Patent ID: 6656101
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B31B

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a bulk transport cargo container liner from a web of folded-flat gussetted sheet plastics material having over-lying upper and lower layers between the long edges of which are respective pairs of inwardly-folded gusset panels, which method comprises the steps of:extending the web over a work-area and arranging a shuttle between the layers of the material, which shuttle extends substantially across the width of the web so as to hold separated layers of the plastics material above and below the shuttle and with the side edge margins of the shuttle located between the upper layer and the adjacent inwardly-folded gusset panels; defining in the web a first end region for the finished liner; advancing the web over the work-area whilst applying a force to the shuttle through the plastics material so as to maintain the shuttle substantially stationary with respect to the work-area, until a part of the material corresponding to a required location for an attachment of the finished liner over-lies the shuttle; bonding to the plastics material at said location an attachment for the liner, using the shuttle to provide a counter-force for bonding operation; further advancing the web over the work-area whilst continuing to maintain the shuttle stationary with respect to the work-area, until the required length of plastics material for the finished liner extends beyond a closure station downstream of the shuttle; providing at the closure station a pair of separator boards disposed one each side of the web and each projecting between the folded material defining the gusset panels thereby separating the upper and lower gusset panels; effecting at the closure station upper and lower weld seams across the width of the web thereby to join the upper and lower layers to the respective upper and lower gusset panels with the weld seams on each layer being in a generally V-shaped configuration thereby to form an end panel at a second end region of the liner; and cutting the plastics material from the web so at least partially completing the liner.