Folding Only Patents (Class 156/226)
  • Patent number: 6821370
    Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels within fluid flow devices. The side panels can move parallel or perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction while the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Kurt Garrett Krupka, David Albert Maxton, Robert Lee Popp, Michael William Protheroe, Timothy Alan Thorson, Brian Robert Vogt, Michael John Wanner, Thomas Earl Williamson
  • Patent number: 6814920
    Abstract: A method of preventing delamination of multiple layers of an oriented polymer container having an opening defined by the multiple layers comprising a bi-axially oriented multilayer polymer container having an opening defined by a perimeter at which the multiple layers are exposed; heating the perimeter until workable; providing a curling die; feeding the multilayer perimeter into the curling die to curl the perimeter sufficiently to inhibit delamination of the layers and a container when so made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: DTL Technology Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Martin H. Beck, George F. Rollend
  • Patent number: 6805767
    Abstract: A method of producing a solid image pickup device including a solid image pickup element, and an optical lens held in a housing that is mounted on a flexible wiring board. A fixing device fixes the flexible wiring board in a folded state corresponding to an external shape of the solid image pickup device during bonding of the flexible wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Kohji Shinomiya
  • Publication number: 20040188004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of applying a fastener portion 10 to an absorbent article 1, said method comprising in a first alternative (A) the steps of: (i) providing a top sheet 2, (ii) placing one or more fastener portions 10 onto an inner surface 2a of the top sheet 2 so that a fastener user's end 12 is essentially supported by the top sheet 2 and a fastener manufacture's end 11 is essentially adjacent to one of the lateral edges 2c,2d of the top sheet 2 whereby the fastening means 15 is facing towards the inner surface 2a of the top sheet 2, (iii) folding around the manufacturer's end 11 so that it is essentially opposite to the user's end 12, and (iv) applying an absorbent core 4 and a back sheet 3 onto the top sheet 2, whereby the sequence of steps (iii) and (iv) may be exchanged, or in a second alternative (B) (i) providing a back sheet 3, (ii) placing one or more fastener portions 10 onto the outer surface 3b of the back sheet 3 so that a fastener user's end 12 is essentially supported b
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Werner T Guenther, Johann F Petersen, Konstantinos Kourtidis
  • Patent number: 6767423
    Abstract: A fastener tape for use in the manufacture of reclosable plastic bags is provided. The fastener tape comprises an intermediate layer and a reclosable fastener profile thereon. The intermediate layer includes three layers of co-extruded plastic, with not more than 4% EVA as the outer two layers and HDPE as the middle layer. The intermediate layer is folded so as to bring portions of the intermediate layer into an opposing relationship. These opposing portions are the sealed together by a pair of seal bars. By carefully controlling the sealing temperature, a consistent peel seal is created between the opposing portions of the intermediate layer without the need for an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Johnson, Daniel T. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6730188
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment comprises moving a continuous absorbent garment subassembly in a machine direction, wherein the continuous absorbent garment subassembly comprises a continuous front body panel web, a continuous rear body panel web and a plurality of discrete crotch portions spaced along the machine direction and connecting the continuous front and rear body panel webs. The crotch portions are folded in a cross direction with one of the continuous front and rear body panel webs folded over the other of the continuous front and rear body panel webs in the cross direction. The method further comprises successively cutting the continuous front and rear body panels of the continuous absorbent garment subassembly in the cross direction and thereby forming a plurality of discrete absorbent garment subassemblies, each of which comprises a front body panel and a rear body panel, wherein the front and rear body panels are connected with the crotch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6726797
    Abstract: A product sampler including a substrate layer, a barrier layer covering the substrate layer, a gelatinoid product layer covering and in contact with the barrier layer, and a barrier layer covering and in contact with the product layer is provided. The gelatinoid product layer may include a microencapsulated product, such as a fragrance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gelatinoid product layer includes a microencapsulated fragrance carried in a gelatinoid liquid vehicle, which vehicle may comprise, for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the product sampler is in the form of a magazine insert having a protruding trimmable non-barrier substrate tab portion, whereby a user may remove a trim portion from the trimmable edge portion after binding the insert into a magazine without removing barrier material with the removed trim portion. Also disclosed is a product sampler in the form of a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: AKI, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Tararuj, Patrick Donahue, Robert E. Katz, David DeSchryver, Robert Weiser
  • Patent number: 6716520
    Abstract: A reflective insulating material (1) with sufficient structural integrity to form and maintain a configuration of air ducts (9, 13), boxes and other structures having outer layers of reflective foil (2, 8), multiple inner layers of foam material (4, 6) and a mesh material (5) sandwiched between the layers of foam material, all adhered together by adhesive and heat. The material can be configured end to end and secured by tape (11, 18) to form air ducts (9, 13) or other structures. An optional hook lock (15, 16) is provided to help secure ends when forming substantially circular air ducts (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Elmer L. Cook, II
  • Publication number: 20040030318
    Abstract: Method for producing disposable diaper-pants having openable and resealable side panels. Absorption bodies are applied on a continuous web of inner or outer coversheet material so that front portions and rear portions of adjacent diaper-pants blanks in a web are directed toward each other. A continuous web of outer or inner coversheet material is applied to and secured to the web with absorption bodies. Separate side panels connected to each other by a detachable and resealable connection are secured to side portions of the adjacent front portions or rear portions of the diaper pants. Each diaper-pants blank with side panels is cut from the web and folded about a transverse axis in the crotch with the front and rear edges lying against each other. The side panels of each blank are folded toward and secured to side portions of the rear or front portion which have no side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Birgitta Karlsson, Johan Skogsberg, Lennart Erwast, Urban Widlund, Ingemar Fernfors
  • Publication number: 20040013931
    Abstract: A metal separator 10 for a fuel cell is configured such that, after forming through-holes 11b and 12b on a first separator member 11 and a second separator member 12, rising wall sections 11c and 12c are provided so as to be spaced apart from formed sections 11a and 12a for introducing a gas by a predetermined distance L, the rising wall section 11c of the first separator member 11 is fittingly inserted into the rising wall section 12c of the second separator member 12 for performing a positional alignment therebeween, and then, the rising wall sections 11c and 12c are folded to be caulked, whereby the first separator member 11 and the second separator member 12 are bonded to each other. A positional alignment between the first separator member 11 and the second separator member 12 become facilitative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takamura, Masanao Shiomi
  • Patent number: 6673176
    Abstract: Expandable and collapsible window coverings are disclosed including a web of non-rigid material and a stiffener intermittently applied to the web to provide stiffened regions along the web separated by regions of the non-rigid material. In this manner, the regions of non-rigid material can act as hinges between the stiffened regions. Methods for forming these window coverings are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Springs Window Direct LP
    Inventor: John D. Rupel
  • Patent number: 6673186
    Abstract: A laminated structural body is manufactured by laminating unidirectionally arranged strands and a web such that two layers of the web sandwich the strands therebetween. A cylindrical web is delivered in a direction parallel to a central axis thereof. A polymer liquid is discharged from a spinning head, which is disposed in the cylindrical web and rotated about the central axis of the cylindrical web, toward an inner surface of the cylindrical web to spin strands of the discharged polymer liquid. The spun strands are arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the circumferential direction of the cylindrical web and laminated on the inner surface of the cylindrical web. The cylindrical web with the strands laminated thereon is folded flatwise to sandwich the strands between the two folded layers of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ishida, Toshio Ohta, Tadayoshi Katoh, Hiroshi Yazawa, Shuichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6660119
    Abstract: A method of making a laminated scrapbook page including providing a filler sheet which is adapted to be folded and laminated to provide the scrapbook page, providing one or more visual images on at least one medium, providing indicia associated with the filler sheet to be able to receive the visual image(s), folding such indicia provided filler sheet, laminating the indicia provided folded filler sheet and mounting the visual images in such indicia of the filler sheet to provide the page of the scrapbook, and laminating the scrapbook page formed in step d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Dale F. McIntyre, Joseph A. Manico
  • Publication number: 20030217803
    Abstract: A method for production of absorbent articles having the shape of pants including providing individual absorption cores, securing the absorption cores to an elastic material web which is advanced continuously in a direction of travel, assembling the individual articles to form a pants shape, cutting out individual articles each comprising an absorption core and a piece of the elastic material web, the cutting-out stage and assembling stage giving each article two leg openings and a waist opening. The elastic material web has an elastic extensibility in the direction of travel of at least 80%, and preferably at least 100%, and the elastic material web during production is stretched a maximum of 5% in the direction of travel of the material web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Niclas Norrby, Catarina Linner
  • Patent number: 6652696
    Abstract: A prefastened absorbent garment is manufactured with its longitudinal axis in the cross machine direction. A web of garment chassis material extending in the machine direction is overlaid within the garment chassis borders. The side panel webs are attached to the chassis web and have hook and loop fasteners thereon. The garment can be individuated from the combined chassis and side panel webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Kuen, Robert Lee Popp, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Patent number: 6635135
    Abstract: A prefastened absorbent garment is manufactured with its longitudinal axis in the machine direction. A web of garment chassis material extending in the machine direction is overlaid with a side panel web. The side panel web is attached at opposite width borders of the chassis web and has one or more complementary fasteners opposing each other in the longitudinal axis direction of the garment chassis web. The garment can be folded to place the complementary fasteners in releasable engagement and individuated from the combined chassis and side panel webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Kuen, Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Shawn A. Quereshi, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson
  • Patent number: 6635137
    Abstract: A seal for a container opening includes a backing layer and a seal layer for connecting to and covering an opening of the container. A pull-tab forming layer is sandwiched between the backing layer and the seal layer. The pull-tab forming layer has a heat sealable surface joined to the backing layer. An opposite heat resistant surface is joined to the seal layer. A hinge is disposed near the center of the seal that joins the backing layer and the sealed layer wherein the backing layer and at least a portion of the pull-tab forming layer define a pair of pull-tabs extending from the hinge. A method of forming the seal including the pull-tab forming layer and a material blank for forming a plurality of the seals are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Selig Sealing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Giles
  • Patent number: 6632311
    Abstract: A method of making a roll of adhesive tape that comprises providing a length of tape having a leading end, a trailing end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and providing a tab having first and second opposite ends having a length between them, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the tab is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of tape along a tape path, positioning the leading tape end about a central tape roll axis, and circumferentially winding the length of tape about the axis until a penultimate tape layer having a circumference is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher M. Glenna, Paul J. Richtman
  • Patent number: 6602944
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive/cohesive exhibits excellent cohesive body properties, and other desirable features, even when exposed to heat and polysiloxane based lubricants, such as in a laser printer. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight natural rubber (e.g. electrosterically stabilized natural rubber graft and block terpolymer), and expressed as percentages by weight of the rubber the following components: about 5-35% (e.g. about 28%) acrylate monomer or monomers (such as methyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, and/or isobornyl methacrylate); about 0.5-8% acrylic acid and/or about 1-10% 4-acetoxystyrene; about 0-20% ethyl hexyl acrylate; about 1-50% (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Milind Vaidya
  • Patent number: 6599382
    Abstract: A machine for continuously manufacturing tape strips having at least at one end a portion folded through an aperture of a workpiece is provided. A tape supply section supplies tape to a tape feed unit which is adapted intermittently supply a first predetermined length of tape through an aperture of a workpiece and a second predetermined length of tape not through an aperture. Work pieces are supplied to and received by a workpiece receiving device adapted to hold the workpiece and position the aperture of the workpiece in the tape traveling path. Tape folders operate to fold a tape towards a fusing member positioned above the workpiece. Tape gripping arms further fold a tape into a fusing member. A tape cutter cuts the tape after a second predetermined length of tape is fed from a tape supply section. Tape gripping arms then operate to eject the finished strap from the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Kiichiro Ishikawa, Chester P. Dudek
  • Patent number: 6596113
    Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gene Csida, Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Brian Robert Vogt
  • Patent number: 6596107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive process and apparatus (20) for forming an article. The technique of the invention includes a providing of a first panel layer (22), and a positioning of a second panel layer (28) onto the first panel layer (22). An inboard portion (24) of the first panel layer (22) is attached to an inboard portion (30) of the second panel layer (28), and a side region (36) of a tab web (34) is attached to the inboard portion (24, 30) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) to provide a first assembly web (48). A fastening mechanism (40) is attached to the tab web (34), and an outboard portion (26, 32) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) is folded to provide a folded layer (44) and a protruding layer (46). A protruding layer portion (56) of a panel assembly (50) is attached to a first waistband portion (62) of an article segment (60), and the article segment (60) is transversely folded to provide a folded article segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bennington Stopher
  • Patent number: 6582544
    Abstract: Discloses a method of making scanning hooks with a release agent on the label attachment tab. Stock is formed by laminating a plastic sheet which will provide the main carrier body of the overlay and a thin film which has a release agent strongly bonded to its outer surface. The film is bonded to the main plastic layer, such as by an adhesive. Overlay blanks are cut from the resulting laminate stock as by die cutting. The overlay blanks then are bent and mounted on scanning hooks, with the tab portion extending essentially vertically and presenting an outwardly exposed release surface which provides ready appliability, removability and replaceability of merchandising labels which bear information related to the products supported on the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 6582543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a belted garment includes: placing a first belt half and a second belt half in a partially overlapping relationship such that first end regions of the first and second belt halves contact each other in a region of overlap, and second end regions of the first and second belt halves remain uncovered; releasably joining together the first end regions to create a temporary laminate; bringing a first surface of a carrier web and the temporary laminate into mutual contact such that the first surface of the carrier web contacts the laminate in the region of overlap of the first end regions of the belt halves, and causing at least a portion of the second end region of the first belt and second belt halves to contact a second surface of the carrier web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Lennart Nilsson, Michael Rieck, Richard Schollin, Stefan Westergard
  • Patent number: 6569274
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a laminate suited for use in producing disposable absorbent products comprising a nonwoven web formed from randomly dispersed fibers bonded with a crosslinked vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive and a particulate polymeric absorbent entrapped within the laminate in fixed location by means of adhesively bonding the nonwoven web to itself or to another substrate, the improvement which comprises utilizing a nonwoven web incorporating an acrylic or vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive having the following characteristics, and further, said nonwoven web adhesively bonded to itself or to another substrate through the crosslinked acrylic or crosslinked vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kambiz Bayat Makoui, Joel Erwin Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6562171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a two-sided image product is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a web of media having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side; applying an adhesive to the non image bearing side; moving the web of media in a direction longitudinal to the web; forming a crease line on the web of media, the crease line running in the longitudinal direction along the web; and folding the web of media along the crease line so that the non-image bearing side contacts itself so as to adhere the non-image bearing side to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William C. Archie, Jr., Frank Pincelli, Dale F. McIntyre, Joseph A. Manico
  • Patent number: 6551431
    Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding can be performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Lee
  • Publication number: 20030066592
    Abstract: In a process for making prefastened and refastenable garments, a discrete article is transported in a primary direction of movement. The discrete article can define a leading half comprising first fastening components, a trailing half comprising second fastening components releasably engageable with the first fastening components, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves. The leading half can be temporarily diverted from the primary direction of movement, while continuing to transport the interconnecting region and the trailing half in the primary direction. After reestablishing movement of the leading half in the primary direction, the leading half can contact a contoured surface, such as a contoured plate or roll. The contact can cause the first fastening components to be transversely displaced toward one another, whereupon the first and second fastening components can be engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: David Albert Maxton, Megan Elizabeth Clemmensen, Chris Alan Pettit, Steven John Shimon
  • Publication number: 20030066591
    Abstract: The production method provides a method of producing a solid image pickup device. The solid image pickup device comprises a solid image pickup element, and an optical lens held in a housing provided in a flexible wiring board. The fixing device bonds and fixes the flexible wiring board in a folded state corresponding to an external shape of the solid image pickup device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohji Shinomiya
  • Patent number: 6533880
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) to form a grill section (60). The substrate is folded in half and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) is placed over the folded substrate layers (16). The two layers are blow molded together into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dick van Manen
  • Patent number: 6508900
    Abstract: An integrated pressure sensitive adhesive label application surface and pull card holder in the form of a placard component and an integral pocket component. The placard component includes a placard wall having a first side and an opposite second side, wherein a pressure sensitive adhesive coating is present on the first side. A rear wall of the pocket component is integrally connected with the placard wall, wherein a fold-over is provided at an imaginary demarcation therebetween. A front wall is superposed the rear wall, and secured to the rear wall along the mutual peripheries, except adjacent the fold-over. In one form of the present invention, the placard wall is provided with a preferably white color, the pocket component is clear, and the second side of the placard wall has a release coating. In another form of the present invention, the placard wall and pocket component are clear, and a conventional label system (ie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Kendall, Rebecca A. Kaspryk
  • Patent number: 6497032
    Abstract: In a process for making prefastened and refastenable garments, a discrete article is transported in a primary direction of movement. The discrete article can define a leading half comprising first fastening components, a trailing half comprising second fastening components releasably engageable with the first fastening components, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves. The leading half can be temporarily diverted from the primary direction of movement, while continuing to transport the interconnecting region and the trailing half in the primary direction. After reestablishing movement of the leading half in the primary direction, the leading half can contact a contoured surface, such as a contoured plate or roll. The contact can cause the first fastening components to be transversely displaced toward one another, whereupon the first and second fastening components can be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Albert Maxton, Megan Elizabeth Clemmensen, Chris Alan Pettit, Steven John Shimon
  • Publication number: 20020174941
    Abstract: The process according to the present invention provides to perform, initially, on the surface of a stretchable film (F) to be reinforced, a plurality of microdamaging (ML) and to join thereafter the microdamaged film (F) with longitudinal reinforcing strips (S), pre-stretched and edged; said edgings are formed by folding inwardly the strip edges, causing thus a further stretching of the strips and a consequent increase of their mechanical resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: AKRO-FLEX S.A.S. DI GAREGNANI ANTONIO & C.
    Inventor: Antonio Garegnani
  • Publication number: 20020174942
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle, Kelly Ray Green, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Patent number: 6482283
    Abstract: The methods and devices of the present invention comprise and result generally in sturdy foldable, performed protective comers of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed comer pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a comer, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a comer. The methods provide convenient steps to creating such products economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Torry L. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20020166616
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction or a machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams is a dual side seam that includes a standing butt seam formed between a front lap seam and a back lap seam. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, David Arthur Kuen, Shawn A. Quereshi
  • Publication number: 20020162621
    Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus comprising a housing supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. The first roller is a spring biased roller to facilitate feeding of the pre-glued form while the second, third and the fourth rollers are all fixedly mounted to the housing so that the second nip and the third nip both provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the second and the third nips, to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form. A collection bin is provided adjacent the third nip for collecting the folded and sealed forms upon exiting from the folding and sealing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne R. Lindsay, Brett A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6475318
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a design that appears to float in the face of a piece of material. A piece of fusible material is placed on top of a first piece of material. The fusible material is coated with an adhesive. The non-adhesive side of the fusible material is in contact with the face side of the first piece of material. The fusible material is sewn to the first piece of material. The stitches define the periphery of an unbroken design. The fusible material is trimmed outside the periphery of the unbroken design. Next, the fusible material and the fabric are trimmed inside the unbroken design to create an aperture. The fusible material is pulled through the aperture so that the adhesive is substantially interposed between fusible material the reverse side of the first piece of material. The fusible material is then fused to the reverse side of the first piece of material. A second piece of material is placed on the reverse side of the piece of fabric to cover the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20020160148
    Abstract: A dual-laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable covering for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises two strips of material attached to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Jason T. Throne
  • Publication number: 20020144924
    Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material formed from a web comprises a plurality of parallel side by side strip elements separated by dividing lines. The dividing lines are formed such that the width of the strip elements varies along their length with the wider portions of one alongside the narrower portions of the next in a nesting action. The strips are packaged for storage and transport to an end use machine where the strip elements are withdrawn and cut into identical strip portions at spaced positions along the strip so that each strip portion includes a portion of minimum width and a portion of maximum width. The web including all the strip elements is formed into a block in which the web is fan folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the web is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Each strip element is continuous through the block and is connected by a splice to the beginning of the next strip element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: BKI HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Johnson, Juan Carlos Zuhlsdorf, Carlo Gretter, John H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6452091
    Abstract: The peeling of a thin-film single-crystal from a substrate is carried out so that the directions of straight lines on the single-crystal surface made by planes on which the single-crystal is apt to cleave are different from the front line direction of the peeled single-crystal. This single-crystal is used in a solar cell and a drive circuit member of an image display element. A method is provided which prevents a decrease in quality and yield of a single crystal layer when it is peeled from a substrate. A flexible solar cell module having a thin film single-crystal layer is made so that its flexing direction is different from the single-crystal's cleaving direction. Thus, a thin-film single-crystal solar cell module having excellent durability and reliability due to a lack of defect or cracking during production and use, and a method for producing the same, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Nakagawa, Takao Yonehara, Yasuyoshi Takai, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Noritaka Ukiyo, Masaaki Iwane, Yukiko Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20020112806
    Abstract: A method of forming a headliner includes providing a lap mat including a first region having a first material composition, and a second region having a second material composition different than the first composition, wherein the second region is configured as at least one of an energy management region and a support region; positioning the mat between two mold sections of a mold; and moving at least one of the mold sections toward the other mold section to shape the mat into a desired shape. A method for forming the mat is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Harold G. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6432243
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction or a machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams is a dual side seam that includes a front lap seam and a back lap seam. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment on either a left side or a right side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, David Arthur Kuen, Shawn A. Quereshi
  • Patent number: 6423168
    Abstract: Discloses a method of making scanning hooks with a release agent on the label attachment tab. Stock is formed by laminating a plastic sheet which will provide the main carrier body of the overlay and a thin film which has a release agent strongly bonded to its outer surface. The film is bonded to the main plastic layer, such as by an adhesive. Overlay blanks are cut from the resulting laminate stock as by die cutting. The overlay blanks then are bent and mounted on scanning hooks, with the tab portion extending essentially vertically and presenting an outwardly exposed release surface which provides ready appliability, removability and replaceability of merchandising labels which bear information related to the products supported on the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 6419777
    Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X—X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X—X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Michele Achter, Tammy Jo Balzar, Donald George Fox
  • Patent number: 6395115
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction or a machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams is a dual side seam that includes a standing butt seam formed between a front lap seam and a back lap seam. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, David Arthur Kuen, Shawn A. Quereshi
  • Patent number: 6375780
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, John R. Tuttle, Rickie C. Lake
  • Patent number: 6361639
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an index divider sheet assembly adapted for feeding into ink jet printers and the like for a printing operation on the sheet body and/or the index tab of the assembly. The assembly includes a divider sheet having a tab extending out of one edge and a reinforced binding edge flap. The divider sheet can be manufactured from ink jet receptive top-coated white cardstock. A guide strip along the tab edge assists the assembly being fed and passing through the printer despite the presence of the tab. The binding edge flap is folded over onto the body of the sheet and held thereon to reduce the width dimension of the assembly so that it can be fed into and passed through the printer. After passing through the printer, the guide strip is removed and the flap is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Sonia Owen, Galen C. Wong, Richard M. Housewright, II
  • Publication number: 20020005244
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plastic liner for use in containers which are typically used in the meat packing industry to hold the meat portion of an animal carcass after it has been subjected to a slaughtering process. The liner is designed so that its bottom seal is able to withstand the stress placed thereupon by accumulation of blood and other liquids from the meat. In other words, the bottom seal is a leak-proof seal due to it having a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Reuven Y. Rosenberg, Gabriel Kahana, Awad Sike
  • Publication number: 20010050136
    Abstract: A method for producing a pleated filter material from a nonwoven fabric having spacers for the pleated folds formed from the filter material itself, a formed fabric made of stretched synthetic fibers and thermoplastic and/or thermally cross-linked binding agent being heated in an oven to a temperature lying at least in the softening temperature range and/or the cross-linking temperature range of the binding agent, and subsequently, the formed fabric being formed between profiled calender rolls and cooled simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Klaus Veeser, Anthony Hollingsworth, Dirk Dantz