Gatefold apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line where the sheet has first and second outer leaves folded inwardly toward the central portion along first and second parallel fold lines, respectively, include a fold pan for receiving the sheet with the first outer leaf folded. The fold pan has upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween. First and second rolls are positioned to engage the sheet upon movement of the central portion and the first outer leaf of the sheet into the fold pan, thereby folding the second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward the central portion at the second parallel fold line as the sheet passes between the second roll and a third roll. A gatefold pan receives the sheet from between the second and third rolls with the second outer leaf folded. The gatefold pan includes upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween. The gatefold pan further includes a deflector which is movable from a retracted position, adjacent to the upper plate element, to an extended position. The deflector deflects the first outer leaf toward the central portion of the sheet. An actuator means moves the deflector between the retracted position and the extended position. The apparatus further includes a third roll positioned to engage the sheet upon movement of the central portion and the second outer leaf of the sheet into the gatefold pan, thereby folding the central portion of the sheet at the gatefold line as the sheet passes between the third and fourth rolls. A sensor means senses when the sheet begins movement out of the fold pan and senses when the sheet begins movement out of the gatefold pan. A control means, responsive to the sensor means, controls the actuator means such that the first leaf is guided between the third and fourth rolls and a gatefold of the sheet is produced.