Patent ID: 7156274

Claim:
A method of separating a strip of semi-compliant material into discrete portions, comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus having angle adjustment means for establishing a desired feed angle of the semi-compliant material into a housing positioned at a support angle from a support surface, said angle adjustment means including an actuator for adjustably moving the housing to a desired support angle, wherein the desired support angle of the housing is oblique to the support surface; b) adjustably moving the housing to the desired support angle to establish the desired feed angle of the semi-compliant material into the housing; c) feeding the semi-compliant material into the housing having at least one drive mechanism which moves the semi-compliant material through the housing; d) bending the semi-compliant material inside said housing in a first bending direction, thereby forming a line of weakening along the semi-compliant material; and e) bending the semi-compliant material inside said housing in a second bending direction opposite to the first bending direction, thereby separating a portion of the semi-compliant material from the semi-compliant material along the line of weakening.