Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing laminated paperboard materials that are alternatives to plastic, wood, and wood-like materials, such as plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board (OSB). Also disclosed are structures formed from thick-caliper laminated paperboard materials.

Abstract: A collapsible product has a tubular body of resilient material, the tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface, a length, a wall between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The tubular body wall is split longitudinally along its length, at a first perimeter location on the tube. The tubular body wall is also cut longitudinally along its length, partially through its wall thickness from the inner surface, at one or more inner perimeter locations. The tubular body wall is further cut longitudinally along its length, partially through its wall thickness from the outer surface, at two or more outer perimeter locations. The longitudinal cuts enable a controlled collapse of the tubular body, which can be efficiently packaged for shipping. The collapsible product may be tubular fiberglass pipe insulation, or another kind of product.

Abstract: An apparatus for coiling a paper strip is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a pin and a plunger. The pin having an end positioned external to the housing and an axis of rotation, the end having a slot elongated along the axis of rotation, the slot being sized to receive the paper strip. Further, the plunger is disposed on the housing and configured to translate away from the pin, the plunger having a plunger head positioned proximate to the slot of the pin, the plunger head having a surface aligned to press the paper strip against the pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a restored winding core and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein at least one discarded winding core is first collected. At least one of the extremities of the discarded winding core is internally ground on a predetermined grinding distance to remove the crimping portion and provide a ground portion thereon. The ground portion defines a female joint socket extending at the corresponding extremity of the discarded winding core for providing a machined core extremity. The method also comprises the step of providing at least one hollow insert tube diametrically snugly fitting into the female joint socket. The at least one insert tube is inserted inside the corresponding female joint socket for providing a restored core extremity. The present invention thus allows to restore the damaged extremities of a winding core which can then be reused as a new winding core of the same length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve adapted to slidably receive and engage the outer sidewall of a container such as a cup, a conic object or a cylinder. The sleeve is comprised of a minimum of 40% less material currently used in the industry, by creating a cylinder from a cut, or several cuts of a flat material. The basis of the invention is that current similar objects engage in covering the complete diameter of a cup, conic object or a sleeve in order to engage the outer sidewall. The innovation comprises of using half the circumference plus 5% to 10% depending on the surface and material used—still producing the same result, while saving material.

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 device for the production of tubes or sections of tubes having at least one paper layer, from which paper bags can be manufactured, includes an unwinder device for unrolling at least one material web from a material web roll, a device for the provision of at least one edge region of each material web with glue, and a tube forming device via which the edge region provided with glue can be inverted onto, and attached to, a second edge region. The tubes or sections of tube can be provided with air-permeable channels in the device. The device for providing at least one edge area of each material web with glue has glue application valves, with at least two glue application valves being functionally assigned to each material web, and with noncontinuous glue tracks being produced with the glue application valves such that interruptions therein form the air-permeable channels.

Abstract: A sleeve for jacketing a container such as a beverage cup, where the sleeve is assembled by cutting and folding from a unitary flat panel, the sleeve having no outwardly projecting flaps or ridges. Inwardly folding flaps adapt themselves to the taper and diameter of the cup. Multiple layers of material thickness in the sleeve may be realized using the templates and folding methods of the invention, and the sleeve is printable on either or both sides so that decorative or commercial indicia may be displayed according to the end user's needs or wishes. The invention finds use in making printed insulative sleeves having logos and other customized indicia, and may be folded according to the methods of the invention by the supplier or by the user of the sleeve.

Abstract: Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).

Abstract: Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).

Abstract: Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: An automatic core joiner and cutter apparatus for use in the recycling of used cores and the manufacture of new conjoined cores is disclosed. The apparatus combines an infeed unit, a milling unit, and an outfeed unit, all controlled by a PC. The used core is milled by the infeed milling bit and the core remnant is milled by the outfeed milling bit. A glue applicator applies glue to at least one of the milled surfaces and the milled surfaces are mated together to produce a new conjoined core. The infeed cutting and milling operations and the outfeed cutting and milling operations are controlled by the controller and performed at the same time.

Abstract: An automatic core joiner and cutter apparatus for use in the recycling of used cores and the manufacture of new conjoined cores is disclosed. The apparatus combines an infeed unit, a milling unit, and an outfeed unit, all controlled by a PC. The infeed unit includes at least two infeed rollers for supporting a used core member. An infeed pusher bar moves these core member into and out of contact with the milling unit. The outfeed unit includes at least two rollers for supporting a core remnant. An outfeed pusher bar moves the core remnant into and out of contact with the milling unit. The milling unit, positioned between the infeed and outfeed unit includes an infeed cutter and an infeed milling bit, an outfeed cutter and an outfeed milling bit. The infeed cutter removes the damaged end of the used core and the outfeed cutter removes the damaged end of a core remnant. The used core is milled by the infeed milling bit and the core remnant is milled by the outfeed milling bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a paper tube having a polygonal cross section includes a frame, an elongate core assembly having an end rotatably supported to the frame and the other free end and having an outer peripheral surface of a predetermined polygonal shape, and a delivery member installed to the core assembly for at least a portion of the delivery member to be exposed from the outer peripheral surface of the core assembly on which the strips are wound, the delivery member being installed for the exposed portion to move toward the free end of the core assembly after receiving the power, whereby the exposed portion contacts with an inner surface of the lowermost one of a plurality of the strips and thus a plurality of the strips wound on the core assembly continuously move toward the free end of the core assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for producing boxes from paper or cardboard is provided. The boxes include a cut-out shape in the form of the bottom or the lid, with a lateral wall stuck thereto. The lateral wall is formed from a strip having a beginning, an end, and connection tongues are bent by up to 90° C. Then, the beginning of the strip is applied and fixed to the lateral surface of a cylindrical female mould having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the box, by means of a male mould. Then, the female mould is turned. The strip is sucked onto the lateral surface and held in place by means of a vacuum. After an adhesive has been applied to the beginning or end of the strip, the beginning and end of the strip are stuck together. Then, a cut-out shape in the form of the bottom or the lid, which has previously had adhesive applied to the periphery thereof, is pressed onto the connection tongues.

Abstract: A device for the production of tubes or sections of tubes, from which paper bags can be manufactured. The tubes or sections of tubes have at least one paper layer. The device has the following components: an unwinder device for unrolling at least one material web from a material web roll a device for the provision of at least one edge region of each material web with glue. a tube forming device by means of which the edge region provided with glue can be inverted onto the second edge region, and can as such be attached to the same. The tubes or pieces of tube can be provided with air-permeable channels in the device. The device for providing at least one edge area of each material web with glue has glue application valves, wherein at least two glue application valves are functionally assigned to each material web, and broken glue tracks can be produced with said glue application valves, and wherein the breaks form air-permeable channels.

Abstract: Various methods of forming bags include applying hot melt adhesive to material without contacting the material with the dispenser that applies the adhesive. The material may be provided in various forms, such as elongate sheet material dispensed from a roll, or elongate tube material that is flattened to define first and second oppositely disposed sidewalls, for example. The material may be provided in single plies, multiple plies, or as separate sheets that are cut, folded, or otherwise manipulated to form bags, with the adhesive joining selected portions of the bag. A nozzle for dispensing hot melt adhesive includes an air passage that is inclined in a direction toward a liquid outlet. The air passage communicates with an air outlet disposed in a common plane with the liquid outlet.

Abstract: A bumper pad for use in cushioning and protecting packaged articles is provided. The bumper pad is made primarily from paper and comprises an arced top member glued or otherwise affixed to a flat base along longitudinal edges. The bumper pad can be placed around the packaged article between the article and the outer packaging, which can be a cardboard sleeve, stretch wrap film or other packaging material. The arced top member preferably is formed using a linear draw process.

Abstract: The machine comprises a mandrel (4), a winding member (7) to helically wind said strips of web material about said mandrel and form a continuous tube; and rotating disk-shaped cutter (25), cooperating with said mandrel (4), to cut the continuous tube (T) into individual tubular products (M). The disk-shaped cutter (25) is carried by a rotating arm (23).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base insert device for crossed base valve bags for the formation of crossed bases in paper bags, by means of folding devices which introduce folds at the ends of the tubular sections from which the bags are produced, with one or more gluing stations, which apply glue to the regions of the folds for gluing and/or the sheets (5) provided for gluing to the base, in the gluing stations and at least one pressing station in which the folded bases and the sheets (5) are brought into contact and glued. The novelty of the present patent application is that at least one gluing station for the sheets and/or bases is provided, comprising glue outlet openings (22) which may be selectively supplied with glue, whereby the selection of the glue outlet openings (22) defines the format of the glue application (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).

Abstract: A machine for producing a tubular product by helical winding of strips of web material including a mandrel and a winding member to helically wind the strips of web material around the mandrel is disclosed. To improve adhesion between the strips, at least one pressure member is provided, cooperating with the mandrel, disposed downstream or upstream of the winding member with respect to the direction of advance of the tubular product being formed on the mandrel. The pressure exerted by the pressure member promotes adhesion of the strips forming the product.

Abstract: A tube having walls of multi-layer construction, wherein said multi-layer construction includes one or more sub-layers, each said sub-layer consisting of a woven polymer mesh disposed in between one or more outer layers of material selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-propylene and polyethylene, wherein said tube is formed by affixing said sub-layers to each other whilst said sub-layers are wound around a mandrel.

Abstract: A bag having a tamper evident closure and methods of forming the same are provided. The bag has a tube body with a front wall and a back wall positioned between a first end and a second end. A back flap extension member connects to and extends outwardly from the second end of the back wall. A primer material is positioned on the back flap extension member and an adhesive material is placed on the back flap extension member that folds over to overlie and contact the primer material. The back flap extension member adheres to the front flap extension member and portions of the front wall to close the second end. When the back flap extension member liftingly separates from the front wall, at least one of the back flap extension member and the front wall tears indicating evidence of tampering.

Abstract: End-to-end joining of sleeves. A first glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the first glue strand having properties that cause an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces of the sleeves. A second glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the second glue strand having properties that causing wetting of the sleeve material in the joint surface and its immediate vicinity. The end joint surface of a first one of the sleeves is positioned against the end joint surface of a second one of the sleeves so that the first glue strand causes an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces, and the second glue strand is allowed to set. The apparatus includes alignment devices for positioning the sleeves adjacent glue nozzles and for positioning the sleeves in end-to-end contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular carton sleeve (3) comprising a first sheet (4) superimposed at least in part on a second sheet (6), said first sheet providing an inner wall (4) of said sleeve and said second sheet providing an outer wall (6) of said sleeve, first and second opposing ends of said first and second sheets being interengaged to provide a join, wherein at said join, the first end (16) of said inner wall is in a face to face relationship with the second end (10) of said inner wall and the first end (28) of said outer wall is in a face to face relationship with the second end (12) of said outer wall. A corresponding tubular carton is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solvent-based adhesive is used to form a continuous, adhesively bonded and welded seam at the longitudinal edge portions of plastic film which have been overlapped. First, a bead of the adhesive is disposed on the edge portion of a web of film passing over an applicator roll. Next, as the film moves between the applicator roll and nip rolls, the adhesive dissolves a portion of the film to form a longitudinal channel having a generally semicircular cross-section. Then the edge portion is overlapped onto the other edge portion with the bead of adhesive between them. Finally the overlapped edge portions are squeezed between the nip rolls, so that the adhesive exudes laterally outward from the groove and is distributed smoothly between the overlapped edge portions, until the adhesive and dissolved film form a uniform band having a rounded hat-shaped cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: This is a method for assembling a dual inner flexible insulated pouch. A flat sheet of heat-sealable film is folded in such a manner as to form a dual inner pouch with two pocket openings at a bottom side and a pouch opening at a top side. The film is sealed by heat to form a permanent dual inner pouch structure containing two pockets each having an opening at the bottom side. One panel of flexible insulation material is inserted into each of the openings of the two pockets of the dual inner pouch at the bottom side. The bottom side of the pouch is placed into a bag formed of film so that the open ends of the pockets at the bottom side of the pouch are at a bottom closed end of the bag formed of film. The bag formed of film is heated so that it is sealed to the dual inner pouch.

Abstract: A multi-ply composite container for consumer products with at least one region of weakened strength and method for manufacturing same is provided. The composite container includes a multi-ply composite tube having a tubular body ply, a liner ply adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply and a label ply adhered to the outer surface of the body ply. The composite container also includes at least one circumferential score line in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and the body ply. The container and method overcome limitations imposed by conventional composite containers by providing a composite container which provides for easy opening, better consumer access, resealability, storage for left over food product, and easier consumer recycling.

Abstract: A waterproof bag and a method of producing the waterproof bag are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous web of bags formed of a plurality of layers to be separated along a line of perforations that extends through all of the layers transverse of the web, in which at least one of the outermost layers is detached from the web at the separation line. Apparatus accomplishes this detachment in a moving web by engaging the outermost layer outer surface and exerting a force in a manner to produce the detachment from the separation line. Both the outermost upper and lower web layers can be detached at the separation line.

Abstract: Shaped element having irregular external contours and adapted to be made from a two-layered quasi-endless web comprising two layers of a weldable plastics film material in a station simultaneously welding and severing said layers. Once severed and welded, the shaped element comprises a casing (53) consisting of a multilayered film (58-58n) and intended for a food product; the casing may be provided with a strippable outer film (57) for protection when handled.

Abstract: A multi-ply tubular container for products is provided having a first ply wrapped into a tubular shape and having an inner surface and a second ply wrapped into a tubular shape and having an outer surface positioned in face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the first ply. At least one of the first and second plies is a body ply formed of fibrous paperboard. A foamed adhesive is placed between the inner surface of the first ply and the outer surface of the second ply. The foamed adhesive reduces moisture contact with the paperboard body ply and results in increased container strength and lower manufacturing costs. The foamed adhesive is preferably a foamed aqueous adhesive. The foamed adhesive may be a substantially pure resin adhesive or a mixture of a resin and at least one filler. The two plies may comprise a paperboard body ply and a liner ply adhered together using a foamed adhesive placed therebetween.

Abstract: Flaps, tucks, panels, tabs, walls and analogous parts of paper or cardboard blanks which are to be converted into packets, cartons or otherwise configurated receptacles for smokers' products are bonded to each other by patches, strips or otherwise configurated films or layers of adhesive which is applied to a surface of a first part and is to bond the first part to a second part of a blank. In order to accelerate the setting of adhesive, the movement of one of the first and second parts into engagement with the other of such parts is effected by at least one ultrasonic atomizer for the adhesive. The atomizer can be stationary if the blank is advanced relative to the atomizer by a conveyor and/or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing multi-ply tubular containers for food products is provided including the steps of advancing a continuous body ply formed of paperboard towards a shaping mandrel and advancing a continuous polymeric liner ply adjacent to one surface of the paperboard body ply. The polymeric liner ply includes a moisture barrier layer and an adhesive layer defining one surface of the liner ply, wherein the adhesive layer includes a polymeric adhesive which is activated at a predetermined activation temperature. The body ply is heated to a temperature above the activation temperature of the adhesive, and the body ply and the liner ply are then passed in face-to-face contact through a nip to adhere the liner ply to the body ply. The body ply and liner ply are then wrapped around a shaping mandrel to create the tubular container.

Abstract: The invention provides spirally wound easy-open containers which comprise a spirally wound body wall having overlapped edges and which have capabilities and benefits associated with conventional butt jointed containers. The overlapped edges of the body wall define an easy-open seam extending helically between the ends of the container. A temporary adhesive between the overlapped edges of the body wall releasably adheres the overlapped edges of the body wall together and allows for opening of the container along the helical, easy-open seam. The easy-open containers provided according to the invention can be readily manufactured with only slight modifications to the conventional manufacturing process. Nevertheless, the easy-open containers of the invention can provide for material savings in container label construction and can allow for vacuum packaging of food products such as dough.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by means of a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof; and methods of making the same are described, including the making of a roll from which said bags can be made.

Abstract: A continuous tubular box body production method, particularly for cardboard boxes, using a number of stacked longitudinal strips. After sizing the continuously moving straps (2, 3, 4), they are applied lengthwise against a stationary guide (8) ending in a mandrel (10) with a circumference defining the cross-sectional shape of the tubular body (1, 17), whereby each strip has a side flap on either side of the guide which is then folded down around the circumference of the mandrel (1) as the strips move therealong. The method is characterized in that the side flaps (2a, 1b; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) are at least partially asymmetrically folded down so that one of the flaps on each strip is folded down before the other, whereby various longitudinal joint configurations and arrangements may be achieved, wherein the joints are arranged above one another or offset in alternate directions.

Abstract: A paper tube consisting essentially of one or a plurality of paper tapes formed into a tube and a blend adhesive comprising two or more aqueous adhesives different in their concentrations adhering the paper tapes, its production and a package using it. In the paper tube, the adhesive can be coated into a thin film layer even at a high concentration without reducing the initial adhesive force, and the drying process after the coating can be omitted.

Abstract: The invention provides spirally wound easy-open containers which comprise a spirally wound body wall having overlapped edges and which have capabilities and benefits associated with conventional butt jointed containers. The overlapped edges of the body wall define an easy-open seam extending helically between the ends of the container. A temporary adhesive between the overlapped edges of the body wall releasably adheres the overlapped edges of the body wall together and allows for opening of the container along the helical, easy-open seam. The easy-open containers provided according to the invention can be readily manufactured with only slight modifications to the conventional manufacturing process. Nevertheless, the easy-open containers of the invention can provide for material savings in container label construction and can allow for vacuum packaging of food products such as dough.

Abstract: A blank for constructing a cell unit includes first, second, third, and fourth walls which each have inner and outer planar surfaces and are separated by fold lines. Each of the walls have upper and lower flaps, the upper and lower flaps of the first wall having tabs extending therefrom. The first and fourth walls of the blank are folded along respective fold lines such that the tabs extending from the upper and lower flaps of the first wall are respectively disposed on the upper and lower flaps of the fourth wall. An adhesive is applied to at least the outer planar surface of the first, second, third, and fourth walls. The upper and lower flaps of the first, second, third, and fourth walls are folded to adhesively secure the flaps to the respective outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth walls and the tabs are adhesively secured to the fourth wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for making frustum of cone shaped fibre barrels, comprising a substantially frustum of cone shaped drum (1) which is associated with driving means able of rotating the drum about its axis comprising means for removably holding a paper sheet to be processed. On this drum operate paper sheet pressing means and upstream of the drum there is provided a paper sheet supplying roller (8), the paper sheets having, on at least a face thereof, at least an adhesive material layer, an adjustable cutting assembly being further arranged between the drum and paper sheet supplying roller.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a waterproof paper container which is a thick paper tube made of multiple paper layers by adhering an adhesive and coating a thermofusible synthetic resin on the surface of the adhesive.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing a welded can body having an organic coated welded part are provided in which the exposed metal portion on the inside of the welded part of the can body and its vicinity is covered with a tape of an organic resin alone or a mixture of an organic resin with an inorganic material such as a pigment, a metal, etc. The resin tape is entirely supported by a mandrel to be disposed inside the can body, and pressed against the inside surface of the welded part and its vicinity. By heating the welded part of the can body, the resin tape is heated during pressing.

Abstract: An automatic assembly machine for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes a wrapping station, an adhesive application station and a clamping station. A conveyor moves the filter material and the core member together as a unit through the wrapping station and the adhesive application station. The clamping station both clamps the seam to which adhesive has been applied for a period of time sufficient to permit curing of the adhesive joint, and simultaneously conveys the filter material and core member assembly. A method for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes the steps of conveying both the filter material and the hollow core member to a point where they come in mutual contact, supporting one of the members on the other, and simultaneously conveying the filter material and core member sequentially through a wrapping station and an adhesive application station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a seam on a thermoplastic coated container, which container has been formed from a single blank or a continuous by bending the substrate member from which container was formed and overlapping opposite edges thereof to form the seam. According to the practice of this invention, the edges of the substrate member which are to be overlapped and joined to form the seam are each heated, prior to their overlapping, by energy from a laser to thereby render the thermoplastic coatings on the overlapped portions of the substrate member soft and tacky so that they will adhere to each other when pressed together and allowed to cool. The laser energy is applied by directing an unfocused laser beam of 10.6 .mu.m wavelength over a zone about one-half inch in width to each of the two edges, the web or blanks being fed along a conveyor past the stationary laser sources.

Abstract: A cone-shaped bobbin is formed by rolling and gluing a paper or the like blank on a mounting mandrel with the cone being formed with a decreasing number of layers of paper or the like from bottom to top. Three embodiments of the blank are disclosed respectively in the shape of a crescent, a half-crescent, and a comma.

Abstract: Blanks which are made of cardboard or the like and wherein the neighboring panels are flexible relative to each other are converted first into flat tubular preforms which are thereupon expanded prior to a change of orientation and introduction into a filling machine. The conversion is carried out on a horizontal support during stepwise transport of successive blanks along a stationary elongated one-piece flat pattern having progressively narrower portions at several successive deforming stations. At the first deforming station, a lap which is integral with one outermost panel of each blank is flexed relative to the respective outermost panel; at the second deforming station, the lap and the respective outermost panel are folded over the adjacent portion of the pattern; and the other outermost panel is bonded to the lap at the third deforming station.