Abstract: In order to envelop the necks of a series of continuously moving bottles with decorative or informative tubular attachments, an elongate tube of heat-shrinkable plastic material is flattened first in one longitudinal plane and then in another longitudinal plane, perpendicular to the former, to produce a sheath with two substantially flat sides bearing the traces of a first pair of creases while being bounded by a second pair of creases. The longitudinally advancing sheath is cut into clippings of predetermined length that are advanced codirectionally therewith but at higher speed along a sloping guidepath in which the existing creases are caused to converge while the original creases reappear as the two sides are progressively spread apart.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method for preparing a plurality of large blocks of glass for shipment on a transportable device (10). The method includes providing an "A" frame carrier (18) on the transportable device. A plurality of layers of shrinkable film (32) and (34) are provided which lie over and on both sides of the "A" frame carrier. A block of glass is loaded on each side of the "A" frame carrier and wrapped in the layer (34) of shrinkable film in a manner that each of the first glass blocks is substantially enclosed in the shrinkable film. The shrinkable film is shrunk about the enclosed block of glass thereby to form a sealed pouch pack (36) about the first loaded block of glass. At least a second block of glass is loaded on each side of the "A" frame carrier in association with the previously loaded blocks of glass.

Abstract: Articles (16, 18) are shrink mounted onto a stiff carrier or backing (10) and simultaneously selectively masked for paint spraying of the interiors of the articles (16, 18). The articles (16, 18) are secured to the backing (10) by a thin gauge plastic film (20) drawn under heat to shrink its dimensions while a vacuumizing head (50, 51) forms portions of the film to effect masking of selected edges (26, 28, 29) of the articles (16, 18). The interiors of the articles may be spray painted through openings (30, 31) in the backing (10), with the masked edges (17, 19, 26, 28, 29) of the articles (16, 18) protected from the paint (38).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum packaging goods in heat shrinkable, thermoplastic bags in a vacuum chamber equipped with flexible, heated diaphragms that can be collapsed upon a filled bag to heat it to shrinking temperature.

Abstract: A method for making decorated battery casings wherein a thin walled heat shrinkable plastic tubing is cut to size, placed on a support member such as a mandrel, heat shrunk, decorated with decorative materials and protective coatings thereon and crimped at one end. The casing is then removed from the mandrel, placed upon a cell or battery and crimped at the other end to complete the battery or cell encasing procedure. The procedure is particularly efficacious in providing metallic decorated plastic battery casings.

Abstract: Articles which are heat-recoverable, or which can be rendered heat-recoverable or which have been heat-recovered, comprise a member composed of a conductive polymer and, attached to said member, at least two electrodes, at least one of which is an electrode comprising a plurality of pliable conductive elements, e.g., a braided tube. By connecting the electrodes to a source of electrical power, current is caused to pass through and heat the conductive polymer member. The heat generated can be used to provide all or part of the heat necessary to cause recovery of the heat-recoverable article. The conductive polymer preferably exhibits PTC behavior, thereby regulating the maximum temperature to which the article can be heated.

Abstract: The method provides a loose wrap on an article. A sheet of thin, flexible wrapping material is positioned around the article. A projecting flexible excess portion is formed as an outwardly projecting bubble in the wrapping material that is positioned around the article. The wrapping material is then sealed around the article while the bubble portion is maintained in the wrapping material. The apparatus comprises various mechanisms for effecting the method steps. The assembly is particularly useful in a wrapping machine. The combination used in conjunction with a wrapping machine includes a pocket mechanism for holding the article having the thin, flexible material wrapped therearound. The projecting bubble portion is formed by an assembly disposed adjacent the pocket mechanism. The pocket mechanism includes a side wall member having an indentation to receive the projecting bubble portion formed in the wrapping material.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and method for forming composite packages comprising a first flexible material (11) and a second relatively rigid material (12) which are connected together without the use of additional connecting materials. The connection is achieved by causing the flexible material (11) to be deformed to cooperate in tension with interrupted zones (19) of the relatively rigid material (12). Many different packages may be formed for a variety of uses but the invention is particularly suitable for connecting a heat shrinkable plastics body part to a paperboard or like sheet material end part.

Abstract: A novel package of available chlorine compound comprised of a stack of a plurality of tablets enclosed in a liquid impervious synthetic material. The package is prepared by placing the stack of tablets in a tube of heat shrinkable synthetic material and then heating to effect shrinkage and to form a tightly adhering tube of synthetic material around the cylindrical exterior of the tablets. The resulting package can be adjusted to size by cutting where desired between tablets. The packages are useful in sanitizing water, particularly swimming pool water by placing them in a strainer basket of a skimmer unit.

Abstract: A moistureproof package comprising a container and lid characterized in that the lid is attached to the container by means of a primary hermetic seal and is provided with a secondry snap fastener for securing the lid to the container once it has been opened, and further characterized in that the container and lid frame are formed from a single sheet of material enough larger in area than that required to form the container to also form the lid frame.

Abstract: The high temperature strength of a heat seal which bonds irradiatively cross-linkable thermoplastic materials together to form a receptacle can be significantly improved by irradiating the receptacle after the seal has been formed. This technique is especially effective for improving the high temperature seal strength of packaging film laminates such as those having a layer of an olefin homopolymer or copolymer and a layer of hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: In a method of shrinking screw caps (2) on to the mouths (1) of containers (13), the screw caps are acted upon by a hot gas jet (7, 8) from nozzles (3, 4), along a feed path (6), from both sides. The flow axes (7, 8) are displaced relative to each other so that there are no pressure build-up and stagnation effects. The resulting advantageous temperature pattern at the nozzles means that savings in heating output can be attained. In addition, there is no longer any need for the bottles to be rotated about their own axis (10).

Abstract: Heat-recoverable articles carrying a "thermochromic" composition comprising organic materials which melt and decompose to provide a color-change indicating that the articles have been heated to a certain temperature, e.g. to melt a sealant carried on the surface of the article which is to contact a substrate around which the article is to be shrunk. Mixtures of relatively simple compounds may be used to graduate the color change, and means are described for preventing reversion to the original color on long-term exposure to moisture.

Abstract: In a heat shrinkable synthetic resin cover adapted to seal a joint between two pipes or an electric cable, the cover is made of a rectangular sheet shaped cross-linked polymer and a flexible electric heater covered by a cross-linked polymer contained in a heat shrinkable synthetic resin member such that the electric heater crosses at right angles an inherent direction of heat shrink of the member so as not prevent inherent heat shrink thereof.

Abstract: Cross-linkable polyethylene blended with a copolymer of isobutylene and a conjugated diene is capable of being crosslinked, bonded, stretched and recovered without a significant loss of strength characteristics or seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a case can package wherein two twelve can-one-half case can packages are joined to form a one case can package by means of an overwrap. The package film of the one-half case can packages is provided on the outer surface thereof with a suitable overprint in the form of a resist which prevents bonding of the overwrap film thereto. The overwrap film interlocks with the cans of the two one-half case can packages to form a readily handleable one case package unit. The overwrap film is readily removable to present two one-half case can packages for individual sale. The overwrap joining the two one-half case can packages eliminates the need for the usual paper board tray, which is quite expensive, and at the same time provides for improved stacking of the can packages in case lots on pallets.

Abstract: An improved package for storage and/or shipment of flexible materials which is particularly applicable to packaging a plurality of flexible magnetic disks such as flexible disks. Flexible disks are uniformly aligned and sealed within a heat sealable, heat shrinkable plastic bag. A hole is placed in an edge of the bag for tight draw down, and the bag is heat shrunk. Enhanced protection is afforded by placing and forming a second heat shrunk plastic bag around the first. A foam collar is firmly positioned about the peripheral edge of the package to provide edge protection to the package during shipment. The improved package prevents physical damage to the individual flexible disks from handling, shipping impact and particulate contamination.

Abstract: Cross-linkable polyethylene blended with a copolymer of isobutylene and a conjugated diene is capable of being cross-linked, bonded, stretched and recovered without a significant loss of strength characteristics or seal.

Abstract: An article containing carton, and method of assemblying it, for packaging a lamp and lamp shade in the same carton in a minimum of space and with little chance that the lamp and lamp shade will be damaged during transport. The lamp is attached to a first support panel with heat shrinkable material, and the lamp shade is attached between second and third support panels with heat shrinkable material surrounding the support panels and the shade. The first support panel is operatively fastened to the bottom of the carton, and the assembly of the lamp shade and second and third support panels, wrapped by heat shrinkable material, is positioned within the carton so that the lamp and shade are always maintained in spaced relationship in the carton horizontal dimensions, and so that the lamp does not abut the shade supporting spider. The third panel has a central opening through which a portion of the lamp extends into the interior volume defined by the shade.

Abstract: Packaging of tubes or rods is disclosed. The tubes or rods consist of a brittle material such as glass or ceramics. In a method for packaging, the tubes or rods are arranged in one package in the tightest possible packaging form. This package is encased by a hood preferably consisting of a film of synthetic material which is fitted over the package under stress and which thereby locks the tubes or rods in position. A plurality of such packages can be stacked on a conventional pallet and can be encased by an additional hood locking this stack in position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a composite container having a body label or tubular sleeve mounted thereon adapted to be shrunken onto exterior surface areas of a cylindrical container. The tubular sleeve is preformed of thin flexible thermoplastic material and may be flat-folded until ready for use when it is fully opened and conveyed in axial registry with the container inverted therebeneath. The sleeve preform of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the inverted container while the latter is conveyed through a coincidental aligned path. The container preferably consists of a hollow glass or plastic container held invertedly by its neck portion with the tubular preform made slightly larger in diameter to surround the body and neck portions of the container. The tubular sleeve preform is held fully opened and is then transported downwardly in telescopic relation when in axial alignment with the inverted container.

Abstract: Self-adhesive labels mounted on a backing strip are formed into fan-folded sets or stacks and are loaded directly from the fan-folding machine into an open four-sided cassette. The cassettes are made of cardboard, and after they are loaded with fan-folded labels, they are enclosed either by the addition of a fifth side or by wrapping. The cassette packages are then transported to the location where labels are to be applied to products moving along a conveyor. The fan-folded labels are supported in an open L-shaped rack which is tilted and which is of sufficient length to hold at least two sets or cassettes of fan-folded labels side by side. The labels are fed directly into a standard type of label dispenser which applies the labels to products as they are moving along a conveyor line.

Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for producing a composite container having a tubular sleeve mounted precisely thereon adapted to be shrunken into final surface covering position. The tubular sleeve is preformed of relatively-flexible thin material and flat-folded until ready for use when it is opened and conveyed into axial registry with the container. The sleeve preform of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the container and the container is then firmly retained at an upper region. A reciprocatable apertured head contacts the preform while so retained and further telescopes the preform at least partially over the container. With the reciprocatable apertured head then stationarily maintained, the container is elevated so that the apertured head further lowers the preform into finally-aligned position on the container where it is adapted to subsequent heat-shrinking in place in permanent conforming arrangement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for assemblying bottles or other containers into a package. The bottles for a package are arranged in a group of predetermined number, a telescoping tubular sleeve is placed around the group, and the sleeve is heat-shrunken around the grouped bottles into an integral tightly-bound package.

Abstract: A container for holding articles and a method for forming this container. The container comprises a support structure having a first bag disposed inside of the support structure and a second bag sealed closely about the outside of the support structure. The first bag is sealed about the articles and bonded to the second bag to hold the container in one piece after the bags have been opened to reach the articles. The method comprises the steps of sealing the first bag about the articles and placing it in the support structure; sealing the second bag about the support structure; shrinking, by heating, the second bag until it forms a closely fitting sealed surface about the support structure; and forming a bond between the first and second bags to hold the container in one piece after it is opened.

Abstract: A package is provided comprising an uprightly unstable thermoplastic bottle having a generally convex bottom and a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly therefrom and a base directly contacting and loosely supporting the bottle in an upright position the package further comprises predecorated heat shrunk annular label means in tight unitizing peripheral engagement with externally exposed surfaces of the base and sidewall for securely and integrally attaching said bottle and said base, the means being substantially the sole means for such attachment.

Abstract: A sealed container is formed by positioning a length of heat shrinkable film above the open top of a container, grasping a corner of the film, and heat shrinking the peripheral portion of the film into fluid tight compressive engagement with the upper portion of the container while the film corner is grasped. The unshrunk gripped corner of the film provides a pull tab for removing the closure, when desired. As the peripheral portion of the film is heat shrunk, the remainder of the film is tensioned across the open top of the container, and minute perforations are then formed in the tensioned film to define frangible sections which may be ruptured by a straw when the contents of the container are to be consumed with the closure in place.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for altering a package of containers encased by heat shrunk packaging material without structurally damaging the package. The package is modified in areas immediate of each container to expose a portion of each container for the affixing of a price mark thereupon, while providing sufficient structural strength to facilitate shipping of the package.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for forming a multi-layer protective envelope around an object that is generally prismatic or cylindric in shape the object while being rotated about a stationary, horizontal axis is wrapped-around with a web of thin, heat-shrinkable and heat-softenable plastic film having a width that exceeds the length of the object, successive portions of said web after having arrived at the periphery of the object and as the object rotates being exposed to a heating radiation while passing a zone extending along the full length of the object and also inwardly over portions of the end surfaces thereof. Layer after layer of said film will thereby shrink to tightly surround the object, including at least the radially outer marginal portions of the ends thereof, and also laminate together into a tough unitary casing.

Abstract: A system for metering and film packaging of bitumen and like materials that are solid at room temperature and molten liquid when heated. The packaging film is thermoplastic, having a melting point not exceeding the temperature of molten bitumen. The material of the packaging film in liquid form is compatible with bitumen without deleteriously affecting the characteristics of the bitumen. In the system, bitumen in a hot molten state is pumped at a filling station into empty molds that are lined with release material. The fluid bitumen is metered at the filling station to supply a predetermined quantity in each mold. The filled molds are conveyed through a lengthy cooling station that may include a water bath and after a suitable time, e.g. 2 to 4 hours, the bitumen solidifies into slabs.