Abstract: A wallpaper display package permits vertical display of wallpaper without causing a crease or other damage to the wallpaper. The display package comprises a card having a generally planar body portion of substantially uniform thickness configured to receive an elongate wallpaper sheet wound thereon. A pair of opposing tabs are positioned on and project from respective sides of the body portion lower end. Each tab has an upper portion configured to prevent the wound wallpaper from sliding over the body portion lower end. A pair of opposing slots are provided in the body portion adjacent the upper portions of each tab. The slots prevent the formation of a crease in the wallpaper when displayed vertically.

Abstract: A suture package is provided having a body portion defining an inner cavity and a cover plate affixed to the body for retention of a coiled length of suture therebetween and having an exit area configured to prevent kinking of the coils of suture upon removal of the suture from the package. A loading unit for use with a surgical suturing apparatus is provided having a body portion defining an inner cavity, a cover plate affixed to the body portion for retention of a coiled length of suture therebetween and having an exit area configured to prevent kinking of the coils of the suture upon removal, and a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold a surgical needle.

Abstract: A swatch display system and a swatch cassette for use with a display for selling coloring product. The swatch cassette comprises a cassette insert formed to removeably hold and display horizontally a swatch, and a bezel for removeably holding the cassette insert and removeably securing the bezel to the display.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable, container which facilitates the storage and retrieval of flexible, elongated elements, such as line, cord, rope, hose, wire and the like is disclosed. The line storage device incorporates a base portion which enables the device to stay in a stationary position while in use. Extending from the base portion is a conically-tapered, flexible, body portion that terminates in a closeable aperture. The aperture provides an opening into the interior of the line storage device through which a first end of the line or other elongated element is passed as it is stored or retrieved. The line is linearly fed or "stuffed" into the device by the operator through a "bottle-neck" that is created by grasping the body portion near the opening of the container. As the line enters the container through the bottle-neck, it is effectively wiped clean and dry.

Abstract: A tray is provided for storing a surgical cable. The tray includes a body portion configured to define a track for receiving the cable, and a lead-in channel configured to guide the cable into the track. The body portion includes a generally circular recessed portion configured to define an annular track extending around an outer periphery of the recessed portion. The lead-in channel is curved so that the cable enters the annular track in a direction generally tangential to the track. The body portion includes a flange configured to be coupled to a cover for sealing the body portion.

Abstract: A surgical suture retainer retains the suture in an epitrochoidal, or hourglass configuration. One embodiment includes an insert member mounted to one of several foldable connected panels of the suture retainer. The insert member preferably has first and second wings which fold over to form a suture retaining pocket. The suture is held in a looped configuration having an hourglass shape. Another embodiment employs tabs cut from one of the panels to retain the suture in the hourglass shape. Yet another embodiment employs a cover sheet bonded to a base panel, wherein bonding areas are located to maintain the suture loop in an hourglass shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package for dispensing cut brushed dental floss and more particularly the present invention relates to a dispensing package for cut brushed dental floss that allows the removal of a single floss one at a time. The novel dispensing package of the present invention consists of an internal control card with an apex fold line and a rear portion on the opposite side of the apex. The cut brushed floss is placed on the control card in a manner where the floss section of the cut brushed floss is in a zigzag folded position on the interior of the control card, the brushed section is on the face portion of the control card and the threader section is led over the apex to the rear portion which holds the brushed section on the face of the card. The package having the loaded card inside has an opening to permit removal of a single cut brushed floss therefrom, one at a time.

Abstract: A plurality of packages of dental floss are provided including a plurality of separate elongate enclosures. The enclosures each have a width and a length with the length being at least nine times as great as the width. The separate enclosures are each independently movable from the other enclosures. A piece of dental floss is individually sealed in each enclosure.

Abstract: A yarn caddy including a generally tubular body for holding a sequence of skeins, the body having an open top end and an open bottom end; a rigid end cap removably sealing the bottom end of the body and with the end cap openable for allowing access within the body for loading and unloading skeins; and a lid hingeably coupled to the body for removably sealing the top end thereof and with the lid having a bore disposed therethrough for slidably receiving a strand from a skein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a package (100,200) made up of a plurality of folding panels (101-106), particularly suitable for retaining a surgical suture (115) wound in a non-crossed manner on pins (111) that penetrate a first retaining panel (101) and are preferably arranged along semicircular paths. Thus, even a suture (115) made of a material provided with a great elastic memory can be retained in the package (100,200) of this invention for long periods of time, without assuming an accentuated undulated shape after being taken out of the package (100,200). Further according to the present invention, the package (100,200) includes a locking device of the tongue-slot type (130,131) for keeping the package (100,200) folded and closed, the respective slot (131) being disposed in a transversely median position in said first retaining panel (101).

Abstract: A carrier includes a base and handles on each end of that base with the handles being coaxial with the central axis of the base so that long, flexible elements, such as Christmas lights, that are to be stored on the carrier can be easily wound onto the carrier as well as unwound from that carrier. A plurality of arms are included and cavities are located near the central axis for releasably accommodating electric plugs associated with the flexible elements. One embodiment of the carrier has the handles fixed to a base, and a second embodiment has a swivel connection between the base and the handles. Hook-receiving holes are defined in the handles on the central axis whereby the carrier can be pendently supported for storage.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machine including a wire electrode collecting device for collecting a wire electrode previously used for electric discharge machining, and a guide for guiding the previously used wire electrode to the wire electrode collecting device. The guide and/or the collecting device is movable so that the guide is movable relative to the collecting device in at least two different directions. In one embodiment, the wire collecting device is vibrated.

Abstract: A carrying case for wire and cable that includes a removable top and bottom with sides, front and back hinged at three junctions and latched at the forth. The case opens to form a linear sheet exposing six wire supporting hooks. In the closed condition two groups of three hooks are end abutting and top wall abutting thereby preventing the cable from leaving the hook in the event the case is tumbled about.

Abstract: A packaging system for storing and transporting detonating devices includes a plurality of subpack containers (12) disposed in an overpack container (24), the subpack containers being dimensioned and configured to contain therein a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices, and an overpack pad (26a) disposed in the overpack container between adjacent subpack containers. Alternatively, the system comprises at least one subpack assembly (10) including a subpack container having disposed therein a divider (14,16) defining a plurality of compartments in the subpack container, each compartment being sized to contain a plurality of unsegregated detonating devices. There is a subpack pad (18) disposed between adjacent compartments in each subpack container to limit the propagation of the detonation of one or more detonating devices and an overpack container (24) within which is disposed at least one subpack container.

Abstract: A flat can for receiving textile fiber slivers deposited therein while a jigging motion is imparted thereto comprises can sides defining an upper can bead at the top thereof. A can plate is configured to be vertically movable within the can sides between an empty position and a full position. In the empty position the can plate is at a height lower than the upper can bead. The can plate may comprise a rim around the circumference thereof which has a top generally adjacent to the upper can bead when the can plate is at the empty position. The rim may include oppositely facing incline surfaces at the ends thereof. The can sides may also include stops defined on the inner surface thereof. The stops serve to define the upper limit of travel of the can plate within the can.

Abstract: A cord caddy for storing and removing electrical extension cords. The cord caddy is an opened top container which includes a bottom with sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom to terminate in a open upper end. The sidewall includes three adjacent orifices in the lower wall portion and two adjacent orifices in the upper wall portion. A first portion of an extension cord having a first receptacle end is pulled through one of the lower orifices. The first portion or pig tail is then pulled through the other lower orifices to secure the pig tail outside the container. The remainder of the cord is packed in the container hand over hand. The second receptacle end of the cord is then secured through the upper orifices.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable, container which facilitates the storage and retrieval of flexible, elongated elements, such as line, cord, rope, hose, wire and the like is disclosed. The line storage device incorporates a base portion which enables the device to stay in a stationary position while in use. Extending from the base portion is a conically-tapered, flexible, body portion that terminates in a closeable aperture. The aperture provides an opening into the interior of the line storage device through which a first end of the line or other elongated element is passed as it is stored or retrieved. The line is linearly fed or "stuffed" into the device by the operator through a "bottle-neck" that is created by grasping the body portion near the opening of the container. As the line enters the container through the bottle-neck, it is effectively wiped clean and dry.

Abstract: A bucket shaped container is provided for transporting, storing, and dispensing electrical extension cords or other elongated filament materials. The container has a pivoted carrying handle. A cone shaped dispensing top is designed to prevent moisture from entering and drain holes are provided to dry the interior. The pivoted handle, similar to a paint can is fitted with a rubberized grip for carrying ease. Both ends of the cord are accessible at all times with one end emerging from the cone shaped top and the other emerging through a slot on the side. Both openings frictionally engage the cord to hold it at any temporary extended length.

Abstract: The suture holder is provided for a plurality of individually removable strands, in particular surgical suture material. The sutures are guided, as a bundle of strands, in parallel paths through these surrounding hollow tubular members, the paths running through the hollow members in pairs and the pairs of paths being separated from one another by the hollow members. All sutures are guided through the holder in one bundle of strands, with multiple changes of direction, in the same paths. In addition, in the reversing region of adjacent hollow members they are supported by a wall arranged transverse to the parallel paths.

Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.

Abstract: A suture package is disclosed which is formed of a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and arranged to fold upon each other to form a suture compartment between pairs of adjacent panels. A generally planar insert member includes portions cut out and lifted from the plane of the insert, respective pluralities of the cut portions being dimensioned and positioned to engage respective portions of a plurality of suture needles positioned thereon to retain the needles in respective fixed spaced positions within the package such that the needles are positioned in one needle compartment and individual flexible suture portions connected to the needles are respectively positioned in individual compartments formed by the remaining adjacent folded panels. In one embodiment portions of certain panels are cut away to reduce the girth of the folded package when loaded. Such portions may either be circular cut-outs or may be provided by dimensioning the length of certain panels less than the others.

Abstract: An improved surgical suture package has a back panel and a cover flap foldably connected to one side of the back panel. The back panel and cover flap each have a coordinating surface. The improvement comprises a plurality of embossed patterns on the coordinating surfaces of the back panel and cover flap.

Abstract: A suture material pack for surgical suture material. The pack includes a folding card with a base plate and a pair of cover plates adjoining the same in the longitudinal direction. Projecting to one side from the base plate, there is a first holding plate over which a second holding plate may be folded. The holding plates enclose the suture material and they are shorter than the suture material loop. During the placing of the suture material and the closing of the holding plates, the suture material loop can be held at the ends. The cover plates and are then folded onto the base plate and the holding plate folded thereon so that the suture material is protected. The folding card is welded into a foil sheath that is torn open to take out the filament. In doing so, a flap provided at the second cover plate is torn off so as to expose the filament end.

Abstract: A non-circular sliver container (1) is used for transporting sliver (2) to a spinning machine having a support table (3) fixed to one of its rounded ends at its upper edge. A groove (31) for receiving a reinforced introducing point (4) of the sliver (2) is provided. A recess (32) is provided in the groove (31) for allowing the point (4) of the sliver (2) to be gripped and inserted int a spinning machine.

Abstract: A package for storing a plurality of strands of flaccid items, filaments and the like, especially, for the storage of strands of dental floss. First and second ends of the floss are securely sealed within the sealed edge of the package. However, the first and second ends are not permanently sealed within the sealed edges. As a result, when the floss is removed from the sealed package only a small hole, slightly larger than the diameter of the floss, is produced. Consequently, a single piece of floss can be removed from the package without destroying the integrity of the entire package.

Abstract: A battery booster cable storage system that takes two elongated battery booster cables each having a predetermined length L and folds them back and forth upon themselves into a predetermined shape that is substantially linear and having a folded length no greater than L/3. A closed loop elastic member is secured to one of the alligator clamp assemblies at each end of the substantially linear folded shape. A gripping member may be secured to the closed loop elastic member and there is provided a cable support member that removably receives the gripping member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a chain retaining opening. The container includes a side wall which defines an enclosed chamber for receiving a length of chain. An opening provides access to the enclosed chamber from an exterior of the container. The opening is sized to permit the free passage of the chain from the enclosed chamber to dispense the chain from the container. The opening includes structure for retaining the chain from free passage from the enclosed chamber when dispensing of the chain is not desired. The retaining structure includes at least one narrowed passage which defines a cross-sectional opening smaller than the widest part of the chain and larger than the smallest portion of the chain. When the chain is positioned in the narrowed passage, the chain cannot be dispensed from the container. A sloped surface provides a gravity feed from the opening to the narrowed passage.

Abstract: A suture package is disclosed which is formed of a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and arranged to fold upon each other to form a suture compartment between pairs of adjacent panels. A generally planar insert member includes portions cut out and lifted from the plane of the insert, respective pluralities of the cut portions being dimensioned and positioned to engage respective portions of a plurality of suture needles positioned thereon to retain the needles in respective fixed spaced positions within the package such that the needles are positioned in one needle compartment and individual flexible suture portions connected to the needles are respectively positioned in individual compartments formed by the remaining adjacent folded panels. In one embodiment portions of certain panels are cut away to reduce the girth of the folded package when loaded. Such portions may either be circular cut-outs or may be provided by dimensioning the length of certain panels less than the others.

Abstract: A suture material pack for surgical suture material comprises. The pack includes a folding card (10) with a base plate (11) and a pair of cover plates (13, 14) adjoining the same in the longitudinal direction. Projecting to one side from the base plate (11), there is a first holding plate (22) over which a second holding plate (27) may be folded. The holding plates enclose the suture material (35) and they are shorter than the suture material loop. During the placing of the suture material and the closing of the holding plates, the suture material loop can be held at the ends. The cover plates (13) and (14) are then folded onto the base plate and the holding plate folded thereon so that the suture material is protected. The folding card (10) is welded into a foil sheath that is torn open to take out the filament. In doing so, a flap (14a) provided at the second cover plate (14) is torn off so as to expose the filament end.

Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.

Abstract: A package is provided for retaining at least one resilient surgical suture. The package includes a base member which is formed with an annular recessed portion and a circumjacent flexible flange portion. The package further includes an annular cover member which is mounted adjacent to the annular recessed portion of the base member to form a peripheral retaining channel into which a resilient surgical sutures may be loaded subsequent to the construction of the package. The package may also include needle park means.

Abstract: A suture package for holding needle suture combinations individually on removable insert strips. The suture package includes three folding panels, two of which releasably hold the insert strips by means of tabs, and one of which is a cover panel. At least one needle-suture combination is mounted on each strip.

Abstract: A package is provided for retaining at least one armed surgical suture including housing means having suture retention means formed therein and a needle securement area integrally formed in the housing means At least one porthole is defined in the needle securement area which is dimensioned and positioned for maintaining a surgical needle for ready removal.

Abstract: A rope container insert including a concave base and a number of rigid vertical fins extending up from the base to form a number of cavities disposed to receive and store individual sections of rope. The two outermost fins are spaced inwardly from the lateral edges of the base such that two additional cavities are formed between the rope container walls and the outermost fins. An interior fin is located between the outermost fins and includes a handle opening for moving the insert in and out of the rope containers or transferring the insert from one rope container to another. The insert is adapted for use in both rope bags and rope cans.

Abstract: This invention concerns a spool of thread which has no disposable residue. More specifically, the spool is formed of a cylinder of a knitted web of the thread which is easily unraveled as the thread is used and fed from one end. The method of making the package comprises forming a generally flat knitted web into a compact, generally cylindrical body comprising only the thread. This package is then labelled and shipped for eventual use. This product is particularly useful in that there is no residue. When the thread is used up, so is the package.

Abstract: A yarn/needlecraft accessory storage device is provided. The storage device has a hinged lid which when opened allows access to the interior. The interior section has vertically oriented cavities designed to hold yarn. Each of these cavities has a lid with a small hole in it. A small portion of yarn is placed in this small hole to indicate the color of the yarn stored therein. Also, the yarn may be pulled through the small holes to permit knitting. The storage device is designed to be of light-weight construction and portable. A cushion is attached atop the hinged lid to allow the yarn cabinet to function as a stool.

Abstract: The present invention combines the advantages of a prior art figure of 8 winding pattern with the traditional circular or oval pattern for packaging flexible cord to form what can be called a "figure of 80 pattern" which includes a generally S-shaped partial cord layer with the end of the S joining with a J-shaped portion arranged so that the straight portion of the J forms a continuation of the S and the curved portion of the J overlies the beginning of the S-shaped portion. This basic combination of S and J shapes designates only partial layers, the pattern can be repeated, that basic pattern can be connected to a plurality of oval turn layers or even a plurality of figure 8 turn layers as the user may elect. It is also possible to continue to merely alternate the basic layer form to provide a package having a high packaging density while permitting easy accommodation of fittings which are secured to the end of the cord.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting two medical devices with a flexible elongated interconnection member, such as a cord, a wire, or a tube, includes two separates lengths of the elongated member and a selectively releasable electric coupling therebetween. One or both lengths of the elongated member contain a cord dispenser which comprises a portion of that length of the cord wound into a tubular coil and a tubular casing coaxially encircling the coil and having openings at opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the inner surface of the casing is in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the coil. Depending on the manner in which the coil is wound, the cord and the coil can be controllably unwound from the coil in the casing by withdrawing an end of the cord from one or both exit openings in the casing. Preferably, however, one end of the cord passes longitudinally through the center of the coil from a winding at one end to an exit opening in the casing at the other end.

Abstract: A portable container for storing and removing elongated elements, such as an electric extension cord, is disclosed. The portable container includes an open upper end, an inner shaft within the container about which an elongated element is wrapped, and a lid covering the open upper end of the container and having at least one opening which cooperates with the inner shaft to enable an elongated element to be inserted into the container and wrapped around the inner shaft or removed from the container while being unwound from the inner shaft. The inner shaft may be hollow for accommodating and storing various products therein, with a separate inner shaft cover for overlying an open upper end of the inner shaft so as to capture the various products stored therein. The lid may have a second opening through which one end of an elongated element extends with the other end of the elongated element extending through the overlying opening in the lid.

Abstract: A light string carrier includes a lattice for holding a light string wrapped thereabout and a handle integral with the lattice. A carrier cover having two hinged members is provided to overfit the lattice with the handle protruding from the cover. Hinges on the cover members provide for removability of the cover from the lattice.

Abstract: There is disclosed a variety of single-use dental floss spindles and the process for their production from an elongated strip of semi-rigid sheet material such as paperboard, plastic or a combination thereof, such spindles being generally rectangular, preferably about two inches long by three-quarters inch wide or less, and having wound lengthwise thereon about two feet of dental floss. The spindles are preferably provided with arcuate or straight sided indentations on the ends thereof to better retain the dental floss. Other indentations or openings along the mid-section of the spindles optionally are provided for ease of use or facility of manufacture. Preferably the beginning and finishing ends of floss are secured near opposite edges of a face of the spindles and are retained by a strip of self-adhesive tape or the like, the ends and tape having been severed along with the spindle sheet as one of the last steps of the process of products carried out by hand or by machine or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable container for storing and removing elongated elements, such as an electric extension cord, is disclosed. The portable container includes an open upper end, an inner shaft within the container about which an elongated element is wrapped, and a lid covering the open upper end of the container and having at least one opening which cooperates with the inner shaft to enable an elongated element to be inserted into the container and wrapped around the inner shaft or removed from the container while being unwound from the inner shaft. The inner shaft may be hollow for accommodating and storing various products therein, with a separate inner shaft cover for overlying an open upper end of the inner shaft so as to capture the various products stored therein. The lid may have a second opening through which one end of an elongated element extends with the other end of the elongated element extending through the overlying opening in the lid.

Abstract: A holder for storing an umbrella or selective lengths of a cord for effectively reducing the length thereof while permitting lengthening thereof when desired. The holder includes a hollow container open at both ends and adapted to receive a cord folded in multiple loops within the hollow container. A retaining member is disposed within the hollow container for retaining multiple loops of a cord within the hollow container by engaging an outer surface of a portion of the multiple loops. Manually folding a cord to include multiple loops and inserting the multiple loops within the hollow container retains the cord within the hollow container to define a predetermined distance between end portions of a cord.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dental hygiene kit including a sealed flat rectangular package formed of a pair of foil lined synthetic plastic sheets sealed together around all the edges thereof and having an end portion which is tearable to open the package. Within the package is a synthetic felt pad about 3.5 by 7.0 by 0.2 cm. folded once to form a square; within the folded synthetic felt pad is approximately 30 cm. of unwaxed dental floss wound on a plastic or paper spindle about 3 cm. by 1 cm. The pad is impregnated with about two cc of liquid consisting of water, about 15% alcohol, and a dentafrice consisting of one or more of the substances thymol, eucalyptol, menthol or benzoic acid. As an alternative to the spindle for the dental floss, the floss may be contained in a transparent plastic bag about 2.5 by 3.0 cm. or may simply be wound in a flat spiral coil.

Abstract: A bird nest string feeder includes a housing having a hole therethrough the receiving one end of a bundle of string pieces. A retention element is movably mounted in the housing and is biased against the bundle to hold the string in place within the hole. The retention element is biased by the pull of gravity or a spring member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hanger for receiving convolute wound textile material that is readily crushable and for shipping and thereafter displaying the wound textile material. The hanger has a generally planar skeletal frame having impaling pins at opposite ends of an upper portion thereof. The pins impale the fabric selvage at an upper portion of the wound textile fabric to suspendingly support the fabric on the hanger. The lower selvage of the textile fabric is secured by tie-down straps to a lower portion of the hanger frame. The hanger is suitable for supporting the textile material during shipment as when inserted into an appropriately sized carton. A pair of end plugs is provided at opposite ends of the hanger to ensure that the hanger and the fabric carried thereby do not shift around inside the carton and thereby cause the fabric to be wrinkled or crushed during handling and shipment.

Abstract: A plastic bag lined container is disclosed which includes four sides, a bottom and a top, with the container including a plastic bag liner loosely disposed therein which at least covers the container sidewalls. Incorporating a plastic liner in the container for discharge of elastic tapes or threads substantially reduces friction against the sidewalls during high speed discharge, while providing air pockets for even packing along the sidewalls, achieving uniform tension in the material during discharge to assure relatively precise elastic elongation in final products wherein the elastic tapes or threads are used.

Abstract: A layered yarn package is formed of continuous filament yarn wads wherein the yarn alternates between compacted and extended lengths by axially compacting the yarn into a length, segmenting the length into alternating extended and compacted lengths then arranging the compacted lengths in a common axial direction one next to the other to form a layer. The layer may be compressed. One or more layers may form the package.

Abstract: The package of the present invention comprises a sheath formed from a folded, relatively rigid strip having structure for receiving and releasably holding the ends of the fiber to be packaged. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is between the two folded over parts of the strip with the ends of the fiber anchored in place in a pair of slits. The sheath is in a pouch formed by a pair of foil members on opposite sides of the sheath. When ready for use, the package is opened by peeling the foil members apart, thereby exposing the sheath and permitting access to the fiber carried by the sheath. An improved apparatus and method are provided to form the package. In the first instance, the sheath is prepared by first folding a strip of relatively rigid material, such as siliconized polyester, the moving the folded strip along a path of travel and feeding the fiber into the region between the parts of the strip as the strip moves.

Abstract: The package of the present invention comprises a sheath formed from a folded, relatively rigid strip having structure for receiving and releasably holding the ends of the fiber to be packaged. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is between the two folded over parts of the strip with the ends of the fiber anchored in place in a pair of slits. The sheath is in a pouch formed by a pair of foil members on opposite sides of the sheath. When ready for use, the package is opened by peeling the foil members apart, thereby exposing the sheath and permitting access to the fiber carried by the sheath. An improved apparatus and method are provided to form the package. In the first instance, the sheath is prepared by first folding a strip of relatively rigid material, such as siliconized polyester, then moving the folded strip along a path of travel and feeding the fiber into the region between the parts of the strip as the strip moves.