Abstract: A container strip in the form of a chain of interconnected preopened bags with openings having longitudinal dimensions of at least about 1/32 inch is disclosed. The container strip provides greatly enhanced facility for bag registration and opening during packaging operations utilizing the improved container strip. A process of forming a chain of pre-opened bags is also disclosed. Face and back plastic webs are independently fed along individual paths of travel to a common path. The webs are differentially tensioned while in their independent paths by stretching the face web more than the back web such that the face web will retract longitudinally more than the back web upon release of the web tension. While so tensioned edge seals are formed between the webs to convert the webs into a tube and longitudinally spaced transverse seals are formed between the webs to delineate bottoms of bags.

Abstract: Pop-up items are provided which can either be mounted in three-dimensional form on a suitable supporting surface by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by the item or can be affixed to facing panels of a letter or pages of a book. The preferred items include a pop-up element in the form of one or two panels carrying strategically located pressure-sensitive adhesive which permits instant mounting, e.g. between facing panels so that, upon opening, the pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration as a result of the pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding to the surfaces of facing panels or pages. The 3-dimensional pop-up can also be mounted to any suitable supporting surface. A variety of methods for the mass production of such pop-up elements from a continuous web, e.g., a printed and die-cut web from a web press, facilitate their inexpensive fabrication. These pop-up elements are preferably marketed or distributed in groups, e.g.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as a paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the base plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate. The frame base plate and the two frame end plates together form a "C" shaped structure. The stock supply assembly is mounted on the first frame end plate, the forming assembly is mounted on an intermediate portion of the frame base plate, the pulling/connecting assembly is mounted on an upstream side of the second end plate, and the cutting assembly is mounted on the downstream side of the second end plate.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus is provided for feeding a continuous plastic film from a source of supply to a plastic film processing machine such as a plastic bag making machine and the like, which includes first and second take up rolls for taking up and rewinding the plastic film. First guide means is disposed at a position in the path for directing the plastic film from the source of supply to the first take up roll via the first guide means. Second guide means is disposed downstream of the first guide means in the path for directing the plastic film from the second take up roll to the processing machine via the second guide means. The plastic films can be sandwiched between and heat cut widthwise by first heat cutting means and first receiving means, whereby the plastic film from the source of supply is connected to the plastic film to the processing machine, while the plastic film to the first take up roll is connected to the plastic film from the second take up roll.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material, which may be viewed as having two edge sections and a central section, into a cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a conversion assembly for converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product and a supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the conversion assembly. The stock material is supplied to the conversion assembly in such a manner that its edge sections must travel in a longer path than the central section thereby creating edge-tension in the edge sections of the stock material. While a certain minimum conversion-tension is necessary in the edge sections of the stock material to properly convert the stock material into a cushioning product, a certain continuous tearing-tension, greater than the minimum conversion-tension, will cause a continuous tear in the stock material.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating discrete segments of cushioned web material for use as dunnage. The apparatus includes a mobile supply cart having at least one substantially horizontal support arm for receiving the hollow core of rolled web material. The apparatus also includes a separate driven rugation device with feed rollers for directing multiple plies of the web material in overlying, contacting relationship along a single path of travel. The separate cart and rugation device may be removably interconnected for lateral alignment. Driven interdigitized texturing rolls downstream of the feed rollers emboss a raised pattern on the web material, and a plurality of separating rollers downstream from the texturing rolls separate the plies of web material and direct them in divergent paths of travel. Combining rolls recombine the plies of textured web material such that the embossed areas of each ply do not directly overlie each other but are offset, creating void areas between the adjacent plies.

Abstract: A decorative garland. A product and method of manufacture of garland includes a web having transversely cut center and border sections, and the center section as longer length transverse cuts and the border sections have shorter length transverse cuts. The cut film web is folded and then stuffed using a wire spine to hold a high density of cut film web. The stuffed web is then twisted causing formation of a helically rotated array of loops of the longer length transverse cut sections, and a tinsel-like material is positioned nearest the wire spine formed from the shorter length transverse cut sections of the web.

Abstract: This invention is related to a manufacturing process of covering foils of packing boxes extending over at least one edge of the box. The process comprises the steps of cutting slots in a film (3) of rigid transparent material, of glueing a film (4) of flexible transparent plastic material to the prepared film, and of cutting covering foils from the resulting composite material.This invention is also related to the foils made in this way and to the packing boxes provided with such covering foils for the windows.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: Pop-up items are provided which can either be mounted in three-dimensional form on a suitable supporting surface by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by the item or can be affixed to facing panels of a letter or pages of a book. The item may include one or more basepieces plus a pop-up element or a pop-up element alone in the form of one or two panels. When one basepiece is attached, or when mounted between facing panels, upon opening, the pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration as a result of pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding to the surface of a facing panel or page. A variety of methods for the mass production of such pop-up items from a continuous web, e.g., the printed and die-cut web from a web press, facilitate their inexpensive fabrication. These items are preferably marketed or distributed in groups, e.g.

Abstract: Promotional pieces including pop-up structures and methods for mass production on a web press or the like are disclosed. After manipulating the web to create a double thickness in a region of two pop-up panels, die-cutting of the double-thickness region creates an identical pattern along edges of these panels which creates a desired artistic effect found earlier in hand-assembled items. These pieces may have a pop-up structure which includes a tunnel-like construction having apertures formed along a hinge line between two panels. Die-cutting may also be performed along both edges of a pair of folded-over pop-up panels.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying liquid acid to a treatment surface according to the teachings of the present invention is disclosed utilizing an acid pack formed in a preferred aspect by stencil cutting a supply stock of a layered assemblage including flexible, acid impervious material, pressure sensitive adhesive, and an adhesive covering. Specifically, a first stencil cut is made extending through the assemblage and a second stencil cut is simultaneously made extending through the adhesive covering while leaving the flexible material in tact dividing the adhesive covering into a central portion and a perimeter portion. The central portion of the adhesive covering is removable exposing the adhesive on the flexible, acid impervious material to allow securement of acid absorbing material thereto while the perimeter portion of the adhesive covering is maintained in a covering relation with the perimeter edge of the sheet for providing support for the flexible, acid impervious material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple pot comprising individual pots interconnected by connector portions so as to be capable of being pulled out. The multiple pot is used to raise and transplant seedlings of plants. The invention also relates to a method of fabricating the pot. The pot is designed especially to promote growth of roots across the side walls of the individual pots after transplantation. Also, the resistance encountered when the multiple pot is unfolded is reduced. Further, the individual pots are uniform in size. These feature arise from the facts that the connector portions are formed by applying a waterproof paste discontinuously and that a water-soluble paste is not applied around the edges of the individual pots created when the multiple pot is unfolded. Hence, a coating of the paste is formed in none of these portions. The multiple pot is fabricated by continuously carrying out three steps.

Abstract: A false gusset (12, 82) is positioned between bag panels (26, 28 and 98, 100) to form a bag having a handle (24, 80) at its upper end formed by upward continuations of the sides (26, 28 or 98, 100) of the bag (10, 78). This construction removes the false gusset (12, 82) and the seals (66, 68 or 114, 116) which connects the false gusset (12, 82) to the bag panels (26, 28 or 98, 100) from the forces created by the weight of the bag (10, 78).

Abstract: To readily open up a multi-sheet folded printed product comprising at least two folded printed sheets or signatures which are placed one insdie the other, there is provided an innermost printed sheet which is, for instance, of greater length at the center in the direction of the fold line than the remaining printed sheets. The innermost printed sheet thus protrudes past the remaining printed sheets by a marginal section or lap at one lateral edge. An opening device now can engage the protruding marginal section and can open up the printed product at the center without difficulties. When the printed product has been completed, i.e. after insertion of an enclosure or inserts into the opened printed product, the marginal section or lap is cut away. Since such marginal section or lap must be cut away only at one printed sheet the loss in material associated with the cutting operation is exceedingly small.

Abstract: An improved method for making promotional pieces wherein a high speed web-press operation results in mass-production of attractive pieces which include three or more interconnected pop-up panels which assume a three-dimensional shape when the outer folder is opened. The preferred method utilizes a plurality of longitudinal slitting and folding steps, together with the application of glue lines in strategic locations, and culminates in the transverse cutting of the continuous moving web to separate each blank in series from the next. A continuous web is preferably longitudinally slit into at least three continuous ribbons which are then manipulated and associated with one another to create an endless series of interconnected pop-up assemblies atop a ribbon consisting of two side-by-side basepieces. In an alternative method, only two ribbons are employed, and pieces having a false backbone are created.

Abstract: A shipping carton or container that can be readily opened and converted into a display tray without having to use a knife or other sharp instrument. The carton is formed from a blank having four sidewalls and hingedly connected top and bottom end panels. The sidewalls have a line of severance running circumferentially around the carton that defines a continuous butt joint separating the carton into a top cover section and a bottom tray section. A wide tape having a narrow tear filament or strip attached to its inner surface is adhesively attached to the sidewalls' outer surface such that it bridges the butt joint and holds the carton's top and bottom sections together, the tear strip being substantially superimposed over the butt joint. Pulling the tear filament neatly splits the wide tape and separates the carton's top and bottom sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing multisheet or manifold business forms assemblies comprises at least one pair of rotary slitters, a male crimping die or punch associated with one of the slitting blades of the pair for rotation therewith, and a female crimping die or punch receptacle associated with the other of the slitting blades for rotation therewith. Upon rotation of the slitters and their associated crimping dies, the manifold assembly is concurrently slit and crimped to produce locks or paper staples in the body of the assembly. These paper staples effectively hold the various sheets of the assembly in registration or alignment during subsequent processing, but readily permit separation of the various sheets of the assembly when desired.

Abstract: A method of zig-zag folding a pair of continuous webs or web segments (sheets) to provide stacks each having a specified number of segments wherein the segments are offset one-half segment length in one web from the other, the invention including reversely folding the leading edge portion of each web to provide a spacing for the insertion of stack separator means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of filters in which a filter material in the form of a continuous length (5) is folded to form pleats (39). The pleats are attached to their ends along the lateral edges of the filter material and are sealed in this way one against the other so as to form a flow path for the medium which is to be filtered into the spaces between the pleats on one side of the filter material, through the material, and out into the spaces between the pleats on the other side of the filter material. During the process of attaching the ends of the pleats to one another, the pleats are kept separated from one another by a pre-determined distance between their outer folded edges by means of a device (18) provided with a number of combs (20) which extend inside the pleats and hold them in this way at the aforementioned pre-determined distance from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a serial succession of cut sheet portions to a work station. The sheet portions are cut from a continuous webbing which is processed by a cutting station and a web-breaking station. The cutting station partially severs the web downstream of its leading free end so as to define a first sheet portion between that free end and the point of cutting, with the first sheet portion connected to the web by one or more tab connectors. The webbing is then advanced downstream to the tab-breaking station where the tabs are broken to free the first sheet portion for independent movement further downstream. A vacuum belt engages the webbing, and particularly the downstream edge adjacent the partial severing, with a vacuum belt. The vacuum belt engages the webbing by bridging the partially-severed cut portion, so as not to interfere with the downstream tab-breaking apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming a severable compartmented T-shirt bag comprising heat welding overlying lengths of a flattened tubular web of thermoplastic material centrally therealong to define a compartment to each side of the heat welding and a side edge seam for each compartment, slitting the web material between the compartments and formed seams, and reengaging the seams and forming a tack joinder therebetween to define a line of severance. The method also including the steps of transversely seaming the lengths of web material into individual bag units and forming a central cutout area in each bag unit to define a bag mouth with a handle to each side of the severance line.

Abstract: In a multi-bobbin machine for making paper booklets e.g. of interleaved cigarette paper, a multiplicity of strips from respective supply bobbins are interfolded and converged to form a booklet strand which is cut to length by a cutting station which reciprocates along the strand so that booklet lengths enter it and are cut. A rotating non-circular shaft passes through the cutting station and a sleeve in the cutting station slides axially along the shaft as the station reciprocates and rotates with the shaft. The sleeve is independently linked to a strand clamp and to a cutting knife which are separately timed and move along different paths, the strand clamp moving longitudinally towards and away from the strand while the knife makes a slicing movement across and through the strand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a shipping form characterized by a folding mechanism, a cutting off mechanism, an aligning and feeding mechanism, a form inserting mechanism and a cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A plant for the production of stacks of intermeshed blanks of paper, cellse or the like folded together in a zig-zag fashion, in which two supply rolls are associated with the plant. Material webs on the rolls correspond to a multiple of two, four, or six or a higher even-numbered multiple of the width of the individual blanks. Longitudinal cutting stations divide the material webs into partial webs. The partial webs are opposite each other and run toward each other in the longitudinal direction of the webs and are fed to a stack-producing unit from two opposing sides. The stack-producing units of partial webs adjacent to each other are arranged in displaced relation to each other.

Abstract: A folding machine is composed of a mechanism for longitudinally dividing W-width travelling webs into two parts and overlaying one web on the other, the mechanism being mainly constituted by a former having the configuration of an inverted triangle with the base having a length equivalent to the W-width of a travelling web, and a slitter knife; a vertical pair of mechanisms for longitudinally folding the 1/2 W-width travelling webs into two parts which is mainly constituted by a pair of formers having the configuration of an inverted triangle with the base having a length equivalent to the 1/2 W-width of the travelling webs, the pair being veritcally disposed on the downstream side of the slitting and gathering mechanism at the same position with respect to the lateral direction of the travelling webs; a mechanism for cutting and folding the 1/4 W-width travelling webs in the lateral direction thereof; and a means for combining the route for the 1/2 W-width travelling webs which are discharged from the upper

Abstract: Apparatus is provided in which booklets of interleaved cigarette papers can be made from continuously moving strands of strip paper in which a cutting knife used to sever the paper strips precisely follows movement of the strip. Movement of a driven input shaft is brought onto the moving platform and used to operate the cutting knife. Paper from bobbins is converged by formers and a spreader into a strand advanced by nip rolls through a cutting station. The knife in the station cuts a booklet from the strand while the station moves with the strand. A driven rotatory shaft of non-circular section transmits its rotation to a sleeve that slides therealong as the station reciprocates relative to a shaft. The sleeve is operably connected e.g. by gearing or by a cam and follower to the knife so that rotation thereof brings about the cutting movement.

Abstract: A method of inserting a continuous, pliable strip into each hem formed along an edge, an edge of one of a pair of superposed panels forming an elongated, continuous web, the hem being formed by turning an edge portion of a panel inward between the panels. Each strip is fed from a position outside the web on the hemmed side of the web, across the hem(s) to a position between the panels within the web, reversed in direction and fed to a position between the portions of the panel forming a hem. Each strip is then turned from a transverse direction to a longitudinal direction and fed longitudinally into the hem. An apparatus for performing the steps of the method is described for use in the manufacture of thermoplastic film draw strip bags and feeds a pair of extremely thin and flexible plastifilm strips into a pair of hems, each formed in one of a pair of superposed panels, eventually forming the sides of the finished bag.

Abstract: A plurality of multi-walled bags of flexible plastic material is formed by taking a longitudinally folded flat web of a first flexible plastic film; at least partially separating the superposed plies of said first flexible plastic film at the edge opposite the fold line and moving the film past a corona discharge electrode between the separated plies of the film to pre-treat at least a part of the inwardly facing surface of each of said two plies; taking a longitudinally folded flat web of a second flexible plastic film; corona discharge-treating the outwardly facing surfaces of the two plies of said second flexible plastic film; passing the pre-treated web of said second flexible plastic film over a diverter guide into the space between the two at least partially separated plies of said first flexible plastic film to bring the fold lines of the first and second flexible plastic film webs substantially into register with the two webs moving synchronously in a single direction; and sealing the composite of the

Abstract: A plurality of 3-D glasses are produced by cutting a sheet of material to provide first and second parallel series of eyeglass cutouts therein, each of the series of eyeglass cutouts including first and second eye cutouts, first and second ear cutouts and nose cutouts arranged in respective columns. Continuous strips of red and blue film are placed along preselected columns of eye cutouts. In accordance with a first embodiment, the eyeglass cutouts are separated from one another to provide one ply 3-D glasses. In accordance with a second embodiment, the sheet of material is folded to produce a single series of two ply eyeglass cutouts.

Abstract: A continuous web of paper has a longitudinally extending marginal part folded over onto an adjacent longitudinally extending second part of the web. The web is in tension, and the second web part has a transverse slit. During the folding step, the marginal part is folded out of the plane of the web thereby increasing the tension on the second web part. A ribbon of flexible material is disposed beneath, and conformed to the contours of, the second web part during the folding step, to absorb some of the tension on the second part so as to prevent transverse tearing from the transverse slit across the second part of the web.

Abstract: A corrugated container and the method of forming the container saves paper. The method of forming the container includes gluing backing webs of paper to each side of a corrugated web, resulting in a composite web of three layer thickness. One of the backing layers is wider than the other backing layers, defining single layer strips on each edge of the multiple layer central section. Longitudinal fold lines are placed in the multiple and single layer strips. The composite web is sheared into sheets, with the sheet being folded along the fold lines into a container. The fold lines are placed to position the single layer portions on the upper sidewalls and top of the container, where less strength is required.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel method of making a book cover including a pocket element wherein a continuous web of cardboard material and a continuous web of paper material are supplied to a work station where they are adhered to each other along their lateral edges. The composite web which is formed is then longitudinally slit at three spaced-apart locations to separate the composite web into first and second composite sections and to form pocket elements on each of the composite sections. These composite sections are then cut in a transverse direction at spaced intervals to form first and second book covers, wherein each of the book covers include its own pocket element adhered thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a plurality of webs of flexible material. The apparatus comprises a base having an anvil with a sharp edged opening therein the opening comprising a shank region and an enlarged head region. A punching head movable towards and away from the base carries a punch having a sharp edge and also comprising a shank region and elongated head region which are capable of fitting closely within the corresponding regions of the anvil opening. Either or both of the punch and anvil opening are devoid of a sharp edge adjacent that end of the respective shank region which is remote from the respective enlarged head region. When two or more webs are placed between the punch head and the anvil and the punch is moved into the anvil opening the sharp edges of the punch and opening punch a portion of material having a shank and enlarged head from each web and said portion remains joined at the base of said shank to the associated web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piecing machine suitable for end-wise joining of non-fabric ribbons by means of a jet of fluid (20) under pressure acting on the ends of the ribbons to be pieced together, at least one of the heads (16, 17) from which the fluid issues being displaceable relative to the other and there being provided means for pressing and compacting the joined ends after the piecing by the fluid jet is done.

Abstract: A method for producing an enclosed, multipaneled envelope from webs of material in a manner such that the desired multipaneled shape of the envelope can be formed by a single peripheral application of a platen sealing device to positioned webs comprising a first web, and second web with at least one folded web interposed therebetween. Both geometric and nongeometric multipaneled envelopes can be produced in this manner from materials suitable for filling with a lighter-than-air gas to form toy balloons and the like.

Abstract: Web preparation apparatus for use on splicers of the type employing a web positioning bar supporting the leading end of the ready web includes a series of teeth spaced along the length of the preparation bar at one face thereof and a pressing and cutting tool which cooperates with the positioning bar and projections so that when the leading end segment of a ready web is draped over the positioning bar and the tool is engaged to the bar and manipulated in association with the bar, the tool presses a web segment against the face of the bar so as to impale that segment on the teeth thereby removably securing that segment to the bar while simultaneously trimming the web along a line downstream from the impaled web segment.