Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus for inserting valves between the front and back panels of inflatable bodies, such as air or helium inflated novelty balloons or air-inflated dunnage bags, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conveying an upper web and lower web through a conveyor assembly in a contiguous relation and conveying the webs to a spreader bar which projects between the peripheral edges of the webs to form an open zone between the peripheral edges of the webs. A valve insertion mechanism separates the webs at the open zone and inserts the valve between the top and bottom webs at the open zone. As the valve insertion mechanism is withdrawn from between the webs, the webs are brought back into a contiguous relation which frictionally retains the valve between the webs. The webs are then further conveyed, with the valve now frictionally retained in position therebetween, to a downstream die station without any attachment of the valve to either of the webs prior to reaching the die station. At the die station, the perimeter of an inflatable body shape is heat sealed into the webs which simultaneously heat seals the valve to both webs. In an alternate embodiment, the spreader bar can be positioned adjacent to the die station so that the valve may be inserted between the webs at the die station where it will then be heat sealed to both of said webs at that station.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim