US Patent:
20020144924, Oct 10, 2002
Inventors:
Robert Johnson - Turnersville NJ, US
Juan Zuhlsdorf - Boca Raton FL, US
Carlo Gretter - Boynton Beach FL, US
John Roberts - Memphis TN, US
International Classification:
B65D073/00
US Classification:
206/494000, 156/226000, 156/204000
Abstract:
A package of a continuous strip of material formed from a web comprises a plurality of parallel side by side strip elements separated by dividing lines. The dividing lines are formed such that the width of the strip elements varies along their length with the wider portions of one alongside the narrower portions of the next in a nesting action. The strips are packaged for storage and transport to an end use machine where the strip elements are withdrawn and cut into identical strip portions at spaced positions along the strip so that each strip portion includes a portion of minimum width and a portion of maximum width. The web including all the strip elements is formed into a block in which the web is fan folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the web is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Each strip element is continuous through the block and is connected by a splice to the beginning of the next strip element. The strip has a varying width, for example, to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into the individual strip portions. The dividing lines are formed by longitudinal slits separated by un-slit bridges so that the strip elements are held together in the block and are pulled apart only when unfolded.