Patent ID: 6606839
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: B65B,B65H

Abstract:
A method for packaging an elongated item using an apparatus including a first elongated projection and a second elongated projection oriented substantially in parallel with the first elongated projection, said method comprising the steps of:positioning an end of the item between the first elongated projection and the second elongated projection; rotating the first elongated projection and the second elongated projection with respect to one another to form a rolled item; and inserting the rolled item into a receptacle, wherein the step of inserting the rolled item into a receptacle is performed using an apparatus having a hollow tube section having a first opening and a second opening and a hollow flared section having a narrow opening and a wide opening, the narrow opening being connected to the first opening, and wherein the step of inserting the rolled item into a receptacle comprises the steps of: positioning the receptacle over an exterior surface of the tube section adjacent the second opening; inserting the rolled item within the flared section via the wide opening; and sliding the rolled item through the narrow opening of the flared section, through the tube section, and within the receptacle, and wherein the rolled item is rolled such that a terminal edge of the elongated item is located on an exterior surface of the rolled item, and wherein said method further comprises the step of rotating the rolled item as the rolled item is inserted within the flared section, where the rolled item is rotated in a direction opposite a direction of rolling of the rolled item such that the terminal edge of the elongated sheet is maintained flat against the exterior surface of the rolled item.