Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable gusseted bag is disclosed wherein a carrier tape webs having discrete sections of mating profile separated by profile free sections is introduced between two bag walls and sealed to the bag wall tops or adjacent thereto. The carrier tape webs are sealed to the bag wall films and cross seals are made in the bag wall films and carrier tape webs through the profile free sections. Side gussets are formed by pushing a part of the bag walls and the profile free sections of the carrier tape web between the profiles so that when the bag is closed a part of the gussets are captured between the mated profiles. A bottom gusset is formed in the bag bottom and a peel seal may be provided below the profiles.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sealing of protective barrier fabric seams in otherwise impermeable articles such as garments, footwear, surgical gowns and the like, are provided, the sealed seams maintaining the imperviousness of the article, including seamed joints, to water, body fluids, pathogens and chemicals. In one pass through the apparatus, a sealed seam in a protective barrier fabric joint, using a curable adhesive sealant, is provided along a predetermined and specified length of the joint. The preferred adhesive is a silicone, most preferably a two-part, thermosetting silicone elastomeric adhesive. Also provided are mixing dies for use, inter alia, in the process which are especially suited for applying the two-part adhesive sealant.

Abstract: Non-embossed film products permeable to moisture vapor and which act as barriers to liquid are made by a high speed method. The microporous products have high moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTRs) on the order of about 2000 to about 4500 gms/m2/day according to ASTM E96E.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a patio tabletop glass with broken protection includes the steps of fully cleaning at least a top surface of a tempered glass layer which has a central hole thereon, drying the cleaned tempered glass layer, heating the entire tempered glass layer to a temperature between 45° C. to 65° C.; evenly applying a layer of acrylic adhesive on the top surface of the tempered glass layer which temperature is maintained between 45° C. to 65° C. to form the adhesive layer; attaching the protection layer on the tempered glass layer, cutting excessive edges of the protection layer to a size identical to the tempered glass layer; and forming a center hole on the protection layer, which coaxially aligns with the central hole of the tempered glass layer. Accordingly, even when the patio table top is broken into pieces and particles, the broken glass pieces and particles will not be breaking apart and remain attaching to a protection layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for making high tensile strength bag material, the apparatus consists of a first feeding mechanism, a second feeding mechanism located on the deliver process of the first feeding mechanism, a set of opposing roller calender mechanism located behind the second feeding mechanism and a receiving mechanism behind the roller calendar mechanism. A roll of mesh belt is mounted on the first feeding mechanism and delivered therefrom. During transportation of the mesh belt, the second feeding mechanism delivers plastic films to cover the mesh belt. Then the mesh belt and plastic films are formed under heat and between ramming rollers in the roller calendar mechanism, and then are cooled in a cooling apparatus to make the mesh belt and plastic films bonding together. Finally, the bonded mesh belt and plastic films are wound by the receiving mechanism to become a high tensile strength bag material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and positioning a strip of coupons from a roll to a web of film, wherein the web of film and strip are subsequently formed into a promotional item, an item of packaging or a bag having a coupon strip mounted thereto. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for mounting the strip of coupons in longitudinal alignment upon a flattened, gusseted film tube for the forming of bags therefrom. A machine for accomplishing this task is shown wherein there is provided a mounting bracket assembly mounted to a horizontal frame or bar on a bag forming machine following gusseting machine in a bag making operation. A roll of coupon strips is mounted to a spindle, which spindle is supported by first and second vertical support members emanating from the support bracket. The spindle is vertically adjustable so that it may be situated in various positions upon the first and second vertical support members.

Abstract: A paper-plastic laminate sheeting capable of being converted by conventional equipment into envelopes, grocery bags and other dilatable container products that initially are in a flat state and are normally made of paper. The sheeting is composed of a paper facing sheet cold-laminated by means of a water-based adhesive to a reinforcing film of synthetic plastic material, such as polypropylene. The film is oriented to impart exceptional tear and burst strength characteristics to the resultant waterproof product. The product, whose exterior surface is formed by the paper facing sheet, is readily printable. For some applications, a second paper facing sheet is cold-laminated to the other side of the film to produce a three-ply laminate sheeting whose exposed surfaces are readily printable and can accept conventional adhesives.

Abstract: Packing material with good gas barrier properties comprising a first and a second layer of a fibrous material or, e.g. paper or cardboard, and a layer of a water based polymer, e.g. polyvinyl alcohol, placed between and in direct contact with the layers of fibrous material and functioning both as a gas barrier and as a binding agent in the packaging material. The packaging material is produced through bringing together and binding together with each other a first and a second strip or sheet of a fibrous material by means of a layer of a water based polymer, e.g polyvinyl alcohol, applied between and in direct contact with the strips or sheets. The surplus water in the thus applied polymer layer is absorbed by the fibrous material in one and/or the other strip or sheet to form the intermediate layer functioning as gas barrier and binding agent.

Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip layer on one side thereof and a firm polymeric support layer on an opposite side thereof, the slip layer opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The polymeric support layer may have a Shore-A hardness of at least 10 at 20 ° C. and a dynamic loss tangent of less than 0.1 from 20 ° C. to 80 ° C. An example of a support layer is a polycarbonate pad, and an example of slip layer is a glass cloth coated with Teflon™. The back-up pad is particularly useful for forming lap seals in relatively thick film materials, such as laminated films having multi-layered films laminated together.

Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a process for forming an elongated strip for use in making two tone muntin bars. An elongated strip of muntin bar material is provided that has been treated on at least a portion of one side to define an exposed surface of a completed muntin bar fabricated from the muntin bar material. An elongated strip of covering material is also provided for controlled application onto a specified portion of a surface of the muntin bar material. The elongated strip of covering material includes an adhesive for adhering the covering material to the muntin bar material. The muntin bar material and the covering material are brought into contact with each other thereby causing the covering material to overlie and adhere to the muntin bar material.

Abstract: Method of coating a metallic substrate (1) with thermoplastic coating material, comprising a preheating the substrate in such as way that, just prior to coating, it is at a temperature between 70° C. and 150° C., preferably between 100° C. and 130° C. in the case of a coating containing polypropene and between 80 and 110° C. in the case of a coating containing polyethene; coextrusion, in the first coating station of a sheet (6) comprising a polyolefin covering layer and a modified polyolefin adhesion layer; coating of the substrate (1) with a molten sheet in the presence of ozone by pressing it with the adhesion layer against the surface of the substrate; transportation of the strip (9) coated on one side to a second coating station and heating the strip so that, just before coating, the strip is at a temperature between 70° C. and 130° C., preferably between 80° C. and 120° C.

Abstract: Packaging laminate for packages for liquid foods having excellent liquid and oxygen gas barrier properties in which all included layers are biodegradable. The packaging laminate includes at least one liquidtight layer (11, 13) of homo or copolymers of monomers selected from a group consisting of lactic acid, glycol acid, lactide, glycolide, hydroxy butyric acid, hydroxy valeric acid, hydroxy caproic acid, valerolactone, butyrolactone and caprolactone, as well as an oxygen gas barrier layer (12) of ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, starch or starch derivatives. The oxygen gas barrier layer is preferably applied by a dispersion coating process. The layers may be laminated directly to one another or indirectly by means of interjacent adhesive layers. The packaging laminate may also include a core layer of, for example, paper or paperboard, or a biopolymer. The invention also realises a method of producing the biodegradable packaging laminate according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing endless laminated veneer boards from a veneer-panel strand comprising veneer panels laid together in a plurality of layers by means of gluing and compression in a heated, continuously operating press. The veneer-panel strand is run through a preliminary press with a preheating device before it enters the press. The layers of glue applied to the veneer panels and/or the veneer panels for the center or a central-layer strand have a higher moisture content than the layers of glue and/or the veneer panels for the outer layers or the cover-layer strands. The veneer panels are each then assembled to give an upper and a lower cover-layer strand and, if required, a central-layer strand, and are combined to give a veneer-panel strand.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid catalyst capable of cross-linking amino resins. The liquid catalyst has improved flexibility and adhesive properties. It is comprised of a cross-linkable polyvinyl acetate, an acid, and an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A metallized composite includes a thermoplastic sheet and at least one discontinuous layer of metal within the thermoplastic sheet. The discontinuous metal layer can be disposed between two thermoplastic layers that are bound together, such as by melting the layers together, pressing, or by use of an adhesive. The metallized composites of the invention can be employed as reflective surfaces, such as are used as mirrors or substitutes for chrome trim on automobiles. A particularly preferred metal as a component of the discontinuous layer of the composite is indium.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one bond coating on a surface of a metal-based substrate is described. A foil of the bond coating material is first attached to the substrate surface and then fused thereto, e.g., by brazing. The foil is often initially prepared by thermally spraying the bond coating material onto a removable support sheet, and then detaching the support sheet. Optionally, the foil may also include a thermal barrier coating applied over the bond coating. The substrate can be a turbine engine component.

Abstract: A fibrous core material is disposed between and bonded to metal skins to form a structural laminate having comparable strength to steel sheets of greater weight.

Abstract: Decorative grasses having a texture and/or appearance assimilating the texture and/or appearance of paper are disclosed, as are method for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the materials is modified to assimilate the texture and/or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for transporting a workpiece is provided having a continuous link belt. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes a gripping layer made of a high friction material. The gripping layer is coextensive with the upper surface of the belt link, so that when the belt links are assembled to form the belt, the gripping layers form a gripping surface that engages the workpiece being transported on the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structured textile material made of at least two different, needled base nonwoven fabrics. The base nonwoven fabrics have a structure obtained by needling from at least one side. The needles used for the structure needling are fork needles or crown needles, and the depth of the forks and barbs, respectively, is so selected that, when piercing through, they completely fill up with fibers of the base nonwoven fabric facing the needles. The textile material have unmixed, pure fibers in the pattern, in the background and on the reverse side.

Abstract: An embossed multiple ply paper product and process for producing such product displaying aesthetically pleasing decorative attributes and exhibiting functional characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape. The decorative attributes comprise embossed patterns of indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance for a softer, more quilted look. The plies are joined in a face-to-face arrangement by selective bonds which are limited to the indicia, in order to produce more permanent decorative figures that inhibit dissipation caused by compressive forces, humidity, absorption, etc.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for manufacturing multi-layered hygiene products, a starting material web (2) is transported from one or more supply stations (4) to one or more processing stations (3) in which the starting material is cut, shaped, laminated, folded, etc. so as to form the finished hygiene products. The processing stations (3) are arranged on a processing plane (12), while the supply stations (4) are arranged on a supply plane (13), wherein these two planes are respective parallel vertical planes that are horizontally spaced apart from each other. The physical separation of the supply stations from the processing stations allows an effective noise shielding of the processing stations and the use of larger supply rolls in the supply stations, as well as improved accessibility of the equipment.

Abstract: A production method of an absorbent body is provided. The method includes the steps of: supplying a first cover sheet on an outer surface of a rotating pattern drum, said pattern drum being provided with a concavity formed in a predetermined shape on the outer surface thereof; adapting the first cover sheet to the shape of the concavity and supplying an absorbent material into the concavity to form an absorbent material layer adapted to the shape of the concavity on the first cover sheet; supplying a second cover sheet toward the outer surface of the pattern drum; and separating the first cover sheet together with the absorbent material layer from the outer surface of the pattern drum and superposing the first cover sheet together with the absorbent material layer on the second cover sheet to produce an absorbent body comprised of the first cover sheet, the second cover sheet and the absorbent material layer interposed between the first cover sheet and the second cover sheet.

Abstract: An economical method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a nonwoven fibrous web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has advantageous elongation, extensibility and strength properties, as well as other desirable characteristics. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified nonwoven web with a polymeric film, or an elastic member, which may be liquid impervious yet breathable. In yet other aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified web with a polymeric film which is rendered liquid-impervious yet breathable while the method is performed.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing knockdown board material, including steps of: using a conveying device to convey a board material and immerge the board material into a resin tank to which a fireproof agent is added, after the resin fully infiltrates into the board material, the board material being compressed by rubber rollers and then dried and solidified to form a protective film; attaching printed paper to the surface of the board material by way of adhesion or thermal transfer-printing stripes on the surface of the board material; painting a layer of surface treatment agent on the surface of the board material by way of rolling or spraying; laying EVA foam material on back face of the board material and embossing stripes on the foam material; and cutting the board material into a certain shape.

Abstract: Process for the production of a thermosetting laminate made of a number of continuous paper webs impregnated with a thermosetting resin. The dry webs are fed continuously between an upper and a lower press belt (101 and 102 respectively) of a continuous double belt press (100). The continuous paper webs are divided into at least two groups (10) each consisting of at least two sheets of which at least one is impregnated with a thermosetting resin. One or more separation sheets (1) are placed between the groups (10) of paper webs.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a multi-layer laminate of thermoplastic polymeric films wherein one surface thereof has a precision pattern of embossed elements thereon and wherein the thermoplastic polymeric films can be dissimilar. A generally cylindrical seamless metal embossing tool with an outer surface having the reverse of the pattern to be formed on the surface of the sheeting is used. The laminate is formed by continuously feeding onto a heated embossing tool a superimposed first resinous film and a first carrier film wherein the first resinous film is pressed against the embossing tool and is heated above its glass transition temperature thereby becoming embossed with the pattern, while the first carrier film remains at a temperature below its glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A process for making an elastically stretchable composite sheet having a relatively low basis weight. An elastically stretchable second web is placed upon a first web comprising stretchable first continuous fibers and these first and second webs are intermittently bonded together at first bond regions to obtained a first composite web which is, in turn, stretched under a plastic deformation of the first continuous fibers and then elastically contracted. Thereafter, the first and second webs are supplementarily bonded together at second bond regions to obtain a second composite web as the elastically stretchable composite sheet.

Abstract: A method for stretching nonwoven sheet material in the cross-machine direction includes coursing a nonwoven sheet material through a deformable nip, the nip being formed between two rotating stretch surfaces having intermeshing peaks and troughs, the surfaces of the peaks and troughs being covered with a deformable material, and contemporaneously pressing the stretch surfaces together while rotating them, such that as the nonwoven material travels through the nip, the nip deforms from an initial flat formation into a convoluted formation.

Abstract: A laminated panel-type structure particularly suited for vehicle interior applications such as headliners and door panels has a multiple denier polyester fiber core and randomly oriented structural reinforcing fibers. The laminated structure has superior sound attenuation properties resulting from a core of intertwined polyester fibers of differing deniers, with preferably relatively larger denier fibers on exterior areas of the core and some bicomponent fibers, short non-woven reinforcing fiber strands which are randomly attached and intertwined with the core on opposing major sides of the core, an impervious polymer film with a low melt layer which retains the reinforcing fibers against one side of the core and is attached to a scrim layer, and a polymer web on an opposite side of the core which retains the reinforcing fiber strands on the opposing major side of the core and to which a cover stock is applied.

Abstract: A method of laminating at least two gas permeable sheet materials includes: (1) providing at least a first gas permeable sheet material, wherein at least a portion of at least a surface region of the first sheet material is thermoplastic material; (2) providing at least a second gas permeable sheet material of polytetrafluoroethylene; (3) superposing the sheet materials; and (4) contacting the sheet materials with a heating means to heat the thermoplastic material to a temperature from 140° to 230° C., so as to melt the thermoplastic material and laminate the sheet materials to one another, without the application of direct pressure in the thickness direction of the sheet materials during the contacting step so as to form a gas permeable laminate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a laminate comprising a relatively rigid material having an inner surface with at least one portion thereof comprising a central body portion and wherein the central body portion of a relatively flexible material, preferably fluid impervious, is secured to the central body portion of the relatively rigid material and the relatively flexible material has opposite edge portions not secured to other portions of the inner surface and to carton blanks formed therefrom. In some instances strips of another relatively flexible material are secured to the opposite edge portions but are not secured to the inner surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laminate substrate. An exemplary embodiment comprises a paperboard layer with a heat sealable layer secured substantially adjacent to one side of the paperboard layer. A co-extruded layer is secured substantially adjacent to the other side of the paperboard layer. The co-extruded layer has five layers: a heat sealable layer secured to the paperboard layer, a first tie layer secured adjacent to the heat sealable layer, a semi-crystalline nylon layer secured adjacent to the first tie layer, a second tie layer secured adjacent to the semi-crystalline nylon layer, and a heat sealable layer secured adjacent to the second tie layer. A fourth heat sealable layer is secured adjacent to the co-extruded layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layered web uses contoured honeycomb drums for the manufacture of non-woven webs used to make the multi-layered web. The method can use spunbonded, melt blown, or electro-static spun techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on outer collection surfaces of a multi-drum system. The multi-drum system may be employed to improve multi-layered web uniformity and the overall quality of the multi-layered web by presenting a single optimal collection surface for each independent web layer being produced.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for forming differentially frangible seals (FS) in a final closed pouch (FCP) are described. The method involves differential cooling a seal portions of pouch forming dies (15, 15A) with a fluid directed at or in a portion of the die. The method is useful for forming pouches with dual chambers separated by a frangible seal and surrounded by a hard seal, one chamber for a liquid (L) and the other chamber for another material (M). Single pouches are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying foil material, the apparatus comprising a motor-driven supply roll, a withdrawal means and a consumption sensor provided between the supply roll and the withdrawal means for controlling the drive of the supply roll in response to the consumption of foil material, and at least one stationary deflection roller, at least one sensor roller and a sensor means, the sensor roller being supported and arranged such that it changes the distance from the stationary deflection roller in response to the difference between supply capacity and withdrawal capacity of the foil material, and the sensor means senses said change in distance and accelerates the supply roll when the distance is smaller than a first predetermined distance, and slows down the supply roll when a second predetermined distance is exceeded. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for supplying foil material.

Abstract: A solar cell module lamination process using fluoropolymers to provide protection from adverse environmental conditions and thus enable more extended use of solar cells, particularly in space applications. A laminate of fluoropolymer material provides a hermetically sealed solar cell module structure that is flexible and very durable. The laminate is virtually chemically inert, highly transmissive in the visible spectrum, dimensionally stable at temperatures up to about 200° C. highly abrasion resistant, and exhibits very little ultra-violet degradation.

Abstract: Described is a multi-layer composite film comprising, (a) a biaxially oriented polypropylene film as a base film; (b) at least one polyolefin film superposed over said biaxially oriented polypropylene film; and (c) a colorant deposited on the polyolefin film. The colorant is interposed between the biaxially oriented polypropylene film and at least one of the superposed polyolefin films, and the thickness of the multi-layer composite film ranges between 8 &mgr;m and 26 &mgr;m. Also described are a method of producing the multi-layer composite film, and a method of using the multi-layer composite film as a packaging material.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation media is formed from a non-woven mat of thermoplastic fibers having a mean diameter of less than about 15 microns. Preferably, when used as an acoustical insulation, the media is formed of fibers having a mean diameter of less than about 13 microns; the media has a density of less than about 60 Kg/m3; and the media has a Fraiser air permeability of less than 75 cubic feet per minute per square foot of surface area. The media has first and second major surfaces and a fibrous core with at least one of the major surfaces having an integral skin thereon. The skin is formed by melting fibers at and immediately adjacent the major surface of the mat formed into the media to form a thermoplastic melt layer which is subsequently solidified into a skin on the major surface of the mat. The thermoplastic fibers of the mat are point bonded together at spaced apart locations to increase the integrity of the mat.

Abstract: Electric conductor patterns including antenna coils are formed on one surface of a film. Electronic components are fixed onto the film by a temporary fixing material. A cover film is laminated on the film so that the electrically conductive patterns and the electronic components are covered with the cover film. Simultaneously with the lamination, the electronic components are connected to the electric conductor patterns.

Abstract: A method of making a non-woven fibrous media, combining high vapor permeability and low liquid permeability, includes the steps of providing a non-woven fabric formed from fibers that are prematurely crystallized during fabric formation and have a wide heat of fusion range distribution, and calendering the fabric to soften the small polymer crystals therein of low heats of fusion, but not the relatively larger polymer crystals therein of relatively higher heats of fusion, thereby to retain high vapor permeability while providing low liquid permeability. The polymer is preferably isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bonded flexible graphite laminate having an intermediate core of metal bonded on opposite sides to a flexible graphite sheet through a polymerized phenolic resin bonding agent under controlled conditions which avoids surface blistering and produces a chemical bond impervious to an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing end products such as wound dressings, surgical dressing, fixation wafers for prostheses, ostomy wafers, shoe inner-soles, and other laminated and contoured devices using a contouring and laminating station, a delaminating station, a driving station and a cutting station. A first outer layer having a backing film protected by a support layer is attached to a subject layer having predetermined malleable properties on one surface of the adhesive material. A second outer layer is attached on an opposing surface of the subject layer. As the layers are attached, the subject layer is contoured at the contouring and laminating station to produce a first intermediate product. The support layer is removed to produce a second intermediate product at a delaminating station. The second intermediate product is driven by the driving station to the cutting station to be cut into the end products.

Abstract: Flexible surface structures (21, 22, 27) are often glued to one another with the application of pressure and heat. Known laminating devices for this purpose are limited in their efficiency. If greater laminating efficiency is to be achieved, an existing laminating device has to be exchanged for a more powerful laminating device. The invention proposes a laminating device constructed in modular fashion and having a plurality of successive laminating stations (12, 14). In this way, the laminating efficiency can be increased by adding new laminating stations (12, 14) to already existing laminating stations (12, 14) which thus do not need to be replaced. In addition, it is proposed that a drying station (17) be provided between successive laminating stations (12, 14), in which drying station the surface structures (21, 22) laminated in the first laminating station (12) are dried before they are joined with a further surface structure (27) in the succeeding second laminating station (14).

Abstract: A carton blank may be formed from a first sheet of relatively rigid material and a second sheet of relatively flexible fluid impervious material. The second sheet of relatively flexible fluid impervious material may cover some but not other portions of the first sheet of relatively rigid material in order to facilitate gluing of the other portions of the first sheet of relatively rigid material when the carton blank is assembled into a carton.