Web edge decurling device and method for using same

Claim 3

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said adjustment means comprises a plurality of threaded elements receivable through one of said plates and contactable with the other of said plates, and spring means positioned outside and in contact with said one of said plates, said spring means applying a force on said one plate biasing same toward said other of said plates.

Claim 4

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said top and bottom fins are set to provide a tortuous web path therebetween.

Claim 5

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said second section of said top and bottom fins is tapered at a rear end toward said web passageway whereby said device may be positioned immediately adjacent further processing equipment.

Claim 6

A device as defined in claim 4 wherein the opposite end of said second sections of said top and bottom fins tapers away from said web passageway to define an entrance to said device.

Claim 7

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said bottom plate has device mounting means secured thereto.

Claim 8

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said top fins and said bottom fins are spaced apart further on a leading end than on a trailing end.

Claim 9

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said fins are of unitary construction with said plate for same, whereby said first section of said fins forms a part of said plate.

Claim 10

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said top and bottom fins are individual elements secured to the respective plates for same.

Claim 11

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the top and bottom fins are canted toward an outer edge of a web traveling thereby.

Claim 12

An edge decurling device for a moving web comprising: (a) a first bank of parallel enlongated fins, said fins having a first flange section generally parallel to a path of web travel through said device and a second elongated section angularly offset from said first section and depending outwardly therefrom in a direction generally transverse to said path of web travel, said fins having a downward bevel on a leading edge, an outer free edge of said second elongated section of said fins having a smooth angled surface for contact with said web; (b) a second bank of parallel elongated fins, said fins having a first flange section generally parallel to said path of web travel and a second elongated section angularly offset from said first section and extending outwardly therefrom in a direction generally transverse to said path of web travel, an outer free edge of said second section of said fins having a smooth angled surface for contact with said web, said second bank of fins having an upward bevel on a leading edge and being located immediately adjacent and offset from the vertical planes of said first bank of fins, said outer free edges of said second elongated sections of said fins defining said web passageway, and said bevels on said leading edges of said fins serving as a guide into said web passageway; (c) adjustment means for said fins to determine the height of said web passageway; (d) spring means for holding said banks of fins under spring tension when adjusted; and (e) mounting means for securing said device along a web path of travel.

Claim 13

An edge decurling device for a moving web comprising: (a) a first bank of parallel enlongated fins, said fins having a first flange section generally parallel to a path of web travel through said device and a second elongated section angularly offset from said first section and depending outwardly therefrom in a direction generally transverse to said path of web travel, said fins having a downward bevel on a leading edge, an outer free edge of said second elongated section of said fins having a smooth angled surface for contact with said web; (b) a second bank of parallel elongated fins, said fins having a first flange section generally parallel to said path of web travel and a second elongated section angularly offset from said first section and extending outwardly therefrom in a direction generally transverse to said path of web travel, an outer free edge of said second section of said fins having a smooth angled surface for contact with said web, said second bank of fins having an upward bevel on a leading edge and being located immediately adjacent and offset from the vertical planes of said first bank of fins, said outer free edges of said second elongated sections of said fins defining said web passageway, and said bevels on said leading edges of said fins serving as a guide into said web passageway; (c) adjustment means for said fins to determine the height of said web passageway; (d) spring means for holding said banks of fins under spring tension when adjusted; and (e) mounting means for securing said device along a web path of travel.

Claim 14

An edge decurling device as defined in claim 11 wherein each of said banks of said fins is of unitary construction.

Claim 15

An edge decurling device as defined in claim 11 wherein said adjustment means comprise three bolts located in triangular configuration at an outer end of said unit.

Claim 16

An edge decurling device as defined in claim 13 wherein said spring means comprises a coil spring.

Claim 17

An edge decurling device as defined in claim 11 wherein said fins are canted in a direction of the leading edges of same.

Claim 20

The method as defined in claim 16 wherein said banks of fins are provided along both edges of said web.

Claim 21

An edge decurling device for a moving web comprising: (a) a top plate, said plate having a plurality of parallel elongated fins associated therewith, said fins being disposed at an angle to an edge of a web passable thereby, said fins further having smooth surfaces thereon for all web contact areas; (b) a bottom plate, said bottom plate having a plurality of parallel elongated fins associated therewith, said fins being disposed at an angle to an edge of a web passable thereby, said fins having smooth surfaces thereon for all web contact areas, said fins associated with said bottom plate being located immediately adjacent and offset from vertical planes of said fins associated with said top plate, whereby said fins define a web passageway therebetween; (c) a plurality of sleeves secured to an underside of said top plate adjacent an end of same outside an edge of the fabric path thereby, and a threaded element received in each said sleeve and contacting said bottom plate, each said threaded element having a nut received thereon above said top plate, whereby adjustment may be made to the passageway defined by said fins, said top plate further having a stop means thereon adjacent each said threaded element and the nut on each said threaded element has a stop means thereon whereby space adjustment between said fins is limited; and (d) a further threaded element secured to said bottom plate adjacent an end of same outside an edge of the web passageway thereby and extending upwardly through said top plate, said threaded element having a nut therearound located above said top plate and having a spring means received therearound and located between said nut and said top plate.

Claim 22

An edge decurling device for a moving web comprising: (a) a top plate, said plate having a plurality of parallel elongated fins associated therewith, said fins being disposed at an angle to an edge of a web passable thereby, said fins further having smooth surfaces thereon for all web contact areas; (b) a bottom plate, said bottom plate having a plurality of parallel elongated fins associated therewith, said fins being disposed at an angle to an edge of a web passable thereby, said fins having smooth surfaces thereon for all web contact areas, said fins associated with said bottom plate being located immediately adjacent and offset from vertical planes of said fins associated with said top plate, whereby said fins define a web passageway therebetween; (c) a plurality of sleeves secured to an underside of said top plate adjacent an end of same outside an edge of the fabric path thereby, and a threaded element received in each said sleeve and contacting said bottom plate, each said threaded element having a nut received thereon above said top plate, whereby adjustment may be made to the passageway defined by said fins, said top plate further having a stop means thereon adjacent each said threaded element and the nut on each said threaded element has a stop means thereon whereby space adjustment between said fins is limited; and (d) a further threaded element secured to said bottom plate adjacent an end of same outside an edge of the web passageway thereby and extending upwardly through said top plate, said threaded element having a nut therearound located above said top plate and having a spring means received therearound and located between said nut and said top plate.