Apparatus and method for introducing connected forms into an associated device

United States Patent

Stalzer

[ii] 4,070,223 [45] Jan. 24,1978

[54] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR

INTRODUCING CONNECTED FORMS INTO
AN ASSOCIATED DEVICE

[76] Inventor: Edwin Stalzer, 69-39 Trotting Course Lane, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374

[21] Appl. No.: 632^70

[22] Filed: Nov. 17,1975

[51] Int. CL* B32B 3/10; B32B 31/06;

B65D 85/671

[52] U.S. Q 156/264; 156/289;

156/510; 206/390; 206/409; 206/411; 206/813; 206/820; 226/6; 282/15 B; 282/DIG. 2; 428/40; 428/43; 428/131; 428/137

[58] Field of Search 156/157, 502, 544, 505,

156/506, 510, 527, 256, 289, 513, 264; 282/20 B, 15 B, 16 B, 16 C, 18 A, DIG. 2; 229/69, 17 S; 206/390, 395, 396, 409, 411, 813, 820; 242/58.5; 226/92, 77, 6; 428/40, 43, 131, 137

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

1,843,771 2/1932 Kline 206/390 X

2,013,844 9/1935 Sherman 229/69

2,373,092 4/1945 Avery 206/390 X

2,764,501 9/1956 Perri 206/390 X

2,900,868 8/1959 Gaffney, Jr 156/157

3,136,679 6/1964 Bender 156/505

3,327,927 6/1967 Allison et al 229/69

Primary Examiner—William A. Powell

Assistant Examiner—M. G. Wityshyn

Attorney, Agent, or Firm—McAulay, Fields, Fisher &

Goldstein

[57] ABSTRACT

The apparatus and method of the present invention is adapted to be utilized with respect to packages of connected forms of the type having sprocket holes along the margins thereof which are adapted to be engaged by sprocket wheels in, for example, a print-out device for advancing the forms to an operating station in the device. The method comprises providing a strip having sprocket holes therein. The spacing of the sprocket holes on the strip is equal to the spacing of the sprocket holes on the forms. The strip is connected to the first form of the package with the sprocket holes in the strip in alignment with the sprocket holes in the margin. The strip or strips are then engaged with the sprocket wheels in the device which is then operated to advance the package of forms into the device.

13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTRODUCING
CONNECTED FORMS INTO AN ASSOCIATED
DEVICE

5

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for introducing packages of connected forms into an associated device and, more particularly, pertains to a method and an apparatus that permit forms to be moved to an operating station in a device without 10 destroying any forms.

Many business machines presently in use utilize socalled multiform units or multilayer forms which comprise a number of layers of the same form which are connected to similar forms along a tear line. For exam- 15 pie, a great many industries have automated billing procedures wherein such multilayer forms are introduced into a print-out device and the data is then recorded on the forms under the control of a computer or the like. Thereafter, each form is separated from the 20 other forms and the various layers comprising a form are similarly separated. The layers are then distributed to the various departments involved in the billing procedures such as bookkeeping, inventory control, etc. In order to increase the versatility of such machines, the 25 machines have been designed to operate on a number of different types of forms. Thus, for example, one machine may be utilized to print-out data on billing forms as well as for printing out data on checks.

However, a major problem is encountered when the 30 type of form introduced into the machine or device is changed. To be more specific, the forms in a package of forms are numbered in sequence. When a billing run has been completed on a machine, only a portion of a package of billing forms may have been utilized. When the 35 machine is again used for billing purposes, the next form in numerical sequence is introduced into the machine. However, in order to introduce the package of forms into the print-out device a sufficient distance for alignment purposes and the like, the first form will normally 40 have to be moved beyond the printing station. As a result, the first form is not utilized. Therefore, a record must be kept of the numbered form so that the same can be voided. This problem is compounded to a greater degree when it is realized that the same problems are 45 encountered in introducing checks into the print-out device. In practice, it has been found that the first three checks in a series must be voided since the first three checks will have been moved beyond the printing station when the forms are introduced into the device. 50

It will therefore be obvious from a consideration of the above, that a great deal of time and money is wasted each time the type of form utilized in the associated device is changed. More particularly, not only is there a tremendous waste of materials as a result of the voided 55 forms, but the labor involved in keeping records of the numbers of the voided forms is also quite considerable.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for introducing forms into an associated device. 60

A more specific object of this aspect of the invention is to provide a method which simply and efficiently introduces forms into an associated device to permit advancement of the forms to an operating station.

A further object of this aspect of the invention is to 65 provide a method for introducing forms into an associated device that preserves the first form so that it can be utilized for information purposes.

Accordingly, a method performed in accordance with the present invention is utilized for introducing connected multiform units of the type having spaced indexing holes into a device of the type having indexing means for advancing the units to an operating station in the device. The method comprises the steps of providing at least a lead strip with indexing holes having the same spacing as the indexing holes in the units. At least a portion of the strip is superimposed on the first of the units with the indexing holes in the strip in alignment with the indexing holes in the first unit. The strip is connected to the first unit so that movement of the strip causes movement of the units. Accordingly, when the Strip is engaged with the indexing means the strip serves as a leader to move the first unit to the operating station thereby eliminating the necessity for destroying or voiding the first unit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for causing movement of the first form of a package of connected multilayer forms to an operating station in an associated device.

A more specific object of this aspect of the invention is to provide apparatus which is easily and quickly connected to the first form of a package of interconnected forms to permit movement of the first form to an operating station.

A further object of this aspect of the invention resides in the novel details of construction that provide an apparatus of the type described which is reliable in operation.

Accordingly, an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention is utilized for introducing a package of connected forms into a device wherein the forms are of the type having indexing holes engageable with sprocket wheels for advancing the forms to an operating station. The apparatus comprises at least a strip having indexing holes therein. The spacing between the strip indexing holes is equal to the spacing between the indexing holes in the form. The strip indexing holes are sized to be engaged by the sprocket wheels. Additionally, connecting means is provided on the the strip for connecting the strip to the first form in the package of forms.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially exploded, illustrating the strips constructed according to the present invention as utilized in connection with multiform units;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in diagrammatic form illustrating the operation of the apparatus of the present invention to introduce multiform units into an associated device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser forming a part of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3 as utilized to facilitate connection between the strips and the multiform units;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of one type of strip forming the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a vertical sectional view of a modified embodiment of a strip forming a portion of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a further modified embodiment of a strip constructed according to the present invention.