Abstract: A colinear laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises at least two strips of material held in proximity to one another by a common carrier strip.

Abstract: A method of forming and inserting filter elements into cup-shaped containers comprises the steps of: a) folding a continuous web of filter material into two adjacent plies which have separable upper edges and are joined one to the other along a bottom fold line; b) blanking the adjacent plies to form their upper edges into a scalloped pattern; c) inserting carrier mandrels between the adjacent plies; d) joining the adjacent plies along seams extending transversely with respect to the bottom fold line to form a series of collapsed frustoconical filter elements interconnected by scrap segments and supported internally by the carrier mandrels; e) separating the filter elements one from the other by blanking and removing the scrap segments; f) transferring the filter elements from the carrier mandrels into cup-shaped containers arranged therebeneath; and g) securing the thus inserted filter elements to interior surfaces of the cup-shaped containers.

Abstract: A strip of drywall tape is simultaneously coated on its opposite front and rear surfaces as the tape is applied to a corner joint formed between a pair of abutting wall boards such as drywall panels. A tape guide provided on a drywall taping head guides a folded strip of drywall tape over a first reservoir of flowing drywall compound. The compound flows through the first reservoir and against the V-shaped front surface of the tape. The compound continues to flow over and around the front surface and over the rear surface of the tape and laterally into a pair of secondary reservoirs.

Abstract: This invention concerns a continuous manufacturing process of sections (11) or plates from soft matter (2) which is extruded under heat and encased by at least one strip sheet (3, 3′), said encased matter subsequently being calendered, shaped to the desired profile and finally cut into lengths, process which is particularly remarkable in that the matter used is a mixture containing a non-synthetic binder and water, so that the mixture becomes sticky by undergoing said heat treatment in an aqueous medium, which assures adhesion of the casing onto the matter during calendering, while the product undergoes at least one drying operation after said calendering operation. The binder is advantageously starch-based and the mixture may also contain a plasticizer, for example containing urea. The invention also concerns an installation for implementation of the process and the products thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first performing the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.

Abstract: A product, apparatus and process for lamination of a sheet of polymer film onto a sheet of light weight web material. An incoming sheet of material is slit into narrow webs, which may be folded by a folding guide, and separated by use of turning bars and guides. The narrow webs then enter an embossing or laminating station. The lamination process joins the two sheets which are of different widths to allow the process to produce stock for different final products. The laminate of folded webs and polymer may be slit and/or unfolded prior to being stored on a take-up reel.

Abstract: An adjustable brassiere metal-free back fastener is formed by molding eyelets and studs on ultrasonically or mechanically pierced fabric tapes composed of polyamide yarn which is partly enfolded in an outer tape ultrasonically welded to the inner tape. No stitching is required in the fabrication of the fastener and because the coupling members and the thermoplastic yarn can be of the same polyamide material, the product can be uniformly dyed.

Abstract: A ruffling slide for making articles with stretchable portions includes a tubular sleeve for containing at least one resiliently elastic yarn element connecting the portions transversely provided on the sleeve and space apart in such a way that they define tubular ruffling sections. The connecting portions also form narrowed portions for locally clamping the elastic yarn elements. The yarn element inserts into the sleeve and is clamped at the narrowed portions in such a way that it extends freely through each tubular section and is movable therein between two positions, i.e., an inoperative position and an operative position in which said element is shorter than the section in question, whereby it may subsequently impart a ruffle thereto in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a perforated multiweb folded display product or insert having a width greater than the width of any single web forming a part thereof. The perforated multiweb product is also claimed. Gutterless joints are used to allow the display to lay flat when opened. Perforations allow the insert to be removably bound within a book or magazine. In some embodiments, displays having widths exceeding commercially available web widths are disclosed. In other embodiments, two or more webs are combined to yield web printed single or double magazine inserts or displays having an active viewing width in excess of 70 inches.

Abstract: A method and system for producing an article using a thermoplastic sandwich material such as, for example, a 3-D deep-drawn article is disclosed. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, two reinforced thermoplastic skins surround a generally planar honeycomb structure. During the manufacturing process, the skins and the honeycomb structure are bonded together by means of a thermocoupling process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a bead filler which does not deteriorate the uniformity of a pneumatic tire are provided. The apparatus extrudes a rubber composition at a surface velocity V1 in a top portion 28 and at a surface velocity V2 in a base portion 26, while forming the rubber composition in the shape of a filler portion 24 in a forming portion 40 by a truncated cone shaped extruding roller 38. The filler portion 24 formed in a curved shape similar to a shape of a side portion of a tire is formed due to the difference in velocity between the surface velocities V1 and V2. The filler portion 24 is successively joined to and wound around an annular bead core from a winding start end, and is disposed in the side portion of the tire after forming the bead filler.

Abstract: A machine which fabricates an undergarment assembly having an openable front panel. The assembly is made from two continuous half width webs. The first and second web paths are transversely spaced. It includes devices to add a V-folded reinforcing strip along the edge of one web. Devices are included to add elastic strands adjacent the central crotch section and a re-closable tape across the front panel opening. One of the webs is printed with adhesive at spaced longitudinal intervals to bond portions of the two overlapped webs in central areas to define a bonded full width rear panel. The machine cuts leg openings and pad securement flaps on the outer margins of each half web. After assembly, the web is severed into unit products for delivery and packaging. The delivery system includes vacuum rolls for transferring flat product or longitudinally and transversely folded product for package size reduction.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention fabricates an undergarment assembly having an elasticized pad support panel secured to inner surfaces of the rear panel and the openable front panel. The machine makes the garment assembly from two half width webs, one of which has a reinforced edge. The machine arrangement includes first and second transversely spaced web paths and components to bond tensioned elastic strands to spaced dots of adhesive located on a third pad supporting web that is secured to adhesive areas applied adjacent, but not in, the garment crotch area with spaced adhesive applied to the innermost surfaces of the rear and front panels. The machine includes devices to add side margin and front panel connecting tapes, and die cutting rolls to cut leg openings in side margins. The machine includes components to divert cull product and deliver flat unfolded product, or longitudinal and transverse folded products for packaging.

Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.

Abstract: A dust bag comprises a filter bag consisting of a filter material. In a first wall portion of the filter bag, an inlet opening is provided through which the air flow to be cleaned gets into the filter bag. On the inner surface of the wall portion opposite the inlet opening, there lies a protective layer of a resistant material of great tensile strength. This protective layer extends as a strip through the filter bag and prevents damage to the inner surface of the filter bag caused by particles striking the same.

Abstract: A process for in-line lamination of a non-oven fibrous sheet to an extruded polymer film. A non-oven fibrous sheet is slit into a plurality of narrow non-oven fibrous webs. The narrow non-oven fibrous webs are spaced by turning the webs around a plurality of spaced webs. An extruded polymer film is laminated onto a surface of the spaced webs to provide a laminate of the extruded polymer film and the spaced narrow webs having a portion of the extruded polymer film between the spaced non-woven fibrous webs.

Abstract: Molding, such as that used in the manufacture of picture frames, is laminated with a covering wrap of foil, paper, plastic, cloth, or wood veneer and is embossed on the same machine shortly thereafter. The covering wrap is adhered by an adhesive and the embossed pattern is formed in part by pressure of a pattern against the substrate and through the covering wrap and partly by forcing of the adhesive used in the laminating process into various raised portions of the pattern, thus supporting and enhancing the embossed profile.

Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.

Abstract: The method of making a shaped tube of absorbent material for the sanitary napkin, in one embodiment, involves the steps of: (a) providing a web of absorbent material, the web of absorbent material having a length, a width, a longitudinal centerline oriented in the direction of the length of the web of absorbent material, a first surface and an opposed second surface; (b) providing a cover for the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material; (c) at least partially covering the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material with the cover to form a composite web having longitudinal side margins; (d) folding the composite web at least once with folds defining fold lines that are arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the web of absorbent material; and (e) autogenously bonding a portion of the cover that covers the first surface of the web of absorbent material to a portion of the cover that covers an opposing portion of the second surface of the web of absorbent material.

Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.

Abstract: A filter element, as in a filter bag, comprises a pocket having partitions between the side walls to form pocket portions. The margins of the partitions are welded ultrasonically to the inner surface of the layers. The inlet end of the partitions may be split into flaps to ease connection of the bag to a header frame. A simple yet effective method and apparatus may be utilizable to make the filter element, and a bag including it.

Abstract: An album for containing items such as photographs or collectible cards, and its fabrication process, combining the advantages of a cover of one thermoplastic material with the different advantages of leaves of another thermoplastic material weld-incompatible with the cover material, using thermoplastic welding for securing the leaves to the cover. In its preferred embodiment, the album comprises a cover having vinyl inner and outer cover sheets secured to one another in superposed relation with a polypropylene sheet captured therebetween and extending along the cover's spine, and a plurality of polypropylene leaves thermally welded to the captured polypropylene sheet along the cover's spine and through the inner cover.

Abstract: A plurality of binder strips (2) are removably arranged successively one after another on a band-shaped carrier film (1), with the lengthwise direction of the binder strips arranged perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the carrier film. Each binder strip (2) includes an adherent portion (3) having an adhesive on a bottom surface thereof, and a non-adherent portion (7) having holes punched therein suitable for being received on a ring binder or prong fastener or the like. The carrier film (1) has registration marks (6) provided thereon, so that the carrier film can be automatically advanced and sharply deflected over a release edge (14) in an apparatus, whereby the successive binder strips (2) are released from the carrier film (1) and adhered onto a page (16) of sheet goods being advanced through an adjacently located sheet folding machine.

Abstract: Reflective aluminum trim for use in automobiles, trucks, boats and a variety of household and industrial appliances is produced by forming aluminum strip into a desired shape, followed by selective application of a fluoropolymer protective coating to only a partial portion of the show surface of the shaped strip and the application of a thermoplastic to the portions of the show surface not covered by the protective coating. The resulting trim piece has a highly reflective aluminum show surface which has a high distinctness of reflected image. The thermoplastic is preferably co-extruded onto the shaped aluminum strip using an adhesive to bond the thermoplastic directly to an un-coated portion of the aluminum surface. Prior to application of the thermoplastic, a single heating step may be used to cure both the protective coating and the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a shaped flexible tube container, typically having a square or "D" section tube, from a flexible plastic tube (15) of substantially round cross section, in which longitudinally extending creases (31, 32) are formed in the wall of the tube by a creasing means (16, 17) acting on the external surface of the tube. The creasing means preferably comprise at least air of rollers (16 or 17) and the tube passes between the two rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a material web of synthetic textile material for conversion into table-cloths. Here, two material webs produced according to standard procedure are joined along their respective side edges to a material web folded to a V shape for obtaining a total width on the produced web that is greater than the maximum width of a web produced by standard procedure. The inventive apparatus includes two reels (1, 2) on which are would webs (3, 4) of standard manufacture, which may be rolled off the reels and into mutual proximity with the aid of a roll nip (6) disposed after the reels, there also being a folding plate (8) for folding a third web (5) into a V shape which may be joined to both webs (3, 4) along their respective juxtaposed side edges by its free side portions (12, 13) to form a material web (11) having a total width which is greater than the maximum width of a web produced by standard procedure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the apparatus and process for shaping and forming of thermal insulation materials around tubes and pipes in a continuous production process wherein the tube or pipe and a long singular strip of insulating material passes linear with the tube or pipe through a shaping die. The shaping die forms the insulating material around the circumference of the tube or pipe without substantial compression and is captured by overlapping coils of helical wound tape, wire or like material.

Abstract: A fabric for use in an architectural covering device includes a plurality of elongated vanes preferably of tubular configuration having a pair of flaps extending longitudinally along the entire length of the vane. A continuous face sheet material has elongated folds at spaced intervals that are secured along the flaps of the vanes so as to pivotally connect the vanes to the face sheet material at predetermined spaced intervals. The fabric is adapted to be supported with an operational system in an architectural opening so that if the vanes are suspended vertically they are slidably movable laterally of the window opening and pivotally movable about vertical longitudinal axes to extend and retract as well as open and close the covering. An apparatus and method for forming the fabric is also disclosed as well as systems for finishing the endmost vanes in the fabric.

Abstract: There is provided architectural molding apparatus including a supporting frame assembly and a paper roll assembly which delivers a continuous paper web via tension and drive rollers to an adhesive applicator where hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive is deposited on the web. The glue coated paper web passes over roller to a profiled polystyrene core at a set-up roller assembly. The core is delivered by a core feed assembly which is adapted to receive lengths of the core in abutting relation. The set-up roller assembly receives the core and urges the paper web glue side first into the core to form the molding assembly which passes to a laminating roller assembly adapted to urge the glue covered web into intimate contact with the profile face of the core. The molding assembly then passes to a series of rollers adapted to progressively fold and roll the web to completely wrap the core.

Abstract: In the manufacture of multichamber tubular containers it has been found that the inner divider walls should be bonded to the exterior wall by means of a band sealing method. In the band sealing method there is a band that contacts the upper film and a band that contacts the lower film that are to be bonded. In the present processes the upper band contacts the inner divider wall while the lower band contacts the exterior surface of the outer wall of the tubular container. In order to prevent the marring or otherwise putting a defect into the exterior surface of the outer wall the temperature of the lower band is maintained at a lower temperature than the upper band. This will decrease the temperature of the exterior surface of the outer wall and prevent imperfections in the exterior surface of the outer wall. The advantage is a multichamber tubular container without any imperfections in the exterior surface. This enhances the overall appearance of the tubular container.

Abstract: A filter and method and apparatus for manufacturing the filter. The filter includes a first filter layer and a second filter layer. The first and second filter layers are joined by a ribbon. The ribbon is attached to the first filter layer and the second filter layer through ultrasonic welding. The apparatus includes first and second ultrasonic welders for attaching the first filter layer to one end of the ribbon and the second filter layer to the other end of the ribbon.

Abstract: An improved method for bonding webs. The method includes overlapping two webs, slitting the two webs, reoverlapping the two webs and bonding the two webs together. The steps of reoverlapping the two webs may be accomplished with a number of different types of devices including but not limited to: a bumpered roll, a notched roll, a crowned roll, a bowed roll, an out of plane roll, and variable speed rolls.

Abstract: To produce a pultrusion which can be machined without undue strength loss bidirectional woven fiber fabric is modified to be pultrudable into a high shear strength composite member. In a preferred form of the invention the fabric is pleated in the pultrusion process to create an endless wall of stacked switch-back pleated layers which defines a box beam wall in one example, and the shaft of a bolt in another. Products produced by this process have improved isotonic strength qualities over currently produced pultrusions, which are limited to unidirectional fibers, continuous fiber mats, or alternating layers of non-woven 0.degree. and 90.degree. cloth and do not have the shear strength inherent in the pleated configuration.

Abstract: A method of folding and handling a web of material in a continuous manufacturing operation is disclosed. The method can be used during the process of making disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and the like which have side flaps. During the method, a discontinuous portion (or tab) defined by the distal edge of the web of flap material is held stationary and the continuous portion (or continuous ribbon) of the web of flap material is folded.

Abstract: A method for producing one or more individual stacks of superimposed, secured together, expandable tubular strips forming an expandable honeycomb panel. The strips coated with adhesive are advanced sequentially to the inlet of a stacking chamber having an elevated floor with a longitudinally extending slot of a length to receive each strip and which is narrower than the width of the strips to be delivered thereto. The strip so delivered is pushed up through the narrower slot and against the strip just previously delivered to the chamber, to adhere it to the latter strip. The chamber has a weight bar to exert a downward force on the stack of strips to provide good adherence between the strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for creating in a web (1) of sheet material a fold which includes at least one elastic thread (4). The web is placed on two mutually separated carrier elements (2, 3), and at least one prestretched elastic thread (4) is placed over the web in the space between the opposing edges of the carrier elements.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, training pants, an incontinent garment or a bedpad is disclosed for absorption of human exudate. The absorbent article includes an absorbent having a homogeneous composition with an essentially constant density in the x-y plane. The absorbent has at least two distinct portions which are integrally joined together by a junction line and each portion has a thickness different from an adjacent portion. The absorbent is folded on the junction line to obtain a variable density along the z axis. The folded absorbent also has a uniform capillary size in the x-y plane and a variable capillary size in the z direction. The absorbent article further includes a liquid-permeable cover which is positioned adjacent to at least one surface of the absorbent. A method of forming the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for attaching an elastomeric film laminate web to the longitudinal side edges of an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin. The method involves using a system of different adhesive applying mechanisms (that is, glue guns) and different applications of adhesive in a spiral pattern to provide precise control over the pattern and the amount of adhesive applied to bond the web of material to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for making a mineral fiber insulation assembly is disclosed. The insulation assembly includes a mineral core having opposed major surfaces, opposed side surfaces and opposed end surfaces. polymer film covers only the opposed major surfaces and opposed side surfaces. One or multiple lanes of mineral fiber packs are moved along a predetermined path. At least one sheet of polymer film is supplied to the predetermined path to cover the major surfaces and side surfaces. The polymer film is attached to at least one of the core side surfaces and a plurality of openings are in the polymer film adjacent at least one side surface. The mineral fiber pack and the polymer film cover are cut perpendicular to the predetermined path to form individual ones of the mineral fiber insulation assemblies.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a slide fastener chain having rows of coupling elements and members of a separable bottom end stop assembly, two positioning holes are formed at predetermined positions on reinforcing films attached to a pair of fastener tapes. The positioning holes are used to position the fastener tapes relative to a molding unit with respect to each individual slide fastener length. Thus, even when a positioning error is produced due to a change in tension on the fastener tapes being processed, such error is limited to a small extent which is created only in the individual slide fastener length. Thus, the coupling elements and the first pin member and the second pin member can be molded precisely.

Abstract: The protection of the straight edges of multilayer panels (10), such as spacecraft thermal protection panels or heat shields, is ensured by an adhesive protection edging (14) having two adhesive, lateral zones bonded to the faces of the panel and a non-adhesive zone (18) placed on the edge of the panel. Following the removal of a non-adhesive protection (30b), a first adhesive, lateral zone (20b) is brought onto a working plane (22), through a slot (32), and is progressively bonded to the lower face of a panel (10) moving on said plane. The second lateral, adhesive zone is then turned down and pressed onto the upper face of the panel, after which the non-adhesive protection (30a) of said zone is removed.

Abstract: The protection of the straight edges of multilayer panels (10), such as spacecraft thermal protection panels or heat shields, is ensured by an adhesive protection edging (14) having two adhesive, lateral zones bonded to the faces of the panel and a non-adhesive zone (18) placed on the edge of the panel. Following the removal of a non-adhesive protection (30b), a first adhesive, lateral zone (20b) is brought onto a working plane (22), through a slot (32), and is progressively bonded to the lower face of a panel (10) moving on said plane. The second lateral, adhesive zone is then turned down and pressed onto the upper face of the panel, after which the non-adhesive protection (30a) of said zone is removed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a perforated multiweb folded display product or insert having a width greater than the width of any single web forming a part thereof. The perforated multiweb product is also claimed. Gutterless joints are used to allow the display to lay flat when opened. Perforations allow the insert to be removably bound within a book or magazine. In some embodiments, displays having widths exceeding commercially available web widths are disclosed. In other embodiments, two or more webs are combined to yield web printed single or double magazine inserts or displays having an active viewing width in excess of 70 inches.

Abstract: A process for production of a bag having linear ribs uses an apparatus for forming linear ribs which comprises a plate mold having linear protrusions on both faces thereof and upper and lower female molds placed at both sides of the mold, having penetrated linear cavities at positions corresponding to those of the linear protrusions and capable of opening and closing as desired. Multi-layer resin films are inserted between the plate mold and the female molds. The molds are heated and pressed to each other to prepare multi-layer resin films having linear ribs. A bag is produced using the multi-layer resin film having linear ribs thus prepared. Ribs convex to the outside can be formed on the multi-layer film comprising a layer of a resin having a low melting point at the inside and a layer of a resin having a high melting point at an outer side thereof. The self-supporting bag produced by the process has a higher stiffness.

Abstract: A sleeve forming method and apparatus where sleeves are formed by use of overlapping webs. The webs are twisted in one direction to form a seal at one side of a sleeve and later twisted in the opposite direction to form the seal at the opposite side of a sleeve, such that all of the sleeves are oriented in the same direction, such as with the large openings of the sleeves facing upwardly and the smaller openings of the sleeves facing downwardly.

Abstract: A metal pipe and method of forming the same with an integrally formed liner for use in corrosive and abrasive environment is disclosed. The liner is comprised of a relatively thick polyethylene which is thermally bonded to the metal pipe. An intermediate co-extruded polymer layer of ethylene acrylic acid and a polyethylene/ethylene acrylic acid blend is applied to the metal pipe to facilitate thermal bonding. The intermediate layer is applied to the sheet metal in a pre-treatment process prior to roll forming ribs into the sheet metal. The polyethylene liner is applied after the ribs are formed, preferably after the pipe has been formed, to provide a smooth, hydraulically efficient surface which is resistent to the corrosive action of sulfuric acid and the like encountered in sanitary applications, as well as abrasion caused by the flow of water-born debris such as dirt and gravel as is encountered in culvert applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of distributing opening devices and preparing the opening devices for application individually to a packaging containers. The opening devices are positioned, closed and marshalled together to form a web or a sheet. The prefabricated opening devices are arranged in rows of length x. Two or more of the opening devices in each row are provided with projections which are placed against corresponding opening devices in a neighboring row and are welded together using ultrasonic means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the "entanglement" zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the "spacing" zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.

Abstract: A composite structure such as a roller door comprises a plurality of rigid slats (1) arranged parallel with one another and spaced apart transversely in an array, the array of slats being sandwiched between upper (3) and lower (4) flexible sheets fixed together in the spaces (5) between adjacent slats to form flexible hinge portions. Preferably the structure is formed by advancing the array of slats (1), in the longitudinal direction of the slats through means which applies the upper and lower flexible sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of the slats and bonds the flexible sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of the slats, then passing the resulting assembly, still in the longitudinal direction of the slats, through apparatus which bears on the flexible sheets and deforms them, in the interstices between the slats, until the upper and lower sheets come together in said interstices and are bonded to each other where they come together.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and applying double edged adhesive tape to non resilient objects includes a tape supply spool, a tape tensioning device, a tape backing remover and tape backing take up reels. A folding apparatus folds over portions of top and bottom edges of the tape and pulls the object being taped and the tape along a work surface during the taping operation. An optional "w shape" folder applies an additional pleat to the folded tape.