Thermoformable web splicer and method
US8163118B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1702
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The method for joining together thermoformable sheets includes: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.