Including Folding Patents (Class 493/231)
  • Patent number: 6872177
    Abstract: The present invention is a card creasing and embossing device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device for creasing and embossing greeting cards. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of crease plates in a stack. The base plate has a top side with a crease line depression and each of the plurality of crease plates have a top side and bottom side whereby the top side of one crease plate opposes the bottom side of an adjoining crease plate. The top side of each crease plate has at least one crease line depression; the bottom side of each crease plate has at least one crease blade for insertion into at least one crease line depression on the adjoining crease plate top side. The crease plates preferably each have a selection tab indicating the fold configuration for the crease plate. The preferred embodiment of the invention has a paper cutter hingedly connect on its top. The crease plates preferably have paper guide depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Dwight E. Fullington
  • Patent number: 6796428
    Abstract: An expanding, portable envelope for use in transporting papers compartmentalized into organized sections is formed of a base sheet and a divider sheet. The two sheets are secured by a pair of transverse lines of sealing across the bottom of the envelope. A pair of divider panels is thereby created from a single divider sheet. Moreover, the bottoms of the pockets created between the divider sheets and the front and rear panels formed from the base sheet are closed, so that papers cannot slip down underneath the divider panels. The base sheet defines side panels that extend from one of the front and rear panels, and are heat sealed to the other. Bottom attachment tongues formed as extensions from the side panels are directed inwardly toward each other at the bottom of the envelope and are also permanently attached to the divider sheet so as to close and reinforce the bottom corners of the expanding envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Publication number: 20040185993
    Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus has a sheet folding unit which can apply at least letter folding on a sheet, and a folding mode selecting device which can selectively cause the sheet folding unit to operate in a letter folding mode. The apparatus further has a control device which controls the sheet folding unit in accordance with the folding mode selected by the folding mode selecting device. A sheet processing apparatus using the sheet folding apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connectable to the sheet folding apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Raita Doi
  • Patent number: 6740020
    Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to successively make plastic bags. The apparatus comprises a trapezoidal plate including a short edge having opposite ends from which opposite oblique edges extend divergently. The trapezoidal plate comprises a double walled structure in which clearance means is formed between walls. The apparatus further comprises drive means by which the trapezoidal plate is moved in a direction of height of trapezoid so that the short edge can be engaged with the bottom gusset material. In addition, the apparatus comprises a pair of folding plates arranged to be engaged with the bottom gusset material and then inserted into the clearance means at positions corresponding to the oblique edges in accordance with the movement of the trapezoidal plate so that the bottom gusset material can be inserted into the clearance means by the folding plates to be folded into halves along the short edge and folded into the clearance means along the oblique edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Totani Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Horibe, Yoshiaki Fujito, Toshinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 6685791
    Abstract: A method for producing for deployment in an air bag module an air bag which in its inflated condition has a three-dimensional form via the fabrication of a two layered material web from which individual air bag cut-outs are continuously cut includes connecting the material web layers to one another along closed contours such that the edges so formed from the connection of the material web layers to one another exhibit a trapezoidal-like shape. The method also includes cutting along a cutting line such that the path of the cutting line of the individual air bag cut-out to be cut out does not correspond, in the area of the corners of the longer trapezoid side, to the contour edge but, instead, to contribute to the formation of the height of the three-dimensional air bag,extends inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: German Frei
  • Patent number: 6682063
    Abstract: Dual folding apparatus using multi-width parent rolls to produce color sequenced stacks of napkins, including means for unwinding, slitting and advancing same-color product webs to a turning and lane separating device to selectively transfer first-color webs to one of two ‘folding’ lanes and selectively transfer second-color webs to the other lane. First and second-color webs in superposed side by side advancement are embossed, and webs of the same color are directed to one side of a dual folder for longitudinal folding, cutoff, and transverse folding while the second-color web is processed in the other side of the dual folder. Napkins of one color are superposed on napkins of a second color and delivered as a pair between delivery belts for packout into stacks having napkins of alternating color. Two adjacent delivery lanes deliver stacks of the same mixed colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Publication number: 20030197322
    Abstract: Dual folding apparatus using multi-width parent rolls to produce color sequenced stacks of napkins, including means for unwinding, slitting and advancing same-color product webs to a turning and lane separating device to selectively transfer first-color webs to one of two ‘folding’ lanes and selectively transfer second-color webs to the other lane. First and second-color webs in superposed side by side advancement are embossed, and webs of the same color are directed to one side of a dual folder for longitudinal folding, cutoff, and transverse folding while the second-color web is processed in the other side of the dual folder. Napkins of one color are superposed on napkins of a second color and delivered as a pair between delivery belts for packout into stacks having napkins of alternating color. Two adjacent delivery lanes deliver stacks of the same mixed colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6635003
    Abstract: A method for laying out an envelope blank on a sheet of material using a template having a straightedge portion with layout edge and an alignment portion with alignment field. The user places an item to be enclosed in an envelope onto the sheet, places marks thereon to locate approximately the corners of the item and removes the item. The user places the template thereon, adjustably aligns the edge of the straightedge portion on the sheet until the alignment element is lined up as parallel as possible with two diagonally opposed marks. The layout edge being thus aligned, the user draws a line representing a layout line substantially along the edge. In repeating this process for each mark, the user draws remaining layout lines. After drawing all layout lines, the user removes the template from the sheet; the envelope blank is formed from the layout lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Eric A. Marchant
  • Patent number: 6635002
    Abstract: A seal cutter for a plastic bag includes a folding device, a conveyor device, a point cut-off device, a tension control device, and a coreless winding device. The folding device includes a rectangular guide plate, a triangular guide plate rested on the rectangular guide plate, and an oblique drive rod located above the triangular guide plate. The tension control device includes a fixed roller set, a movable roller set, and a chain set for moving the movable roller set to engage the fixed roller set. The coreless winding device includes a piston rod structure, and a clamping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Yong-Tsang Yeh
  • Patent number: 6564843
    Abstract: A fastener tape for use in the manufacture of reclosable plastic bags is provided. The fastener tape comprises an intermediate layer and a reclosable fastener profile thereon. The intermediate layer includes three layers of co-extruded plastic, with not more than 4% EVA as the outer two layers and HDPE as the middle layer. The intermediate layer is folded so as to bring portions of the intermediate layer into an opposing relationship. These opposing portions are then sealed together by a pair of seal bars. By carefully controlling the sealing temperature, a consistent peel seal is created between the opposing portions of the intermediate layer without the need for an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Johnson, Daniel T. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6526733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning a packing material tube (1) with a treatment station in a packaging machine in which a tube (1) with a circular cross-section is produced from a strip of printed packaging material having embossed lines. Said tube is closed by longitudinally sealing it, filled and shaped in a cross-sealing unit (12) and divided into cuboid packages. The unit (12) is provided with an adjustable lift of stroke so that it intermittently convey the tube (1). It is also provided on diametrical sides with a folding flap (16) that can be pivoted about an axis (15). For feeling the position mark, a sensor is arranged. The aim of the invention is to facilitate a faster termination of the initial phase when the packaging machine is put into operation while at the same time producing less cuttings and to prevent the paper tube from being damaged. To this end, a folding finger (19) is arranged upstream of every folding flap (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Frank Mario Schellenberg, Steffen Polster, Mauro Cavazzuti
  • Patent number: 6478723
    Abstract: A multiple envelope assembly is made at a common location from a number of different webs of paper using a machine with multiple stations. A first envelope is adhesively secured to a second envelope which has an area at least 10% (preferably at least 20%) greater than the first envelope, and at least one of and preferably both of the outer surfaces of the first and second envelopes have common variable indicia (such as an addressee's name). The common variable indicia is also provided on one or more inserts in each of the first and second envelopes. Addressee indicia is provided on the outer surfaces of at least one of the first and second envelopes. The variable indicia is preferably applied using an ink jet printing assembly, while non-variable multi-color indicia is applied to the envelopes and/or inserts using multi-color flexographic print stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Moore USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Travers, Bruce Liesch, Judy Rottier, Dennis Nachtwey
  • Patent number: 6432033
    Abstract: A method of folding a side gas bag in a packet form having a gas bag consisting of a substantially rectangular fabric section having rounded corners, a connecting plate for connecting to a gas generator and having fastening bolts projecting through the fabric section includes the steps of folding the fabric section along a first fold edge to an approximately square shape with free edges; arranging the free edges one over the other; and connecting the free edges with each other to form the closed bag. During the folding, a free space i8s formed between two adjacent layers of the fabric sections for the insertion of a fold rule. Thereafter, the free space is widened by means of a fold rule and the remaining fabric material is then, by means of further fold rules externally engaging and inserted, folded in on both sides from a center of the free space several times in meandering from in layers parallel to the connecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Claudia Salzmann, Andreas Weis
  • Patent number: 6425847
    Abstract: In the case of a method for producing a packing material from plastic film or a similar weldable material in the form of a bag or sack with side folds, the front and rear walls, as well as the side walls are formed from separate sections of material, which are connected with one another by welded seams. The material sections of the front wall and the rear wall are formed from a first and a second flat main sheet of material which, after a mutual overlapping is brought about, are conveyed in a first, common conveying direction. A third flat sheet of material is folded into a web with side folds, severed from the sections with side folds at a specified length and conveyed in a second direction transversely to the first conveying direction and placed upon one of the two main sheets of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Klaus Reinhold Maschinen-und Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Broenstrup
  • Patent number: 6413199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing edge-sealed packaging container blanks. The manufacturing process starts from a continuous material web with an outside layer and an inside, the inside layer extending outside the one edge of the web and formign a fixed strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Ingvar Andersson, Thomas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 6375605
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing selected color or material sequences with a stack of transversely folded products. Slit product width webs are longitudinally folded and advanced by slow speed feed rolls to a plurality of anvil rolls and segments are retarded so that voids are created in each of two or more streams of segments that are synchronized to create a continuous series of segments on the surface of a common carrier cylinder. Single or doublefolds can be made during or after transfer to the carrier. Reduced web speed from each parent roll results in longer run time between roll changes. In another embodiment, a central intermediate frame permits use of a plurality of half width cutoff units cooperating with a full width hollow carrier cylinder for processing of wide parent rolls without intermediate off-line slitting and rewinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6339911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing packaging bags having lateral bellows, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps consisting in: forming respective cutouts (150, 160) in each of the two lateral, bellows-forming zones of a packaging bag sheet (100) so that the bag has only two thicknesses superposed at the mouth of said bellows, at least over a portion of its width; and heat-sealing (184, 186) the adjacent edges of the sheet to the peripheries of the cutouts (150, 160) to close the bag. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the method and bags obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Georges Henri Bois
  • Patent number: 6283905
    Abstract: A system (10) for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (58) operable to segment a fabric web (42) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (86). The system also includes a rotary folder (96) comprising a plurality of folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) rotates about an axis spaced apart from axes of the folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) is operable to receive the web segments (86) at a first location and fold the web segments one or more times while rotating from the first location to a second location about the rotary folder (96) axis. The system further includes a transfer station (62) operable to receive the folded web segments (86) from the rotary folder (96) at the second location and deliver the folded web segments (86) to a third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon
    Inventor: Balbir Singh
  • Patent number: 6264594
    Abstract: A device for handling documents comprising a housing containing at least three document receiving stations for shredding a document, folding a document, punching holes in a document, fastening a document, and opening an envelope. The stations corresponding to the shredding means, the folding means, and the envelope means may be adjacent, such that they may be driven by a common drive motor. The common motor enables the device to be compact, such that it may be placed on desk for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Printed Forms Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Oliver Iddon
  • Patent number: 6241287
    Abstract: A coupon card assembly (10) having a first card half (12) and a second card half (14). Both the first (12) and second (14) card halves include a liner (20, 26) and two layers of card stock (22, 24, 28, 30) sandwiching the respective liner (20, 26) therebetween. A number of mini-coupons (36) are detachably cut into each of the card halves (12, 14) through an inner layer of card stock (24, 30). The card assembly (10) is characterized by a living hinge (40) interconnecting the first card half (12) with the second card half (14) to define a dual coupon card assembly (10) wherein the first card half (12) may be folded upon the second card half (14). The subject invention provides a structurally sound coupon card assembly (10) with numerous mini-coupons (36) wherein the coupon card assembly (10) may be folded to form a relatively compact card preferably the size of a standard credit card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Saxon, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Best, James F. Turner
  • Patent number: 6234944
    Abstract: A storage bag formed from a thermoplastic film includes a pad secured to the inside bottom thereof. The pad is disposed adjacent the bag material at or near the bottom by one or more strips of material extending across the pad. Each strip has an intermediate portion extending over the pad and two opposed portions each affixed on opposite sides of the intermediate portion to the bag material. If a single strip is used to secure the pad, the single strip has a sufficiently narrow width that the pad extends preferably beyond the strip on opposite sides of the intermediate portion. If two strips are used to secure the pad, each strip is disposed at a spacing to the other in extending over the pad. Thus, in either case at least part of the pad is exposed and uncovered by the strips of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Floyd Anderson, Michael A. Bullock
  • Patent number: 6209291
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing crease-lined packaging material with a high degree of accuracy as regards the placing and forming of longitudinal crease lines. A web-shaped starting material (1) is provided, in connection with the laminate production, with a pattern of crease lines (6) extending at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the web, whereafter the material is divided into part webs (9). In connection with the conversion of each part web (9) into individual packaging containers in a filling machine, each part web is provided with complementary, longitudinal crease lines (17, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Anders Delén, Mats Martinsson, Johnny Pedersen, Tor Söderlund
  • Patent number: 6186934
    Abstract: A package is formed from two sheets of thin film material which are double backed upon each other to form a header and a rigid plastic insert is connected to the header coincident with a cut out formed therein. The cut exposes an internalized J-shaped portion of the insert such that a hook can be readily inserted and maintain the bag in place on a display rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Todd M. Addison
  • Patent number: 6168558
    Abstract: Method and device for producing rolls (17) of bags. At least one longitudinal side edge (15, 16) of a line of overlapping bags (17) is folded towards the centre axis of said line of bags. The line is then winded to rolls (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: FAS Converting Machinery AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Vinberg
  • Patent number: 6113526
    Abstract: A folding apparatus of a bag-making machine includes a plurality of folding mechanisms each having a pair of nip rollers which receive a sheet or bag from an associated carrier structure, to thereby sequentially form transverse folds in each sheet or bag. In order to abate lamination-like adhesion of relatively thin, light gauge film materials to the belts and other surfaces of the folding apparatus, the belts and/or guide rollers of the apparatus are preferably provided with grooved sheet-contacting surfaces. The apparatus is additionally configured to abate wrinkling or buckling of a leading edge portion of each sheet or bag which can occur attendant to its reversal in direction of movement as it is directed between the nip rollers of each folding mechanism. High-speed operation is facilitated while avoiding improperly folded bags, or equipment jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hudson-Sharp Machine Co.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lotto
  • Patent number: 6086089
    Abstract: A method of folding a side impact gas bag comprises the following steps: First, the gas bag is spread out on a base. Then, the rim of the inflation opening of the gas bag is fixed. Thereafter, a plate is arranged at a predetermined distance from the base and parallel thereto, so that the gas bag lies between the base and the plate. Then, the gas bag is inflated between the base and the plate. Finally, the wall of the gas bag is pushed together from the outside inwards, whereby a portion of the wall of the gas bag is turned into its interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Aich, Norbert Lang
  • Patent number: 6059708
    Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Esther Armendariz, Victor Mireles, Michael Angel Balibrera
  • Patent number: 6042526
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus of making the bottom of a flat tubular section, a tubular section is transported by a conveyor at a continuous rate in an alignment transversely to a longitudinal direction of the conveyor, with a first suction unit partially opening one end of the tubular section. Subsequently, a spreader unit is inserted into the partially open end of the tubular section and moved in a first phase in a substantially linear horizontal motion toward an end position in which the spreading unit conforms to fold lines of a finished bag bottom. In a second phase, the spreader unit swings from a substantially horizontal alignment into a substantially vertical position about a horizontal pivot axis by way of a compound motion in which a movement of the spreading unit into the end position is superimposed by a movement into the vertical position, thereby forming the open bag bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: B + B Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Baumer
  • Patent number: 6004252
    Abstract: A bag forming machine includes draw rolls for drawing a folded plastic web to and through a cut and seal unit for forming of successive bags. A wicketer receives the individual bags and rotates to carry successive bags to an opposite discharge end and depositing of the bags onto a pin stacker. A wicket conveyor includes an endless chain with an input sprocket adjacent the discharge end of the wicketer and a discharge sprocket located in spaced alignment to a discharge end of the conveyor. A plurality of pin stackers are secured in equi-spaced relation to the chain. A high response AC servo motor located at the input end of the conveyor is connected via a chain to the input sprocket. An independent servo controller is connected to energize the AC servo motor. A multi-axis servo controller is connected to servo drives for operating servo motors connected to the draw roll, the cut and seal unit, and the wicketer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Amplas, Inc.
    Inventor: Giles R. Blaser
  • Patent number: 5810706
    Abstract: A bag includes a first panel with at least one access hole in it, and a second panel without a hole corresponding to the at least one hole of the first panel. Preferably, two holes are present, preferably near the bag mouth. The panels are substantially equal in length. The bag can be easily opened by described bag opening means, without the need for vacuum or air to open the bag. The bag can be used in conjunction with otherwise conventional taped bag systems. A method of making the bag, a bag opening system, a method of opening the bag, and a packaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Gregory E. McDonald, Andrew W. Moehlenbrock, John Carson
  • Patent number: 5803889
    Abstract: A method for making a packet mailer includes the steps of applying wet glue patterns to a sheet, then folding that sheet and perforating the sheet to form a packet mailer that includes an outer enclosure with at least two open ends and at least one inner closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald A. Littman
  • Patent number: 5800326
    Abstract: The process for manufacturing an integrally-formed handle for a bag includes the steps of turning an edge of a sheet of bag stock on itself a predetermined number of times to form a multiple-thickness handle on the sheet stock, while leaving an adjacent portion of the sheet stock unfolded. The opposed side edge portions of the handle are then folded onto and overlying the unfolded portion of the sheet stock. The folded side edge portions are then glued onto the unfolded portion of the sheet stock. The central portion of the handle is then severed from the unfolded portion of the sheet stock. The unfolded portion of the sheet stock is then folded and glued into a bag enclosure with the handle residing adjacent a side of the bag defining a top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph Meynard, Antoine Vidal
  • Patent number: 5759146
    Abstract: A system (A) for making shrink packaging (P) that is adapted to receive an article (O) to be packaged is disclosed including a conveyer (250) for moving a rigid substrate pallet member (250) beneath a flexible wrapping feed (252) that extends a flexible wrapping material (172) over a top surface (254) of the rigid substrate. An extension assembly (256) extends a desired length of the flexible wrapping material (172) from a flexible wrapping material supply (258) over the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate forming a pocket (178) between the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate and a bottom surface (180) of the flexible wrapping material (172). A trimmer (260) cuts the desired length of the extended flexible wrapping material (172) from the flexible wrapping material supply (258). The two opposing ends (174 and 176) of the length of the flexible wrapping material (172) is attached to the opposing ends (168 and 170) of the rigid substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: KPC/Master's Craft International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank G. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5709641
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bag structure and method for making and packaging thermoplastic bags such that their tops are easily identified and the bags are easily opened. The method for producing these bags begins with cutting a flattened thermoplastic tube into two portions. At least one of the two portions is then collapsed to form a sheet of material having a pair of thermoplastic layers, a straight folded bottom edge and a pair of top edges, at least one of which has a skewed-cut. Bag side structures are formed in the sheet of material at about bag-width distances apart. The bags are then folded a predetermined number of times, in a direction transverse to the bag side structures, so that the skewed-cut top edge(s) of each of the bags remains exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Vaquero
  • Patent number: 5685816
    Abstract: An improved envelope maker (10) including: a template member (20) having first (28) and second (29) indicia markings and a cutout (22); a primary center piece member (40) dimensioned to be received in the cutout (22); and; an auxiliary center piece member (50) provided with means for operatively engaging the primary center piece member (40); wherein the envelope maker can be employed to make a variety of envelopes having the finished dimensions of the primary center piece member (40), the auxiliary center piece member (50) and larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Nicholas K. Romer
  • Patent number: 5626551
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit containing the required elements to enable one to manufacture his or her own greeting cards, note cards, and/or envelopes. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a greeting card, note card, or an envelope from ordinary paper stock or from paper stock containing decorative scenes thereon. An example of decorative paper stock which may be suitable for use with the kit is the glossy decorative paper stock which is used within some magazines. The kit is preferably provided in booklet form and includes templates to assist one in manufacturing cards and/or envelopes. The kit typically includes pieces of paper stock which have decorative scenes printed thereon which are suitable for use in manufacturing cards and envelopes. The kit typically will also include numerous pieces of plain or substantially plain paper stock which are suitable for use in forming envelopes and/or cards and which have a writing surface. Various stickers may be provided in the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Kearns, Bethany L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5518491
    Abstract: An envelope maker made of two pieces, a template which is used as a guide to dimension paper to the correct size and having a central cut out portion to position a second piece, called the center piece, with respect to the paper. The center piece is left on the paper while the template is removed. The center piece is then used as a guide to fold the paper into an envelope, and adhesive is applied to secure the folded parts of the paper in an envelope shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventors: Nicholas K. Romer, Christine L. Waydick
  • Patent number: 5458556
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing bags preferably from a single sheet of bag forming material and bags produced thereby having reinforced handle sections integral with the wide sides of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Duro Bag Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Katherine C. Hlubik
  • Patent number: 5328438
    Abstract: A system and method for constructing sealed printed packages and one-piece mailers provides fixedly applying printing toner to predetermined locations upon a first part of a face of a printable sheet. The sheet is then folded so that a second part of the face overlies the first part which includes the locations having the toner thereon. The toner is then sealed so that the first and second parts are joined together. The toner may comprise a heat activated xerographic powdered toner. The second part of the face may include toner at locations that overlap the toner upon the first part and sealing may involve preheating of the toner prior to folding and then applying additional heat and pressure to the toner by means, for example, of rollers subsequent to folding. The sheet may then be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 5292300
    Abstract: An enclosure such as a letter envelope, a casing, shipping pouch, file for, or the like, is made of paper or similar suitable material to have a front portion (3) and a back portion (4) as well as side flaps (6) and (7). The enclosure may be provided with a closure flap (23) that is either part of the front portion (3) or part of the back portion (4). A bottom portion (5) is arranged between the back portion (4) and the front portion (3), whereby the bottom portion is preferably an integral component of the front and back portions. The side flaps (6, 7) are provided with respective folding creases extending longitudinally and foldable bottom side tongues (18, 19) are provided at the bottom end of the side flap (6, 7). These basic features are common to a plurality of different enclosures which provide a substantially larger enclosed volume than heretofore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei KG
    Inventor: Martin Bluemle
  • Patent number: 5213560
    Abstract: A system and method for constructing sealed printed packages and one-piece mailers provides fixedly applying printing toner to predetermined locations upon a first part of a face of a printable sheet. The sheet is then folded so that a second part of the face overlies the first part which includes the locations having the toner thereon. The toner is then sealed so that the first and second parts are joined together. The toner may comprise a heat activated xerographic powdered toner. The second part of the face may include toner at locations that overlap the toner upon the first part and sealing may involve preheating of the toner prior to folding and then applying additional heat and pressure to the toner by means, for example, of rollers subsequent to folding. The sheet may then be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 5203758
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sack or bag with a bottom being rectangular in the filled state and with a handle portion, and it also relates to sacks or bags manufactured in accordance with this method. For the solution of the problem to simplify already known methods, onto a continuously advanced flat web two strips of sealing-wax which are in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the lateral edges are applied on one side at distances of one bag length, respectively, and at corresponding locations of the back side of the flat web four short strips of sealing-wax are applied, and between the strips of sealing-wax two reinforcements are glued thereto with their whole surface. Below the first reinforcement a folded sheet with a leg is glued, whereas the other leg is folded back thereonto. Below the second reinforcement an area is provided with glue which in size corresponds to the leg. On one side of the flat web an adhesive strip is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventors: Fritz Achelpohl, Werner Jurgens
  • Patent number: 5160308
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexible bag comprises an inner bag for storing product having a top end region provided with a channel flap. The flap comprises a flexible pouring spout closed above by a folded portion of the inner bag and closed below by a seal. In another embodiment, a flexible bag comprises an inner bag for storing product having a top end region and a channel flap connected thereto. The channel flap comprises a flexible pouring spout. The channel flap and inner bag are provided with juxtaposed die cut openings which define a flow inlet for the pouring spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harry R. Peppiatt
  • Patent number: 5135464
    Abstract: A container and method of making the same preferably from a single web of flexible material wherein the method comprises placing a V-fold, or modified flat V-fold, in a sheet of such material, creating two subsections whose V-fold members are attached to the respective subsections preferably along a longitudinal fold line. First and second side edge weld lines are made thereby connecting the respective subsections to their own V-fold members as well as those of the opposite subsections. Oblique weld lines then interconnect the point of intersection of the side edge weld lines and longitudinal fold line. The bottom wall is formed by folding the legs inwardly with the endmost portions of which pivoting along a lateral axis of the bottom wall upwardly towards the first and second side edge weld line thereby reinforcing the stress-bearing bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Jebco Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry E. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5047000
    Abstract: A readily removable apparatus for use with an envelope blank-forming machine for the forming of envelopes from those blanks. The apparatus comprises an adhesive sprayer for applying adhesive on one side of a side flap of the envelope blank. It also includes an air lifter to lift a leading edge of the blank into engagement with a buckle bar. A plow folds the side flaps over a rear portion of the envelope blank, and rollers press the adhesive-covered side of the side flaps onto a rear portion of the blank to form an envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Outlook Envelope Company
    Inventor: Robert Lester
  • Patent number: 5046710
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making a leaflet having fold lines and cross folds normal to the fold lines and with an adhesive adhering a lip portion of a long leg of the leaflet to a short leg of the leaflet to avoid leaving a loose edge on the leaflet. Sheets are conveyed in a first direction to a first folding at a first folding station, and then a second conveyor feeds the sheets to travel at right angles to a cross folder at a second folding station. The cross folds are made to a lip portion on a long leg and adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the lip portion which is adhered by the adhesive to a folded panel to form a leaflet having fold lines and cross folds at its edges, thereby eliminating any loose edges. Loose edges may open the leaflet during a high speed conveyance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Vijuk Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Vijuk
  • Patent number: 5006186
    Abstract: This invention relates to the method for manufacturing a variety of square bottom containers by folding to the same side both of two brims of a sheet-shaped container of raw material of paper, aluminum foil, plastic laminate film and the like such that the brims mutually abut each other, forming a bonding agent or heat-seal layer on the outsides of both these butted brims, then forming the lower portion into a W-shape with an inverted V-shaped fold being provide in the midway, and then press-fitting the bonding agent or heat-seal layer from the outside of the formed sheet for its bonding or deposition, the press fit formed sheet defining a square bottom container having a bottom laminate which is flat with no overlap and having a heat seal film or the like which doesn't come inside the container. The method is efficient and the containers can be manufactured quite easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Altech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoomi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5002400
    Abstract: A flexible container is formed from a hose-like blank having two diametrically opposite longitudinal slots or holes and at least one intermediate slot or hole. One half of the hose-like blank is inserted through the intermediate slot in such way that one inner sack, one outer sack and at least one integral lifting loop defined by material areas are formed. Two material areas are formed by material sections between the opposite slots and the intermediate slot extending from the outer sack directly into the inner sack. A third material area is formed by a material section between the opposite slots and extending from the outer sack between the first two material area and into the inner sack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventor: Olaf Strand
  • Patent number: 4997504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed pouch or bag making from thin, extensible heat-sensitive thermoplastic film webs in which the method is applied to a continuously moving web and sealing is achieved at temperatures below the softening temperatures of the film or sealing interfaces. The method of forming an open pouch comprising the steps of continuously pulling an elongated web of pouch forming material at a constant speed along a pouch making path which extends continuously through a web slitting station, a web coating station, a web collating station, an Electron Beam curing station and a web cutting station. An elongated web is slit into first and second webs at the slitting station, a pattern of E.B. curable adhesive is applied to a first surface of the first web as it is pulled continuously through the web coating station to render the first surface bondable at a seal pattern and non-bondable in the area of the storage compartment when subjected to Electron Beam radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: James R. Wood
  • Patent number: 4992128
    Abstract: Holders for flat objects such as computer disks which can provide pages of a book which carries such objects, instruction for their use and etc. Each page is made of a single sheet of foldable material, preferably spunbonded olefin (such material being available from DuPont under their tradename "Tyvek"). The sheets are cut into the shape of rectangular center panels with bottom and side flaps extended therefrom; the side flaps extending from opposite side edges of the center panel and being off-set from each other. Since a single sheet is used it may be printed with visible indicia (e.g., the name of the manufacturer of and the computer program on the disks), prior to cutting, by conventional printing techniques in one pass through the press. The cut sheets (blanks) can then be manipulated in envelope manufacturing equipment which scores, applies adhesive lines and folds the flaps to provide a plurality of partially overlapping pockets, disposed one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Information Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Sellar, James E. Reisdorf, Mark F. Lappies, Mark S. Valle