Folding Patents (Class 493/356)
  • Patent number: 6752429
    Abstract: A method of producing a folded item having printed information thereon to provide information to the user of a product is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vijuk, Robert Vijuk
  • Patent number: 6740024
    Abstract: The folding station of a rotary printing press has a folding cylinder on which the printed paper web is cut into sections. Mounted opposite the folding cylinder, a jaw cylinder has cut in its surface several jaw cavities each extending parallel to the jaw cylinder axis for receiving the midpart of the web section as the same is inserted therein by a folding blade on the folding cylinder. Each jaw cavity has mounted therein a series of fixed jaw parts and a series of movable jaw parts, the latter being jointly movable toward and away from the former for engaging and folding the midpart of the web section. The two outmost ones of the movable jaw parts are positioned closer to the fixed jaw parts than are the other, medial movable jaw parts, in order to more firmly engage the margins of the web section without causing ink offset between the contacting surfaces of the image areas of the web section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kitai, Takashi Iijima, Toshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6715749
    Abstract: A sheet wise booklet maker includes adjustable elements to allow adjustment of the parallelism of the booklet maker elements to produce quality booklets. The booklet maker includes a sheet trimmer, a folding apparatus, and a paper drive. Orientations of at least two of the sheet trimmer, folding apparatus, and paper drive are adjustable to achieve parallelism between the sheet trimmer, folding apparatus, and paper drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven W. Trovinger
  • Publication number: 20040023774
    Abstract: Apparatus forms folds in a continuously moving web by passing the web over skis. The folds may be arranged to form pleats. The skis are individually movable to facilitate adjustment. Adjustment of the skis can be done while the web is moving through the apparatus. Further, the portions of the web immediately to the sides of the skis are controlled by respective material guides to make certain the pleat folds are properly formed on the sides of the pleated section. The web is continuously and automatically guided to maintain a substantially constant position in a direction transverse to the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Blenke, Dennis E. Harris
  • Patent number: 6669618
    Abstract: A method for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George S. Reising, Michael D. Trennepohl, Darrell Ian Brown, John Carroll Molander, Jason Matthew Prosek
  • Patent number: 6623415
    Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary sheet folding systems and methods, including systems and methods for printing on a continuous sheet, and removing and folding individual sheets from the continuous sheet. In one embodiment, a sheet folding system (100) includes a separator (200) adapted to separate an individual sheet from a continuous form sheet, a receiver (300) adapted for receiving the individual sheet, a first folder (500) adapted to perform a first fold of the individual sheet, and a second folder (800) adapted to perform a second fold of the individual sheet. In some embodiments, the first and second folders include two different types of folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Gates, Fred C. Casto
  • Publication number: 20030138575
    Abstract: A three-dimensional ornamental device adapted for rotation about an axis to produce a changing perspective that creates an interesting visual effect includes a series of angularly spaced apart strips, each strip having opposite ends and a length corresponding to the curvilinear distance along the strip between the opposite ends of the strip, wherein each strip is connected at one end to a first spine and connected at an opposite end to a second spine. The device can be made by cutting a sheet of material into a desired geometric shape, making cuts into the sheet material to form a series of disconnected adjacent strips, and bending the strips from a reference plane so that the strips are angularly spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy J. Flohe
  • Patent number: 6575447
    Abstract: A sheet cutter for finishing a booklet by cutting, with a cutter, edges of a bundle of sheets folded double, wherein it is possible to load booklets on a booklet stand of a booklet storing section that stores a plurality of booklets which have been subjected to cutting processing, by overlapping sheet faces, with a folded portion of each booklet facing upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Kohji Yoshie, Masato Hattori, Shinji Yashiro, Hirohiko Okabe, Hirotaka Kataoka, Makoto Tamura, Tadahiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6551227
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for seizing a flat material (25) such as a web of material (1) on a transporting surface (15). A first cylinder (7) has at least one knife assembly (12) assigned to its respective surface (9). A paper conducting cylinder (14) such as a transfer cylinder or a folding cylinder supports a flat material (25) on its respective outer circumference (15). Biased product seizing element (27) assigned to said circumference (9) of said first cylinder (7) are provided, adopting on cooperation with said leading edge (25) supported on said outer surface (15) of the paper conducting cylinder (14) an engaging position (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: David Elliot Whitten
  • Patent number: 6508751
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing container board having a corrugated medium and at least one liner formed thereon for folding which comprises a tool for displacing in a non-destructive manner the corrugated medium and the liner in a portion of the board to form a curved indentation therein. The device includes a separate tool for forming a line of weakness in the liner along the curved indentation portion of the board. This arrangement increases the dimensional accuracy of the container board by substantially eliminating the occurrences of “false” score lines or rolling scores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Source l LLC
    Inventors: Joseph John Weishew, Albert James Patragnoni, Richard P. Target
  • Publication number: 20020164452
    Abstract: Flat strips cut from discarded tires are stacked and stored as bulk rubber on pallets for easy handling, transport by fork lift trucks and storage in outside compacted storage space without accumulating water where mosquitos can breed. Typically flat rectangular longitudinal tread strips are folded and stacked in a plurality of abutting stacks about five feet high for rubber-to-rubber engagement in configurations extending substantially to opposite edges of a pallet platform, thus storing about a ton of bulk rubber per pallet. The pallets then may be transported and stored in compact stacks at outside locations without accumulating water and breeding mosquitos.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph J. Solon
  • Patent number: 6468375
    Abstract: A packaging product for forming a package is disclosed. The package product comprises a planar member, with at least one surface (3) of the planar member having a first array of parallel creases (11) and a second array of parallel creases (13) perpendicular to the first array of creases, which creases define cutting lines and/or fold lines for forming the sides and the end flaps of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey R. Hamblin
  • Patent number: 6428458
    Abstract: The method of adjusting a first longitudinal folding device for processing material webs with longitudinal adhesive bonding in a folder of a web-fed printing machine, wherein the first longitudinal folding device is movable relative to the folder, includes the steps of fixing the position of the former outlet rollers relative to a cylinder part of the folder. The method also includes the step of displacing a frame whereon spindles of the former outlet rollers are displaceably carried, thereby maintaining the distance of the web of material relative to the surfaces of the former outlet rollers. Another method step includes aligning an annular recess, centrally formed in the former outlet rollers, with an axis of the folder, for the purpose of applying the adhesive with regard to any width of material web to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jean Mariotti, Thierry Thevenin
  • Publication number: 20020094926
    Abstract: The present invention supplies practical procedures, functions or techniques for folding tessellations. Several tessellation crease pattern techniques, and the three-dimensional folded configuration are given. Additionally several new forming processes, including mathematical methods for describing the material flow are disclosed doubly-periodic folding of materials that name the doubly-periodic folded (DPF) surface, including vertices, edges, and facets, at any stage of the folding. This information is necessary for designing tooling and forming equipment, for analyzing strength and deflections of the DPFs under a variety of conditions, for modeling the physical properties of DPF laminations and composite structures, for understanding the acoustic or other wave absorption/diffusion/reflection characteristics, and for analyzing and optimizing the structure of DPFs in any other physical situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel H. Kling
  • Patent number: 6398704
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outside diameter adjuster for a folding cylinder. The folding cylinder rotates about an axis and has a basic body having a columnar outer circumferential face, where an outer circumferential member forms one portion of the outer circumferential face of the basic body and is movable in a radial direction of the basic body by the angular displacement of an eccentric portion. The eccentric portion is angularly displaced by gears to which it is connected. These gears are connected to other gears, some of which are helical gears, that are configured to rotate and/or axially move in a manner such that the angular displacement of the eccentric portion can be totally controlled by the movement of the gears while the folding cylinder rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shibuya, Seiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6394730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album leaf from a media having a front and back side. The apparatus includes a processing path along which the media moves through the apparatus; a digital printer disposed along the processing path for printing images on the front side of the media, the images being composed so as to define a segment having a fold line about which the segment is folded so as to form the leaf; a processing section disposed after the printer along the processing path for processing the media on which the images have been written; a removal mechanism for removing the protective release layer from the segment; a folding mechanism for folding the segment so as to form an album leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Dale F. McIntyre, Madhav Mehra
  • Patent number: 6383125
    Abstract: A device for cutting and folding back a portion of a page along a peripheral edge to form a tab that extends beyond the peripheral edge. The device includes a first and second planar member and a folded over cutting blade positioned to extend laterally over the second member and partially over the first member. The folded over cutting blade forms two cutting edges and having an opening therebetween for receiving a portion of the page. In another aspect, the device includes a housing having an upper and lower structure forming a narrow cavity along one side for disposition of a page of a book, magazine or other publication. An interior edge of the cavity defines an alignment edge for the page. An actuator communicates with a cutting blade within the housing to cut a portion of the page within the cavity and fold the cut portion along a seam line so that the cut portion extends beyond the periphery of the page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Stefan Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6352251
    Abstract: A process for making packs of interleaved laminar articles, comprising the operations of: providing a first plurality of strips of laminar material, subjecting these strips to a first interleaving operation so as to create a composite strip having an interleaved structure in which the strips located at terminal positions have corresponding outer limbs which project with respect to the said composite strip, cutting the composite strip into lengths through a transverse cutting operation so as to give rise to successive separate lengths of the said composite strip, and subjecting a second plurality of the said pieces to a second interleaving operation performed by making use of the said projecting limbs so as to give rise to a further composite strip comprising interleaved strips in a number identified by the product of the said first and the said second pluralities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tonino De Angelis
  • Publication number: 20020019301
    Abstract: The construction of a folding device is complicated and its failure probability is high. Further, since electric power and a control signal are supplied by mechanical contact, sparks and noises are caused and a fire is caused and an error in operation of a control circuit is caused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tadashi Hachiya, Nobuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6264594
    Abstract: A device for handling documents comprising a housing containing at least three document receiving stations for shredding a document, folding a document, punching holes in a document, fastening a document, and opening an envelope. The stations corresponding to the shredding means, the folding means, and the envelope means may be adjacent, such that they may be driven by a common drive motor. The common motor enables the device to be compact, such that it may be placed on desk for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Printed Forms Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Oliver Iddon
  • Patent number: 6263814
    Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: BKI Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6213927
    Abstract: A method and a machine for the production of interfolded stacks (17) formed by a plurality of sheets (4a,4b) comprising the steps of: transversally cutting or tearing sheets obtained from at least one web (3a,3b) and offset with respect to one another so that a sequence of offset sheets is created; passage of the sheets on folding rollers (7a,7b) which comprise sucking means for the alternate holding of the sheets (4a,4b) in order to obtain an interfolded disposition; formation of a continuous interfolded stack downstream of the folding rollers. Upstream of the folding a step of treatment of the sheets is provided in order to make them, at least in certain zones (14), enough permeable to air, in particular through perforating means. These perforating means can be provided on rollers (10a,10b) having sharpened points (11a,11b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: M T C - Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro De Matteis, Sergio Landucci
  • Patent number: 6179764
    Abstract: Moving paper webs are treated by having a cross-groove or crease pressed into them prior to being transversely cut and folded. The cross-groove or crease is produced by a radially vibrating, rail-like pressure tool that cooperates with a counter-pressure tool. These tools cooperate to form a sharp, folded crease, even in thick products. The crease is formed along the to be formed cross fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: G{umlaut over (u)}nther Oskar Eckert
  • Patent number: 6173992
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album leaf from a media having a front and back side. The apparatus includes a processing path along which the media moves through the apparatus; a digital printer disposed along the processing path for printing images on the front side of the media, the images being composed so as to define a segment having a fold line about which the segment is folded so as to form the leaf; a processing section disposed after the printer along the processing path for processing the media on which the images have been written; a removal mechanism for removing the protective release layer from the segment; a folding mechanism for folding the segment so as to form an album leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Dale F. McIntyre, Madhav Mehra
  • Patent number: 6132349
    Abstract: This invention relates to fold line structure of a corrugated fiberboard in which the fold lines have a shape like the letter V, along which the corrugated fiberboard sheet is folded. The fold lines extend perpendicularly to or at an angle other than a right angle to the flutes. Each fold line is composed of cuts, each of which has a predetermined length and penetrates the corrugated fiberboard sheet, and hinge portions, each of which has a predetermined length and is formed by compressing the flutes, with the cuts and the hinge portions aligned in an alternating arrangement. Auxiliary cuts each have a planar shape approximating an one-sided arrow directed toward the adjacent hinge portion, penetrate the corrugated fiberboard sheet, and are formed on opposing sides at both ends of each cut portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Yokoyama Sankoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6117061
    Abstract: Generally speaking, a method for forming custom-printed, three dimensional structures using a computer and a computer-controlled printer, has several steps. A flexible rectangular sheet is perforated to form a removable portion. Lines of weakness are formed on the removable portion, to serve as fold lines that ultimately folding the two-dimensional removable portion into a three-dimensional structure. A user instructs a computer program to command a computer-controlled printer to print particular information onto the printing surface of said removable portion. After printing, the user removes the removable portion from the sheet along the perforations and then folds the removable portion along the lines of weakness and secures the folded sheet into a three dimensional structure. The removable portion may be provided with a pressure-sensitive, water-activated, cohesive or other type of adhesive for adhering securing the folded sheet into the three-dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ghanshyam H. Popat, Gustav Ray, Russell D. Pollman
  • Patent number: 6071367
    Abstract: A method for forming and using a mailpiece requiring special services is provided. The method includes providing a mailpiece having an integral document section requiring special service mailing that includes folding the sheet along fold lines and sealing the mailpiece to enclose the integral document section. The method further includes providing a removably attached section which, after the system is folded and sealed, forms a return postcard and at least one form. The return postcard and the form are integrally formed, but removably attached. The method includes removing the return postcard when the mailpiece is received by the addressee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 6059708
    Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Esther Armendariz, Victor Mireles, Michael Angel Balibrera
  • Patent number: 6039101
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting and creasing of plastics material sheet is disclosed which comprises a cutting and creasing tool and a corresponding plate arranged for mutual contact characterized in that the plate is free of raised surfaces and is covered with a plastic material, preferably nylon. Additionally, an apparatus for preheating corrugated plastics sheet material is described which comprises a flat bed portion adapted to receive a stack of precut corrugated sheet material blanks with their direction of corrugation aligned, heating means at at least one end of the stack, and fan means at at least one end of the stack, the heating and fan means being arranged such as to direct heated air along the corrugation of at least some of the sheets in the stack and back via the remainder of the sheets in the stack in an endless loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Korpak Limited
    Inventor: Robin MacKinnon
  • Patent number: 6030331
    Abstract: A substantially rectangular stack of folded wet wipes having an improved dispensability and a method of producing the same are described. The stack of folded wet wipes includes a plurality of wet wipes which are individually folded and arranged in a stacked configuration. Each wet wipe includes a leading end edge which is folded about a fold line. The location of the leading end edge of each wet wipe is selectively varied throughout the stack of wet wipes to provide a more stable stack of wet wipes which has a substantially planar top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa Marie Zander
  • Patent number: 6027819
    Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material for assembling a hollow figure having inwardly directed conical depressions comprises a sheet of foldable material having the shape of a square or rectangle, without interior cuts or exterior tabs scored or marked for scoring in four areas along circular lines tangential to each other and having a radius of one fourth the diagonal of the sheet if a square and one half the narrower side if a rectangle. The blanks have each of the circularly scored areas formed by rolling into a conical shape comprising from about four-ninths to two-thirds of a cone. Six of the blanks assemble into a self-supporting interlocking hollow figure having eight inward-facing cones. If desired, the visible surfaces of the hollow object may have a decorative or informative imprint or coating thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jeannine Mosely
  • Patent number: 6007469
    Abstract: A method for forming a honeycomb protector for protecting the corners, edges or other surfaces of articles during shipping of such articles comprising self-locking honeycomb panels. In one embodiment, the protector includes first and second unitary panels separated by a channel about which the panels are foldable. The first panel includes a lip which fits into a slit in the second panel to connect and lock the first and second panels in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jaegers, Raymond A. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 5989173
    Abstract: The multifunctional manual folding machine of the present invention performs the functions of folding, hole punching, stapling, and letter opening. It is also equipped with an adhesive tape dispenser, a calculator, a digital clock and a calendar. The folding is accomplished by a handle that rotates about a triangular-shaped base. The handle matches the angles in the base to cause folds in the paper. The stapler and hole punch are operated by the handle also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Jose Ma Lugea, Rosa Maria Garcia
  • Patent number: 5983600
    Abstract: A label (e.g., a revenue stamp) for the application to a closed and filled hinged-lid packet for cigarettes or the like has a first part provided with an elongated weakened portion which is to overlie the abutting sloping edges of one lateral wall of the main section and the corresponding lateral panel of the lid in the closed position of the lid, and a second part overlying portions of the rear wall of the main section and of the rear panel of the lid at opposite sides of the elongated transversely extending hinge which pivotally connects the rear panel to the rear wall. The weakened portion is formed by a perforating, scoring, piercing, material removing or other suitable implement which is adjustably mounted on a support adjacent to an arcuate path for a succession of labels at the periphery of a rotary conveyor. One side of each label is coated with an adhesive subsequent to weakening and preparatory to attachment to a hinged-lid packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jirko Heide, Eric Juergens
  • Patent number: 5807226
    Abstract: A foldable card and method of making has multiple panels connected by fold lines which are placed laterally inward from free peripheral edges of end panels such that the card can be die cut in a folded configuration around an entire periphery of the card without entirely eliminating the fold lines. In a preferred method of making the cards, card stock is folded along the fold lines prior to cutting. The fold lines of the card are spaced at intervals to define different widths of adjoining panels so that when folded in a "Z" configuration a free peripheral edge of an end panel overlaps or underlaps a fold line. There may be multiple fold line interconnected panels between end panels. The fold lines may be oriented generally vertically or generally horizontally relative to the face of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Sterling E. Lani Bradley
  • Patent number: 5759146
    Abstract: A system (A) for making shrink packaging (P) that is adapted to receive an article (O) to be packaged is disclosed including a conveyer (250) for moving a rigid substrate pallet member (250) beneath a flexible wrapping feed (252) that extends a flexible wrapping material (172) over a top surface (254) of the rigid substrate. An extension assembly (256) extends a desired length of the flexible wrapping material (172) from a flexible wrapping material supply (258) over the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate forming a pocket (178) between the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate and a bottom surface (180) of the flexible wrapping material (172). A trimmer (260) cuts the desired length of the extended flexible wrapping material (172) from the flexible wrapping material supply (258). The two opposing ends (174 and 176) of the length of the flexible wrapping material (172) is attached to the opposing ends (168 and 170) of the rigid substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: KPC/Master's Craft International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank G. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5741209
    Abstract: The folding blade spindle of a folding drum is rotatably driven by a single drive train that utilizes only one gear drive pair. The folding drum itself is rotated by a separate drive assembly. The use of only one gear drive pair for the folding blade spindle drive substantially reduces play in the folding blade and promotes accurate folding of printed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Anton Hillebrand, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 5698293
    Abstract: A formed piece comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface layer of sheet material extending along a longitudinal axis of the formed piece from a first end to a second end of the formed piece, and inner layers of sheet material within the outer surface layer randomly arranged and creating air gaps between at least a portion of the inner layers. The surface layer and inner layers of sheet material are twisted around the longitudinal axis of the formed piece and along the length of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Devipack Oy
    Inventors: Kai Nordlund, Timo Mattila
  • Patent number: 5682990
    Abstract: An assemblage of a "jewel box"-packaged CD and a point-of-sales cardboard holder in the use of which holder a CD replicator loads the CD through a front opening into an internal box-like configuration having an interposed position between an external book-like configuration, and wherein both mentioned configuration components of the holder are adapted to advantageously be shipped flat to the replicator's facility to facilitate transportation and storage handling, and wherein further the flat condition is the result of not closing a rear opening of the box-like configuration which has no adverse consequence because a spine means of the book-like configuration serves as a closure for this rear opening when used in its intended book mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Allen Schluger
  • Patent number: 5624367
    Abstract: A bottom blank maker workstation for a cup making machine is disclosed. The cup making machine is of the type having a rotating turret and a plurality of mandrels arranged to interact with a plurality of workstations. The turret moves each mandrel in a stepwise fashion through the plurality of workstations where a bottom blank and a sidewall blank are formed and attached to one another to create a container. The workstation includes a reciprocable punch and draw that cooperate with an abutment surface and a series of protrusions to impress the lip of the bottom blank with a series of indentations. The indentations promote a better seal to the sidewall blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Mark J. Budziszewski
  • Patent number: 5533954
    Abstract: A one-piece corrugated tray is formed of a blank of sheet material wherein a filler is sandwiched between an lower liner and an upper liner. The blank is slit scored transversely to define end panels, end walls, dividing walls, and floor panels between successive walls. The blank is then power rolled so that the blank is folded up ninety degrees at front slit scores and folded down one-hundred-eighty degrees at front slit scores. The resulting tray has double-thickness walls and double-thickness floors. Trays of this construction can be used for handling and shipping decorative automotive body panels and other items of manufacture that must be protected from rubbing one another or lapping over one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Alan R. Zogg
  • Patent number: 5518488
    Abstract: As a substitute for a plastic so-called "jewel box" holder for a compact disc (CD), a holder entirely of biodegradable cardboard construction material (1) fabricated from a blank (2) delineated into panels (3) folded into a multi-ply configuration having a compartment for the CD (4) die-cut out of the configuration using a so-called "kiss cut" which provides the compartment sized and shaped to have the CD seated therein on a bottom compartment closure provided by one of the panels left intact using the "kiss cut" die-cut, such that the attributes and fabrication options of cardboard construction material are used to maximum advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Allen Schluger
  • Patent number: 5496250
    Abstract: An improved method for forming tray, boat, tray, boat, and/or clamshell type, paperboard, cartons that have horizontal main wall panels and side wall panels, with corner flaps, joined to the main wall panels and extending therefrom and adhesively secured to each other. The cartons are formed from rolls or sheets of paperboard wherein the cutting, stripping, gluing, and forming operations are performed in a completely inline operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Larry D. Fielder, Ronald L. Goelz
  • Patent number: 5484378
    Abstract: A method of folding a flat sheet of material into a decorative symmetrical object includes placing a sheet of flexible material such as paper between a male die member and a female die member and compressing the sheet. This will form crease lines in the sheet and partially fold the sheet. Completion of the folding to form the decorative symmetrical object is accomplished manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Norman S. Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 5470301
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a high quality life size poster of an action figure including the steps of forming a life size multi color pre-print on a web like sheet and forming a corrugated substrate including the web like sheet and having a longitudinal axis and first and second surfaces. The web like sheet is laminated or glued to a crimped portion of the substrate. A laminated figure is then die cut or otherwise formed into the silhouette of a human action figure, dinosaur or other animate or inanimate object. A plurality of fold lines transverse of the longitudinal axis are formed in the corrugated substrate which includes the web like material so that the laminated figure can be folded along the fold lines to form a compact bundle for shipping and storage and unfolded for display in its extended format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: William F. Brunt, II
  • Patent number: 5389059
    Abstract: A honeycomb structural material formed from flat sheet material 60 by establishing a plurality of channels along parallel channel fold lines 68 and reverse channel fold lines 74 and reverse channel cuts 70. A spaced array of holes 66 are cut in the top surfaces 86 of the channels with triple point fold lines 72 formed in top surface 62 and side wall fold lines 74 formed in bottom surface 64. With all fold lines formed flat sheet 60 is folded into plurality of channels and compressed along the axis of the channels to form the honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Charles H. Corwin
  • Patent number: 5365684
    Abstract: A method of constructing an origami-style of foldable picture frame is described. Firstly, a unitary blank of sheet material is cut to a described shape. Secondly, a series of cut lines necessary to form a picture viewing window are placed on the unitary blank. Thirdly, trim off corners enabling opposed edges of a portion of the unitary blank to inserted into the picture viewing window. Fourthly, place a series of fold lines are placed on a portion of the unitary blank to form a primary panel. Fifthly, a series of fold lines are placed on a portion of the unitary blank to form a secondary panel adapted to overlay the primary panel. Sixthly, a series of fold lines are placed adjacent the cut lines where the picture viewing window is to be positioned. Seventhly, a series of fold lines are placed on a foldable portion adapted to be inserted into the picture viewing window. Eighthly, a series of fold lines are placed on another foldable portion adapted to be inserted into the picture viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Brian Cartmell
  • Patent number: 5336155
    Abstract: A method and device are provided to protect one's fingers from abrasion and paper cuts whenever forming a creasing line. The device consists of a pair of laterally-positioned elongated arms which are capable of providing a controllable creasing pressure at inwardly-facing opposed creasing surfaces. One of the arms is provided with a finger-gripping means to enable achieving a firm hold on the device during use as well as to prevent slippage of one's fingers from the device as it is moved while the crease is being formed. A stiletto-type letter opener and a sheet comber can also be provided with the device. The device can be made to stand upright on a desk for ready grasping in the identical position in which it will be used, and also has surfaces which are capable of carrying an advertising message or logo which are easily readable when the device is placed in such upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Studebaker
  • Patent number: 5295939
    Abstract: A machine for folding and gluing peripherally the edges of a piece of work has a top on which the piece of work moves, a motor for transporting the moving piece of work, and a folding shoe which cooperates with a guide. A glue is fed. A plurality of actuators (Al-An) controls the various parts of the machine, and a control unit (UC) controls the machine operating parameters. The control (UC) has a programming device (PR) connected to the actuators (Al-An), a memory (M) accessible through the programming device (PR) and is designed to contain the parameters used in a more recent processing of the work executed manually by the operator. The operating parameters for processing a given piece of work are furnished to the machine through a learning phase controlled manually by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Sagitta Officina Meccanica S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Ferrari, Mario Pagani
  • Patent number: 5292301
    Abstract: A pack for cigarettes and a process and apparatus for the production thereof is described. Due to several reasons (cigarette) packs quite often have greater (inner) dimensions than the pack contents (cigarette block 23). In order to fill a cavity formed hereby within the pack, a filling piece (39) is provided which is formed from a flat blank (40) folding up outer blank portions. The filling piece is formed to have a three-dimensional shape by being displaced in a folding shaft (57) with laterally arranged folding members. The filling pieces (39) produced in this way are conveyed along a filling piece track (78) and are introduced into a block track (79) in transverse direction so they can each be united with a cigarette block (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke