Abstract: An improved carrier tape is disclosed comprising an elongated base strip and an elongated cover strip both formed of a plastic film material. The base strip is provided with longitudinally spaced cavities for components to be transported therein as well as a series of spaced, longitudinally extending sprocket drive holes for advancing the tape. The cover strip has a raised hump on its top surface positioned so as to align with the sprocket holes when the tape is assembled. The hump defines a living hinge for the adjacent surfaces of the cover strip top face. Accordingly, when the hump is depressed the sidewalls of the cover strip move outwardly so as to clear the edges of the base strip. Conversely, when the hump is released, the sidewalls return to their relaxed position. A device for applying the cover strip to the base strip applies pressure to the hump of the cover strip while guiding the sidewalls of the cover strip around the top edge of the base strip.

Abstract: An improved carrier tape is disclosed comprising an elongated base strip and an elongated cover strip both formed of a plastic film material. The base strip is provided with longitudinally spaced cavities for components to be transported therein as well as a series of spaced, longitudinally extending sprocket drive holes for advancing the tape. The cover strip has a raised hump on its top surface positioned so as to align with the sprocket holes when the tape is assembled. The hump defines a living hinge for the adjacent surfaces of the cover strip top face. Accordingly, when the hump is depressed the sidewalls of the cover strip move outwardly so as to clear the edges of the base strip. Conversely, when the hump is released, the sidewalls return to their relaxed position. A device for applying the cover strip to the base strip applies pressure to the hump of the cover strip while guiding the sidewalls of the cover strip around the top edge of the base strip.

Abstract: Bag making material comprises a plastic film carrying a reclosable fastener or zipper male profile and with one or more alignment ribs in spaced parallel relation to the profile. Reinforcing ridge or ridges provide stabilizing beam effect in respect to the profile and/or the alignment rib or ribs on the film along the back of the profile and/or alignment rib base or bases.

Abstract: An improved carrier tape is disclosed comprising an elongated base strip and an elongated cover strip both formed of a plastic film material. The base strip is provided with longitudinally spaced cavities for components to be transported therein as well as a series of spaced, longitudinally extending sprocket drive holes for advancing the tape. The cover strip has a raised hump on its top surface positioned so as to align with the sprocket holes when the tape is assembled. The hump defines a living hinge for the adjacent surfaces of the cover strip top face. Accordingly, when the hump is depressed the sidewalls of the cover strip move outwardly so as to clear the edges of the base strip. Conversely, when the hump is released, the sidewalls return to their relaxed position.A device for applying the cover strip to the base strip applies pressure to the hump of the cover strip while guiding the sidewalls of the cover strip around the top edge of the base strip.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlled coextrusion of plastic bag making film and a reclosable fastener male profile comprising extruding the film through an orifice with which is aligned a profile orifice and one or more alignment rib orifices as well as one or more stablizing ridge orifice cooperating with the profile and/or rib orifices. The resulting extruded product provides a bag making material comprising a plastic film carrying the zipper profile and with one or more alignment ribs in spaced parallel relation to the profile, with a reinforcing ridge or ridges effecting stabilizing beam effect in respect to the alignment rib or ribs and/or the profile during the processing of the extruded product into its final bag making material form. The extrudate for the film and the extrudate for the alignment rib or ribs may be derived from separate sources so that different plastics of different density or characteristics may be supplied to the alignment rib or ribs.