GB2341175A - Method and apparatus for separating adhered plys - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of separating first and second flexible, elongate plys (4, 6) which are adhered together by an adhesive force which can be overcome to allow the plys to be peeled apart. The method comprises constraining the adhered plys (8) to follow a path which leads to a turn and at or adjacent to this turn, the first ply (4) which is in contact with the turn, peels away from the second ply (6) thereby causing the plys to separate. A force may be applied to one of the first or second plys (4, 6) which compels the ply to move along its path and the other ply is allowed to fall away from the turn. The turn may be substantially 90{. An apparatus to separate the first and second flexible elongate plys (4, 6) is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a glass spacer applicator machine which comprises a separation apparatus, cutting device and a spacer applicator.

Description

2341175 SEPARATING ADHERED PLYS This invention concerns a method of

separating adhered plys and also apparatus on which the method can be performed.

According to one aspect of the invention a method of separating first and second flexible elongate plys adhered together by adhesive force overcomable to allow the plys to be peeled apart comprises constraining the adhered plys to follow a path leading to a turn at or adjacent to which turn the first ply on the inside of the turn peels away from the second ply on the outside thereby causing the plys to separate.

After the turn, the first ply may be constrained to follow a first path. The second ply follows a second, different path. The second ply may be constrained to follow the second path.

A force may be applied to one of the first or second plys. This may compel the ply to move along its path. The force may pull the ply, compelling it to move along its path. The force preferably also compels the adhered plys to move along their path, e.g. by pulling the adhered plys. The force may have a constant magnitude, or may have a variable magnitude. The force may be continuously applied to the first or second ply, or may be discontinuously applied to the first or second ply. The remaining ply may be allowed to fall away from the turn. By this it is meant that a force is not applied to the remaining ply to compel it to move along its path, the remaining ply falls away under its own weight. In a preferred embodiment, a force is applied to the first ply, and the second ply is allowed to fall away.

Preferably the turn is substantially 90', but may be greater than or less 2 than 90". The turn may be a sharp turn. The turn may be a hairpin bend. If desired, the turn may be about 180' or greater.

First guide means may define at least in part said path around the turn. 5 The adhered plys may be constrained to follow their path by second guide means. The second guide means may define at least in part a section of the path leading to the turn.

The first ply may be constrained to follow its path by third guide means. A section of the path followed by the first ply may be defined at least in part by the third guide means.

The second ply may be constrained to follow its path by deflector means.

Along the direction of travel to said turn the deflector means may be provided beyond the turn, said deflector means being positioned for engaging a face of the second ply thereby to prevent the second ply following the turn.

Any of said first, second or third guide means or said deflector means may have a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may be rotatable. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may comprise, for example, one or more rollers and/or bars. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may be stationary. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may be elongate.

3 The second guide means may be rotatable. For example, the second guide means may comprise a first set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers and a second set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers having axes of rotation extending transversely to axes of rotation of the rollers of the first set and located adjacent to the opposite ends of the rollers of the first set.

The adhered plys may be drawn from a wound package of said adhered plys. For example, the wound package may be wound on a bobbin.

The first ply may comprise a cushioning material, providing a cushioning effect. For example, the first ply may be a plastics foam which may be resilient, or cork or a composite material. Preferably, adhesive is provided on the first ply. This may only cover part of a face of the first ply leaving at least an edge portion of the first ply adhesive free. This may be as described in my co-pending patent application No. GB 9801254.5 (Serial No. GB 2 321 418).

The second ply may be a protective layer. The second ply may be a paper 20 or a plastics film or sheet. The second ply may be a protective cover over adhesive on the first ply.

After separation of the first and second plys, the first ply may be cut to form one or more spacer pads. One or more spacer pads may be applied to one or more sheet articles. The spacer pads are preferably automatically applied to the sheet articles. The spacer pads preferably adhere to the sheet articles using adhesive provided on the first ply. The spacer pads may be used for separating the sheet articles, e.g. during storage, handling or transportation of the sheet articles. The sheet articles may be frangible or damageable sheet articles. The sheet articles may 4 comprise glass, for example sheet glass. The sheet articles may comprise panes of glass, and may comprise the panes of glass of a double glazing unit. The sheet articles may comprise frames or panels, for example glazing frames or metal panels. Said sheet articles with the adhering spacer pads may be stored, handled or.transported in stacks, with the sheet articles separated by the spacer pads.

Said adhesive on a said spacer pad may only cover part of a face of the said pad leaving at least an edge portion of said pad adhesive free. This may be as described in my co-pending patent application No. GB 9801254.5 (Serial No. GB 2 321 418) in which the disclosed spacer pads are easily liftable, away from an article to which the pads adhere, at a part of the pad which is adhesive-free.

According to a second aspect of the invention an apparatus to separate first and second flexible elongate plys adhered together by adhesive force overcomable to allow the plys to be peeled apart comprises means to constrain moving aforesaid adhered plys to follow a path comprising a turn such that the first ply on the inside of the turn peels away from the second ply on the outside so that the plys separate when the apparatus is in use, the first ply following a first path and the second ply following a second, different path.

Preferably the turn is substantially 900, but may be greater than or less 25 than 90'. The turn may be a sharp turn. The turn may be a hairpin bend. If desired, the turn may be about 180" or greater.

The separating apparatus may comprise first guide means which may define, at least in part, said path around the turn.

The separating apparatus may comprise second guide means which may, at least in part, constrain the adhered plys to follow their path. The second guide means may define at least in part a section of the path leading to the turn.

The separating apparatus may comprise third guide means which may, at least in part, constrain the first ply to follow its path. A section of the path followed by the first ply may be defined at least in part by the third guide means.

The separating apparatus may comprise deflector means which may, at least in part, constrain the second ply to follow its path. Along the direction of travel to said turn the deflector means may be provided beyond the turn, said deflector means being positioned for engaging a face of the second ply thereby to prevent the second ply following the turn.

The separating apparatus may comprise any or some or all of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means.

Any of said first,' second or third guide means or said deflector means may have a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means -25 may be rotatable. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may be stationary. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may comprise, for example, one or more rollers and/or one or more bars. Any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means may be elongate.

6 The second guide means may comprise a first set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers and a second set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers having axes of rotation extending transversely to axes of rotation of the rollers of the first set and located adjacent to the opposite 5 ends of the rollers of the first set.

A force may be applied to one of the first or second plys. This may compel the ply to move along its path. The force may pull the ply, compelling it to move along its path. The force preferably also compels the adhered plys to move along their path, e.g. by pulling the adhered plys. The force may have a constant magnitude, or may have a variable magnitude. The force may be continuously applied to the first or second ply, or may be discontinuously applied to the first or second ply. The remaining ply may be allowed to fall away from the turn. By this it is meant that a force is not applied to the remaining ply to compel it to move along its path, the remaining ply falls away under its own weight. In a preferred embodiment, a force is applied to the first ply, and the second ply is allowed to fall away. The separating apparatus may comprise means for applying the force to the first or second ply. Alternatively, the force could be applied to the first or second ply by means external to the separating apparatus, for example by an apparatus to which the separated first ply is supplied.

The adhered plys may be drawn frorn a wound package of said adhered plys. For example, the wound package may be wound on a bobbin. The separating apparatus may be disposed adjacent to the package of adhered plys, or spaced from the package.

The first ply may comprise a cushioning material, providing a cushioning effect. For example, the first ply may be a plastics foam which may be 7 resilient, or cork or a composite material. Preferably, adhesive is provided on the first ply. This may only cover part of a face of the first ply leaving at least an edge portion of the first ply adhesive free. This may be as described in my co-pending patent application No. GB 9801254.5 (Serial No. GB 2 321 418).

The second ply may be a protective layer. The second ply may be a paper or a plastics film or sheet. The second ply may be a protective cover over adhesive on the first ply.

After separation of the first and second plys, the first ply may be cut to form one or more spacer pads. The separating apparatus may comprise a cutting device which may be used to cut the first ply into one or more spacer pads. The cutting device may comprise a guide means for guiding 15. the first ply along a path in the device. Preferably, a region of a face of the first ply carries adhesive leaving at least an edge region of the first ply adhesive free. The guide means may comprise at least one shoulder portion and a recessed portion. These are preferably positioned relative to one another such that, when acting to guide the first ply, an adhesive free edge region of the first ply engages and passes along the shoulder portion, and the adhesive carrying region of the first ply is received in the recessed portion. Adhesive may be carried on a mid region of a face of the first ply leaving both edge regions of the first ply adhesive free. The guide means may comprise two shoulder portions defining a recessed portion therebetween. When acting to guide the first ply, the adhesive free edge regions of the first ply engage and pass along the shoulder portions, and the adhesive carrying mid region of the first ply is received in the recessed portion. Preferably the region of the first ply on which adhesive is carried does not come in contact with the recessed portion.

The recessed portion may be provided with a non-stick surface. Should 8 the adhesive carrying region of the first ply come in contact with the recessed portion it will not adhere thereto. The guide means may guide the first ply to cutting means where it is cut to form one or more spacer pads. The cutting means may be provided with at least one non-stick surface, to prevent the first ply adhering thereto. The cutting device may apply a force to the first ply, preferably to pull the first ply into and through the cutting device. The cutting device may apply a force to the first ply to pull this through the separating portion of the separating apparatus.

After cutting the first ply to form one or more spacer pads, one or more of these may be applied to one or more sheet articles. The separating apparatus may further comprise a spacer application device which may be used to apply the spacer pads to the sheet articles. The spacer application device with or without the cutting device, or the whole separating apparatus including the cutting device and the spacer application device, may be movable, for example on an arm. This allows positioning of the or each spacer at various locations, e.g. heights, of the sheet articles. Alternatively, the separating apparatus/spacer application device could be stationery, and the sheet article(s) could be movable. The spacer pads preferably adhere to the sheet articles using adhesive provided on the first ply. The spacer pads may be used for separating the sheet articles, e.g. during storage, handling or transportation of the sheet articles. The sheet articles may be frangible or damageable sheet articles. The sheet articles may comprise glass, for example sheet glass. The sheet articles may comprise panes of glass, and may comprise the panes of glass of a double glazing unit. The sheet articles may comprise frames or panels, for example glazing frames or metal panels. Said sheet articles with the adhering spacer pads may be stored, handled or transported in stacks.

9 Said adhesive on a said spacer pad may only cover part of a face of the said pad leaving at least an edge portion of said pad adhesive free. This may be as described in my co-pending patent application No. GB 9801254.5 (Serial No. GB 2 321 418) in which the disclosed spacer pads are easily liftable, away from an article. to which the pads adhere, at a part of the pad which is adhesive-free.

The separating apparatus may comprise the cutting device and the spacer application device. Alternatively, the separating apparatus, cutting device and spacer application device may be separate from each other. The adhered plys may be supplied to the separating apparatus where the first ply is separated, this may then be supplied to the cutting device where it is cut into spacers, and the spacers may then be supplied to the application device where they are applied to sheet articles. The separating apparatus 15, may be positioned at any location between the source of the adhered plys, e.g. a package of the adhered plys, and the cutting device. It may be located adjacent to or close to the source, or may be located adjacent to, close to or within the cutting device, or may be located at a point intermediate between the two.

According to another aspect the invention comprises a spacer cutting device for cutting spacer strip having adhesive at one region and no adhesive at another region, the device comprising at least one shoulder adapted to engage the adhesive free region of the strip in use, and a recess portion adapted in use to receive the adhesive carrying region of the strip.

Preferably a pair of shoulders are disposed about the recess portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a glass 30 spacer applicator machine comprising separation apparatus adapted to separate backing tape from a spacer strip, a cutting device for cutting the spacer strip into individual spacers, and a spacer applicator adapted to apply one or more spacers to a sheet of glass.

Preferably, the machine has spacer strip storage means adapted to mount a spool of spacer strip having backing tape.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided two or more sheets of glass spaced apart by spacer pads applied using the glass 10 spacer applicator machine of the previous aspect.

The various aspects of the invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic perspective view of separating apparatus formed according to the second aspect of the invention for use in carrying out the method according to the first aspect; 20 Figure 2 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of the separating apparatus of Figure 1 incorporated into a machine for stacking sheet or planar articles, for example glass sheets, or double-glazing units, or window frames therefor; 25 Figure 3 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of a second embodiment of the separating apparatus; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of a third embodiment of the separating apparatus; 30 11 Figure 5 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of a fourth embodiment of the separating apparatus; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of a fifth embodiment of the separating apparatus; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view of a sixth embodiment of the separating apparatus; Figure 8 is a plan view of the guide means and cutting means of a cutting device, and Figure 9 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8 of the guide means of Figure 8.

With reference to the drawings, an apparatus as shown at 2 for use in separating one ply or strip 4 from another ply or strip 6 initially adhered to the strip 4 to form a composite strip 8. The strip 8 may be initially stored as a wound package 10, for example a spirally or helically wound package, on a suitable rotatable support, for example a bobbin 12, on a spindle 14. The support 12 may be freely rotatable.

The strip 4 has an adhesive secured thereto over at least part of one of its faces, for example one or more edge portions of said face may be adhesive-free. To form the composite strip 8, the strip 6 is superimposed onto the aforesaid face and adhered to said adhesive. The strip 6 acts as a protective backing layer to keep the adhesive side of the strip 4 clean and prevent successive overlaid turns of the strip 4 in the package 10 from sticking to one another.

12 The strip 4 and the strip 6 are each flexible and bendable, preferably very flexible and easily bendable.

The adhesive attachment force between the adhesive and the strip 4 is preferably greater than the adhesive. attachment force between the adhesive and the backing strip 6. Preferably, the adhesive attachment of the strip 6 to the strip 4 is relatively weak so that the adhesive force holding the strip 6 is easy to overcome whereby the strips may be readily peeled apart leaving all or substantially all of the adhesive on the strip 4.

After the strips 4 and 6 have been peeled apart or separated, the strip 4 may be cut into relatively short length portions which may be used as spacers or intercalary pads to space apart stacked planar objects which may be frangible or otherwise damageable, for example glass sheets or double-glazing units; the aforesaid spacers or pads lightly adhering to the planar objects and removable therefrom by lifting an adhesive-free part of the pad between the fingers and pulling (see GB 2 321 418). Thus, the strip 4 is preferably formed of material having a cushioning or padding character, for example a paper material, resilient plastics foam, cork or some other suitable material or composite which may comprise two or more of said paper material, plastics foam or cork. Protective backing strip 6 may comprise a paper, or comprise a plastics film or sheet.

Alternatively, or additionally, the strip 4 may be used as a substantially continuous strip, (i.e. not cut into relatively short length portions) and applied to a component (which may be planar stacked objects) in an operation to manufacture that component. The substantially continuous strip may, of course, be cut into relatively long lengths such that it co-operates as desired with the component.

13 The separating apparatus 2 in one embodiment comprises five substantially parallel spaced rollers 16,18,20,22 and 24 (however, there may be more or fewer rollers: perhaps only 1 roller or 2,3,4,6,7,8) freely rotatable on respective supporting shafts 26,28,30,32 and 34 mounted on a support plate 36. Another similar support plate (not shown), provided with suitable spacing means (not shown) to space it a predetermined distance from the plate 36, receives screw-threaded ends of the shafts (see end 38 for example) used in securing the shafts to said other support plate.

An introduction guide 40 for the composite strip 8 comprises one set of rollers formed by the two spaced parallel rollers 22 and 24 and another set of rollers formed by two spaced parallel, freely rotatable rollers 42 and 44 supported by the shafts 32,34 and having axes of rotation transverse to those of the rollers 22 and 24. The disposition of the rollers 22,24,42,44 defines a square or rectangular entry window for the composite tape 8 constrained to pass closely around at least part of each roller 22 and 24; the rollers 42 and 44 serving to contain the strip 8 in the window and rotatably support one or other of its edges as the unwinding strip 8 moves back and forth along the package 10. The unwinding is due to a pulling force exerted on the strip 8 by the strip cutting unit 46 (or other force exerted by the strip cutting unit or another unit) of a planar material stacking machine 48 moving the strip in direction A through the apparatus 2.

The introduction guide 40 could be of the rectangular arrangement described above or another arrangement of rollers, perhaps a pair of substantially parallel rollers.

On leaving the guide 40, the strip makes a sharp turn by passing closely 14 about the relatively small diameter roller 16 and then passes on to closely pass about at least part of the guide roller 20 which compared to roller 16 has a relatively larger diameter. For example, if the thickness of the strip 8 (i.e. the distance between the two large opposite main faces of the strip) is substantially 4.Omm, the diameter of the roller 16 may be substantially 10.Omm and that of the roller 20 substantially 20.Omm.

The sharp turn in the path of the strip at the roller 16 defined by the diameter size and relative positioning of the rollers 24,16 and 20 is of a hairpin-like form and may be substantially 180' or greater or lesser.

As the composite strip 8 approaches the sharp turn in its path at the roller 16, the combined effect of the sharpness of the turn and the disposition of the rollers 16 and 24 and the weakness of the adhesive bond to the backing strip 6 causes the strip 4 to peel away from the backing strip 6 which continues as indicated at 6a. In Figure 1 the separated strip 4 subsequent to the roller 16 is shown in dotted lines to allow a better view of the introduction guide 40.

The roller 18 is positioned a short distance beyond the roller 16 and may serve as a deflector, when needed, to prevent any of the separated backing strip 6a attempting to follow the strip 4 in its path around the roller 16 to the roller 20. The shortest spacing between the peripheries of the rollers 16 and 18, which may be of substantially the same diameter, may be substantially 1.5 times the aforesaid thickness of the strip 8. The backing strip 6a falls away from the turn in the separation apparatus under its own weight, a force is not applied to it to, for example, pull it away or to wind it around a spool. This avoids the need for means for applying a force and/or a winding mechanism, and avoids the problems and expense associated with such power backing strip winding spools. The backing strip is allowed to fall away from the separation apparatus and collects in a puddle on the floor. It can periodically be torn off and discarded. Down time associated with changing spools for the backing strip is thus avoided.

Preferably, one or more of the rollers. 16,18,20,22,24,42 and 44 have nonstick peripheries to counteract any sticking tendency due to the adhesive on the strip 4. This may be particularly important for the roller 20, since the adhesive face of the strip 4 is in immediate contact with the periphery of the roller 20. The non-stick surface may comprise a 10 plastics material, for example PTFE. If desired, one or more of said rollers may be formed of low-friction plastics material, for example PTFE to facilitate rotation. Apparatus 2 and package 10 may be disposed in any suitable desired 15 attitude with the backing strip 6 leaving the strip 4 and leading in its initial movement vertically downwards, horizontally, sideways or forwards or backwards. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the separating apparatus. This is 20 similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and like features have been given like reference numerals.- In this embodiment the roller 20 has been replaced with a roller 40 on a supporting shaft 41, the diameter of the roller 20 being comparable with that of the roller 16. 25 Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the separating apparatus. This is similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and like features have been given like reference numerals. In this embodiment the roller 20 and the roller 18 have been removed. 30 16 Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the separating apparatus. This is also similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and like features have been given like reference numerals. In this embodiment the introduction guide 40 and the roller 20 have been removed.

Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the separating apparatus. This comprises first and second bars 60,61. These are disposed substantially adjacent to a wound package 62 of composite strip 8 (adhered plys), substantially parallel to the axis of the package. The bars are elongate, and extend at least along the length of the package. The composite strip is wound on the package such that the backing strip 6 is on the inside of the composite strip. On leaving the package the composite strip makes a sharp turn by passing closely about the bar 60. This causes the strip 4 to peel away from the backing strip 6. The strip 4 continues along a path defined in part by bar 61, the backing strip 6 falling freely away. The composite strip may be wound on the package in the fashion of a bobbin.

The position along the length of the package at which the composite strip leaves the package will therefore vary. This is taken into account by providing elongate bars, the composite strip will engage the bars regardless of the position it leaves the package. The bars could alternatively be rollers.

Figure 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the separating apparatus. This comprises first, second and third bars 70,71,72. Each of these are disposed substantially adjacent to a wound package 73 of composite strip 8 (adhered plys), substantially parallel to the axis of the package. The bars are elongate, and extend at least along the length of the package.

The composite strip 8 is wound on the package such that the backing strip 6 is on the outside of the composite strip. On leaving the package the 17 composite strip passes around the bar 70, and from there travels to bar 71 around which it makes a sharp turn. This causes the strip 4 to peel away from the backing strip 6. The strip 4 continues along a path defined in part by bar 72, the backing strip 6 falling freely away. Again, the composite strip may be wound on the package in the fashion of a bobbin. The position along the length of the package at which the composite strip leaves the package will therefore vary. This is taken into account by providing elongate bars, the composite strip will engage the bars regardless of the position it leaves the package. Alternatively, the bar 70 may be replaced by guide means through or around which the composite strip is constrained to pass. The bars 71,72 need not then elongate as described above. The bars could alternatively be rollers.

Figure 8 shows -a plan view of a guide means 80 and cutting means 81 of a cutting device. The guide means comprises a guide portion 82 having a surface 83 which comprises first and second shoulders 84,85 (Figure 9)which define between them a recessed portion 86. A surface 87 of the recess is provided with a non-stick coating. The guide means is also provided with a recess 88. The cutting means 81 comprises a holder 89 which carries a blade 90. In operation, a strip 4 of first ply is guided by the guide means and passes along the surface 83 thereof. The strip is provided with adhesive along a mid section thereof, leaving adhesive free edge portions. These engage and pass along the shoulders 84,85, and the mid section of the first ply on which adhesive is provided is received in the recessed portion 86. Preferably the mid section of the strip on which adhesive is provided does not come in contact with the recessed portion, but should this happen this section will not adhere thereto due to the nonstick coating on the surface 87 of the recessed portion. The strip 4 passes along the guide means and is received in the holder 89 of the cutting means. This is moved in the direction of the arrow into the recess 88 of 18 the guide means, and the blade 90 engages the strip cutting it into a spacer.

Claims (1)

19 CLAIMS

1. A method of separating first and second flexible elongate plys adhered together by adhesive force overcomable to allow the plys to be peeled apart comprising constraining the adhered plys to follow a path leading to a turn at or adjacent to which turn the first ply on the inside of the turn peels away from the second ply on the outside thereby causing the plys to separate.

2. A method according to claim 1 in which the first ply is constrained to follow a first path.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the second ply is constrained to follow a second, different path.

4. A method according to any preceding claim in which a force is applied to one of the first or second plys.

5. A method according to claim 4 in which the force compels the ply 20 to move along its path.

6. A method according to claim 5 in which the force pulls the ply, compelling it to move along its path.

7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the force also compels the adhered plys to move along their path.

8. A method according to any of claims 4 to 7 in which the force has a constant magnitude.

9. A method according to any of claims 4 to 7 in which the force has a variable magnitude.

10. A method according to any of claims 4 to 9 in which the force is 5 continuously applied to the first or second ply.

11. A method according to any of claims 4 to 9 in which the force is discontinuously applied to the first or second ply.

12. A method according to any of claims 4 to 11 in which the remaining ply is allowed to fall away from the turn.

13. A method according to claim 12 in which a force is applied to the first ply, and the second ply is allowed to fall away. 15 14. A method according to any preceding claim in which the turn is substantially 90'.

15. A method according to any preceding claim in which first guide 20 means define at least in part said path around the turn.

w 16. A method according to any preceding claim in which the adhered plys are constrained to follow their path by second guide means.

17. A method according to any of claims 2 to 16 in which the first ply is constrained to follow its path by third guide means. 18. A method according to any of claims 3 to 17 in which the second ply is constrained to follow its path by deflector means. 30 21 19. A method according to any of claims 15 to 18 in which any of said first, second or third guide means or said deflector means have a non- stick surface.

20. A method according to any of claims 15 to 19 in which any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means are rotatable. 21. A method according to any of claims 15 to 20 in which any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means comprise one 10 or more rollers and/or bars. 22. A method according to claim 16 in which the second guide means is rotatable and comprises a first set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers and a second set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers 15 having axes of rotation extending transversely to axes of rotation of the rollers of the first set and located adjacent to the opposite ends of the rollers of the first set. 23. A method according to any preceding claim in which the adhered 20 plys are drawn from a wound package of said adhered plys. 24. A method according to any preceding claim in which the first ply comprises a cushioning material, providing a cushioning effect. 25 25. A method according to claim 24 in which the first ply is a plastics foam which is resilient, or cork or a composite material. 26. A method according to any preceding claim in which adhesive is provided on the first ply. 30 27. A method according to any preceding claim in which the second ply 22 is a protective layer.

28. A method according to claim 27 in which the second ply is a paper or a plastics film or sheet.

29. A method according to claim 27 or 28 as dependent from claim 26 in which the second ply is a protective cover over adhesive on the first ply - 30. A method according to any preceding claim in which after separation of the first and second plys, the first ply is cut to form one or more spacer pads.

31. A method according to claim 30 in which one or more spacer pads are applied to one or more sheet articles.

32. A method according to claim 31 in which the or each sheet article comprise glass, for example sheet glass.

33. An apparatus to separate first and second flexible elongate plys adhered together by adhesive force overcomable to allow the plys to be peeled apart comprising means to constrain moving aforesaid adhered plys to follow a path comprising a turn such that the first ply on the inside of the turn peels away from the second ply on the outside so that the plys separate when the apparatus is in use, the first ply following a first path and the second ply following a second, different path.

34. A separating apparatus according to claim 33 in which the turn is substantially 90.

23 35. A separating apparatus according to claim 33 or claim 34 which iomprises first guide means which define, at least in part, said path around the turn.

36. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 35 which comprises second guide means which, at least in part, constrain the adhered plys to follow their path. 37. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 36 which 10 comprises third guide means which, at least in part, constrain the first ply to follow its path. 38. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 37 which comprises deflector means which, at least in part, constrain the second ply 15 to follow its path. 39. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 38 in which any of said first, second or third guide means or said deflector means have a non-stick surface. 20 40. A separating apparatus according to claim 39 in which the non-stick surface comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). 41. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 40 in 25 which any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means are rotatable. 42. A separating apparatus according to claim 41 in which any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means comprise one 30 or more rollers and/or one or more bars.

24 43. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 40 in which any of the first, second and third guide means and the deflector means comprise one or more bars.

44. A separating apparatus according to claim 36 in which the second guide means comprises a first set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers and a second set of two spaced, substantially parallel rollers having axes of rotation extending transversely to axes of rotation of the rollers of the first set and located adjacent to the opposite ends of the 10 rollers of the first set.

45. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 44 in which a force is applied to one of the first or second plys.

46. A separating apparatus according to claim 45 in which the remaining ply is allowed to fall away from the turn.

47. A separating apparatus according to claim 46 as dependent from claim 45 in which a force is applied to the first ply, and the second ply is 20 allowed to fall away.

48. A separating apparatus according to claim 45 which comprises means for applying the force to the first or second ply.

49. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 48 in which the adhered plys are drawn from a wound package of said adhered plys. 50. A separating apparatus according to claim 49 in which the wound 30 package is wound on a bobbin.

51. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 50 in which the first ply comprises a cushioning material, providing a cushioning effect.

52. A separating apparatus according to claim 51 in which the first ply is a plastics foam which is resilient, or cork or a composite material.

53. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 52 in which adhesive is provided on the first ply.

54. A separating apparatus according to claim 53 in which the adhesive only covers part of a face of the first ply leaving at least an edge portion of the first ply adhesive free.

55. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 54 in which the second ply is a protective layer. 56. A separating apparatus according to claim 55 in which the second ply is a paper or a plastics film or sheet. 20 57. A separating apparatus according to claim 55 or claim 56 as dependent from claim 53 or claim 54 in which the second ply is a protective cover over adhesive on the first ply. 25 58. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 57 which comprises a cutting device used to cut the first ply into one or more spacer pads. 59. A separating apparatus according to claim 58 in which the cutting 30 device comprises guide means for guiding the first ply along a path in the 26 device.

60. A separating apparatus according to claim 59 in which a region of a face of the first ply carries adhesive leaving at least an edge region of the first ply adhesive free and the guide. means comprises at least one shoulder portion and a recessed portion positioned relative to one another such that, when acting to guide the first ply, an adhesive free edge region of the first ply engages and passes along the shoulder portion, and the adhesive carrying region of the first ply is received in the recessed portion.

61. A separating apparatus according to claim 59 in which adhesive is carried on a mid region of a face of the first ply leaving both edge regions of the first ply adhesive free and the guide means comprises two shoulder portions defining a recessed portion therebetween and the adhesive free edge regions of the first ply engage and pass along the shoulder portions, and the adhesive carrying mid region of the first ply is received in the recessed portion.

62. A separating apparatus according to claim 60 or claim 61 in which the adhesive carrying region of the first ply does not come in contact with the recessed portion. 63. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 60 to 62 in 25 which the recessed portion is provided with a nonstick surface. 64. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 59 to 63 in which the guide means guide the first ply to cutting means where it is cut to form one or more spacer pads. 30 27 65. A separating apparatus according to claim 64 in which the cutting means are provided with at least one non-stick surface, to prevent the first ply adhering thereto.

66. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 58 to 65 which comprises a spacer application device used to apply the spacer pads to the sheet articles. 67. A separating apparatus according to claim 66 in which the spacer 10 application device is movable. 68. A separating apparatus according to claim 66 or claim 67 in which the spacer pads adhere to the sheet articles using adhesive provided on the first ply. 15 69. A separating apparatus according to claim 68 in which said adhesive on a said spacer pad only covers part of a face of the said pad leaving at least an edge portion of said pad adhesive free. 20 70. A separating apparatus according to claim 68 or claim 69 in which the spacer pads are used for separating the sheet articles, e.g. during storage, handling or transportation of the sheet articles. 71. A separating apparatus according to any of claims 66 to 70 in 25 which the sheet articles comprise glass, for example sheet glass. 72. A glass spacer applicator machine comprising separation apparatus adapted to separate backing tape from a spacer strip, a cutting device for cutting the spacer strip into individual spacers, and a spacer applicator 30 adapted to apply one or more spacers to a sheet of glass.

28 73. A glass spacer applicator machine according to claim 72 in which spacer strip storage means are provided adapted to mount a spool of spacer strip having backing tape.

74. A method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

75. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1,2, 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

76. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

77. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with 15 reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

78. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

79. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.

80. A separating apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.