CA2252669A1 - Velcro tape for fastening a carpet to the ground - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a practical method for fastening a carpet to the ground using a velcro system, consisting in securing to the ground tackless strips (H) which are unwound from a roller resting on a stable winding base and cut into lengths.

Description

. CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 VELCRO TAPE FOR FASTENING A CARPET TO THE GROUND

The invention relates to a process for laying carpet lltili~ing velcro connections to the floor, wherein hook-strips are secured to the floor.
Similar hook-strips forming surface attachments are the object of DE-OS 196001 06.
Such surface attachments have taken the place of the previous transfer-adhesive strips, and, in the form of hook-strips and the cooperating loop surfaces provided on the carpet or tiles, have found a broad field of use. (This extends from a full-surface hook-strip installation, to a grid form, to a configuration of stripes alone. The stripe configuration appears to be the most common.) The basic layer of a carpet or of tiles is provided on the underside with an adhesive layer, through which the thus constructed first back surface is connected with the second back surface. Upon the usually parallel and spaced-apart hook strips, the object to be installed is prevented from slipping. The hook-strips themselves are provided, on the back side, with an adhesive layer.
They include the common removable cover. The hook-strips usually consist of a plastic sheet, manufactured in an extrusion process.
The object of the invention is to provide a practical way of preparing such hook-strips, and cutting them to measure.
First of all, this object is essentially attained by way of the process steps set out in claim 1 which include: that a hook-strip be withdrawn from a storage roll which is supported in a stable roll carrier, and is then cut to length. This simplifies the installation work considerably. After determining the respective length requirement, the hook-strip is withdrawn from the supply roll and a length is cut from the remainder. The stable roll carrier provides support during operation, in which the particular weight of the supply roll plays a part. The cutting-to-length can be still further rationalized, if two hook-strips from two supply rolls are withdrawn simultaneously with one being above the other, such that one hook-strip is withdrawn under a second supply roll.
Technical control may require strips from still more sources. The cut goes through all of the stacked hook-strips. It is advantageous for the storage rolls to be offset vertically. If more or less sharp turns are to be avoided, it is recommended that the supply rolls be offset also in the withdrawal direction. This results in acute-angled converging flow. In order to be able to work . CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 at a convenient height, a supply roll is positioned on a worktable. If large lengths are needed, a plurality of worktables can be connected together corresponding to a desired length. The cutting then occurs by severing along a separating template on the worktable, thus providing a further function of the table beyond the withdrawal and sliding surface.
With regard to the stable and protected maintenance of the holding band, a further preliminary step can be one in which the hook-strip plastic layer, in the form of an elongate strip, can be taken up on a roll mounted on the stable roll carrier within a surrounding packaging.
Without relinquishing the protective function of the packaging unit, the provision or withdrawal of the hook-strip plastic layer is thus best obtained. The packaging unit, in practice, surrounds the housing of a pay-out roll, of which the core component is the stable roll carrier. This takes up the elongate strip transferred to the supply roll. The surrounding packaging functions as a protective cover, so that during storage, and also later when in use, there is provided a packaging unit which is stabilizing from both sides. A particularly advantageous solution, construction-wise, is based on the fact that the roll carrier consists of two carrier side plates which support a roll core. Identical parts can be used for this. With reference to the positionof the roll core, steps are taken to ensure that the roll core is stable. For this, it is sufficient to achieve a friction fit so that, during unrolling of the roll, the roll core does not rotate along with the roll, which would cause enlargement of the openings in the carrier side plates, due to the effect of friction.
This contributes greatly to the sought-after stability. In addition, it is of advantage for at least one of the carrier side plates to have a non-round periphery. A roll carrier of this kind will not roll away. Consequently, it is desirable for one side plate to have a rectangular periphery. It is however, preferable for both side plates to have a congruent peripheral shape, as indicated above.
By way of a further step, namely perforating the carrier side plates, there results not only a saving of material, but also the provision of grip openings, for example to facilitate the downward loading of the roll carrier into the surrounding packaging, or again the removal of the roll carrier therefrom. In order to best comply with the current ecological requirements, the roll carrier is made from a material which is compatible with the recycling of the surrounding packaging.
While the surrounding packaging is normally corrugated cardboard, the parts of the roll carrier which contribute to good stability are made from a cardboard/paper material. With respect to the surrounding packaging, the arrangement can be such that it is made essentially of the usual cardboard material. A further advantage results if the roll carrier facilitates the removal of the .. _.. ,. , . , , . . ,. , . . ,. _ . CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 strip during one-sided opening of the surrounding packaging. The corresponding access for removal can take place through a slot. In the case where a full side of a generally cubic or prismatic cardboard carton is utilized, there is a procedure that is of great importance, namely that the opening cover of the surrounding packaging be in a condition to facilitate withdrawal in the direction of the unrolling strips. For this, there is simply used one wall surface of the cardboard carton, with the opening being horizontally directed by tipping the carton. Such an opening cover functions in a practical sense as a worktable covering. In accordance with this, the opening cover is constructed as a covering flap. Such an opening cover can return to the closed position after the removal of the desired section of the strip, so that the product, even after destruction of the packaging integrity, can still offer the desired protection. For this closure, it is proposed that the opening cover be transformed into an end-located displaced fish plate. Beyond this, the invention proposes that, on the inner side of the opening cover, there be provided a severing template which projects essentially transversely to the withdrawal direction of the strip.
In this construction, the opening cover is not only a protective covering for the worktable, but simultaneously also the support component of a cooperating tool for a knife. In addition, it is also suggested that the severing template consist of a split strip. Using the latter, the strip can be cut to length with a correct angle. Such a severing template can simply be made from a wood or plastic strip. With regard to the laying, reference can be made to the unpublished German patent application 19600106.4, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference, also with the purpose of including characteristics of that document in claims of the present application.
In order to effect the withdrawal of the hook-strip from the protective packaging unit, without having to relinquish the contributing stabilization effect of its surrounding packaging, it is proposed that the surrounding packaging include an opening flap which extends over a partial region of the height of the roll. This may resemble the flap of a postal letter box. This can be realized without great expenditure, by marking the opening flap with lines of weakness. The corresponding part of the surrounding packaging is opened simply with firm pressure. A simple sweeping effect is attained if the opening flap opens upwardly. This occurs through an outward flap, so that blockage of the withdrawal step is securely avoided.
An advantageous arrangement for a packaging unit for a hook-strip plastic layer of a velcro attachment system for a carpet to be laid with the use of velco is achieved by using two . ~ ., _, _ CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 packaging units arranged one after the other, wherein the forward packaging unit in the withdrawal direction is positioned so that the hook-strip of the rearward packaging unit runs underneath it. It is constructionally advantageous for the forward packaging unit to be positioned on a bridging pedestal. Furthermore, an advantageous characteristic derives from the fact that S the pack~ging units are located on a worktable. Moreover it is proposed that bracing strips be provided on the worktable extending transverse to the withdrawal direction, in order to brace the packaging units in the withdrawal direction. This increases the stability mentioned above. There is further provided on the worktable a severing template extending transversely to the withdrawal direction of the hook-strip. The arrangement is further advantageous in that a plurality of 10 worktables can be assembled together to provide any given cutting length. The "docking" occurs advantageously using velcro connections. In detail, the facing edges of the worktables are provided with velcro connection elements in the form of hooks and loops.
The object of the invention is more fully described below, with reference to an example embodiment as illustrated in the drawings, in whcih:
Figure 1 shows the inventive packaging unit with the opening covers swung outwardly, revealing a roll carrier with a roll in place, in perspective, Figure 2 shows the packaging unit in a position to allow the strip to be removed, in which the opening cover functions as a protective cover for the worktable, and in which position the severing template is exposed for use, diagramatically, Figure 3 is an illustration corresponding to Figure 2, showing a withdrawn portion of the strip, in the process of being cut to length by a knife, Figure 4iS a front elevation of the subject of Figure 3, Figure 5 is a further perspective view of the roll carrier showing an installation phase, Figure 6 shows the roll carrier unloaded, and modified with reference to the carrier side 25 plates, Figure 7 shows the roll carrier loaded, with carrier side plates in place, Figure 8 shows the introduction of the loaded roll carrier into a surrounding packaging by fitting the same downwardly over the roll carrier, Figure 9 is an illustration of the packaging unit, similar to what is shown in Figure 2, 30 including constructional protective features for the creation of a slot-like access flap, specifically in the form of lines of weakness, ' CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 Figure 10 shows the packaging unit with open flaps, Figure 11 is a perspective view of an installation for packaging units on worktables, Figure 12 is an installation similar to Figure 11 but operating in the opposed direction, likewise in diagramatic form, Figure 13 shows the rightward edge of a worktable, Figure 14 shows the left edge of a worktable for connection, Figure 15 shows, on the worktable, abutment strips for supporting the packaging unit in the withdrawal direction, Figure 16 shows an abutment strip on a bridge pedestal for bracing the packaging unit in the withdrawal direction, and Figure 17 is a m~gnified portion of the hook-strip illustrated in perspective.
The illustrated packaging unit E includes a surrounding packaging 1 and a roll carrier 2 received with close tolerance therein.
The surrounding packaging 1 is made from a cardboard material, for example corrugated cardboard.
The roll carrier 2 supports a roll 3. The roll 3 consists of a hook-strip plastic layer. The latter is a component of a velcro attachment system. The longitudinally extending strips 4, accurately cut to length, function as adhesion means between a floor covering in the form of a carpet or individual tiles which have a textiled rear face which is appropriate for adhesion to the strip (compare DE 196 00 106.4).
The hook-strip plastic layer of such a velcro attachment system has on its upper surface, i.e. the side which is directed toward the said textiled rear surface, hook elements which cooperate with loop elements of the textiled rear surface. The hook elements can be either hooks or mushroom-head elements. By contrast, the loop elements can be snares, a tangled fiber structure, or the like.
In the preliminary condition, the face of the hook-strip plastic layer which contains the hook elements is covered with a layer which protects the velcro from adhesion. This can, for example, be a protective covering which extends beyond the self-adhesive layer which is normally provided on the underside of the hook-strip plastic layer. Such a protective covering is removably provided. A corresponding separation layer can be made, for example, from silicon.

CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 For the illustrated roll, the hook elements providing the surface attachment are directed toward the rear side of the releasable protective covering. The end 4' of a strip 4 which has been wound into a roll 3 is secured by a tying means 5. Specifically, this is an adhesive strip extending circumferentially beyond the end 4', against the next adjacent portion of the roll 3.
Looking at the roll carrier in greater detail, the same includes two spaced-apart side plates 6. The side plates 6 are the end plates of a "spool", and exhibit a quadratic contour. The carrier side plates 6 are matched to the comparatively lighter weight of the corresponding side wall 7 of the surrounding packaging 1. The corners of the carrier side plates 6 are convexly rounded, so that the roll carrier 2 can be shoved into place within the receiving space of the surrounding 10 packaging 1, the space 8 being matched to the outer dimensions of the roll carrier 2.
A roll mandrel 9 also does not present any obstacle to the insertion, since the free ends are flush with the outer surfaces of the carrier side plates 6.
Each of the free ends 9' of the said roll mandrel 9 register within a respective opening 10 of the carrier side plates 6. The latter are also perforated in the near field or far field. The said 15 roll mandrel 9 is made from a section of cardboard tubing. This hollow cylinder is fixed with respect to the carried side plates 6. All that is required at this location is a friction fit. The corresponding friction is selected such that, in order to equip the roll mandrel 9 with a roll 3, and also in the sense of re-loading the mandrel, it is possible to withdraw at least one carrier side plate 6 from the insertion end of the roll mandrel 9. This situation is illustrated in Figure 5. In 20 that Figure, the roll 3 can be simply fitted onto the free projecting roll mandrel 9, in order to close the "spool". The roll 3 provides therefor a correspondingly dimensioned open core.
On the other hand, however, it is possible to arrange for the roll 3 to be installed on the roll mandrel 9 as a first step, naturally with a sufficient free projection of both ends 9' of the roll mandrel 9 to allow entry into the corresponding openings 10 of the carrier side plates 6.
The non-round contour of at least one of the two carrier side plates 6, mentioned in the claims, holds a loaded roll carrier 2 in stable condition, even in other than the originally packaged condition.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the roll carrier 2 which is not equipped with a roll.
The difference, for example in comparison with the basic embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, is 30 that the perforation arrangement of the carrier side plates 6 differs. Figure 6 shows a well-ordered, equi-angular, distributed arrangement of satellite-like openings 11 grouped around the CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 opening 10 and closer thereto. What is iilustrated is an equi-angular distribution of the illustrated openings 11. They are six in number.
In the basic embodiment, the openings 11 lie more toward the periphery, whereas in the latter embodiment, openings also identified with the numeral 11 are cut (at a spacing) from the side edges of the rectangular quadratic periphery of the carrier side plates 6.
In the axial direction of the roll core 9, a comprehensive width is selected which corresponds to the internal width of the receiving space 8 measured in this direction; this refers to the side of the surrounding packaging 1 which goes over the small face. The same applies to the vertical insertion depth or height of the surrounding packaging 1, as is clear, for example, 10 from Figure 1. In that Figure, specifically, the side of the carrier side plates 6 extending upward terminate shortly before the smaller face of the surrounding packaging 1.
For the corresponding reception of the roll carrier 2 and also the reception of the strip 3, the packaging unit E has a corresponding axis with respect to its surrounding packaging 1. Here, reference is made to the opening O extending over a complete small face of the packaging 1.
15 The same is closed by an opening cover 12 when the packaging unit E is in the storage or shipping condition. This unit is a flap-cover. The latter rotates about a hinge axis 13, provided by way of a fold line in the corresponding small side of the packaging 1.
At the free end, located furthest from the hinge axis 13, the opening cover 12 provides a locking tongue 14. This serves to secure the closed position of the opening cover 12 and is 20 insertable into the receiving space 8 and is similar in action to a tongue. For the latter there is provided a kind of insertion slot. The latter is provided primarily by two closeable flaps 15 of the packaging 1. The latter extend from the longer edges of the sidewalls 7, positioned along the edges of the packaging 1. They are cut so as to close the opening O in flat condition, without overlapping each other. The long closure groove lies longitudinally in the middle, and can 25 advantageously be closed ~ltili~ing a well known adhesive strip. Then, over the entire item, the cover 12 is closed in the manner described, to provide an external closure flap. One can, however, proceed in the opposite order such that the flaps 15 function as the external closure. It will be recognized that the insertion tongue 14 could be converted to a narrower tongue by displacement to the sides.
The opening cover 12, however, has yet a further function: In order to receive the sheet strip 4 which is to be cut to length, the packaging 1 is tipped into the position shown in Figure 2.

CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 This causes the opening O to be sidewards. The opening cover 12 is unfolded. The entire process can take place on an even underlying surface, for example on a worktable or on the floor of a room. The strip 4 then, as if over an outstretched tongue, can be pulled out of the receiving space 8 while the roll unwinds, and then can be cross-cut to length. In this process, the inner side 5 of the folded-out opening cover 12 constitutes a protective covering during manipulation, in particular during the cutting of a section of a strip 4. The rolling direction of the strip 4 is so selected that the opening cover 12 of the surrounding packaging 1 is in a condition ready for withdrawal in the direction of the unwound strip 4.
Aside from the illustrated protective effect, a further precaution is indicated, narnely that 10 within the opening cover 12 there be located a severing template S, extending at right angles to withdrawal direction x of the strip 4 (compare Figure 2).
The severing template S is a slit strip 16. It can be compared to a section through a roof tile which has an upper, middle, longitudinal slot 17. The latter is shorter than the height of the split strip 16. In this manner, utilizing a knife 18 illustrated in Figure 3, a clean severing cut 19 lS can be made, to cut to length the desired strip 4.
The split strip 16 can be made of wood, and is adhered to the inside of the opening cover 12. It can also be made as a correspondingly shaped straight-edge of plastic. As can be gathered from Figure 2, the length of the split strip 16 is so selected that it can be received within the open space between the inner surfaces of the carrier side plates 6, for the case where the opening cover 20 12 is first folded in order to close the packaging unit E, whereupon the flaps 15 are closed by horizontal movement. This procedure is also satisfactory because the split strip 16 then functions as a spacer. In this case it is al~prol)l-ate that there be no holes 11 or openings in the carrier side plates 6 ahead of the outer region of the split strip 16.
In Figures 7 and 8, the loading of the surrounding packaging 1 with a roll-equipped roll 25 carrier 2 is shown. In this process it is advantageous to set the generally lighter cardboard carton down on the roll carrier 2, in the manner of putting on a hat. After the closing of the opening cover 12 and the flaps 15 and the sealing of the gaps, the packaging unit is ready for storage or shipping.
Finally it remains to be pointed out that the roll carrier 2 in its entirety is made from a 30 material which is compatible with the surrounding packaging for the purpose of recycling. It can be useful for reasons of stability to make the carrier side plates 6 out of a multi-layered CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 corrugated cardboard l~rnin~te. Likewise it is essentially possible and advantageous for the roll carrier 2 to be made out of a cardboard or paper material. Altogether, there is achieved a highly stable transport and mounting container which meets current ecological requirements and is easily manipulated, the stability being achieved by way of the roll 3, which functions at least as an axially cooperating "support core" of the unit. However, the periphery of the roll can also function as a wall support from within the carton.
The packaging unit E can be realized as a so-called normal container or jumbo container, wherein the weight can lie between about 38 kg and a maximum of 100 kg. The length of the strip 4 is about 100 m. In addition, several rolls 3 can be accommodated in one roll carrier 2, 10 even with differing strip widths. In this case, an intermediate side plate would be utilized. The width of the strip is typically 640 mm.
The packaging unit E illustrated again in Figures 9 and 10 shows a further development of the surrounding packaging 1. In this case there is provided a cover-within-a cover solution.
Firstly, the opening cover 12 is pulled open outwardly. Inside is found an opening flap 20, 15 similar to the slot in the flap that closes a letterbox. This is applicable to three corner-enclosing sides connected to the cover 12. That takes place, as shown in Figure 9, by way of a line of weakness 21. The longer line of weakness coincides with the hinge axis 13 of the large-surface opening cover 12. The shorter lines of weakness 21 occur away from the edge in the inner area of the opening cover 12. They are parallel and run perpendicular to the hinge axis 13.
The thus clearly circumferentially defined opening flap 20 can then be swung outwardly as shown in Figure 10. It thus creates an open axis slot 23 in the packaging unit E, with respect to its surrounding packaging 1.
The above creation of a slot extends only over a relatively small portion of the height of the roll 3 supported by the roll carrier 2. The unwinding tangent lies in the operational position, 25 according to Figures 9 and 10, at the bottom of the receiving space 8.
Both of the small strips 12' remaining at the sides of the short sections of the line-of-weakness 21 in the opening cover 12 are quite satisfactory for the creation of the hinge axis 13.
Moreover they both lie clearly outside of the width of the hook-strips H forming the strip 4. The rem:linin~ width is taken up by the thickness of the side plates 6 of the roll carrier 2.
As can be seen in Figure 9, the described slot-creation includes also the flaps 15.
Specifically, they include covering-equivalent flaps 15' lying on the circumference of the CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 opening flaps 20 and can be torn away, and they correspond to the periphery of the opening flaps.
Here as well the numeral 24 designates the lines of weakness. There further remains a small strip l S" of the flap 15, corresponding to the field of the small strip 12', as side frames of the created "port". Thus, there will not be the slightest loss of stability in the surrounding packaging 1.
In order to open the flap 20, the surrounding packaging 1 is opened. This happens by exerting outward pressure on the flap-like sections which make up the opening flap 20. The unperforated longer side of the outwardly pressed field functions as the corresponding flap axis.
This is identified as hinge 25. The next step involves tearing away or folding away the flaps 15 ' of the vanes 15. The final condition of the surrounding packaging 1 in accordance with Figure 10 10 is brought about after the previous outward feeding of the hook-strip H.
Since the opening flap 20 opens upwardly, due to the hinge 25 being spaced from the pay-out surface of the packaged unit E, any clamping effect of the created opening flap 20 against the upper face of the strip, passing through the slot 23, is elimin~ted. The withdrawal direction is here indicated by the arrow x.
The thusly constructed packaging unit E is installed in the frame of an apparatus A, illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, as a strip dispenser. This allows the hook-strip plastic layer to be cut into measured strips, so that such strips can be directed to the velcro-attachment system for laying carpet.
The said apparatus A provides two packaging units E-E. The latter rest upon an elongate 20 worktable 26 which may, ~ltili7ing further worktables 26, be extended to form an elongated pathway 27 of the desired maximum length. The packaging unit E is located as far as possible toward the end region of the worktable 26 which supports it.
The use of the double installation of the hook-strip H allows the arrangement of the packaging units E, E as can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, to the effect that the hook-strip H of a 25 rearward packaging unit E can run, in the pulling direction x, under a forward packaging unit E.
To achieve this, the forward packaging unit E is placed higher than the other unit. This is accomplished by a bridge-like platform 28 resting on the surface of the worktable 26. The pedestal 28 has a U-profile. This permits an undertunnel 29 which has at least the width of the forward packaging unit E.
The corresponding upper displacement is such that the lower hook-strip H is easily pushed or drawn.

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CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 Both of the packaging units E, E, or possibly more, are supported in the withdrawal direction x. This is of particular advantage as the roll 3 continually decreases in size. The support takes the form of abutment strips 30 extending at right angles to the withdrawal direction x. When mounted laterally of the worktable these may be angle strips or angle plates secured to 5 the table surface. From a practical point of view, it is sufficient to brace the angle portion taken from the small strip 12' (compare the broken-line vertical completion of the angle piece). In any event, the size of the leg is sufficiently great to correspond with the wall thickness of the packaging 1, so that the hook-strip can slide over the head of the said abutment strip 30 without contact (Figure 15).
In the case of the upper packaging unit E, the bracing is accomplished by way of a strip 31 which is bent likewise from the square edge seen in the withdrawal direction x. This is illustrated in Figure 16. Here as well, one should use the vertical distance corresponding to the wall thickness of the surrounding packaging 1. Of course, here as well, two simple finger-like, upwardly bent abutment strips 31 are formed, which merely restrain the packaging unit E against 15 sideward slipping in the lateral regions of the small strip 12', when the hook-strip is being loaded due to pulling (shown in broken lines).
The corresponding securement can be similarly attained with a packaging unit without the surrounding packing material l, wherein however the disadvantage of an unprotected, free-standing roll 3 must be dealt with. Instead of the strip 30, 31, it is possible to provide holding-20 corners which laterally support the packaging unit E or the roll carrier 2.
As can be seen in Figure 11, a separation template T is provided on the worktable 26which receives both packaging units E, E, as has already been mentioned above. The same numerals are utilized.
The grooved strip 16 is provided on the worktable 26 instead of the inner surface of the 25 opening flap 12.
To line up a plurality of worktables 26 in order to provide a desired cutting length, use is made of a velcro connection 32. This utilizes the edges 34 and 35 of the working tables 26 which face each other. The velcro elements include hooks 36 on the one hand, and loops 37 on the other. It is of advantage to utilize the entire height of the edges 34, 35. In the cross-direction, 30 a discontinuous application is sufficient.

CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 A much m~gnified section of the hook-strip H, and also of the edge-provided velcro element, is shown in Figure 17. The hooks 36 extend up to form hook heads 36'. The hooks 36 are arranged in pairs, leaving an intermediate space 38 between each pair of hooks. Between the individual hooks 36 are small clefts. The hook heads 36' of each pair are directed oppositely.
5 The hook configuration can be replaced by a mushroom head configuration or a T-shaped formation. The counter element which achieves the connection, namely the loops 37, can also be constructed as a random fiber fleece, instead of having an orderly loop structure.
The hook-supporting strips 4 of the hook-strip H, has on its underside the above-mentioned adhesive layer, here identified by the numeral 39. Under the latter there is provided a 10 removable protective layer 40, which as an example may be made from a silicon-coated paper strip.
To perform the process, the packaging units E, E are mounted in place. After opening the flap 20, the free end of the strip 4 is withdrawn and is unwound from the roll 3 until the desired length is attained. During this process, the roll carrier 2 is held stationary and secured against 15 sliding by the above-mentioned abutment strips 30 and 31. The hook-strips H, proceeding from two sources, are withdrawn simultaneously one above the other, such that the one hook-strip H
passes under the second roll which is spaced forwardly in the pulling direction x. The packaged unit E which is upwardly elevated and displaced in the withdrawal direction x is far enough distant from the worktable 26 that the threading of the below-lying hook-strip H can easily be 20 carried out. The cutting-to-length is carried out as needed, which may require several worktables to be connected together to provide a long path 27. At the end of such a path 27 there is provide a measuring strip 41, which makes it possible to achieve cut-to-length pieces which are accurate to within a millimeter, wherein the beginning point of both hook-strips H, H is defined by the severing template T. In this case the split strip 16 is placed in the forward field of the forwardly 25 lying packaging unit E, taken in the withdrawal direction x. The selected spacing, along with the vertical displacement, makes allowance for a moderate, i.e. an acute-angled, running-together of the two hook-strips H, H toward the cutting location. The operator pulls the two hook-strips H, H to the measuring location. He then proceeds to the counter-running apparatus A in accordance with Figure 12, and carries out the same process. Then follows the cutting of the two hook-belts 30 H, H in the apparatus A in accordance with Figure 11, whereby the cut sections are brought or passed to a receiving location, etc.

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CA 022~2669 1998-10-26 All disclosed characteristics are important to the invention. The disclosure of the application includes by reference the disclosed content of the corresponding/enclosed priority document (copy of the previous application) in their entirety, and also with the aim of including within the present application the characteristics of such documents.

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Claims (33)

1. A process for the laying of carpets utilizing a velcro attachment to the floor, in which hook-strips (H) are secured to the floor, characterized in that, a hook-strip (H) is withdrawn from a stable roll carrier (2), and is then cut to length.

2. The process of claim 1, characterized in that two hook-strips (H,H) are simultaneously withdrawn from two supply rolls with one strip above the other, wherein the one hook-strip (H) is withdrawn under a second supply roll.

3. A process according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the supply rolls are displaced upwardly.

4. A process according to one or more of the prior claims, characterized in that the supply rolls are displaced from one another in the withdrawing direction (x).

5. A process according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that a supply roll is provided on a worktable (26).

6. A process according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that, in accordance with a desired length, a plurality of worktables (26) are connected together.

7. A process according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the cutting-to-length is carried out by cutting in a severing template (T) of the worktable (26).

8. A packaging unit (E) for a hook-strip plastic layer of a velcro system in which carpet is to be laid utilizing a velcro attachment, characterized in that the plastic layer in the form of an elongate strip (4) of a roll (3) is taken up by a stable roll carrier (2) within a packaging (1).

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the roll carrier (2) consists of two side plates (6) which support a roll core (9).

10. A packaging unit in accordance with one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the roll core (9) is stabilized.

11. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one of the side plates (6) has a non-round periphery.

12. A packaging unit in accordance with one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that one side plate (6) has a rectangular periphery.

13. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the carrier side plate is perforated.

14. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the roll carrier (2) is constructed from a material which is recycle-compatible with the surrounding packaging (1).

15. A packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll carrier (2) is made of a cardboard/paper material.

16. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the surrounding packaging (1) is made primarily from common cardboard material.

17. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the roll carrier (2) makes it possible to remove the strip (4) with the surrounding packaging (1) being open to one side.

18. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that an opening flap (12) of the surrounding packaging (1), in a ready-to-unwind condition, extends in the direction of the unrolling strip (4).

19. A packaging unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening cover (12) is constructed as a flap cover.

20. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the opening cover (12) becomes an end-located, discontinuous fish plate.

21. A packaging unit according to one or more the previous claims, characterized in that, on the inside of the opening cover (12), there is provided a severing template (T) extending essentially transversely to the withdrawal direction (x) of the strip (4).

22. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the severing template (T) consists of a split strip (16).

23. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the surrounding packaging (1) includes an opening flap (20) extending over a portion of the height of the roll (3).

24. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the opening flap (20) is marked by lines of weakness (21).

25. A packaging unit according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the opening flap (20) opens upwardly.

26. An arrangement (A) for a packaging unit (E) for a hook-strip plastic layer of a velcro attachment system for a carpet that is to be installed using velcro, characterized by two sequentially arranged packaging units (E, E), in which a forward packaging unit (E) in the withdrawal direction (x) is located above the hook-strip (H) of the rearward packaging unit (E).

27. An arrangement according to claim 26, characterized in that the forward packaging unit (E) is located on a bridging pedestal (28).

28. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the packaging units (E, E) are located on a worktable (26).

29. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that there are provided, on the worktable (26), abutment strips (30, 31) running transversely to the withdrawal direction, for the purpose of bracing the packaging units (E, E) in the withdrawal direction (x).

30. An arrangement in accordance with one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that there is provided, on the worktable (26), a severing template (T) extending transversely to the withdrawal direction of the hook-strip (H).

31. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that a plurality of worktables (26) are added one to the other to achieve a severing length.

32. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that the worktables (26) are connected together by means of velcro connections (32).

33. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that there are provided, at facing edges (34, 35) of the worktables (26), velcro attachment elements in the form of hooks (36) or loops (37).