Patent ID: 6918232
Filing Date: 2005-07-19
Classification: B29C,B65B,B65D,B65H,D06H

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a package of strip material comprising: forming a plurality of side by side stacks of the strip material in which the strip material of one stack is separated from the strip material of the next adjacent stack sufficiently for the strip material of the stacks to be unfolded and withdrawn in turn separately from the strip material of the other stacks; in each stack repeatedly folding the strip back and forth so that the stack contains a plurality of folded overlying strip portions of the strip, with each strip portion being folded relative to one next adjacent strip portion about a first fold line transverse to the strip and relative to a second next adjacent strip portion about a second fold line transverse to the strip and spaced from the first fold line; arranging the strip portions of each stack to form a plurality of first fold lines at one end of the package and a plurality of second fold lines at an opposed end of the package; arranging the strip portions of each stack with the first and second surfaces thereof generally parallel to a top surface and a bottom surface of the stack, with the strip of each stack continuous through the stack between a bottom strip portion and a top strip portion; arranging the plurality of stacks side by side with the side edges of the strip portions of each stack adjacent the side edges of a next adjacent stack and parallel to two sides of the package; connecting the bottom strip portion of each stack to the top strip portion of another of the stacks by a spliced connecting portion to form a continuous length of the strip material formed by connected stacks; and wrapping the side by side stacks and the spliced connecting portions therebetween in a packaging material to maintain the strip material in the stacks contained and protected during transportation; wherein the step of wrapping with a packaging material includes providing a flexible bag in the form of a tubular member with a closed upper end; providing a top generally planar header member separate from the bag, providing a bottom generally planar, substantially rigid member separate from the bag; placing the generally planar header member on the top of the stacks; placing the generally planar bottom member on the bottom of the stacks; leaving sides or the stacks exposed between the header member and the bottom member; and a surrounding the stacks and the header member and at least part of the bottom member with the flexible bag; with the bag acting to cover and engage the top header member, the exposed sides of the stacks and at least part of the bottom header member.