US2300255A - Stress absorbing record assembly - Google Patents

Description

Oct- 27, 1942. J. G. KERR I STRESS ABSIORBING RECORD- ASSEMBLY 1 Filed Dec. 18, 1940 a v o VV////M/ Wm M N Y AN UQW Patented Oct. 27, 1942 STRESS ABSORBING RECORD ASSEMBLY James Gordon Kerr, Washington, D. 0., assignor to Gilman Fanfold Corporation, Niagara Falls, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application December 18, 1940, Serial No. 370,680

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in manifolding or record assemblies of the type ordinarily embodying long continuous record and transfer strips superposed with one another in transfer relation and adapted for use in various forms of writing machines or for manual inscription. While the invention i herein disclosed in connection with such record strip of the fanfold type, in which th superposed strips are formed from a single sheet Of paper longitudinally folded along the assembly margins, it is adapted also for use in connection with assemblies having the record strips of separate units or strips of paper without longitudinal folds at the longitudinal assembly edges. The invention resides more particularly in an improved construction and arrangement of the assembly strips so as to avoid undue stresses in the strips as they are fed by the feeding mechanism of the writing machines.

It is a general object of the invention to provide in manifolding assemblies of the nature mentioned, an improved construction and arrangement of the superposed strips whereby stresses in the strips, such as may b caused by feeding the assembly around cylindrical platens of the writing machines, are effectually absorbed and the accumulation thereof prevented, thus avoiding wrinkling, bulging, creasing and other similar distortions in the strip tending to obstruct the free feeding movements of the assembly, and promoting accuracy of feed and exactness in line spacing.

A further object of the invention is to provide for manifolding assemblies of th nature mentioned, an improved construction and arrangement of the assembly strips so as to form stress absorption zones or areas in the assembly at spaced points therealong, and adapted to absorb stresses developed during feeding of th strips, and thus preventing wrinkling, bulging or other distortions tending to interfere with accuracy in feeding and line spacing and to cause marring of the strips and unsatisfactory transfer inscriptions.

According to a feature of improvement of the invention the assembly strips are formed to provide areas of flexibility along the assembly, thus forming stress absorption zonesthat function to absorb the stresses and to avoid the bulges and other irregularities which, in manifolding assemblies used heretofore, obstruct the free passage of the assembly into and beyond the platen grip. In manifolding assemblies of the nature mentioned heretofor extensively used, the distortions and bulging of the assembly due to the causes mentioned have seriously interfered with the correct and accurate feeding for effecting line spacing and have made it necessary at frequent intervals to remove the assembly from the writing machine so that th distortions could be smoothed out. It has heretofore often been necessary to do this before the writing could be proceeded with and frequently th accumulations of assembly distortions have been so pronounced as to prevent further feeding action, especially in the case of machines with cylindrical platens and pressure devices for effecting strip feed by rotation of the platen.

Other-objects of the invention will be in part pointed out in the following detailed description of certain illustrative but preferred embodiments of the invention, and will be in part obviousas the disclosure proceeds.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which Will be indicated in the claims.

For a more comprehensive disclosure of the nature, objects and advantages of the invention, reference is had to the following detailed description and to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a partially diagrammatic perspective view of a manifolding assembly embodying the invention; 7

Fig. 2 is an enlarged partially diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of an assembly, such as shown in Fig ,1, but showing a slightly modified embodiment j Fig. 4 is a plan view similar to Fig. 3 but disclosing another embodiment; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Figures 3 and 4 showing a still further embodiment.

Referring to the drawing for a detailed description of the illustrative embodiments there shown, and first to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a manifolding assembly of th fanfold type is shown having a long continuous original record strip I for receiving the inscription directly from the type of the writing machine or by other means, and underlying copy record strips 8. Only three record strips 1, 8 are, shown but it will be understood that as many record strips as desired for the particular work in hand may be employed. It is often found necessary to use six or eight or even more of'such record strips in superposed In the embodiment shown, long continuous transfer strips I l are interleaved in transfer relation with the record strips 1 and 8, these ordinarily being longitudinally coextensive with the record strips. The carbon strips are ordinarily coated with transfer material on their lower surfaces, as shown, for transferring the inscriptions to the underlying or copy strips 8.

As shown the assembly of record and transfer strips is ordinarily folded along transverse lines I2 into a zigzag supply pack I3 that is convenient for handling andloading into writing machines.

Composite manifolding assemblies of the class described are adapted for use in various forms of writing machines, such as typewriters and the like, and they are often employed in such machines having cylindrical platens for supporting the assembly in writing position, and around the cylindrical supporting surface of which platens the assembly is extended. In machines of this type the feeding of the assembly for line spacing movements is often effected by rotating the platen.. For this purpose pressure means is ordinarily used to urge the assembly against the platen surface and the feed is caused by the frictional engagement of the assembly with the platen surface. When the composite assembly is fed by the means mentioned, or by similar means, it has been found by past experience that stresses in the several strips of the assembly are caused as the assembly passes around the cylindrical platen. These stresses accumulate as the feeding progresses, and they accumulate from one form length to another until wrinkling. bulging, creasing and similar distortions in the assembly strips are caused. As such distortions accumulate the accurate feeding of the strips is seriously interfered with, and they become so prominent as feeding continues that the platen is no longer able to continuethe feeding of the assembly in the normal operation of the writing machine. Due to this difficulty it has often become necessary to remove the assembly entirely from the machine and to adjust the strips to relieve the stresses and to flatten out the strips and smooth out the bulges and wrinkles. Also, the distortions of the strips due to the accumulated stresses prevents the making of good transfer copies, because of the pockets, etc., caused by such bulges.

According to this invention the manifolding assembly is provided with a series of stress absorption zones l4 constructed and arranged in a novel manner in the assembly strips. The absorption zones [4 are arranged at longitudinally spaced intervals along the manifolding assembly. As shown, it is convenient to space these zones at points between adjacent sets of form sheets or leaves. It will be understood that these sets of form lengths or leaves are provided at spaced intervals along the assembly, each form sheet having one of the blank forms 9 and the adjacent sets of form sheets being delineated Or divided from the strips by transverse weakened severance lines l5 arranged in superposed or depthwise alignment in the record and transfer strips and ordinarily being coincident with the fold lines [2. The weakened severance lines [5 are ordinarily formed by weakening the strips to severance stresses as by perforating, slitting, cutting and the like.

As shown in the illustration embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 the assembly strips are attached together at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly by means of appropriate attaching devices, such as the light wire staples l6 extending vertically through the assembly strips.

These attaching staples of wire, textile thread or the like are positioned adjacent to each of the transverse severance lines l5 but spaced slightly therefrom. These weakened severance lines l5, it will be seen, are respectively adjacent to the stress absorption zones I4.

Opposite to the attachments [6 from the respective weakened severance lines Hi, there is a longitudinal series of cuts or cut-outs I'I forming small openings arranged in a series transversely of the assembly. Preferably, as shown, these cut-outs or cut-away portions of the strips are arranged in each of the superposed record and transfer strips and in substantially superposed relation in the assembly. These cut-outs or cut-away portions I1 form openings of considerable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to weaken the strips to form a flexibility in the assembly that is effective in absorbing the stresses caused by feeding the assembly. This flexibility is increased and promoted by the adjacent transverse weakened severance lines l5 which may, in some cases, be of special construction to promote flexibility, as later described.

Interposed between each pair of adjacent cutouts I1 are connections or ties I8 integral with the respecting strips. As shown, these ties are so constructed and arranged as to be narrower at one of the connecting ends thereof than at the other. This structure, as shown, is accomplished by forming the cut-outs II with inclined or converging adjacent ends. Thus the attachment at the narrow ends of the ties l8 are weaker than at the wide ends thereof. Thus when severance is effected along the line of the cut-outs by a tearing pull the severance of each tie will be located adjacent to, or at the weaker end thereof. This action will cause a substantially straight edge along the severed edge of the strip adjacent to the narrow ends of the ties.

As best seen in Fig; 2, the carbon strips H are constructed substantially the same as the record strips to provide the absorption zones. Thus each carbon strip has transverse weakened severance lines I9 and a transversely disposed series of cut-outs 20 with interposed connecting ties 2|, the structure being substantially identical with that of the record strips.

As shown, it is advantageous to construct the weakened severance lines l5 and 19 substantially as disclosed in applicants prior copending application, Serial No. 364,685, filed November '7,

1940. This construction embodies elongated slits 22, preferably extending entirely through the paper of the different strips and longitudinally aligned transversely of the assembly. Also, slits or cuts 23' join the ends of the slits 22 being disposed at angles to the latter and converging away from the slits 22 so as to form connecting ties 24, narrower at their outer ends than at their inner ends, the narrow ends being thus weaker in their attachments to the-strips than are the opposite ends. This construction, as described in the said copending application, causes severance to occur at the weaker ends of the ties when tearing stresses are imparted. This leaves a substantially straight edge at the severed edge of the strip and. the fibrous tufts incident to severance are located wholly within the line of the severed edge.

It will be noticed that the ties 2A of theseverance lines I have considerable longitudinal extent. The effect of this is to increase the flexibility of the stress absorption zones I I, so that this construction of the severance lines cooperates with the cut-outs I Tto increase the flexibility and efiectiveness of the absorption zones. As shown, the weakened severance lines IQ of the carbon strips are of substantially the same construction as described for the severance lines I5 of the record strips.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 3, the construction and arrangement of the stress absorption zones are substantially as described above in connection with Figures 1 and 2, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals with theaddition of the index a. In Fig. 3 each absorption zone Ma embodies the cut-outs or openings Ila arranged in a transverse series and having the interposed connecting ties I8a. Also, the assembly strips are provided with superposed weakened transverse, severance lines I5a constructed substantially the same as the severancelines l5 and similarly positioned with reference to the absorption zone. The attachments Ifia connect assembly strips together as in the prior embodiment.

However, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 the connecting ties I So. extend at their narrow ends somewhat beyond the line of the adjacent edges of the cut-outs Ila. To provide this construction slits or cuts 25 are formed in the respective strips substantially in alignment with the adjacent ends of the cut-outs IIa. Thus, the narrow or connected ends of the ties l8a are offset slightly from the adjacent edges of the cut-outs. When severance takes place it occurs at the points longitudinally offset slightly from the adjacent edges of the cut-outs. The tufts or rough edges due to the severing action are thus offset slightly from the severed edge of the strip, leaving said edge substantially straight and free from tufts or irregularities. This arrangement and the function thereof is similar to that described above in connection with the severance lines I5 and I9.

According to the embodiment of Fig. 4, the arrangement of assembly strips is similar to that above described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals with the addition of the index I). In this case, as in the others, each absorption zone [4b is adjacent to the transversely extending weakened severance lines I5b in the record and transfer strips, and the assembly strips are connected together by attachments l5b. Each assembly strip is formed with a series of cuts or slits 25 having their major length extending in a direction longitudinally of the assembly. These cuts, as shown, are inclined slightly to the direction of length of the assembly or the longitudinal axis thereof. Slits 21 aligned transversely of the assembly respectively join the inclined slits 26 at their opposite ends and are longitudinally aligned transversely of the assembly. This arrangement of slits forms a series of'ties or connecting'tongues 29 that function to increase the flexibility of the as sembly and to promote stress absorption at each of the stress absorption zones.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4 transverse weakened severance lines 30 are formed in each of the assembly strips adjacent to the absorption zones Mb. These weakened severance lines 30 may be formed by elongated slits in the paper or by perforations or other known means. The severance lines 30 are arranged substantially in depthwise alignment in the assembly as are the severance lines I5 in Fig. 1, thus providing for severance of all of the strips along the weakened severance lines 30 by exertion of a tearing pull upon the strips at the severance lines.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the arrangement of record and carbon strips in the assembly is substantially the same as disclosed in connection with Figures 1 and 2, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals with the addition of the index 0. In this embodiment as in the others, the severance lines I50 extend along and adjacent to the respective stress absorption zones I40, and cut-outs or openings IIc are positioned in a transverse series opposite to the attachment I60 from the severance lines I50. The cut-outs IIc are elongated, extending in a direction longitudinally of the assembly and being inclined to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. As in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the cut-outs IIc extend entirely through the respective strips, leaving the relatively narrow and flexible connecting tongues or ties 3| similar to the tongues 29 above described,

in connection with Fig. 4. Transverse weakened severance lines 32 are also formed in the superposed assembly strips in the embodiment of Fig. 5, these being constructed and arranged as described above in connection with Fig. 4.

In each of the different illustrative embodiments of the invention it will be noticed that the several" superposed assembly strips are constructed to provide flexible stress absorbing zones positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly. Each stress absorption zone includes a strip weakening formation or flexible band along transverse lines formed in each superposed strip, these weakening formations being in superposed relation so as to form at each zone a transversely extending flexible area or band of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly. This weakening of the respective assembly strips is 'efiected by the various forms of weakening formations described, such as the formations I'I, Ila, I70, 26, etc. Similar flexible bands of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly are also formed along the respective absorption zones by the formations 23, 24 at the opposite margins of said zones. This strip" weakening construction or flexible band along the transverse lines of each assembly strip forms an important part of each of the flexible absorption zones of the strip assembly. Each of these zones functions to absorb the stresses caused in the strips by the feeding action of the assembly about the platen or by other means. As the assembly advances in the feeding grip of the platen, stresses are caused in different superposed strips due partly to the shorter path travelled by the inner strips as compared to the path travelled by the outer strips. As'the feeding continues these stresses increase to such an extent as to tend to cause the strips to'buckle or form bulges and wrinkles. When one of the absorption zones approaches the platen grip under these conditions the stresses are absorbed by the flexible zone, and undue distortion of the strips is avoided. Due to the strip weakening along the longitudinally spaced transverse lines or bands of each flexible absorption zone, the several strips of the assembly will thus be caused to fold or crumple slightly along the weakened lines, and the accumulated stresses in the strips thus relieved. These stresses and distortions are thus not permitted to accumulate as the feeding progresses. It has been found in practice that the stresses and distortions are so effectively absorbed that lines spacing is maintained with accuracy, and at no time do the distortions increase to such an extent as to obstruct the feeding movement of the assembly or to cause stoppage thereof.

The absorption zones M are shown as being positioned at the bottoms of each form set or form length of the assembly. It is preferable to thus position them because it leaves the forward ends of the strips free and unattached from each other when the inscribed set is severed from the assembly along the transverse weakened severance lines l5. Due to this arrangement it is easier to make corrections, erasures, etc., since the forward ends of the strips can be moved apart for this purpose. The tops of the form sheets of each sheet set will therefore be positioned at the forward or right as appearing in Fig. 1.

After completion of the typing or inscriptions on a set of form sheets, the set may then be severed as a unit from the complete assembly along the next successive group of weakened severance lines l5, I5a etc. The severed inscribed set thus has the absorption zone M, Ma, etc., attached at its lower extremity. This zone also functions as a binding stub which may be readily detached from the sheet set by severance along the line of the openings l1, l'la of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3, or along the weakened severance lines 39 or 32 in the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5. The severance along the line of the opening I! or Ila will be located at the weaker or narrow ends of the ties l8 or [8a thus leaving smooth severed edges at the bottoms or lower ends of the form sheets. In the embodiment of Fig. 3 severance will occur at points in the form sheets inset slightly with reference to the line of the inner edges of the openings lla thus leaving smooth straight edges of the form sheets. The carbon and record sheets of the inscribed set can be quickly stripped from interleaved relation by means of the selective grip formations above described.

It is sometimes desirable to keep the absorption zones M, I ia, etc., at the tops of the severed sets of sheets, instead of keeping them at the bottoms as described above and shown in Fig. 1. In such cases it is only necessary to initially sever the sets of sheets after inscription thereof along the lines of the openings N, Na, etc., instead cf along the weakened lines l5, l5a, etc. When severance is thus made it will be noted that the zones M will remain at the tops or forward ends of the sets of sheets as seen in Fig. 1, and they will thus function to hold the sheets of the set in correct alignment with each other during the wrinting operation or during threading of the assembly into the writing machine. In case it becomes necessary to make erasures or corrections the zones or stubs can be severed from the assembly, thus freeing the sheets so that they can be separated and the erasures made. In

cases where no erasures are required the zones or stubs M, Ma, etc., can be severed after severance of the inscribed sets from the complete assembly along the next successive lines of openings II. In the case of the embodiments of Figs. 4 and 5 it will, of course, be understood that the initial severance of the inscribed sets from the complete assembly will occur along the weakened severance lines 30 or 32.

In order to provide for ease in separating the record sheets from the carbon sheets of a severed set, thumb notches 33 are provided at longitudinally spaced points along the margin of the assembly, thus providing selective grip formations whereby the carbons can be gripped without, at the same time, gripping the record sheets. At the opposite margins of the assembly the edges of the carbon terminate short of the adjacent edges of the records, thus forming a selective grip for gripping the record sheets without at the same time gripping the carbon sheets. By simultaneous gripping of the opposite selective grip formations the carbon sheets can be quickly and easily stripped from interleaved relation with the record sheets.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, and stress absorption zones in the assembly positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses caused by feeding the assembly, each said absorption zone having a plurality of strip weakening formations formed in a plurality of the strips and extending along transverse lines thereof, at least one of said weakening formations of each zone having a plurality of elongated ties disposed transversely of the course of the respective weakening formation.

2. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including cutaway or removed portions of the strips forming transverse series of openings of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly at superposed parts of the assembly strips, and longitudinally extending ties with adjacent strip material respectively positioned between adjacent said openings, each said tie having appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly and being weaker at one end than at the other end thereof, so as to cause tearing severance along the weaker ends.

3. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, said absorption zones including cut-outs or openings at superposed parts of the assembly strips, longitudinally extending ties with adjacent strip material respectively positioned between adjacent said cut-outs and each tie being weaker at one end than at the other end thereof, so as to cause tearing severance along the weaker ends, said weaker attaching end parts of said ties being offset longitudinally beyond the respective adjacent edges of said cut-outs.

4. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including cutaway or removed portions of the respective superposed strips forming transverse series of openings in superposed relation along the absorption zone and of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to form a flexible transverse stress absorbing band of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly.

5. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and extending transversely thereof and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly, each said absorption zone including cut-away or removed portions of the respective superposed strips forming transverse series of openings in superposed relation along the absorption zone and of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to form a flexible transverse stress absorbing band of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly, attachments securing the assembly strips together to form a binding stub adjacent to each said series of openings, and transverse weakened severance lines in the superposed strips at parts thereof opposite to said attachments from the respective series of cut-outs and respectively adjacent to said binding stubs.

6. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including cutouts or openings in the assembly strips arranged in a series along each zone, strip ties respectively interposed between said cut-outs, attachments securing the assembly strips together to form a binding stub adjacent to each said series of cutouts, and transverse weakened severance lines in the superposed strips at parts thereof opposite to said attachments from the respective series of cut-outs and respectively adjacent to said binding stubs, each of said ties having Weaker strip attachment at one end thereof than at the other end.

7. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, and stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including cut-away or removed portions of the respective superposed strips forming transverse series of openings in superposed relation along the absorption zone and of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to form a flexible transverse stress absorbing band of apprecible longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly," said openings being elongated and-inclined to they line of length, of the assembly.

8. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in'superposed manifolding relation; and transverse stress absorption zones in theassembly formed'in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals alongthe assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses during feeding of the assembly, each of said absorption zones including cuts extending longitudinally along the assembly, and extending through .theassembly strips and arranged in a series along each zone, said cuts being elongated, substantially parallel with each other and inclined to the line of length of the assembly, so as to form series ofelongated inclined longitudinally extending substantially parallel ties and providing for each absorption zone a flexible stress absorbing band of'appre'c'iable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly.

9. In a manifoldingassembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each of said absorption zones including cuts extending longitudinally along the assembly and extending through the assembly strips and arranged in a series along each zone, attachments securing the assembly strips together to form a binding stub adjacent to each said series of cuts, and transverse weakened severance lines in the superposed strips at parts thereof opposite to said attachments from the respective series of cuts and respectively adjacent to said binding stubs.

10. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, stress absorption zones in the assembly formed in certain of the strips and positioned at longitudinally spaced intervals along the assembly for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each of said absorption zones including cuts extending longitudinally along the assembly and extending through the assembly strips and arranged in a series along each zone, said cuts being elongated and inclined to the line of length of the assembly, attachments securing the assembly strips together adjacent to the respective absorption zones, and transverse weakened severance lines in the superposed strips at parts thereof opposite to said attachments from the respective series of cuts and adjacent to the respective absorption zones.

11. A manifolding strip having transverse stress absorption zones at longitudinally spaced intervals therealong, each zone including a plurality of transversely extending strip weakening formations one of which has a plurality of elongated longitudinally extending strip ties.

12. A manifolding strip having transverse stress absorption zones at longitudinally spaced intervals therealong, each zone including a plurality of transversely extending strip weakening formations one of which has a plurality of elongated longitudinally extending strip ties and another of which forms a weakened severance line for the strip, and a binding stub at each said zone positioned between the weakening formations thereof.

13. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, and transverse stress absorption zones in the assembly positioned at 1ongitudinally spaced intervals therealong for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including as a part thereof two longitudinally spaced transverse strip weakening formations along transverse lines in the respective superposed strips and extending along the respective forward and rearward marginal portions of the absorption zone, one of said transverse lines of weakening formations of each of the respective superposed strips at each said absorption zone having strip weakening formations of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to form a flexible transverse stress absorbing band of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly at the respective absorption zones to render them flexible for stress absorption.

14 In a manifolding assembly, in combination, a plurality of long continuous strips in superposed manifolding relation, and transverse stress absorption zones in the assembly positioned at 1ongitudinally spaced intervals therealong for absorbing and equalizing strip stresses, each said absorption zone including as a part thereof two longitudinally spaced transverse strip weakening formations along transverse lines in the respective superposed strips and extending along the respective forward and rearward marginal portions of the absorption zone, one of said transverse lines of weakening formations of each of the respective superposed strips at each said absorption zone having strip weakening formations of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly so as to form a flexible transverse stress absorbing band of appreciable longitudinal extent lengthwise of the assembly at the respective absorption zones to render them flexible for stress absorption, another of said transverse lines of weakening of the respective superposed strips at each said absorption zone having strip weakening formations forming transverse weakened areas or hands of appreciable extent lengthwise of the assembly, and attaching means attaching the assembly strips together at the respective absorption zones intermediate the respective said spaced lines of strip weakening formations thereof.

JAMES GORDON KERR.

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