Abstract: Thin, elongated material, such as ribbons, tapes, and the like, are passed through a treatment zone or chamber substantially in a frictionless manner to avoid distorting the elongated material. This purpose is achieved in that a plurality of direction changing stations in a treatment chamber simultaneously function as transport stations. The transport is accomplished by a flowing transport fluid which is applied to the elongated material through at least one, preferably several jet nozzles in the direction reversing stations. The fluid is applied in a direction substantially corresponding to the transport direction and passes around a guide surface where it forms a travelling cushion between the guide surface and the elongated material. The flow speed of the fluid corresponds at least to the transport speed or the inlet speed into the chamber.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a semifinished material prepares such material for the subsequent production of a flower-like or petal-like decoration. For this purpose an initially flat band ribbon or tape material, that is sufficiently flexible for the subsequent folding to form pleat-like folds, is provided in its lengthwise direction with at least one drawstring which itself is also sufficiently flexible. The drawstring is secured at spaced intervals to the flat material, so that the drawstring is free from the flat material outside the securing points or areas. In these free intervals or spacings the drawstring is not covered by the flat material such as a flexible ribbon. At least one longitudinal edge of the flat material is provided with a non-linear contour which subsequently helps forming a flower or petal-like appearance.