Apparatus for subdividing a running web of coherent panels in zig-zag formation

Apparatus for subdividing a continuous web of mutually inclined panels in zig-zag formation wherein neighboring panels are connected to each other along fold lines, comprising a substantially upright duct having an inlet and including spaced-apart first and second sidewalls and a bottom wall;

• means for advancing the web longitudinally toward and into said duct by way of said inlet so that the duct accumulates a growing pile of overlapping panels with the foremost panel of the pile resting on said bottom wall and the fold lines between successive panels alternatingly adjacent said first and second sidewalls;
• means for repeatedly severing the web along spaced-apart predetermined fold lines which are located at a predetermined level above said bottom wall to separate from the pile a succession of stacks of coherent overlapping panels, including a substantially flat severing tool disposed at said level and having a leader, and means for reciprocating said tool between a retracted position outwardly adjacent said first sidewall and an extended position in which the leader is outwardly adjacent said second sidewall whereby the leader severs the web along a predetermined fold line which is adjacent said second sidewall;
• means for spreading apart two superimposed fold lines which are adjacent said first sidewall, one of which is located above and the other of which is located below said level so as to provide a clearance for penetration of said leader between the spread-apart superimposed fold lines and toward severing engagement with the web along the predetermined fold line at said level, said spreading means being movable between an inoperative position outwardly adjacent said first sidewall and an operative position between said sidewalls and comprising a first spreading element which engages from below the upper fold line, a second spreading element which engages from above the lower fold line of the superimposed fold lines at said level during movement of said spreading means to said operative position and means for shifting said second spreading element between a raised position adjacent and a lowered position spaced apart from said first spreading element, said shifting means comprising means for pivoting said second spreading element relative to said first spreading element and being operative to maintain said second spreading element in raised position during movement of said elements between the superimposed fold lines at said level and to thereupon move the second element to the lowered position in order to separate the superimposed fold lines and to establish said clearance for penetration of the leader of said tool into the pile on its way toward said extended position;
• and means for moving said spreading means to operative position prior to advancement of said leader beyond said first sidewall toward said second sidewall.

Apparatus for subdividing a continuous web of mutually inclined panels in zig-zag formation wherein neighboring panels are connected to each other along fold lines, comprising a substantially upright duct having an inlet and including spaced-apart first and second sidewalls and a bottom wall;

• means for advancing the web longitudinally toward and into said duct by way of said inlet so that the duct accumulates a growing pile of overlapping panels with the foremost panel of the pile resting on said bottom wall and the fold lines between successive panels alternatingly adjacent said first and second sidewalls;
• means for repeatedly severing the web along spaced-apart predetermined fold lines which are located at a predetermined level above said bottom wall to separate from the pile a succession of stacks of coherent overlapping panels, including a substantially flat severing tool disposed at said level and having a leader, and means for reciprocating said tool between a retracted position outwardly adjacent said first sidewall and an extended position in which the leader is outwardly adjacent said second sidewall whereby the leader severs the web along a predetermined fold line which is adjacent said second sidewall;
• means for spreading apart two superimposed fold lines which are adjacent said first sidewall, one of which is located above and the other of which is located below said level so as to provide a clearance for penetration of said leader between the spread-apart superimposed fold lines and toward severing engagement with the web along the predetermined fold line at said level, said spreading means being movable between an inoperative position outwardly adjacent said first sidewall and an operative position between said sidewalls and comprising a first spreading element which engages from below the upper fold line and a second spreading element which engages from above the lower fold line of the superimposed fold lines at said level during movement of said spreading means to said operative position;
• means for moving said spreading means to operative position prior to advancement of said leader beyond said first sidewall toward said second sidewall;
• means for shifting said second spreading element relative to said first spreading element to thus establish said clearance upon entry of said spreading element between the superimposed fold lines at said first sidewall and to simultaneously clamp the panels between said second spreading element and said bottom wall;
• and means for clamping at least two panels above the upper fold line against said first spreading element in the operative position of said spreading means so that the panels which are immediately adjacent said clearance cannot be shifted by the leader of said tool during penetration of the leader into said clearance and toward the extended position thereof.