1. A web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2), wherein the web folding apparatus (1) comprises:  An adjustable folding assembly (4);  A folding nose assembly (5);  A side support assembly (6);  A bottom support assembly (7); and  A web centering assembly (8).

2. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) comprises:  An adjustable folding nose (4d);  A metal pipe (4h) comprising a locking bracket (4i) at one end;  A plurality of adjustable brackets (4a);  An adjustable rod (4g) clamped on the metal pipe (4h) by means of the adjustable bracket (4a); and  An angular bracket (4e);  A small rod (4f) attached to the adjustable folding nose (4d) at one end by means of the angular bracket (4e) and attached to the adjustable rod (4g) at the other end by means of adjustable brackets (4a).

3. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).

4. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the angular bracket (4e) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (4b).

5. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) comprises:  A metal pipe (5a) comprising a fixed folding nose (5e) at one end;  A metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) at its one end, said metal pipe (5c) clamped on the metal pipe (5a); and  An adjustable bracket (5b).

6. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein the fixed folding nose (5e) further comprises an opening for the air blast system (5f) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).

7. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side support assembly (6) comprises:  A horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b);  A fixing rod (6d) connected to said horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b); and  A horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d).

8. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 7, wherein the horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d) further comprises of an adjusting rod (6c) and a support plate (6f) provided with a locking bracket (6a).

9. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) comprises:  A cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c);  A locking bracket (7e) mounted on an adjustable pipe (7b); and  An adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes.

10. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the adjusting rod (7c) is connected to the cylindrical pipe (7a) by means of a connecting bracket (7f).

11. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting bracket (7f) further comprises plurality of fastening means (7f’).

12. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web centering assembly (8) comprises:  A roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b);  A fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and  An adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft.

13. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 12, wherein the adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e).

14. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4).

15. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 5 and 6, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5).

16. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6).

17. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 9, 10 and 11, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7).

18. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 12 and 13, wherein the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9).

19. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other at a suitable angle.

20. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2, 5 and 19, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other preferably at an obtuse angle.

21. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the folding width of the folded section (3a) is in the range of 40-70 mm.

22. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) folds the extended part (3) on one of the sheets of the web (2) towards the open edge at 180° of the web (2), resulting in the folded section (3a).

23. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of the web (2).

24. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 7, wherein the side support assembly (6) supports the web from the lateral side after folding of the web is completed.

25. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) supports the folded web from the bottom side.

26. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 12, wherein the web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the sheets of said web (2) after folding is completed.

27. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 3 and 6, wherein the air blast system (4c) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the air blast system (5f) of the folding nose assembly (5) reduce the friction between the sheets of the moving web and said assemblies; thereby eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d) and the fixed folding nose (5e).

28. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4), the folding nose assembly (5), the side support assembly (6), the bottom support assembly (7), and the web centering assembly (8) are made up of suitable material and more preferably from mild steel with chrome plating.

29. A method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein one of the sheets having an extended part (3) passes through the adjustable folding assembly (4), said adjustable folding assembly (4) folds said extended part (3) towards the open edge of said web (2) at 180° forming a folded section (3a). Thereinafter the web passes through the folding nose assembly (5), wherein said folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of said web. As the folded web passes through the side support assembly (6), the web (2) is supported laterally and followed by the bottom support assembly (7), wherein the web is supported from the bottom. The web further passes through the roller (8a) of the web centering assembly (8), wherein said roller (8a) centers all the sheets of the web (2) after the folding is completed.

30. The method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets as claimed in claim 29, wherein the last sheet of the moving web (2) having an extended part (3) is folded towards the open edge of said web (2) forming the folded section (3a), wherein said folded section (3a) locks all the sheets of the moving web (2). ,TagSPECI:Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for folding a longitudinally moving web and more particularly to a novel web folding apparatus for creating a folded section on one of the sheets of the moving web towards the open edge of said web. Background of the Invention The apparatus for folding a continuous length web moving along a longitudinal fold line finds many applications in the printing industry. In the printing industry, it is a common practice to produce one or more longitudinal folds in a travelling web of a paper or like material. One or more successive folds are created in a travelling elongated web in the axial direction of travel between a printing unit and a cutter such that multipage folded products can be made. In order to fold paper in a moving web, state of the art devices have traditionally relied on "plow folders". Similar in design to farm plows that "turn over" the earth, plow folders remain permanently fixed on the press and literally turn paper around. Such plow folders are generally mounted in a structure in between an inlet and exit roller and adjustment means are provided to vary the position of the folder in various directions to vary the location of the fold line across the web width. Plow folders are passive in design and have serious drawbacks. The plow folder places stress on the moving web, thereby increasing web tensions and creating potential stretching or breaking problems leading to marking, wrinkling and gusseting along the fold line. While the problem of web marking is of particular significance in web folding apparatus employed in the printing industry, the problem of wrinkling or gusseting adversely affects the folding of substantially any web material which is folded generally longitudinally thereof. Further, plow folders are not adjustable. Each new size of fold demands a separate folder. Nor does the plow folder design work well with multiple folds or pleats as are required in a gusseted design envelope. Improved plow folders that minimize the wrinkles or gussets are also known. US 4421501 discloses a “Web Folding Apparatus” that constitutes an improved plow folder enabling the highly efficient folding of a continuous length web material without forming wrinkles or gussets and without marking the web. It also facilitates on-going adjustment to accommodate different types of web materials. The plow folding mechanism is such that the plow folder includes a novel fold forming member having its longitudinal axis oriented substantially normal to the direction of web movement and having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface portion. The fold forming mechanism quickly and readily adjusts so as to cooperate with the entrance and exit rollers to selectively form upwardly or downwardly directed longitudinal folds. US 3401928 pertains to a machine for folding uniform width webs of sheet material into a stack with each web being folded to have two quarter folds on the top surface on a half width fold on the bottom. Said machine comprises of a series of folding devices each of which overfolds the top quarter width fold and underfolds the bottom half width fold with respect to the intermediate quarter width fold. Various other apparatus are known to fold the webs of facial tissue, paper toweling etc. One such apparatus is disclosed in a Reissue US Patent No. US RE21785E that discloses a “Napkin Folding Machine” In the machine of the aforementioned patent, a continuous stack of folded tissue paper is formed on a moving conveyor by successively laying onto a moving conveyor webs of material which are folded as they are drawn from a plurality of parent rolls carried in a multiple spindle backstand. The moving stack of folded webs is severed at appropriate intervals to produce conveniently sized, individual stacks of folded sheets. US 3199861 discloses an apparatus for folding webs of flexible materials and more particularly for producing stacks of interfolded webs of flexible materials such as webs of facial tissue, paper toweling etc. at high production rates. Certain pairs or sets of webs fed to the stack conveyor are preliminarily folded and interfolded away from the immediate vicinity of the stack conveyor. A reduced number of final interfold stations are thus required at the conveyor and these are of improved design capable of handling pairs or sets of preliminarily interfolded webs. A method and apparatus for forming printed paper products having a folded or pocket portion, for example inserts for magazines and brochures having a reply envelope is disclosed in US 4340212. Here a moving web of paper from which the inserts are made is first folded along the edges to form the folded or envelope portion of the insert. Thereafter, printing is carried out on the folded web. The folding precedes printing in this case, in order to accommodate a web having a width which exceeds the maximum width of the printing press. In this way, an insert having a width up to the maximum width that the printing press can accommodate and/or inserts having envelope portions and/or envelope flap portions of increased size are obtained. US4189134 discloses a method for folding a half-folded newspaper into a compact configuration to provide a multi-folded newspaper. The method involves the movement of the newspaper continuously through an apparatus designed to carry out the method with minimized risk of damage to the newspaper to present the multi-folded newspaper to means for releasably retaining it in a compact, multi-folded condition. Granted United States Patent US3191926 discloses an improved web folding apparatus for folding continuous web longitudinally upon themselves at high speeds and without scratching of otherwise marring the performance thereof. In general, the apparatus for achieving the above and other related objects of the present invention includes an open V-shaped frame which serves to fold a web longitudinally upon itself as such web is advanced over the sides and across the corner of such frame; The frame is formed of tubing which is perforated for directing a gas under pressure, and preferably air, in between the frame and a Web which is advanced thereover. The frame perforations or openings direct the discharging streams of compressed gas perpendicularly against the traveling web so that the web is lifted slightly but not otherwise moved from its intended direction of travel. Additionally, it is essential that a number of openings be provided along the corner of the frame so that a plurality of streams of gas issue there from for keeping the web well spaced from the frame in this area. None of the above existing printing presses are utilized to create folded section on one of the sheets of the longitudinally moving web. In the known traditional bookmark printing presses one web is forced to move out from its web path of multi web printing. Purpose of shifting of one web is to draw attention of the customer, but packing and handling of the printed product viz; newspaper at distribution stage spoils this innovation. It is really difficult to handle a small part of single page that comes out from other paper of a printed product and chance of getting it damaged is always high. Advertisers are not happy that their advertisement reaches to the readers in torn-off condition. The web folding apparatus of the present invention rectifies all the drawbacks of the conventional bookmark printing presses. The present invention relates to a novel web folding apparatus that creates a folded section or a “bookmark fold” in a continuous length moving web along the fold line. A “bookmark fold” refers to a fold formed by folding the extended part of one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge of the web forming an envelope. Such bookmark folds are created after the printing of the web is completed. Moreover, the web folding apparatus of the present invention employs a new way of adjustment during movement of the longitudinally moving web that assists in folding with reduced wrinkling and creasing along the fold line. The term “longitudinally moving web” is alternatively referred to herein as “moving web” or “running web”. The web folding apparatus of the present invention can be easily incorporated in the existing printing press units and can be used to create an extra space to grab the attention of the customers thereby generating extra revenue. Summary of the invention The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for folding a longitudinally moving web and more particularly to a novel web folding apparatus for creating a folded section on one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge. The web folding apparatus employs a new way of adjustment during movement of the longitudinally moving web that assists in folding with reduced wrinkling and creasing along the fold line. Said bookmark folds are created after the printing of the web is completed. The novel web folding apparatus can be easily incorporated in the existing offset printing press. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2), wherein the web folding apparatus (1) comprises:  An adjustable folding assembly (4);  A folding nose assembly (5);  A side support assembly (6);  A bottom support assembly (7); and  A web centering assembly (8). According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) comprises:  An adjustable folding nose (4d);  A metal pipe (4h) comprising a locking bracket (4i) at one end;  A plurality of adjustable brackets (4a);  An adjustable rod (4g) clamped on the metal pipe (4h) by means of the adjustable bracket (4a); and  An angular bracket (4e);  A small rod (4f) attached to the adjustable folding nose (4d) at one end by means of the angular bracket (4e) and attached to the adjustable rod (4g) at the other end by means of adjustable brackets (4a). According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d). According to another embodiment of the invention, the angular bracket (4e) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (4b). According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) comprises:  A metal pipe (5a) comprising a fixed folding nose (5e) at one end;  A metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) at its one end, said metal pipe (5c) clamped on the metal pipe (5a); and  An adjustable bracket (5b). According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the fixed folding nose (5e) further comprises an opening for the air blast system (5f) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d). According to still another embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) comprises:  A horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b);  A fixing rod (6d) connected to said horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b); and  A horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d). According to another embodiment of the invention, the horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d) further comprises of an adjusting rod (6c) and a support plate (6f) provided with a locking bracket (6a). According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) comprises:  A cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c);  A locking bracket (7e) mounted on an adjustable pipe (7b); and  An adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes. According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjusting rod (7c) is connected to the cylindrical pipe (7a) by means of a connecting bracket (7f). According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting bracket (7f) further comprises plurality of fastening means (7f’) According to an embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) comprises:  A roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b);  A fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and  An adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft. According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e). According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4). According to another embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5). According to another embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6). According to another embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7). According to another embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9). According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other at a suitable angle. According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other preferably at an obtuse angle. According to another embodiment of the invention, the folding width of the folded section (3a) is in the range of 40-70 mm. According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) folds the extended part (3) on one of the sheets of the web (2) towards the open edge at 180° of the web (2), resulting in the folded section (3a). According to an embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of the web (2). According to an embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) supports the web from the lateral side after folding of the web is completed. According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) supports the folded web from the bottom side. According to an embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the sheets of said web (2) after folding is completed. According to another embodiment of the invention, the air blast system (4c) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the air blast system (5f) of the folding nose assembly (5) reduce the friction between the sheets of the moving web and said assemblies; thereby eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d) and the fixed folding nose (5e). According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4), the folding nose assembly (5), the side support assembly (6), the bottom support assembly (7), and the web centering assembly (8) are made up of suitable material and more preferably from mild steel with chrome plating. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein one of the sheets having an extended part (3) passes through the adjustable folding assembly (4), said adjustable folding assembly (4) folds said extended part (3) towards the open edge of said web (2) at 180° forming a folded section (3a). Thereinafter the web passes through the folding nose assembly (5), wherein said folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of said web. As the folded web passes through the side support assembly (6), the web (2) is supported laterally and followed by the bottom support assembly (7), wherein the web is supported from the bottom. The web further passes through the roller (8a) of the web centering assembly (8), wherein said roller (8a) centers all the sheets of the web (2) after the folding is completed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein the last sheet of the moving web (2) having an extended part (3) is folded towards the open edge of said web (2) forming the folded section (3a), wherein said folded section (3a) locks all the sheets of the moving web (2). Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views. Brief description of the drawings: The invention can be described in the terms of the following figures where- Figure 1: Line diagram of the web folding apparatus of present invention. Figure 2: Perspective view of the adjustable folding assembly. Figure 3: Perspective view of the folding nose assembly. Figure 4: Perspective view of the side support assembly. Figure 5: Perspective view of the bottom support assembly. Figure 6: Perspective view of web centering assembly. Figure 7: Perspective view of the existing offset printing press. Figure 8: Placement of the adjustable folding assembly in offset printing press. Figure 9: Placement of the folding nose assembly on nip roller assembly. Figure 10: Placement of the side support assembly in offset printing press. Figure 11: Placement of the bottom support assembly in offset printing press. Figure 12: Placement of the web centering assembly in offset printing press. Figure 13: Perspective view of a bookmark fold in one of the sheets of the moving web. Figure 14: Perspective view of the sheets of a suitable length that has been severed and folded by means of the apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures. Detailed description of invention: The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Hereinafter, a web folding apparatus creating a folded section or a bookmark fold in a longitudinally moving web will be explained in more details. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the aforementioned embodiments and their minute explanation have been omitted. The “term” bookmark is referred to the extended part of one of the sheets of the web which is used to create a bookmark fold. The term “bookmark fold” refers to a fold formed by folding the extended part of one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge of the web forming an envelope. The term “longitudinally moving web” is alternatively referred to herein as “moving web” or “running web”. While the word "newspaper" will be utilized in this specification to refer to the items being folded by the method provided by the invention, it will be realized that the method is equally applicable for use in multi-folding into compact configuration items other than newspapers but which are generally similar to newspapers in their initial form. Furthermore, in discussing the apparatus illustrated in the drawings on which the method of the invention can be carried out no reference will be made to specific electrical or mechanical means by which portions of the apparatus are actuated other than to describe the movements produced in timed sequence to the continuous movement of the newspaper through the steps embodying the invention. In addition, although reference will be made to specific mechanisms and their functioning, it will be appreciated that insofar as the method of the invention is concerned, these mechanisms merely are illustrative and the method is not limited to the utilization of any specific ones of the mechanisms shown. Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Fig. 1, the apparatus illustrated provides a line diagram of the web folding apparatus (1) that comprises an adjustable folding assembly (4), a folding nose assembly (5), a side support assembly (6), bottom support assembly (7), and a web centering assembly (8). When the moving web (2) having a bookmark (3) moves through the adjustable folding assembly (4), a folding nose assembly (5), a side support assembly (6), bottom support assembly (7), and a web centering assembly (8) the extended part of the web viz; bookmark is folded and allowed to come to the front page. As the web (2) travels through the adjustable folding assembly (4), the web gets folded first. The folding nose assembly (5) is inclined to the adjustable folding assembly (4) preferably at an obtuse angle and supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in web folding. The side support assembly (6) and the bottom support assembly (7) hold and support the folded web (2) from side and the bottom and prevent the loosening of the web during various speeds and avoid the creasing. The web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the webs after the folding is completed and before it enters for folding and cutting. A perspective view of the adjustable folding assembly (4) is shown in the Fig. 2; wherein said assembly constitutes an adjustable folding nose (4d) that is clamped to a small rod (4f) by the means of the angular bracket (4e). The angular bracket (4e) is provided with a plurality of fastening means (4b) fixed onto the angular bracket (4e) for the fitment of the adjustable folding nose (4d) onto the angular bracket (4e). The small rod (4f) is further clamped to the adjustable rod (4g) through an adjustable bracket (4a). An adjustable rod (4g) is, in turn, clamped to the metal pipe (4h) having a locking bracket (4i) at its one end by means of another adjustable bracket (4a). The adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises of an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) to eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d). In an offset printing press setup (9 of Fig. 8), the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b of Fig. 8) of the offset printing press (9 of Fig. 8), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4). Referring to the Fig. 3, the perspective view of folding nose assembly (5) can be explained. The folding nose assembly (5) comprises of a metal pipe (5a) having a fixed folding nose (5e) is clamped to the metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) on its one end, by means of an adjustment bracket (5b). The clamping point at the adjustment bracket (5b) can be altered by adjusting the adjustment bracket (5b) as per the requirement. The folding nose assembly (5) further comprises of an opening for the air blast assembly (5f) to eliminate the ink deposition on the fixed folding nose (5e). In an offset printing press setup (9 of Fig. 9), the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’of Fig. 9) of the nip roller assembly (9d of Fig. 9); said shaft (9d’of Fig. 9) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5). Fig. 4 represents the perspective view of the side support assembly (6) comprising a cylindrical pipe (6b) attached to a fixing rod (6d) at its one end which in turn is attached to an adjusting rod (6c) through an adjustment means (6e). A locking bracket (6a) is mounted on the adjusting rod (6c). In an offset printing press setup the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig. 10) of the offset printing press (9); said former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig. 10) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6). The perspective view of the bottom support assembly (7) is illustrated by Fig. 5. The bottom support assembly (7) comprises of a cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c) by means of a connecting bracket (7f). The adjusting rod (7c) is further connected to the adjustable pipe (7b) on which the locking bracket (7e) is mounted. The bottom support assembly (7) further comprises of an adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes. The connecting bracket (7f) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (7f’). The bottom support assembly (7) supports the web (2) from the bottom side. The bottom support assembly (7) prevents the loosening of the web during various speeds and avoids the creasing. In an offset printing press setup, the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig.11) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig.11) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7). Referring now to Fig. 6, the perspective view of the web centering assembly (8) can be explained. The web centering assembly (8) comprises a roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b); a fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and an adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft. The adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e). The web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the webs after the folding is completed. In an offset printing press setup, the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f of Fig. 12) of the offset printing press (9 of Fig. 12) by means of the fastening means (9g of Fig. 12), wherein said support plate (9f of Fig. 12) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9 of Fig. 12). Fig. 7 shows the perspective view of the existing offset printing press (9). The offset printing press (9) comprises a former plate (9a) which is of ordinary triangular shape and located above the pair of nip rollers of the nip rolling assembly (9d) which, in conjunction with the former plate (9a), gives the first fold to the web as it leaves the former plate (9a). The term “nipping rollers” refers to the pressure rollers that push the web towards the running direction and maintains the tension of the web. The former plate (9a) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b). The former plate (9a) is adjustable longitudinally on the body of the printing press and its position on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) is adjusted by moving the former plate adjustment rod (9c). The adjustable folding assembly (4 of Fig. 2) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i of Fig. 2) of the adjustable folding assembly (4 of Fig. 2). The folding nose assembly (5 of Fig. 3) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d of Fig. 3) of the folding nose assembly (5 of Fig. 3). The side support assembly (6 of Fig. 4) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a of Fig. 4) of the side support assembly (6 of Fig. 4). The bottom support assembly (7 of Fig. 5) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e of Fig. 5) of the bottom support assembly (7 of Fig. 5). The web centering assembly (8 of Fig. 6) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of the offset printing press (9). The placement of the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 8. The adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) at one end. The former plate fixing shaft (9b) is attached to the offset printing press (9) body at the other end. The former plate (9a of Fig. 7) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b). The placement of the folding nose assembly (5) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 9. The folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of the folding nose assembly (5). The placement of the side support assembly (6) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 10. The side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of the side support assembly (6). The former plate adjustment rod (9c) is moved to adjust the position of the former plate (9a of Fig. 7) longitudinally on the body of the printing press (9). The placement of the bottom support assembly (7) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 11. The bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of the bottom support assembly (7). The placement of the web centering assembly in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 12. The web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of the offset printing press (9). Fig. 13 shows the perspective view of one of the sheets of the moving web (2) with a folded section (3a). The bookmark (3) on one of the sheets of the web is folded by the web folding apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures to create a folded section (3a). In a preferred embodiment, 40-70mm of the folded section (3a) present on one of the sheets is allowed to come over to the first sheet. In the most preferred embodiment, 40-70mm of the bookmark present on the last sheet of the web is allowed to come over to the first sheet at 180°. Fig. 14 shows the perspective view of the sheets of the web (2) having a folded section (3a) or a bookmark fold that have been severed and folded by utilizing the apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures. The above description constitutes a brief description of major components of the web folding apparatus (1) that embody the invention. The method of folding the web having a bookmark contemplated by the invention and the steps involved in the method can be best ascertained by the reference to the Figs. 1 and 7 which diagrammatically display the folding operations performed on the web passing through the web folding apparatus. Referring to Figs. 1 and 7 the operation of the web folding apparatus and the web path in an offset printing press can be explained. A longitudinally moving continuous length web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, passes through a printing unit (not shown). The running web is shifted after printing using paper guide rollers (not shown).The web passes through a former and a tension roller and then passes through a former plate (9a) in quick succession where the web gets its first fold to create a folded section (3a) i.e. the bookmark fold. Thereafter the web enters the cutting cylinder of folder (11). The cutting cylinder of the folder (not shown) then cuts the moving web horizontally which gives the web the final cut. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting cylinder of the folder (not shown) cuts the moving web horizontally to convert the web into a newspaper copy which is represented by Figs. 13 and 14. The web folding apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein and can be embodied by various modifications within the scope of the following claims. It should be recognized that the preferred embodiment described above is exemplary only. Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of foregoing description. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims. The teachings of the invention may be applied to other types of printing presses and web folding apparatus with or without some minor modifications.

CLIAMS:We claim:
1. A web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2), wherein the web folding apparatus (1) comprises:
 An adjustable folding assembly (4);
 A folding nose assembly (5);
 A side support assembly (6);
 A bottom support assembly (7); and
 A web centering assembly (8).
2. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) comprises:
 An adjustable folding nose (4d);
 A metal pipe (4h) comprising a locking bracket (4i) at one end;
 A plurality of adjustable brackets (4a);
 An adjustable rod (4g) clamped on the metal pipe (4h) by means of the adjustable bracket (4a); and
 An angular bracket (4e);
 A small rod (4f) attached to the adjustable folding nose (4d) at one end by means of the angular bracket (4e) and attached to the adjustable rod (4g) at the other end by means of adjustable brackets (4a).
3. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).
4. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the angular bracket (4e) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (4b).
5. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) comprises:
 A metal pipe (5a) comprising a fixed folding nose (5e) at one end;
 A metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) at its one end, said metal pipe (5c) clamped on the metal pipe (5a); and
 An adjustable bracket (5b).
6. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein the fixed folding nose (5e) further comprises an opening for the air blast system (5f) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).
7. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side support assembly (6) comprises:
 A horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b);
 A fixing rod (6d) connected to said horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b); and
 A horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d).
8. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 7, wherein the horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d) further comprises of an adjusting rod (6c) and a support plate (6f) provided with a locking bracket (6a).
9. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) comprises:
 A cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c);
 A locking bracket (7e) mounted on an adjustable pipe (7b); and
 An adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes.
10. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the adjusting rod (7c) is connected to the cylindrical pipe (7a) by means of a connecting bracket (7f).
11. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting bracket (7f) further comprises plurality of fastening means (7f’).
12. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web centering assembly (8) comprises:
 A roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b);
 A fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and
 An adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft.
13. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 12, wherein the adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e).
14. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4).
15. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 5 and 6, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5).
16. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6).
17. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 9, 10 and 11, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7).
18. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 12 and 13, wherein the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9).
19. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other at a suitable angle.
20. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2, 5 and 19, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other preferably at an obtuse angle.
21. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the folding width of the folded section (3a) is in the range of 40-70 mm.
22. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4) folds the extended part (3) on one of the sheets of the web (2) towards the open edge at 180° of the web (2), resulting in the folded section (3a).
23. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of the web (2).
24. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 7, wherein the side support assembly (6) supports the web from the lateral side after folding of the web is completed.
25. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the bottom support assembly (7) supports the folded web from the bottom side.
26. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 12, wherein the web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the sheets of said web (2) after folding is completed.
27. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in claims 1, 3 and 6, wherein the air blast system (4c) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the air blast system (5f) of the folding nose assembly (5) reduce the friction between the sheets of the moving web and said assemblies; thereby eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d) and the fixed folding nose (5e).
28. The web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the adjustable folding assembly (4), the folding nose assembly (5), the side support assembly (6), the bottom support assembly (7), and the web centering assembly (8) are made up of suitable material and more preferably from mild steel with chrome plating.
29. A method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein one of the sheets having an extended part (3) passes through the adjustable folding assembly (4), said adjustable folding assembly (4) folds said extended part (3) towards the open edge of said web (2) at 180° forming a folded section (3a). Thereinafter the web passes through the folding nose assembly (5), wherein said folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of said web. As the folded web passes through the side support assembly (6), the web (2) is supported laterally and followed by the bottom support assembly (7), wherein the web is supported from the bottom. The web further passes through the roller (8a) of the web centering assembly (8), wherein said roller (8a) centers all the sheets of the web (2) after the folding is completed.
30. The method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets as claimed in claim 29, wherein the last sheet of the moving web (2) having an extended part (3) is folded towards the open edge of said web (2) forming the folded section (3a), wherein said folded section (3a) locks all the sheets of the moving web (2). ,TagSPECI:Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for folding a longitudinally moving web and more particularly to a novel web folding apparatus for creating a folded section on one of the sheets of the moving web towards the open edge of said web.
Background of the Invention
The apparatus for folding a continuous length web moving along a longitudinal fold line finds many applications in the printing industry. In the printing industry, it is a common practice to produce one or more longitudinal folds in a travelling web of a paper or like material. One or more successive folds are created in a travelling elongated web in the axial direction of travel between a printing unit and a cutter such that multipage folded products can be made.
In order to fold paper in a moving web, state of the art devices have traditionally relied on "plow folders". Similar in design to farm plows that "turn over" the earth, plow folders remain permanently fixed on the press and literally turn paper around. Such plow folders are generally mounted in a structure in between an inlet and exit roller and adjustment means are provided to vary the position of the folder in various directions to vary the location of the fold line across the web width. Plow folders are passive in design and have serious drawbacks. The plow folder places stress on the moving web, thereby increasing web tensions and creating potential stretching or breaking problems leading to marking, wrinkling and gusseting along the fold line. While the problem of web marking is of particular significance in web folding apparatus employed in the printing industry, the problem of wrinkling or gusseting adversely affects the folding of substantially any web material which is folded generally longitudinally thereof. Further, plow folders are not adjustable. Each new size of fold demands a separate folder. Nor does the plow folder design work well with multiple folds or pleats as are required in a gusseted design envelope. Improved plow folders that minimize the wrinkles or gussets are also known.
US 4421501 discloses a “Web Folding Apparatus” that constitutes an improved plow folder enabling the highly efficient folding of a continuous length web material without forming wrinkles or gussets and without marking the web. It also facilitates on-going adjustment to accommodate different types of web materials. The plow folding mechanism is such that the plow folder includes a novel fold forming member having its longitudinal axis oriented substantially normal to the direction of web movement and having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface portion. The fold forming mechanism quickly and readily adjusts so as to cooperate with the entrance and exit rollers to selectively form upwardly or downwardly directed longitudinal folds.
US 3401928 pertains to a machine for folding uniform width webs of sheet material into a stack with each web being folded to have two quarter folds on the top surface on a half width fold on the bottom. Said machine comprises of a series of folding devices each of which overfolds the top quarter width fold and underfolds the bottom half width fold with respect to the intermediate quarter width fold. Various other apparatus are known to fold the webs of facial tissue, paper toweling etc. One such apparatus is disclosed in a Reissue US Patent No. US RE21785E that discloses a “Napkin Folding Machine” In the machine of the aforementioned patent, a continuous stack of folded tissue paper is formed on a moving conveyor by successively laying onto a moving conveyor webs of material which are folded as they are drawn from a plurality of parent rolls carried in a multiple spindle backstand. The moving stack of folded webs is severed at appropriate intervals to produce conveniently sized, individual stacks of folded sheets.
US 3199861 discloses an apparatus for folding webs of flexible materials and more particularly for producing stacks of interfolded webs of flexible materials such as webs of facial tissue, paper toweling etc. at high production rates. Certain pairs or sets of webs fed to the stack conveyor are preliminarily folded and interfolded away from the immediate vicinity of the stack conveyor. A reduced number of final interfold stations are thus required at the conveyor and these are of improved design capable of handling pairs or sets of preliminarily interfolded webs.
A method and apparatus for forming printed paper products having a folded or pocket portion, for example inserts for magazines and brochures having a reply envelope is disclosed in US 4340212. Here a moving web of paper from which the inserts are made is first folded along the edges to form the folded or envelope portion of the insert. Thereafter, printing is carried out on the folded web. The folding precedes printing in this case, in order to accommodate a web having a width which exceeds the maximum width of the printing press. In this way, an insert having a width up to the maximum width that the printing press can accommodate and/or inserts having envelope portions and/or envelope flap portions of increased size are obtained.
US4189134 discloses a method for folding a half-folded newspaper into a compact configuration to provide a multi-folded newspaper. The method involves the movement of the newspaper continuously through an apparatus designed to carry out the method with minimized risk of damage to the newspaper to present the multi-folded newspaper to means for releasably retaining it in a compact, multi-folded condition.
Granted United States Patent US3191926 discloses an improved web folding apparatus for folding continuous web longitudinally upon themselves at high speeds and without scratching of otherwise marring the performance thereof. In general, the apparatus for achieving the above and other related objects of the present invention includes an open V-shaped frame which serves to fold a web longitudinally upon itself as such web is advanced over the sides and across the corner of such frame; The frame is formed of tubing which is perforated for directing a gas under pressure, and preferably air, in between the frame and a Web which is advanced thereover. The frame perforations or openings direct the discharging streams of compressed gas perpendicularly against the traveling web so that the web is lifted slightly but not otherwise moved from its intended direction of travel. Additionally, it is essential that a number of openings be provided along the corner of the frame so that a plurality of streams of gas issue there from for keeping the web well spaced from the frame in this area.
None of the above existing printing presses are utilized to create folded section on one of the sheets of the longitudinally moving web.
In the known traditional bookmark printing presses one web is forced to move out from its web path of multi web printing. Purpose of shifting of one web is to draw attention of the customer, but packing and handling of the printed product viz; newspaper at distribution stage spoils this innovation. It is really difficult to handle a small part of single page that comes out from other paper of a printed product and chance of getting it damaged is always high. Advertisers are not happy that their advertisement reaches to the readers in torn-off condition.
The web folding apparatus of the present invention rectifies all the drawbacks of the conventional bookmark printing presses. The present invention relates to a novel web folding apparatus that creates a folded section or a “bookmark fold” in a continuous length moving web along the fold line. A “bookmark fold” refers to a fold formed by folding the extended part of one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge of the web forming an envelope. Such bookmark folds are created after the printing of the web is completed. Moreover, the web folding apparatus of the present invention employs a new way of adjustment during movement of the longitudinally moving web that assists in folding with reduced wrinkling and creasing along the fold line. The term “longitudinally moving web” is alternatively referred to herein as “moving web” or “running web”.
The web folding apparatus of the present invention can be easily incorporated in the existing printing press units and can be used to create an extra space to grab the attention of the customers thereby generating extra revenue.
Summary of the invention
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for folding a longitudinally moving web and more particularly to a novel web folding apparatus for creating a folded section on one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge. The web folding apparatus employs a new way of adjustment during movement of the longitudinally moving web that assists in folding with reduced wrinkling and creasing along the fold line. Said bookmark folds are created after the printing of the web is completed. The novel web folding apparatus can be easily incorporated in the existing offset printing press.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a web folding apparatus (1) for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2), wherein the web folding apparatus (1) comprises:
 An adjustable folding assembly (4);
 A folding nose assembly (5);
 A side support assembly (6);
 A bottom support assembly (7); and
 A web centering assembly (8).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) comprises:
 An adjustable folding nose (4d);
 A metal pipe (4h) comprising a locking bracket (4i) at one end;
 A plurality of adjustable brackets (4a);
 An adjustable rod (4g) clamped on the metal pipe (4h) by means of the adjustable bracket (4a); and
 An angular bracket (4e);
 A small rod (4f) attached to the adjustable folding nose (4d) at one end by means of the angular bracket (4e) and attached to the adjustable rod (4g) at the other end by means of adjustable brackets (4a).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the angular bracket (4e) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (4b).
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) comprises:
 A metal pipe (5a) comprising a fixed folding nose (5e) at one end;
 A metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) at its one end, said metal pipe (5c) clamped on the metal pipe (5a); and
 An adjustable bracket (5b).
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the fixed folding nose (5e) further comprises an opening for the air blast system (5f) that eliminates the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d).
According to still another embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) comprises:
 A horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b);
 A fixing rod (6d) connected to said horizontal cylindrical pipe (6b); and
 A horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the horizontal adjustment means (6e) mounted on the fixing rod (6d) further comprises of an adjusting rod (6c) and a support plate (6f) provided with a locking bracket (6a).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) comprises:
 A cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c);
 A locking bracket (7e) mounted on an adjustable pipe (7b); and
 An adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjusting rod (7c) is connected to the cylindrical pipe (7a) by means of a connecting bracket (7f).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting bracket (7f) further comprises plurality of fastening means (7f’)
According to an embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) comprises:
 A roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b);
 A fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and
 An adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other at a suitable angle.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the folding nose assembly (5) are inclined to each other preferably at an obtuse angle.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the folding width of the folded section (3a) is in the range of 40-70 mm.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4) folds the extended part (3) on one of the sheets of the web (2) towards the open edge at 180° of the web (2), resulting in the folded section (3a).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of the web (2).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the side support assembly (6) supports the web from the lateral side after folding of the web is completed.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom support assembly (7) supports the folded web from the bottom side.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the sheets of said web (2) after folding is completed.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the air blast system (4c) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) and the air blast system (5f) of the folding nose assembly (5) reduce the friction between the sheets of the moving web and said assemblies; thereby eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d) and the fixed folding nose (5e).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable folding assembly (4), the folding nose assembly (5), the side support assembly (6), the bottom support assembly (7), and the web centering assembly (8) are made up of suitable material and more preferably from mild steel with chrome plating.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein one of the sheets having an extended part (3) passes through the adjustable folding assembly (4), said adjustable folding assembly (4) folds said extended part (3) towards the open edge of said web (2) at 180° forming a folded section (3a). Thereinafter the web passes through the folding nose assembly (5), wherein said folding nose assembly (5) supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the folding of said web. As the folded web passes through the side support assembly (6), the web (2) is supported laterally and followed by the bottom support assembly (7), wherein the web is supported from the bottom. The web further passes through the roller (8a) of the web centering assembly (8), wherein said roller (8a) centers all the sheets of the web (2) after the folding is completed.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for creating a folded section (3a) on a longitudinally moving web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein the last sheet of the moving web (2) having an extended part (3) is folded towards the open edge of said web (2) forming the folded section (3a), wherein said folded section (3a) locks all the sheets of the moving web (2).
Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views.
Brief description of the drawings:
The invention can be described in the terms of the following figures where-
Figure 1: Line diagram of the web folding apparatus of present invention.
Figure 2: Perspective view of the adjustable folding assembly.
Figure 3: Perspective view of the folding nose assembly.
Figure 4: Perspective view of the side support assembly.
Figure 5: Perspective view of the bottom support assembly.
Figure 6: Perspective view of web centering assembly.
Figure 7: Perspective view of the existing offset printing press.
Figure 8: Placement of the adjustable folding assembly in offset printing press.
Figure 9: Placement of the folding nose assembly on nip roller assembly.
Figure 10: Placement of the side support assembly in offset printing press.
Figure 11: Placement of the bottom support assembly in offset printing press.
Figure 12: Placement of the web centering assembly in offset printing press.
Figure 13: Perspective view of a bookmark fold in one of the sheets of the moving web.
Figure 14: Perspective view of the sheets of a suitable length that has been severed and folded by means of the apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures.
Detailed description of invention:
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Hereinafter, a web folding apparatus creating a folded section or a bookmark fold in a longitudinally moving web will be explained in more details. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the aforementioned embodiments and their minute explanation have been omitted. The “term” bookmark is referred to the extended part of one of the sheets of the web which is used to create a bookmark fold. The term “bookmark fold” refers to a fold formed by folding the extended part of one of the sheets of the web towards the open edge of the web forming an envelope. The term “longitudinally moving web” is alternatively referred to herein as “moving web” or “running web”.
While the word "newspaper" will be utilized in this specification to refer to the items being folded by the method provided by the invention, it will be realized that the method is equally applicable for use in multi-folding into compact configuration items other than newspapers but which are generally similar to newspapers in their initial form. Furthermore, in discussing the apparatus illustrated in the drawings on which the method of the invention can be carried out no reference will be made to specific electrical or mechanical means by which portions of the apparatus are actuated other than to describe the movements produced in timed sequence to the continuous movement of the newspaper through the steps embodying the invention. In addition, although reference will be made to specific mechanisms and their functioning, it will be appreciated that insofar as the method of the invention is concerned, these mechanisms merely are illustrative and the method is not limited to the utilization of any specific ones of the mechanisms shown.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Fig. 1, the apparatus illustrated provides a line diagram of the web folding apparatus (1) that comprises an adjustable folding assembly (4), a folding nose assembly (5), a side support assembly (6), bottom support assembly (7), and a web centering assembly (8). When the moving web (2) having a bookmark (3) moves through the adjustable folding assembly (4), a folding nose assembly (5), a side support assembly (6), bottom support assembly (7), and a web centering assembly (8) the extended part of the web viz; bookmark is folded and allowed to come to the front page.
As the web (2) travels through the adjustable folding assembly (4), the web gets folded first. The folding nose assembly (5) is inclined to the adjustable folding assembly (4) preferably at an obtuse angle and supports the adjustable folding assembly (4) in web folding. The side support assembly (6) and the bottom support assembly (7) hold and support the folded web (2) from side and the bottom and prevent the loosening of the web during various speeds and avoid the creasing. The web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the webs after the folding is completed and before it enters for folding and cutting.
A perspective view of the adjustable folding assembly (4) is shown in the Fig. 2; wherein said assembly constitutes an adjustable folding nose (4d) that is clamped to a small rod (4f) by the means of the angular bracket (4e). The angular bracket (4e) is provided with a plurality of fastening means (4b) fixed onto the angular bracket (4e) for the fitment of the adjustable folding nose (4d) onto the angular bracket (4e). The small rod (4f) is further clamped to the adjustable rod (4g) through an adjustable bracket (4a). An adjustable rod (4g) is, in turn, clamped to the metal pipe (4h) having a locking bracket (4i) at its one end by means of another adjustable bracket (4a). The adjustable folding nose (4d) further comprises of an opening for the air blast assembly (4c) to eliminate the ink deposition on the adjustable folding nose (4d). In an offset printing press setup (9 of Fig. 8), the adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b of Fig. 8) of the offset printing press (9 of Fig. 8), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i) of said adjustable folding assembly (4).
Referring to the Fig. 3, the perspective view of folding nose assembly (5) can be explained. The folding nose assembly (5) comprises of a metal pipe (5a) having a fixed folding nose (5e) is clamped to the metal pipe (5c) comprising a locking bracket (5d) on its one end, by means of an adjustment bracket (5b). The clamping point at the adjustment bracket (5b) can be altered by adjusting the adjustment bracket (5b) as per the requirement. The folding nose assembly (5) further comprises of an opening for the air blast assembly (5f) to eliminate the ink deposition on the fixed folding nose (5e). In an offset printing press setup (9 of Fig. 9), the folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’of Fig. 9) of the nip roller assembly (9d of Fig. 9); said shaft (9d’of Fig. 9) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of said folding nose assembly (5).
Fig. 4 represents the perspective view of the side support assembly (6) comprising a cylindrical pipe (6b) attached to a fixing rod (6d) at its one end which in turn is attached to an adjusting rod (6c) through an adjustment means (6e). A locking bracket (6a) is mounted on the adjusting rod (6c). In an offset printing press setup the side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig. 10) of the offset printing press (9); said former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig. 10) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of said side support assembly (6).
The perspective view of the bottom support assembly (7) is illustrated by Fig. 5. The bottom support assembly (7) comprises of a cylindrical pipe (7a) connected to an adjusting rod (7c) by means of a connecting bracket (7f). The adjusting rod (7c) is further connected to the adjustable pipe (7b) on which the locking bracket (7e) is mounted. The bottom support assembly (7) further comprises of an adjustable bracket (7d) through which the adjustable pipe (7b) passes. The connecting bracket (7f) further comprises of a plurality of fastening means (7f’). The bottom support assembly (7) supports the web (2) from the bottom side. The bottom support assembly (7) prevents the loosening of the web during various speeds and avoids the creasing. In an offset printing press setup, the bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig.11) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c of Fig.11) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of said bottom support assembly (7).
Referring now to Fig. 6, the perspective view of the web centering assembly (8) can be explained. The web centering assembly (8) comprises a roller (8a) mounted on a shaft (8b); a fixing bracket (8c) at one end of said shaft; and an adjustable bracket (8d) at the other end of said shaft. The adjustable bracket (8d) further comprises of an adjustable knob (8e). The web centering assembly (8) helps in centering all the webs after the folding is completed. In an offset printing press setup, the web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f of Fig. 12) of the offset printing press (9 of Fig. 12) by means of the fastening means (9g of Fig. 12), wherein said support plate (9f of Fig. 12) is attached to the body of said offset printing press (9 of Fig. 12).
Fig. 7 shows the perspective view of the existing offset printing press (9). The offset printing press (9) comprises a former plate (9a) which is of ordinary triangular shape and located above the pair of nip rollers of the nip rolling assembly (9d) which, in conjunction with the former plate (9a), gives the first fold to the web as it leaves the former plate (9a). The term “nipping rollers” refers to the pressure rollers that push the web towards the running direction and maintains the tension of the web. The former plate (9a) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b). The former plate (9a) is adjustable longitudinally on the body of the printing press and its position on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) is adjusted by moving the former plate adjustment rod (9c).
The adjustable folding assembly (4 of Fig. 2) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i of Fig. 2) of the adjustable folding assembly (4 of Fig. 2).
The folding nose assembly (5 of Fig. 3) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d of Fig. 3) of the folding nose assembly (5 of Fig. 3).
The side support assembly (6 of Fig. 4) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a of Fig. 4) of the side support assembly (6 of Fig. 4).
The bottom support assembly (7 of Fig. 5) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e of Fig. 5) of the bottom support assembly (7 of Fig. 5).
The web centering assembly (8 of Fig. 6) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of the offset printing press (9).
The placement of the adjustable folding assembly (4) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 8. The adjustable folding assembly (4) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b) of the offset printing press (9), said fixing shaft (9b) passes through the locking bracket (4i) of the adjustable folding assembly (4) at one end. The former plate fixing shaft (9b) is attached to the offset printing press (9) body at the other end. The former plate (9a of Fig. 7) is mounted on the former plate fixing shaft (9b).
The placement of the folding nose assembly (5) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 9. The folding nose assembly (5) is clamped on the shaft (9d’) of the nip roller assembly (9d), said shaft (9d’) passes through the locking bracket (5d) of the folding nose assembly (5).
The placement of the side support assembly (6) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 10. The side support assembly (6) is mounted on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (6a) of the side support assembly (6). The former plate adjustment rod (9c) is moved to adjust the position of the former plate (9a of Fig. 7) longitudinally on the body of the printing press (9).
The placement of the bottom support assembly (7) in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 11. The bottom support assembly (7) is clamped on the former plate adjustment rod (9c) of the offset printing press (9), said former plate adjustment rod (9c) passes through the locking bracket (7e) of the bottom support assembly (7).
The placement of the web centering assembly in the offset printing press (9) is shown in Fig. 12. The web centering assembly (8) is connected to a support plate (9f) of the offset printing press (9) by means of the fastening means (9g), wherein said support plate (9f) is attached to the body of the offset printing press (9).
Fig. 13 shows the perspective view of one of the sheets of the moving web (2) with a folded section (3a). The bookmark (3) on one of the sheets of the web is folded by the web folding apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures to create a folded section (3a). In a preferred embodiment, 40-70mm of the folded section (3a) present on one of the sheets is allowed to come over to the first sheet. In the most preferred embodiment, 40-70mm of the bookmark present on the last sheet of the web is allowed to come over to the first sheet at 180°.
Fig. 14 shows the perspective view of the sheets of the web (2) having a folded section (3a) or a bookmark fold that have been severed and folded by utilizing the apparatus illustrated in the preceding figures.
The above description constitutes a brief description of major components of the web folding apparatus (1) that embody the invention. The method of folding the web having a bookmark contemplated by the invention and the steps involved in the method can be best ascertained by the reference to the Figs. 1 and 7 which diagrammatically display the folding operations performed on the web passing through the web folding apparatus.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 7 the operation of the web folding apparatus and the web path in an offset printing press can be explained. A longitudinally moving continuous length web (2) comprising a plurality of sheets, passes through a printing unit (not shown).
The running web is shifted after printing using paper guide rollers (not shown).The web passes through a former and a tension roller and then passes through a former plate (9a) in quick succession where the web gets its first fold to create a folded section (3a) i.e. the bookmark fold. Thereafter the web enters the cutting cylinder of folder (11). The cutting cylinder of the folder (not shown) then cuts the moving web horizontally which gives the web the final cut. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting cylinder of the folder (not shown) cuts the moving web horizontally to convert the web into a newspaper copy which is represented by Figs. 13 and 14.
The web folding apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein and can be embodied by various modifications within the scope of the following claims. It should be recognized that the preferred embodiment described above is exemplary only. Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of foregoing description. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims. The teachings of the invention may be applied to other types of printing presses and web folding apparatus with or without some minor modifications.