Lead edge stop device

Claim 2

In a method of stacking a sheet on a receiving surface lying in a generally horizontal plane, wherein the method includes the step of conveying the sheet along a predetermined path by conveying means toward the receiving surface; releasing the sheet from the conveying means; moving the sheet free of support along a trajectory path toward the receiving surface to move the leading edge of the sheet into engagement with a first rebounding means positioned adjacent a first side of the receiving surface; rebounding the sheet in a first direction over the receiving surface and opposite to the direction of the trajectory path to move the trailing edge of the sheet into engagement with a second rebounding means; rebounding the sheet in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the leading edge into engagement with the first rebounding means as the distance between the receiving surface and the sheet decreases, the improvement comprising the step of: initially engaging the leading edge of the sheet, as it moves along the trajectory path, by the first rebounding means when the leading edge of the sheet is at a position spaced above the receiving surface and when the leading edge is between the first side of the receiving surface and the second rebounding means.

Claim 3

The improved method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of sequentially engaging the leading edge of the sheet with the first rebound means at positions spaced above the receiving surface and between the first side of the receiving surface and the second rebounding means as the distance between the leading edge of the sheet and the first side of the receiving surface decreases for each subsequent engagement of the leading edge of the sheet with the first rebounding means.

Claim 4

In an apparatus for stacking a sheet onto a receiving surface lying in a generally horizontal plane wherein the stacking apparatus is of the type having means for conveying the sheet along a predetermined path toward the receiving surface; means for releasing the sheet from the conveyor to move the sheet free of support along the trajectory path toward the receiving surface; a first means mounted adjacent a side of the receiving surface and transverse to the trajectory path for engaging the leading edge of the sheet as the sheet moves along the trajectory path and for urging the sheet in a first direction over the receiving surface wherein the first direction is opposite to the direction of the trajectory path; a second means mounted opposite to the first engaging and urging means and adjacent to the opposite side of the receiving surface for engaging the trailing edge of the sheet as the sheet moves in the first direction and for urging the sheet in a second direction opposite to the first direction wherein the distance between the receiving surface and the sheet decreases, the improvement comprising: means for mounting the first engaging and urging means such that (1) the engaging surface of the first engaging and urging means and a plane normal to the receiving surface subtend an oblique angle such that the engaging surface is inclined over a portion of the receiving surface and toward the second engaging and urging means and (2) the engaging surface of the first engaging means extends from the trajectory path downward to the receiving surface.

Claim 5

In an apparatus for stacking a sheet onto a receiving surface lying in a generally horizontal plane wherein the stacking apparatus is of the type having means for conveying the sheet along a predetermined path toward the receiving surface; means for releasing the sheet from the conveyor to move the sheet free of support along the trajectory path toward the receiving surface; a first means mounted adjacent a side of the receiving surface and transverse to the trajectory path for engaging the leading edge of the sheet as the sheet moves along the trajectory path and for urging the sheet in a first direction over the receiving surface wherein the first direction is opposite to the direction of the trajectory path; a second means mounted opposite to the first engaging and urging means and adjacent to the opposite side of the receiving surface for engaging the trailing edge of the sheet as the sheet moves in the first direction and for urging the sheet in a second direction opposite to the first direction wherein the distance between the receiving surface and the sheet decreases, the improvement comprising: means for mounting the first engaging and urging means such that (1) the engaging surface of the first engaging and urging means and a plane normal to the receiving surface subtend an oblique angle such that the engaging surface is inclined over a portion of the receiving surface and toward the second engaging and urging means and (2) the engaging surface of the first engaging means extends from the trajectory path downward to the receiving surface.

Claim 6

The improved apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the first engaging and urging means comprises: the engaging surface comprises resilient means for preventing damage to the leading edge of the sheet; a rigid member; means for mounting said resilient means on said rigid member such that (1) the surface of the resilient means and a plane normal to the receiving surface subtend the oblique angle and (2) the surface of said resilient means extends from the trajectory path downward below the receiving surface; and biasing means acting on said rigid member to absorb the force of the sheet aS the leading edge of the sheet engages the resilient means and to urge the sheet in the second direction to move the trailing edge of the sheet toward the second engaging and urging means.

Claim 7

The improved apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said biasing means includes shock absorbing means.

Claim 8

The improved apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the oblique angle is greater than 0* but less than 15*.

Claim 9

The improved apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the oblique angle is 5*.