Patent ID: 6428651
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B26D,B29C,B29L,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a slit extending along a tubular body formed of a flexible material and applying an adhesive to an edge of the slit as the tubular body is advanced along a path of travel, comprising:a tape feed for feeding a release tape along a tape feed path toward the path of travel of the tubular body, the release tape having an adhesive applied to at least one surface thereof; a cutting blade for cutting the tubular body as the tubular body is advanced past the cutting blade, said cutting blade forming a slit in the tubular body having a pair of opposed slit edges facing each other such that said cutting blade is interposed between the opposed edges of the slit; and a housing member positioned along the path of travel of the tubular body, said housing member having an exterior surface for receiving the release tape from the tape feed path and directing the release tape along a line parallel to the path of travel of the tubular body such that the surface of the release tape having the adhesive applied thereto is applied to the edge of the slit, said housing member further being positioned to cover at least a portion of the cutting blade and separate the edges of the slit from the cutting blade to reduce frictional engagement of the cutting blade with the tubular body.