for partially severing strip of paper along lines offset from lines of weakening in the paper

In combination with apparatus for producing continuous form stationery by folding a strip of paper along transverse lines of weakening formed therein, said apparatus including

• frame means,
• oscillating guide means mounted on said frame means for alternately distributing successive lines of weakening in said strip of paper in substantially opposite directions,
• means for feeding said strip of paper into said guide means at a predetermined speed,
• folding means carried on said frame and operatively associated with said oscillating guide means for urging said strip of paper distributed by said guide means into a folded condition,
• said guide means, feeding means and folding means generally moving in synchronous relationship during operation of said apparatus,
• the improvement comprising means for severing said strip of paper along at least one selected transverse lineation before said selected transverse lineation is distributed by said oscillating guide means to said folding means, said severing means including
• (a) cutting means for partially severing said strip of paper along said selected transverse lineation prior to said lineation passing into said oscillating guide means;
• and,
• (b) tensioning means mounted on said oscillating guide means to tension said strip of paper moving through the oscillating guide means to cause said strip of paper to pull apart and completely sever along said selected transverse lineation partially severed by said cutting means, said tensioning means intermittently increasing said tension on said strip of paper to cause said strip of paper to pull apart and completely sever along said selected transverse lineation partially severed by said cutting means.