Patent · US Expired

Air separation method and apparatus for pleating a plastic film web

US5246416A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
12References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 10, 1992
Grant dateSep 21, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB31B2160/10
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method for introducing a pleat into an advancing folded-over film web is provided which utilizes air under low pressure to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to the pleat being made. By unblocking the faces of the folded-over web, the web may be readily advanced and pleated without hang ups, misalignment, or tearing of the web. The apparatus includes a pair of substantially aligned and spaced-apart receiving plates over which opposing faces of the film web pass, a generally circular wheel positioned between the receiving plates and extending into the space therebetween for forming a pleat in the folded-over film, and an air passage positioned between the receiving plates for directing a flow of air between the opposing faces of the film web to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to passing over the receiving plates.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.