Abstract: A device for the production of padding products has a product guide, a product drive along a drive axis (Y), and a product crumpling device. The guide is attached to a part of the device mechanically at at least a part of its section and is held on another part of the device by magnetic repulsion forces.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for a dunnage system to facilitate efficient coupling together of supply units of pre-configured sheet stock material, such as, for example, separate units of fanfold stacks of pre-configured sheet stock material, in a manner of continuous supply with a continuous pocket extending longitudinally between the separate supply units, so that they can interact with an expander of the dunnage system without disruption as one supply unit is depleted and a next supply unit is fed through the dunnage system. Also, various methods, apparatus, and systems are provided to facilitate smooth operation of a dunnage machine of the dunnage system to reduce a tendency of the pre-configured sheet stock material to jam and to increase the tendency of dunnage product generated to reflect a desired shape and stability.

Abstract: A machine for converting a sheet material into a relatively less dense dunnage product includes a forming assembly and a feeding assembly downstream of the forming assembly. The forming assembly is configured to cause lateral edges of the sheet material to roll towards one another, forming a tubular shape. A deflector at a downstream end of the forming assembly is configured to engage the lateral edges of the sheet material and to urge the lateral edges into an interior of the tubular shape. This juxtaposes lateral edge portions of the sheet material adjacent the respective lateral edges. A forming channel at a downstream end of the forming assembly faces the deflector to receive the lateral edge portions and shape them into a tab. Finally, the feeding assembly includes rotating connecting members that engage and connect together the overlapping lateral edge portions of the sheet material forming the tab.

Abstract: A protective product, such as, e.g., an envelope or pouch, is provided that includes at least one expanded slit paper sheet in an expanded state, and an embossed paper sheet facing the expanded slit paper sheet and fixed to the expanded slit paper sheet along at least a portion of a length in an expansion direction of the expanded slit sheet paper. In the preferred embodiments, the embossed paper sheet has a plurality of embossings that increase the rigidity of the embossed paper sheet, thereby inhibiting deformation of the embossed paper sheet that is fixed to the expanded slit sheet paper.

Abstract: An envelope construct having at least two layers and at least two sheet layers and a tilde matrix core placed there between. The tilde matrix core formed as a slit web material having a straight or curvilinear structure that is substantially longer than it is wide, with specially shaped slits, “tilde-slits”, which permit relatively easy expansion upon deployment. The expandable web material is especially well suited for construction of a light-weight, padded envelope that is durable and can withstand significant pressure during use.

Abstract: A wellbore cement composition includes substantially unhydrated cement powder and additive powder for cement. The additive powder is formulated from ingredients including a liquid additive for cement and solid carrier particles. The liquid additive is absorbed by the solid carrier particles. A wellbore cementing method includes using a dry cement composition, adding water to the dry cement composition, forming a cement slurry, placing the slurry in a wellbore, and setting the placed slurry. The dry cement composition contains substantially unhydrated cement powder and retarder powder for cement. The retarder powder contains a retarder absorbed by solid carrier particles.

Abstract: A slit web material has a curvilinear structure that is substantially longer than it is wide, with specially shaped slits, “tilde-slits”, which permit relatively easy expansion upon deployment. The cuts are arranged in continuous rows of tilde-slits. In any given row, the tilde-slits follow one-after-the-other in a curvilinear direction. Adjacent rows of slits are parallel to each other, but are offset from one another such that a line drawn between adjacent tilde-slits in adjacent rows is not perpendicular to the direction of the rows. The invention contemplates that the material dispenses from a continuous roll. If the slits are arranged in the longitudinal direction, then the web material expands in the width direction only upon deployment. However, if the slits are arranged such that the row direction is at some angle to the longitudinal direction, then the web material expands in both directions upon deployment.

Abstract: A sandwich structure based on a composite panel made of a thermoplastic core layer connected to at least one fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer, in particular in-situ manufactured sandwich panels, comprises a thermoplastic core, which is arranged between two cover layers, in which the core is reinforced with fiber-reinforced thermoplastic reinforcing ribs which extend between the cover layers. Preferred methods for the manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention comprise an off-set gear assembly for use in producing cushioning material and methods for using the same. Each gear of the off-set gear assembly has at least two sections. Each section includes a set of gear teeth. The gear teeth of the two sections can be rotationally off-set and this can result in the production of cushioning material with staggered ridges. Some embodiments of the present invention also comprising cushioning material with staggered ridges.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising as principal components, a polymerizable component, an ambient temperature radical polymerization catalyst system and a photoinitiator. The adhesive may optionally comprise an adhesion promoter, a toughener, an epoxy, and a filler material. Further, a two-part reactive adhesive comprising, a first part comprising, (i) at least one free radical-polymerizable monomer, (ii) at least one reducing agent, and (iii) a photoinitiator, and a second part comprising an oxidizing agent that is reactive at ambient temperature with the reducing agent to produce free radicals that are capable of initiating and propagating free radical polymerization.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoplastic elastomer films and bags made from thermoplastic elastomer films and also to methods for making thermoplastic elastomer films and bags. The thermoplastic elastomer films of the present invention are composed of thermoplastic elastomers and non-elastic polyesters. The bags of the present invention are fabricated using blended monolayer thermoplastic films that include a blend of thermoplastic elastomer and a non-elastic polyester, or co-extruded multi-layer films that include at least one layer of thermoplastic elastomer and at least one layer of non-elastic polyester. The blended monolayer thermoplastic films of the present invention are useful in the food handling industry and particularly in the meat packaging industry and for use in cooking bag applications. The co-extruded films of the present invention are also useful in the food handling industry and particularly the meat packaging industry and for use in meat casing applications.

Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has at least one, preferably two or three, series of cuts extending between major surfaces of the blanket with successive cuts of each series of cuts being separated by a series of separable connectors located intermediate the major surfaces of the blanket. Each series of separable connectors hold together adjacent sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at one or more of the series of separable connectors for insulating a cavity having a lesser width.

Abstract: A sheet of material which is made two dimensional which includes portions that are removed that allows the sheet to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps: a) Manufacture of a prismatic core corresponding to the desired form of the thermal insulation element from a porous material; b) Enveloping of the principal faces of this core with a single sheet of the gas-tight foil; c) At least partial welding together of the foil which is drawn tight around the core along the face of the core; d) Folding-in of the welded seam area of the foil against the face of the core; e) Stress-free folding-together of the areas of the cut sheet of gas-tight foil projecting beyond the core, covering and in flat contact with the end surface(s) of the core; f) Welding together of the folded-together areas of foil on at least on

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoplastic elastomer films and bags made from thermoplastic elastomer films and also to methods for making thermoplastic elastomer films and bags. The thermoplastic elastomer films of the present invention are composed of thermoplastic elastomers and non-elastic polyesters. The bags of the present invention are fabricated using blended monolayer thermoplastic films that include a blend of thermoplastic elastomer and a non-elastic polyester, or co-extruded multi-layer films that include at least one layer of thermoplastic elastomer and at least one layer of non-elastic polyester. The blended monolayer thermoplastic films of the present invention are useful in the food handling industry and particularly in the meat packaging industry and for use in cooking bag applications. The co-extruded films of the present invention are also useful in the food handling industry and particularly the meat packaging industry and for use in meat casing applications.

Abstract: A printing blanket comprising: a) at least one lithographic or printing layer comprising elastomer; b) a compressible layer, c) a reinforcement layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of threads and fibers, wherein at least one free extremity edge has a thickness which is reduced by at least 25% in relation to the thickness of the remainder of the blanket, wherein the at least one free extremity edge having reduced thickness comprises between 5-15% of the overall surface area of the blanket, and wherein the lithographic or printing layer, the compressible layer and the reinforcement layer are continuous from one edge of the blanket to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable fabrics which comprise two separated and distinct fabric layers in discrete areas of such fabrics as well as connecting seam-producing materials to which such fabric layers are simultaneously attached. The resultant inflatable fabric composite thus includes inflatable areas separated, at least partially, by seamed barrier areas. This configuration will form “pillowed” structures within the target fabric upon inflation. Such connecting seam-producing materials are incorporated within the two-layer structure as peel seams in relation with the individual fabric layers. Upon inflation, the seams then act as shear seams which greatly increases the overall strength of the two-layer inflatable fabric. These shear seams thus provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary.

Abstract: An edge protector for the edges of roll shaped articles, e.g. pallets, reeled steel and paper products is made from an elongated sheet (10) of plastics material, the sheet having an indentation (11) extending longitudinally along a major surface of the sheet and extending only partially into the thickness of the sheet. The indentation (11) divides the sheet into webs (12, 13) which are folded into an L-shape.

Abstract: A sheet of material which is made two dimensional which includes portions that are removed that allows the sheet to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for baling waste prior to the waste being disposed in a landfill by either encasing waste in degradable film and compacting the film and waste or wrapping compacted waste in degradable film. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method for baling waste to maximize airspace savings while simultaneously fulfilling the environmental agencies' requirements for alternative daily cover. In the preferred embodiment of the method for baling waste of the present invention, the method comprises: compressing and compacting loose waste; inserting the compressed waste into a bag made from an alternative daily cover; and sealing the bag about the waste. The bag not only contains and encases the waste, but also maintains rigidity and form of the compressed bale.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable fabrics which comprise two separated and distinct fabric layers in discrete areas of such fabrics as well as C-shaped seam-producing materials to which such fabric layers are attached. The resultant inflatable fabric composite this includes inflatable areas separated, at least partially, by seamed barrier areas. This configuration will form “pillowed” structures within the target fabric upon inflation. Such seam-producing materials are incorporated within the two-layer structure as C-shaped peel seams in relation with the individual fabric layers. Upon inflation, the seams then act as shear seams which greatly increases the overall strength of the two-layer inflatable fabric. These shear seams thus provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary.

Abstract: Pre-folded stock material for use in a cushioning conversion machine which converts the pre-folded stock material into a three-dimensional cushioning product. The stock material includes at least one ply having a plurality of layers at two of which are joined at a longitudinally extending fold. The stock material is preferably biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable paper and may be supplied in a roll or in a fan-folded stack.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, converting method and dunnage product characterized by a novel connecting assembly which provides a unique interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material forming a dunnage product to prevent "unzippering" of the product. The connecting assembly includes a pair of loosely meshed stitching wheels, a first one of the stitching wheels having a plurality of radial projections protruding from a radially outer circumferential surface thereof, and a second one of the stitching wheels including a plurality of recesses for receiving the radial projections in meshed relationship upon rotation of the stitching wheels.

Abstract: A writable compact disk has a plastic substrate, a recording layer, a reflecting layer, and a protective overcoat, the reflecting layer is comprised of a silver-palladium alloy, a silver-copper alloy, or a silver-palladium-copper alloy. By maintaining the palladium component of the alloy less that 15 at. % and the copper component of the alloy less than 30 at. %, the reflectance of the reflecting layer can be similar to the typical gold reflecting layer while jitter and NORP levels can be reduced for illumination power levels exceeding the power normally used to write on the recording layer.

Abstract: A plastic tube and a method and apparatus for forming it in which a strip of relatively thin plastic sheet material is cut from a roll of the material and wound around a mandrel. Overlapping ends of the strip are sealed to form the tube. The edge of the strip is inwardly bent to form an inwardly extending lip. When used in the manufacture of a capacitor, the tube is placed in a can on top of the disc of insulating material and a capacitor roll is placed in the tube. The edge of the sheet material can be pre-creased so that when folded inwardly, darts of the material form the lip.

Abstract: An instrument trim panel (12) includes a shell (14) made from a flexible plastic material. A textured section (18) is circumscribed by a simulated seam (20). A closed cell plastic block (28) is press fitted behind the textured section. An air pocket (26) is interposed between the block and textured section. A rigid substrate (22) is molded and cured behind the shell (14) and block (28). The air pocket allows the textured section to be deformed to simulate the appearance and feel of a leather applique.

Abstract: A padded construction useful for straps or irregularly-shaped articles is provided which includes a pair of opposed outer panels and a core sandwiched between the outer panels with side margins extending between the latter and having the core between the side margins. One of the outer panels and the side margins are formed of a closed cell neoprene synthetic resin foam material, whereas the core includes a length of synthetic resin (e.g., nylon or polyester) webbing. In one embodiment, the outer panels and side margins are integrated to present a tubular section of the neoprene foam material, and the core is disposed within the tubular section; an exterior decorative leather piece may be attached by sewing through the tubular subassembly. In another embodiment, the core includes an internal leather strap to which the webbing is attached, and neoprene is first applied to the core subassembly and is wrapped around the side margins thereof in an overlapping fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sorbent article comprising at least two contiguous layers formed from a single sheet, said layers being joined at a fold in said sheet and being intermittently releasably bonded together.

Abstract: The laminated mat of the present invention is suitable for protecting a surface from liquid spills. The mat includes a means for retaining the spills within the laminated mat; a means for channeling the spills throughout the laminated mat; and a means for absorbing the channeled spills. The retained means comprises a sheet of nonporous plastic material. The nonporous sheet is preferably a cushioning, bubble-pack of polyeyhelene and nylon. The channeling means is the bumpy bubble-pack surface. The absorbing means comprises an absorbent sheet, which absorbs the liquid spills that are retained on the nonporous sheet. The nonporous sheet is adhered to the absorbent sheet by a heat bonding process, whereby a polytube heat sealer seals the perimeter of the absorbent sheet to the nonporous sheet. The absorbent material may also be folded several times, and adhered to itself to form an absorbent roll.

Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.

Abstract: A flexible, cushioning dunnage product producible on a converter mechanism from a roll of sheet-like stock material, such as biodegradable paper. As the stock material is pulled off the roll by the converter, the edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly to form pillow-like portions which are urged by the converter mechanism laterally inwardly with respect to one another into confronting abutting relation, with the pillow-like portions being then connected together along their engaged abutting sides by in the preferred embodiment, transversely extending coined sections extending transversely of the product and defining a generally central connecting portion running in a direction lengthwise of the product.

Abstract: A laminated continuous sheet which, when cut, forms individual disposable diapers is moved at high speed in the direction of the length thereof, whereby in an air zone of predetermined thickness disposed on at least a predetermined surface of the laminated continuous sheet, there is produced with the travel of the laminated continuous sheet an air flow having a velocity gradient such that the speed of the air flow increases as the predetermined surface is approached. Baby powder is fed at a position within the air zone of predetermined thickness so that it contacts the air zone. By utilizing a decreasing-pressure phenomenon produced by the air flow having a velocity gradient described above in which the pressure decrease as the predetermined surface of the laminated continuous sheet is approached, baby powder is caused to adhere to the predetermined surface as it is drawn toward the predetermined surface of the laminated continuous sheet.

Abstract: A sheath structure (10) for use as a backrest for a chair or as a seat, envelope, wallet, purse, handbag, panel, etc., comprising pliable sheet material (32) stretched on a frame (20)and presenting spaced-apart front and rear exterior surfaces (33, 39). The frame is made up of at least two spaced-apart front and rear frame elements (26, 24), each corresponding to the front and rear exterior surfaces (33, 39). The frame elements define an intermediate space therebetween. The sheet material (32) forms the front and rear exterior surfaces (33, 39), extends over the frame elements (26, 24), and is tucked in within the intermediate space, and tension means, such as elastics (38), cooperate with respective tucked-in portions of the sheet material (32) so as to stretch the sheet material on the frame.

Abstract: A packing laminate in the form of a web with thinned edge zones is manufactured by providing a wide raw material web simultaneously with a number of parallel thinned areas. The raw material web is then covered with layers of thermoplastic material, whereupon it is divided into webs of the desired width by means of cuts placed asymmetrically in the said thickness--reduced areas. As a result the finished laminate webs obtain thermoplastic-covered, thickness-reduced edge zones of different widths.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage producing mechanism and method wherein the mechanism utilizes one or more webs of sheet-like stock material, with the stock material being adapted to be disposed by the mechanism in generally superimposed relation and then fed into a crumpler section of tubular-like construction, to radially compress the sheet-like material into a pad-like dunnage product. The lateral edges of the stock material are caused to be rolled inwardly into generally spiral-like form, prior to passage of the stock material into the crumpler section, by a forming frame of generally triangular-like shape both in plan and in side elevation, with the nose of the forming frame being disposed closely adjacent the entranceway to the crumpler section. Meshed spur gears coacting with the crumpler section, coin or stitch the confronting portions of the rolled edges of stock material together, to hold the produced dunnage product in a pad-like configuration.

Abstract: A tarpaulin or other similar protective cover of flexible sheet material is adapted to be tied down securely with the aid of a single tie-down line extending around its periphery. The periphery is edge-finished with a continuous hollow conduit laterally fluted at equally spaced intervals with identical semi-circular cut-outs deep into the hollow conduit. Each cut-out defines a hole in the conduit wall which, in use of the tarpaulin with a tie-down line loosely contained in, and longer than, the conduit, permits a length portion of the line to be pulled outwardly from the conduit in a looped configuration for anchoring attachment to a respective tie-down device. Tearing of the tarpaulin by anchoring forces exerted thereon by way of the single tie-down line is effectively resisted, notwithstanding the absence of grommets or other relatively expensive reinforcement measures.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable covering in the form of a sheet which is heat shrinkable in a longitudinal direction, and a stiffening member connected at each of two longitudinally spaced transversely extending superimposable zones of the sheet. One stiffening member has holes and the other studs in the form of arm portions which are insertable through the holes to secure the stiffening members together. The arm portions can be flattened down onto the outside of the covering to retain the stiffening members together while reducing risk of the studs interfering with items such as cables adjacent the covered article. Preferably the studs have a resiliently compressible head portion which snap fits into holes formed through the sheet adjacent the holes in the stiffening member to facilitate locating the overlapped zones of the sheet relative to one another. In use, the sheet is wrapped around an article, the stiffening members are engaged together, and the sheet is then heat shrunk.

Abstract: A reinforced elastomer attachment joint includes an elastomer section (304) butt bonded to a FIBERGLAS section (332), a boundary line (340) being defined therebetween. One or more fabric plies (338) are embedded within the elastomer (304) and FIBERGLAS (332) sections so as to be capable of transmitting loads from the elastomer section (304) to the FIBERGLAS section (332). The rigid FIBERGLAS section (332) is capable of being drilled and countersunk so as to accomodate fastening means (306) whereby the attachment joint can be secured to basic support structure (302).

Abstract: The invention concerns a gypsum construction board in which a gypsum core is faced with a two-layer laminate comprised of a nonwoven fiber felt and a glass fiber web of crossed glass fibers wherein the glass fiber web of crossed glass fibers is embedded in the gypsum core and the laminate is in the form of a laminate sheet which extends across the width of the board.

Abstract: A strip (56) of non-metallic material and one (59) of a metallic material are wrapped simultaneously about an advancing cable core (32) to enclose partially the core. Then longitudinal edge portions (71, 72) of the strip of non-metallic material are separated by a shoe (150) which permits movement of the edge portions in a direction circumferentially of the core. One longitudinal edge portion (72) of the non-metallic strip becomes confined in a guideway (118) of a tool (99) and longitudinal edge portions (73, 74) of the metallic strip (59) are guided along guideways (117, 118) of the tool as the strips are moved through a converging passageway (103). This controls the relative circumferential movement between the edge portions as the strips are moved through the passageway to form a core wrap (33) and a shield (34).

Abstract: A longitudinally divided cable sleeve having a strip-like sleeve member composed of thermo-plastic synthetic material having a memory shape characterized by the slot between the edges being covered by either the longitudinal edges being overlapped with respect to one another or one of the edges having an overlapping extension and with at least one of said edges having a mechanical reinforcement so that the edges are more thermally stable than the remainder of the strip when subjected to heat for shrinking the sleeve onto an object. The reinforcements may be completely embedded into the material of the strip, partially embedded or placed on outer surfaces thereof. Preferably, the reinforcements also support or provide interlocking connecting elements such as hook and catch elements for securing the edges together and the connection elements aid in taking up the shrinking force created during the shrinking operation.

Abstract: The formation of articles using an elongated strip which has on it a series of longitudinally positioned upstanding ribs to form between them a series of longitudinally positioned channels and including connectors on the strip spaced apart transversely on the strip whereby the strip can be wound helically to form an elongated object with the connectors interengated along a helical line to lock the strip in object form.

Abstract: A method of making a bond structure and a bond structure are provided that produce concurrently a peel bond and a lap bond. One end of a sheet to be joined to a second end of the same or other sheet is folded back on itself and on end of the other member inserted. The two pairs of contacting surfaces thus formed are subsequently bonded to each other. The bonding may be by any means and the clamping force across the bond during bonding need be applied from one side of the sheet only. By insuring that the peel bond fails before the material, a flat lap bond may be achieved by causing only the peel bond to fail.

Abstract: A packing laminate of the type comprising at least two layers of material and at least two converging or intersecting crease lines which assist the conversion of the laminate to a packing container is disclosed. The laminate is provided with at least one auxiliary crease line where the crease lines converge or intersect in order to prevent crack formation in the layers of the laminate and consequent leakage in the container formed therefrom. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing a laminate in which the laminate is provided with auxiliary crease lines after the converging or intersecting crease lines have been provided.

Abstract: A rotatable floor treating pad is provided by uniformly modifying a strip of conformable low-density abrasive product to provide an expandable zone on one side, a contractable zone on the other side, or both, each or a combination of which permits formation of the strip into an annulus without buckling, forming an annulus of the strip and setting the formed annulus to cause it to maintain its shape.

Abstract: In a pipe insulating jacket comprising a hollow cylinder made of a soft foamed material and an outer sleeve with abutting edges parallel to the axis of the pipe, the improvement wherein the outer sleeve is formed by a metal foil carrying a heat-softenable coating on its inside, the inside of the metal foil being bonded throughout to the surface of the soft foamed material and in proximity to the abutting edges being welded to itself along its upwardly bent edges. Advantageously the foam is closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene of a bulk density of about 30 kg/m.sup.3, the coating is unfoamed uncrosslinked polyethylene about 30.mu. thick, and the metal foil is an aluminum foil about 18.mu. thick carrying on its outside a foil of heat-softenable polyester about 5 to 20.mu. thick.

Abstract: Straps or belt loop strips are formed with the apparatus and method of the present invention by folding a strip of fabric about a strip of fusible material, threading the folded, combined strip back and forth between two side-by-side, counter-rotating cylinders so that, in the preferred embodiment, the strip forms a plurality of figure eight patterns over and between the two cylinders, and heating the cylinders to a temperature which is above the melting point of the fusible strip but below the scorching point of the material. The speed at which the cylinders are counter-rotated with respect to each other is chosen, in conjunction with the number of loops of the combined strip over the cylinders, to place the combined strip in contact with the heated surface for a length of time sufficient to accomplish complete fusing.

Abstract: A ribbon sleeve for boxes, especially gift boxes, comprising a sheet-material blank having an elongated strip portion provided at each end with a pair of lobes. First fold lines are provided at the junction of the lobes with the respective end of the blank. The fold lines intersect one another in a point which is adapted to be placed onto a respective corner of the box. Second fold lines are provided in each lobe spaced from and parallel to the respective first fold lines. This enables the lobes to be bent along the first fold lines to overlie the sides of the box and portions of the lobes to be bent underneath the box along the second fold lines. A slit is provided in one lobe of each pair and a tab on the other lobe of the pair and insertable into the slit to serve as a connecting means for the lobes.

Abstract: In a system for making bonded belt loops, a layer of thermally activated adhesive material is provided on one side of a strip of interfacing material. The reverse side of a strip of belt loop material is engaged with the side of the strip of interfacing material opposite the adhesive layer. An endless belt is utilized to transport the strip of belt loop material and the strip of interfacing material along support structure and into engagement with a revolving .[.bonded.]. .Iadd.bonding .Iaddend.drum. Rotating knives are disposed on opposite sides of the support structure for trimming the strip of belt loop material to a predetermined width. Thereafter a folding apparatus is utilized to fold the opposite edges of the strip of belt loop material around the strip of interfacing material. The bonding drum includes heating apparatus and functions to activate the adhesive layer on the strip of interfacing material.