Systems, methods, and devices for splicing sheet materials
AssigneePacksize LLC
InventorClinton Engleman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for splicing together multiple sheets of generally rigid material into a continuous sheet. The system includes a cart with a cutting mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The cutting mechanism is configured to cut a pattern of segments through the sheet materials that can be interlocked to form a seam. The interlocking segments may include asymmetrical features. The sealing mechanism can apply tape to the seal to secure it. The splicing system may be used while one of the multiple sheets of generally rigid material is concurrently in use by a packaging machine without interruption to the packaging machine.
Claims23
A splicing system for joining sheets of generally rigid material into a continuous length of sheet material, the splicing system comprising:
- a reference wall configured to align the sheets with one another;
- a cutting mechanism configured to cut a pattern of interlocking segments through the sheets and along an axis spanning between opposing sides of the sheets;
- and
- a sealing mechanism configured to secure the interlocking segments of the sheets together.
A method of splicing sheets of generally rigid material into a continuous length of sheet material, the method comprising:
- aligning and partially overlapping a first sheet of generally rigid material with a second sheet of generally rigid material;
- cutting a pattern of interlocking segments through the first and second sheets and along an axis spanning between opposing sides of the first and second sheets;
- removing an excess portion of material from the first and second sheets, such that the interlocking segments of each sheet are exposed;
- connecting the exposed interlocking segments of the first sheet to the exposed interlocking segments of the second sheet to create a seam;
- and
- securing the seam such that the interlocking segments remain connected.
A splicing system for joining sheets of generally rigid material into a continuous length of sheet material, the splicing system comprising:
- a movable cart having a top surface;
- a reference wall mounted on or adjacent to the top surface of the cart, the reference wall being configured to align the sheets with one another;
- a roller die cutter configured to roll over the sheets to cut a pattern of segments through the sheets, the pattern of segments in the sheets being configured to be interlocked with one another to form a seam;
- and
- a sealing mechanism configured press tape onto opposing sides of the seam to secure the interlocking segments of the sheets together.
A bale formed of generally rigid material, comprising:
- a first end of the generally rigid material;
- a second end of the generally rigid material;
- and
- a plurality of fanfolded layers of generally rigid material between the first end and the second end,
- wherein at least one of first end or the second end comprises a pattern of segments between opposing sides of the generally rigid material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.