Abstract: An improved sealing apparatus is provided for cutting and heat sealing thermoplastic sheets which are drawn under tension through relatively movable sealing jaws which include heat-applying and cutting means. Coacting male and female sections are provided on the sealing jaws for preventing the thermoplastic sheets from engaging the heat-applying means while the thermoplastic sheets are being drawn under tension through the jaws. In addition, such sections also perform the additional function of applying a clamping force to the thermoplastic sheets when the jaws are in their closed position to overcome the tension on the thermoplastic sheets to thereby prevent slippage of the thermoplastic sheets relative to the sealing jaws during the heat-sealing operation.

Abstract: A package is provided for holding a plurality of articles in a fixed orientation with respect to each other so that the articles are arranged for further processing, such as overwrapping, shrink-wrapping, case-packing, or the like. In one embodiment, the package includes a T-shaped member having a base and a divider which define an article support member on each side of the divider, with each of the article support members including one or more adhesive strips on either or both of the divider wall or base wall of each article support member. A row of articles is disposed in each of said article support members so that the articles adhere to the adhesive strips and are held in a fixed orientation with respect to each other. Such package may then be utilized for case-packing or may be further processed so that the package is overwrapped, shrink-wrapped, or the like.