Carpet roll forming apparatus and method

摘要

A carpet web is delivered on a conveyor to a pair of parallel bed rolls which turn in unison in a common direction and initially are in close side-by-side relationship. A single upper roll parallel to the two bed rolls and midway between them rotates slightly faster than the bed rolls and turns in the same direction as the bed rolls. The upper roll is biased downwardly by a yielding controlled pressure. A rear side swingable roll at an elevation between the bed rolls and upper roll contacts the rear side of the carpet roll being formed by the apparatus to maintain tension thereon and to resist rearward displacement of the carpet roll during its formation. As the carpet roll gains size, the forward bed roll begins to gradually move forwardly in relation to the rear bed roll and upper roll while the upper roll maintains its position to form a broad stance cradle for the growing carpet roll. The rear side roll can now be retracted to its starting position rearwardly of both bed rolls and can be activated as desired to push the completed carpet roll out of the roll forming apparatus onto another conveyor or table. Firmer and more truly cylindrical rolls of carpet are formed which resist sagging. They are better-looking and require less space for transport and storage.