Abstract: A flexible, elastically gathered cover for food containers or the like, and a method of making such covers, uses a forming machine with a lower section having: a) a square shaped forming mandrel having a top, four substantially vertical sides, and a heating element extending longitudinally along each side, b) four elongated sealing bars having a tops with a guide and a front with an elongated strip of rubber attached, and c) a cover ejector with upwardly extending ejector pins. Each sealing bar is positioned opposite a respective side of the forming mandrel separated to create a forming groove around the mandrel. An upper section having a forming head assembly comprises: a) a forming die with sides that define a cavity sized to telescope over the forming mandrel, and b) a band ejector plate with plural downwardly extending ejector pins located along the perimeter. The forming die hangs below the band ejector plate.

Abstract: A flexible cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of plastic film material and a continuous elastic or rubber band. The sheet has a predetermined amount of material cut from each corner. The sheet is placed onto a table between four posts that extend from the table. The sheet is positioned so that a post lines up with each corner of the sheet. A rubber band is stretched across the four posts into a similar shaped rectangle and rests just above side edges of the sheet. The side edges of the sheet are folded inward and over the stretched band and heat sealed directly to the sheet. The band is now sealed within a pocket formed along the sides of the sheet. Each corner of the stretched band is released from its post, allowing the band to relax and pull the formed pockets toward the center.

Abstract: A flexible cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of plastic film material and a continuous elastic or rubber band. The sheet has a predetermined amount of material cut from each corner. The sheet is placed onto a table between four posts that extend from the table. The sheet is positioned so that a post lines up with each corner of the sheet. A rubber band is stretched across the four posts into a similar shaped rectangle and rests just above the sheet. The stretched rubber band now has four sides which correspond to the four sides of the sheet. The side edges of the sheet are folded inward and over the stretched band and heat sealed directly to the sheet. The band is now sealed within a pocket that is formed along the sides of the sheet. Each corner of the stretched band is released from its post, allowing the band to relax and pull the four pockets of the sheet toward the center.

Abstract: A flexible, elastically gathered cover for food containers or the like, and a method of making such covers, uses a forming machine with a lower section having: a) a square shaped forming mandrel having a top, four substantially vertical sides, and a heating element extending longitudinally along each side, b) four elongated sealing bars having a tops with a guide and a front with an elongated strip of rubber attached, and c) a cover ejector with upwardly extending ejector pins. Each sealing bar is positioned opposite a respective side of the forming mandrel separated to create a forming groove around the mandrel. An upper section having a forming head assembly comprises: a) a forming die with sides that define a cavity sized to telescope over the forming mandrel, and b) a band ejector plate with plural downwardly extending ejector pins located along the perimeter. The forming die hangs below the band ejector plate.