Guide apparatus for elongated flexible web

Abstract

A running web adjustable guide apparatus is disclosed in which substantial lateral adjustment of the web can be accomplished without changing the length of the path of the web through the apparatus. With this guide apparatus, distortion or damage to the web is eliminated. Various set-ups are possible with the preferred embodiment so that the direction of the web can be changed as it moves through the apparatus or maintained constant. Further, in some set-ups the web is inverted. In other set-ups, the web is not inverted. Further, the apparatus can be arranged so the components thereof engage both sides of the web or only one side. In all cases, a movable roller extends perpendicular to the path of the web approaching and leaving such roller, and a movable guide bar is provided which also moves in the same direction as the movable roller but through a distance twice as great as the distance of movement of the movable roller. The web paths approaching and leaving the roller are parallel to each other and to the web path leaving the guide bar so that the wrap angle around the guide bar and the wrap angle around the movable roller remains exactly 180 degrees.