Abstract: A machine for folding a side curtain airbag which has a simpler machine configuration and is more efficient than a fully automatic machine and that can fold a large-capacity side curtain airbag cushion of approximately 4.0 m in length to sufficiently secure quality stability, and a process for folding a side curtain airbag by using the same, are provided.

Abstract: A method of rolling or folding an airbag to a thin tight tube, includes stretching the airbag during the rolling or folding in length direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a folded paper CD/DVD case. The case can be biodegradable, and uses reduced or minimal material. The case can be made without the use of cuts or glue, nor does the case require special equipment or machinery to manufacture. The case can hold plural media such as, e.g., two CDs or DVDs. The footprint of the case can be reduced or minimal, that is, e.g., only minimally larger than one or more CDs or DVDs it will hold. The case can have a pentagonal or pentagon-like shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing containers of paper material for foodstuffs, in particular pastries, wherein the container comprises a single sheet portion of flexible paper material defining a flat bottom wall and a side wall emerging from the bottom wall. The container has a side wall comprising, in section, at least one curvilinear stretch (10) for defining a rounded or convex conformation of the side wall. The method contemplates a first step for making the bottom wall (2) provided with an upper surface (2a) and a lower surface (2b), and a side wall (3) emerging from the bottom wall (2) in such a manner that in cooperation with said bottom wall it defines a holding region (21) whose bottom consists of said lower surface (2b), and a second step of overturning the side wall on the opposite side relative to the bottom wall (2) for defining a cavity (7) having an upwards facing opening in the normal use position of the container.

Abstract: A side-gusseted bag has two front walls which are joined by a side gusset at a longitudinal side provided with a reclosure. The side gusset is folded-over outwards in the region of the reclosure in such a manner that the side gusset ends at its folded-over section at the associated longitudinal side. The reclosure running in the longitudinal direction is fastened to an inner surface of the side gusset at the folded-over section. A method for manufacturing a side-gusseted bag is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plurality of flexible pouches from a continuous web of film having a plurality of registration marks spaced a predetermined distance apart. The apparatus includes a film displacement mechanism, a registration mark sensor, and a controller. The film displacement mechanism includes at least one vertically oriented roller that rollingly engages with the continuous web of film. The film displacement mechanism adjusts the tension in the film by horizontally displacing the vertically oriented roller. The registration mark sensor is positioned upstream of the film displacement mechanism and is configured to detect the registration marks. The controller controls the film displacement mechanism to horizontally displace the film upon receipt of a signal from the registration mark sensor.

Abstract: At least one of an obverse surface film and reverse surface film, which are used to together constitute a plastic pouch, is folded back across the entire width of the plastic pouch, and peripheral edge portions of the pouch are heat-sealed, to thereby form, on at least one position, a folded-back section communicating with the body of the pouch.

Abstract: A case incorporates a built-in stand for the electronic device which the case houses.

Abstract: A foldable bag includes a thin film sheet and a plurality of spaced panels attached to the thin film sheet. Edges of the thin film sheet are coupled. Interstices between the spaced panels form hinges that permit folding, unfolding and compact refolding of the bag.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing filter inserts (1), in particular filter inserts (1) for preparing a coffee or tea filtrate, including the continuous folding (A) of a filter paper sheet (2) into a double layer (3), partially binding (B) the double layer (3) to a plurality of interconnected filter inserts (1) using at least one stamped seam (4) and separating (D) the interconnected filter inserts (1) from the filter paper sheet (2). The filter inserts (1) are provided with a label (5) after folding (A).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing bag packages with edge seals, in which a sheathing tube is formed from a packaging material sheeting. Before the sheathing tube is formed, sealing seams are formed in the packaging material sheeting.

Abstract: A sheet of material is provided that is pre-folded and pre-glued for the wrapping and packaging of flower bunches and flower bouquets. The sheet of material contains a plurality of lines scored therein. The scored lines are arranged to create a pre-defined folding sequence that forms the desired floral packaging or wrapping. Visual indicia arranged to illustrate the pre-defined folding sequence and markings arranged to compliment the folded shape of the sheet are also provided. A fastening means is provided to secure the folded packaging. The sheet of material is made by scoring the sheet in particular places to mark the fold lines and to facilitate easy and consistent folding. The sheet is then folded across the scored lines and secured.

Abstract: Plastic bag making apparatus by which it is arranged that even if a bottom gusset member is not specially supplied, a bottom gusset can be incorporated into a plastic bag. As continuous trunk members (1,2) are fed, they are guided by a trunk guide mechanism (16-29) and folded along a longitudinal fold line (8). Then, the folded portion (4) is folded back along a longitudinal fold-back line (10), whereby a twofold section is formed of the trunk members, with the continuous trunk members forming the trunk of the plastic bag, the twofold section forming the bottom gusset of the plastic bag.

Abstract: A document folding apparatus comprising: a fold plate having one end adjacent a pair of output rollers which have a nip for receiving a document from the fold plate wherein the fold plate, is pivotable about a pivot point spaced from the output rollers and means for moving the fold plate between an aligned and an unaligned position with respect to the nip of the output rollers, wherein the fold plate comprises: an upper and a lower input pinch roller, a pair of guide tracks adjacent the input rollers, and a pair of guide track rollers.

Abstract: A method of producing a purse or handbag from a single typically rectangular blank of flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed, this gas bag having a wall delimiting a chamber and having an inflation opening, the inflation opening having a rim. The method 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 held fixed. Thereafter, a plate is arranged parallel to the base and at a distance therefrom, so that the gas bag extends between the base and the plate. Subsequently, the chamber of the gas bag is exposed to a pressurized medium, so that the gas bag unfolds between the base and the plate. Finally, the wall of the gas bag is pressed inwards at a plurality of sites distributed over a circumference of the gas bag. Further, a gas bag folded by performing this method and a device for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic bag includes a bag body having an top opening, a bottom edge, and a trash chamber defining therebetween, and a bottom enhancement arrangement including a sealing edge formed along the bottom edge of the bag body in such a manner that when the bag body is folded into an usage condition, the sealing edge is inwardly flipped into the trash chamber while two bottom side portions of the bag body is downwardly folded to form a round bottom portion of the trash chamber for evenly distributing a weight of the trashes so as to protect the sealing edge from being broken by means of the weight of the trashes.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a rigid packet of cigarettes from a flat, substantially rectangular blank; the blank has two main longitudinal crease lines, and a number of transverse crease lines defining, between the two main longitudinal crease lines, central panels having respective lateral wings; the flat blank is fed to a prefolding station where the lateral wings of at least one of the central panels are folded about the respective main longitudinal crease lines; and the blank is subsequently restored to the flat configuration before being fed to a follow-up folding station.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of interconnected bulk bags or with an interconnecting section of material between adjacent bags on a roll or blank of flexible material to permit the blank of material to be advanced for subsequent processing. The interconnecting section is defined at least in part by a separation line that permits scrap or waste material to be removed from the blank without removing the interconnecting section. This permits the bags to remain interconnected after they are formed so that they may be disposed on a roll or folded in a box for convenient shipping and handling of a plurality of bags. Desirably, perforations maybe provided between adjacent bags to facilitate removal of an individual bag from the remainder.

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.

Abstract: A bulk bag or a liner for a bulk container is formed from a plurality of tubular blanks of flexible material so that each wall of the bag or liner has at least two layers of material. Desirably, many woven or plastic sheet materials suitable to make such bags or liners are available in elongate and circumferentially continuous tubular webs such that a plurality of liners or bags may be formed connected in end to end relation on an elongate web. In one form, a pair of gusseted tubular blanks are disposed between and sealed to a pair of overlying flat tubular blanks to define a liner or bag having two layers of material in each wall. In another form, a pair of tubular blanks are folded so that each tubular blank defines one flat panel and one gusseted panel and the tubular blanks are heat sealed along a pair of side edges of the liner or bag to also define a liner or bag having two layers of material in each wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the folding of an inflatable airbag for motor vehicles which comprises the steps that an airbag to be folded is fastened with its open end at a carrier; that a preferably substantially cylindrical piston is pushed forward into the airbag through an opening in the carrier and against the closed end of the airbag; and that the carrier and the piston are introduced into a sleeve, with the airbag being pressed together irregularly. The invention also relates to a folding apparatus for carrying out this folding method.

Abstract: A method for providing a package having a coated inner surface involves inverting a package having an inner surface defining an inner space, an outer surface, and a coating on the outer surface. The package can be inverted by application of a vacuum. The coating can be an additive such as a colorant, a flavorant, an antimicrobial agent, or the like.

Abstract: An extruded plastics tube is flattened and the lateral side portions (4) are folded to form inwardly extending gussets (2). Each gusseted side portion is then folded about a longitudinal fold line (5) onto the medial portion (3) between the side portions. The resultant layers are heat sealed to form the bottom of the bag.

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.

Abstract: A five-piece expanding pocket having front inner and outer panels secured to each other by cohesive glue, rear inner and outer panels secured thereof by cohesive glue, and a gusset having outer edge portions with cohesive glue and opposite sides thereof bonded between edge portions of the front and rear inner and outer panels which are bonded to each other. A fixture for assembling a five-piece expanding pocket including locating plates for retaining front and rear inner panels in a predetermined position, a positioning member for locating a gusset relative to the front and rear inner panels on the locating plates and permitting the gusset to be secured to cohesive glue on the front and rear inner panels, and the locating plates also permitting the locating of the front and rear outer panels relative to the front and rear inner panels, respectively.

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.

Abstract: A five-piece expanding pocket having front inner and outer panels secured to each other by cohesive glue, rear inner and outer panels secured to each other by cohesive glue, and a gusset having outer edge portions with cohesive glue on opposite sides thereof bonded between edge portions of the front and rear inner and outer panels which are bonded to each other. A fixture for assembling a five-piece expanding pocket including locating plates for retaining front and rear inner panels in a predetermined position, a positioning member for locating a gusset relative to the front and rear inner panels on the locating plates and permitting the gusset to be secured to cohesive glue on the front and rear inner panels, and the locating plates also permitting the locating of the front and rear outer panels relative to the front and rear inner panels, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film package having one or more pouches for holding articles such as thermoplastic film bags, and a method of producing and filling such a package. The package is made from a thermoplastic film bag folded along horizontal and vertical fold lines such that a pouch having an open end is defined by the walls of the bag. It is non-permanently and non-destructively secured by adhesive tape or a selectively applied adhesive in the folded position such that the pouch can be used for storing articles. The entire thermoplastic film bag enclosure is accessible upon release of the non-destructive adhesive or tape and unfolding of the bag along the horizontal and vertical fold lines.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded-bag profile and a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having numerous moveable arms is controlled by a controller. An edge folding assembly (EFA) of the machine has five arms, including a center arm, two outer blades, and two outwardly facing U-channel forks, which reside between respective outer blades and the center arm. The EFA moves forward so that all of its five arms engage an unfolded air bag. The forks then raise upward to a level at which the outer blades are aligned with a gap between tines in the forks. The outer blades mesh with this gap causing two pleats to be formed in the edge of the bag. Pleat clamps then move inwardly sideways to engage the two pleats and form a third pleat. Then, the EFA is removed from the bag. The pleat clamps clamp top and bottom sections of the bag together while tightly gripping the pleats.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: An ovenable bag includes a sheet of paper-like material; opposite edges of the sheet secured to each other to define a tubular member having opposite ends; the tubular member being folded inwardly along lengthwise fold lines thereof which are diagonally offset from each other and being flattened with respect to the lengthwise fold lines to form two pair of lengthwise crease lines that are parallel to the lengthwise fold lines, such that the flattened tubular member is defined by a wide wall section, a narrow wall section and an expandable wall section connecting the wide and narrow wall sections together; the narrow wall section extending past the wide wall section in the lengthwise direction of the flattened tubular member at a first end thereof; the flattened tubular member being folded over itself at the first end thereof along a transverse fold line; the wide wall section being adhered to itself at the folded first end of the flattened tubular member; and the narrow wall section being adhered to the expan

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a band at a predetermined speed V to a station for pre-marking two folding lines which define a central panel of each pleat and then subjecting the band over a short distance to abrupt deceleration to a speed V' such that V'/V=1/L, where L is the length of each pleat in the fully extended state and 1 is the length of the pleat after folding so as to form a pocket, the last two panels of each pleat being inserted beneath the first panel prior to folding-back and maintaining the pocket in a flat position on the band.

Abstract: A gusseted dish cover formed from a flexible sheet material and an elastomeric matrerial having a constricted opening and a cross-section of a generally M-shaped gusset. A novel storage and dispensing means for such gusseted dish covers is also disclosed wherein the dish covers are placed on a center support member having the constricted opening and the elastomeric material positioned off the end of the support member.

Abstract: A wallet or billfold of exceptionally thin construction having a limited number of folds, pockets, and thickness of material, yet being capable of holding both bills and credit cards in separate pockets. Access to the card pocket may be achieved without unfolding the wallet or exposing the currency carried in it.

Abstract: A feed conveyor arrangement is disclosed for horizontally unwinding zipper-equipped sheet packaging material from a supply roll and turning back a flap portion of the sheet material for reception of product prior to delivery into a form, fill, and seal machine. The feed conveyor utilizes a special guide wheel device for maintaining the zipper, and hence the sheet material, in an aligned flow path and holding down the flap portion only adjacent the zipper. A subsequent flap turning wheel device turns the flap portion away from the remaining panel area of the sheet below the zipper line, pivoting the flap about the hold down area of the guide wheel device. The guide wheel device is in the form of skewed wheels acting on the upper surface of the flap at opposed sides of the zipper. The flap turning wheel device includes an offset wheel which applies both upward and horizontal forces to the upturned inner surface of the flap to open up the sheet material.

Abstract: A tuck assembly for automatically inverting the gussets of a pocket file folder as the file folder is moved through a cutting and folding line, the assembly includes a tuck section having a plurality of a V-type tuck rolls of decreasing depth for opening the folded gusset, a guide section for supporting the edges of the file folder pocket and a compression section for folding the open gusset into the edge of the pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for rolling elongated tubular fabric surgical drapes and the like comprising an arrangement of at least four opposed drive belts mounted on a support frame for receiving an open end of the tubular article engageable with longitudinal runs of the belts to propel the article along the frame and into engagement with a second set of belts having longitudinal runs disposed at acute angles with respect to the direction of the runs of the primary drive belts. Propulsion of the end of the article along the primary drive belts and into engagement with the secondary drive belts results in forming the article into a toroidal rolled configuration. A support frame for the primary drive belts is mounted on a linear actuator which provides for movement of the support frame with respect to the secondary drive belts in response to operation of a control circuit to complete the rolling process.

Abstract: A multiple pocket, expandable envelope is formed by folding panels of a planar, unitary blank relative to each other. The envelope has a front, a back, and a pair of intermediate panels hingedly coupled to each other along parallel end edges. A front divider panel is disposed between the front panel and one of the intermediate panels while a back divider panel is disposed between the back panel and the other of the intermediate panels to define four pockets within the envelope. The back panel is hingedly coupled to the back divider panel along a fold line at one side thereof. The one intermediate panel is hingedly coupled to the front divider panel along a fold line at one side thereof. A plurality of side panels hingedly couple the front panel to the front divider panel and the other intermediate panel to the back divider panel.

Abstract: Before piling or stacking the bags, the intermediate part (1) of the bag lying between the reinforced or thickened top and/or bottom part (2,3) is folded so as to create a layer having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the top and/or bottom parts (2,3) where these are folded flat against the bag or sack. Consequently, the bags can be stacked in great numbers without upsetting the stack or distorting the shape of it.

Abstract: A multiple pocket, expandable envelope is formed by folding panels of a planar, unitary blank relative to each other. The envelope has two pair of front and back panels hingedly coupled along a common end edge. Each front and back panel includes a front and back divider panel therebetween to define six pockets within the envelope. Each front panel is hingedly coupled to a front divider panel along a fold line at one side thereof. Each back panel is hingedly coupled to a back divider panel along a fold line at one side thereof. A plurality of side panels hingedly couple each front panel to a front divider panel at the other side of the front panel, each back panel to a back divider panel at the other side of the back panel, and the front and back divider panels at each pair to each other. One of the front panels in each pair is hingedly coupled to one of the back panels in an adjacent pair to form the six-pocket, expandable envelope.

Abstract: A method of folding an inflatable restraint cushion for storage in a support housing which is mountable to the lower portion of the instrument panel of a vehicle. The method involves forming pleats in the cushion in a manner that, during initial deployment, the cushion mass acting on an occupant located in the proximity of the instrument panel is reduced.

Abstract: A flat-bottom bag is produced from a heat sealable tubular material having gusseted sides by clamping front and back walls in a central longitudinal region, flaring the gussets outward to about 180.degree. to provide a corner gusset tuck and refolding the gussets to their original position with the corner tucks in position between the gussets.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded-bag profile and a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having numerous moveable arms is controlled by a controller. An edge folding assembly (EFA) of the machine has five arms, including a center arm, two outer blades, and two outwardly facing U-channel forks, which reside between respective outer blades and the center arm. The EFA moves forward so that all of its five arms engage an unfolded air bag. The forks then raise upward to a level at which the outer blades are aligned with a gap between tines in the forks. The outer blades mesh with this gap causing two pleats to be formed in the edge of the bag. Pleat clamps then move inwardly sideways to engage the two pleats and form a third pleat. Then, the EFA is removed from the bag. The pleat clamps clamp top and bottom sections of the bag together while tightly gripping the pleats.