Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method and material for wrapping items using separate wrapping portions of a predetermined length that are attached and released at their ends using a S-shaped interlock. The S-shaped interlock uses a repositionable multi-layered adhesive disposed at a single lateral end of each wrapping material to hold the wrapping portions together during manufacturing while allowing the wrapping portions to easily detach from one another at a desired point in the wrapping process. The separating of the wrapping portions exposes a repositionable multi-layered adhesive that is used to securely bond at least one wrapping portion around the circumference of the item being wrapped at the end of a wrapping cycle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional support structure is provided and includes a single sheet of material that is folded into a repeating pattern of cells. Each of the cells is formed by first and second spaced-apart endwalls and first and second sloped sidewalls spanning between the endwalls. Each endwall comprises two plies of material while each sidewall comprises a single ply of material. The first and second sidewalls are adjoined at a folded edge. The cells are aligned such that the first endwall of one cell from the repeating pattern abuts the second endwall of an adjacent cell of the repeating pattern to form a four-ply wall of the material. A first liner may be attached to a first side of the folded material and a second liner may be attached to a second side of the folded material.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a sheet folding system is provided. The sheet folding system includes a first wall, a second wall coupled to the first wall, a third wall and a fourth wall coupled to the third wall. The walls are configurable in a first configuration in which a chamber adapted to receive a sheet is formed at least partly by the walls. The walls are also configurable in a second configuration in which the first and second walls are substantially coplanar, the third and fourth walls are substantially coplanar and the chamber is substantially collapsed. The sheet folding system can include a fastening device adapted to hold at least a portion of the sheet substantially in a desired position relative to the first wall. The sheet folding system can include a position indicator. The sheet can be a sheet of paper.

Abstract: A folding system is provided for folding at least one wing extending from a central chassis of each of a plurality of absorbent articles formed from a continuous moving web moving in a longitudinal direction. The folding system has a wing-folding conveyor and at least one elongated, folding plow, which has an entrance end, an exit end and an inner edge that define a twist axis. The folding plow has a contoured surface having a configuration defined by a twist angle that increases along the twist axis from zero degrees near the entrance end to 180 degrees near the exit end. The wing-folding conveyor moves the central chassis along the inner edge of the folding plow and the wing slides against the contoured surface from the entrance end to the exit end, such that the wing folds around the central chassis near the inner edge.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards for another set of folding boards is provided. The system can include a first frame assembly secured to a first set of folding boards. The first set of folding boards can be initially placed in a web-receiving position for receiving and folding webs, such as tissue webs. The system can also include a second frame assembly secured to a second set of folding boards, which is placed in another position. The first set of folding boards at the web-receiving position can then be selectively replaced by the second set of folding boards. For example, in one embodiment, each frame assembly can be simultaneously rotated about an axis to replace the first set with the second set.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for folding pliable sheet material wherein the sheet material is wound on a mandrel to form a roll which subsequently is stripped off the mandrel and transferred to a pleating station at which successive creases are formed in the roll to produce a pleated packet. During the winding of the sheet material the latter is adhered to the mandrel by the application of negative air pressure to the material via the mandrel. Following the formation of the roll, the application of negative air pressure is discontinued and positive air pressure is applied to the interior of the roll so as to facilitate stripping of the roll from the mandrel. At the pleating station the roll is creased successively to form a plurality of pleats and the direction in which the creasing proceeds is such as to facilitate the escape of air from the roll as it is pleated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding and packaging an airbag includes a tapered concentrator. The airbag can be a head or side-window airbag. The concentrator has an inlet and an outlet whose dimension is smaller than the inlet. Feeding the airbag through the concentrator squeezes or compresses (i.e., folds) the airbag to a predetermined cross section corresponding the outlet size of the concentrator. The airbag can include a strap at one end portion thereof. The strap is feed through the concentrator, such as by pulling the strap therethrough. Pulling the strap pulls the airbag through the smaller outlet, which compresses or folds the airbag. Also, by placing an airbag package having an inlet sized to the outlet of the concentrator adjacent to the outlet of the concentrator, and feeding the strap through the airbag package, the folded airbag is inserted into the package substantially simultaneously with the folding operation. The concentrator can include pre-orienting elements for forming uniform folds.

Abstract: A device is provided for folding a material web traveling in a machine direction. The device has a folding portion having a leading edge, a breaking wing attached to the folding portion, the breaking wing having a breaking edge, and a roller rotatably attached to the breaking wing and having a surface and a rotational axis. The rotational axis is along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the machine direction. The roller is for supporting a roller portion of the material web as the material web is fed to the folding portion, and the breaking wing is for supporting a wing portion of the material web as the material web is fed to the folding portion. The surface of the roller is positioned in the transverse direction at a first angle relative to the rotational axis, the breaking edge of the breaking wing is positioned in the transverse direction at a second angle relative to the rotational axis, and the first angle is different from the second angle.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for folding a gas bag 15 for a passenger restraint system, a gas bag (15) is introduced, in an uninflated state, to an apparatus that includes a folding tool (12), folding aids (16) and a clamp (19). The folding tool (12) includes a holding plate (1), an intermediate plate (4) with a spiral strip (8) thereon, and a form plate (5) with a spiral slot 10 to accept the spiral strip 8. Prior to a folding process, the gas bag (15) lies on the spiral strip (8), which protrudes through the form plate (5). With help from the folding aids (16), the gas bag is folded into a free space between the protruding strip 8 and the intermediate plate (4). In the process, the gas bag (15) is pressed, as two plies, in spiral shape along the strip (8). The folding occurs uniformly from an inside to an outside. Using a clamp (19), the folded gas bag (15) is brought to a required shape for a housing (25) of the passenger restraint system.

Abstract: A method and a device for the production of folded products utilizes a row of folding jaws and a row of counter folding jaws. A signature to be cross-folded is inserted between the jaws by a folding blade. The folding jaws and counter folding jaws form a line of embossing on the folded signatures adjacent the transverse fold line. The resultant folded item has an increased moment of resistance in the direction of transport.

Abstract: Folding stations are provided successively in a single running direction of an apparatus for the single or z-like folding of lateral tongues of a sheet layer. The first station has an offset rising folding curve for tongue straightening, the second station has a rotating roll for z-shaped prefolding of a tongue, and the third station has juxtaposed folding curves for the finish folding of differently long tongues and the first pressing rolls for the smoothing of the fold breaks. Therefore, very different and complicated folds can be carefully made in a single pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: A former for folding a stock web including a nose plate (1) having a base plate (4) covered by a cover plate (5). Openings (8) are provided extending to the surface of the cover plate on which the stock web runs. The openings (8) are preferably formed by recesses in the side edges of the cover plate (5) positioned where the cover plate (5) contacts the base plate (4).

Abstract: A paper holding tray having a generally flat top surface, and a generally flat folding guide included on the top surface of the tray. The paper holding tray generally includes front and back edges, first and second sides, and first and second truncated corners adjacent the front edge. Preferably, a pair of parallel ridges extend between the front and back edges of the tray and the folding guide fits in between. Rear wall members are included on the top surface of the tray adjacent to the back edge. First and second side wall members are included on the top surface adjacent the first and second sides respectively. The rear wall members and side wall members form a generally contiguous lip about the sides and back edges of the tray and define a paper receiving recess on the top surface of the tray. A slot between the rear wall members accommodates one end of the folding guide, the other end of which extends out over the front edge of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding by approximately 180.degree. a first surface portion of a blank on a rotating drum about a score line onto a second surface portion of the blank. A shaping rail comprises a first surface for acting on a first side of the first portion of the blank to initiate folding the first portion about the score line, a second surface for acting on a second side, opposite the first side, of the first portion of the blank to complete the approximately 180.degree. folding of the first portion about the score line, and a spiral edge for transferring the first portion of the blank from the first surface to the second surface. A first inner guide rail comprising a cylindrical outer surface facing the second surface of the shaping rail and a second outer guide rail having a cylindrical inner surface facing the first surface of the shaping rail are provided to further guide the blank during folding.

Abstract: A bias tape maker comprises a thin walled outer member and an inner core member fitted in the outer member. The outer member includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending upright from the bottom wall, and a pair of roof margins bent toward each other. Further, the outer member has a tape entry opening and a tape exit slit. The inner core member has a pair of longitudinal grooves for receiving the pair of roof margins. A tape guide passage is formed between the outer member and the inner member to extend from the tape entry opening of the outer member to the tape exit slit. The tape guide passage includes a tape folding portion adjoining the tape exit opening. The bottom wall of the outer member is formed with a tape advancing slot extending longitudinally between the tape entry opening and the tape exit slit.

Abstract: An apparatus for manually folding sheets of paper comprises a base plate having edges with a plurality of cut outs, at least two guides extending about the base plate, said guides defining a right angled corner, and a tongue having one end mounted to one of said two guides for extending over said base plate in a spaced parallel relation. The tongue has a cut on the end opposite the mounting end. The tongue has a size and shape and is positioned relative to said corner to fold said at least one sheet of paper into thirds. The sheet of paper is inserted between said tongue and said base, positioned into said right angled corner, folded about the tongue and removed therefrom in a folded condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming thin plastic, film, aluminum, paper, glassine and other similar material into a double folded "z" shape as shown and described. In this apparatus, a first ramp folds the material initially in one direction, and a continuously variable die forms the second bend of a "z" shape of the material edge. In order to maintain accuracy, an initial crease is placed at the location of the first fold. The material is drawn through the die by any suitable roller or drawing means which can pull the material through the die. There are no rollers within the edge forming die.

Abstract: The apparatus for the production of paper napkins or other similar products which includes a feeder for continuously supplying a web of material, a slitter for cutting the web into a plurality of longitudinal strips, a first folder to fold the strips lengthwise, a transverse cutter for providing lengths of longitudinally folded strips, a second folder to fold the strips transversely, and a stacker to pile up the finished napkins. A driving roller matches the two edges of the longitudinally folded strips and downstream of the driving roller are inclined surfaces to separate the longitudinally folded strips to lay them down on a common geometric plane parallel to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a length of material includes forming first and second transverse folds at opposite ends of the material whereby the material defines first and second end parts and a central part. Longitudinal corrugations are formed in the first and second end parts in order to reduce a transverse dimension of the first and second end parts. A third transverse fold is formed in the central part in order to bring the first and second end parts into superposition. In the resulting folded material, edges of the first and second end parts are recessed inward from edges of the central part.

Abstract: A ring-shaped corrugated filter element blank having radially alternate peak and valley folds is placed on a first mold having as many first concentric projections as the number of the peak folds of the ring-shaped blank and as many first concentric grooves as the number of the valley folds of the ring-shaped blank, with the peak folds fitted respectively over the first projections and the valley folds fitted respectively in the first grooves. Then, the ring-shaped blank is pressed between the first mold and a second mold, the second mold having second projections lying along concentric lines fitting respectively in the first grooves with the valley folds received therein, and second concentric grooves receiving respectively the first projections with the peak folds fitted thereover. The ring-shaped blank is heated while it is being pressed between the first and second molds, thereby forming a ring-shaped filter element. Thereafter, the ring-shaped filter element is cooled.

Abstract: A sheet folding device which can fold a sheet in an accordion fashion simply and efficiently and can improve the efficiency in production of artificial flowers. The device includes a set of fixed parallel folding plates provided in an equidistantly spaced relationship on a fixed base, and a set of movable folding plates mounted for individual parallel movement on a movable member pivotally mounted on the base. A stack of sheets of paper is placed on the fixed member between the movable folding plates and the fixed folding plates, and a manually operable member is operated whereupon the movable folding plates are successively moved into gaps between the fixed folding plates thereby to fold the paper sheet stack in an accordion fashion.

Abstract: In a packaging machine for use with a plurality of webs as a packaging material, each of the webs being formed with fold lines extending widthwise thereof and arranged longitudinally thereof at a spacing corresponding to the height of the finished containers to be eventually formed from the web, the plurality of webs being different in the spacing between the fold lines to form containers of capacities which are variable according to the height, a folding apparatus for forming folds in the web by folding the web along the fold lines, comprising a plurality of folding rollers corresponding to the plurality of webs, each of the folding rollers being movable to and retractable from an operative position in which the folding roller is rotatable by the corresponding web when the web is advanced as passed therearound, each of the folding rollers having edges extending axially thereof and coinciding with the fold lines of the corresponding web.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in folding web material includes a plow folder supported intermediate transverse entrance and exit rollers and cooperative therewith to effect longitudinal folding of the web as it moves longitudinally through the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the plow folder includes at least one rotatable cylindrical web engaging roller and a fold forming member coaxial with the web engaging roller and having a partial cylindrical outer peripheral surface and an axially outwardly facing fold surface subtending an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the fold forming member. Air orifices are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the fold forming member to facilitate air lubrication between the fold forming member and the moving web.

Abstract: A method for the production of corrugated paper comprising the steps of feeding a continuous sheet of paper over a first arcuate roller, making several folds in the paper along lines of radius of the first arcuate roller, passing the paper over a second arcuate roller which has the same center of curvature as the first arcuate roller, and unfolding the paper folds to yield the corrugated paper. The paper preferably turns about 90.degree. in passing over the first and second arcuate rollers, and after being unfolded there is provided additional corrugations by use of crimping rollers or the like.

Abstract: To provide a smoothly conically converging edge portion of a former, with air communication openings therethrough, the former sheet is bent over at the edge in the conically converging shape with the inner bent-over portion left free; core elements of conical shape matching the cone shape of the bent-over portion are introduced into the open space, and a curable resin such as epoxy, polyurethane or silicone is poured over the core, to adhere to the bent-over portion and the major wall portion of the former and, after dissolving of the core element, leaving air chambers to which air with differential atmospheric pressure can be introduced through connecting stubs which can be cast into the closing-off wall. Solvent, such as tetrachlorethylene to dissolve a polystyrene core can likewise be introduced through these stubs. If a plurality of core units are used, a plurality of separate air communication chambers can be formed with separating walls cast in the gaps or spaces between core elements.

Abstract: A process and machine for making a corrugated or fibre board two-piece H-divider container in a single cycle of operation comprising erecting and gluing the H-blank upon itself and then erecting and gluing the body blank therearound. The vertical divider panels of the H-piece are folded at the bottom along a hinge line that includes two spaced crush score line areas interrupting a slit score line.

Abstract: Film running one direction is folded along a longitudinal folding line by a folding plate and folding blade. The folding plate has a front edge and an inclined edge extending in the lateral direction against the film feeding direction, the folding blade extending in an oblique direction against the film feeding direction from the apex point of said edges of the folding plate for folding the outer part of a film against the reverse side of the film. The edges of the folding plate receives the tensile force of the film along the whole width so as to avoid any concentration of tensile force.

Abstract: A blank is folded to form a box by pressing it into a jig. End and side panels of the blank, along with supplemental panels at the corners, are lifted relative to a floor panel by folding surfaces of the jig. The side panels are lifted first and supplemental end panels are thus positioned inside the end panels. The blank may also include supplemental side panels that are folded outwardly and backwardly by corner guides of the jig.

Abstract: Cooperating top and bottom die assemblies for use in a press to fold the edges of a non-rigid workpiece. The top die comprises a horizontal support plate having a radiused folding plate affixed to its underside. A spring biased stripper in association with the support plate is shiftable vertically relative thereto between a retracted position and a normal extended position below the radiused folding plate. The top die assembly support plate has a plurality of upstanding support posts on its upper surface together with means to affix the top die assembly to the upper platen of the press with the free ends of the upstanding support posts in abutment thereagainst. The bottom die assembly comprises a horizontal base plate adapted to rest on the bottom platen of the press. The base plate has a first set of downwardly depending hollow posts mounted on its underside to either side of the press bottom platen.