Banner making machine

Abstract

A machine for applying support members to opposing sides of opposing edges of a sheet material includes a support tab applicator assembly that applies a first portion of a support tab along a longitudinal edge of a first side of the sheet material, a support tab finisher assembly that applies a second portion of the support tab disposed opposite the first portion to a second side of the sheet material disposed opposite the first side, and a hole punch assembly that cuts a hole through the sheet material. The machine also may include a strengthening film applicator assembly that applies a strengthening film along a longitudinal length of the first side of the sheet material and/or across the support tab.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of applying a support tab to a sheet material, the method comprising the steps of:
 supporting a longitudinal edge of a longitudinal length of the sheet material along a support table;   actuating a first actuator to apply a first portion of the support tab to a first side of the sheet material along the longitudinal length of the sheet material, the support tab for receiving a suspension member;   actuating a second actuator to fold a second portion of the support tab under the sheet material;   moving a press plate to engage the first side of the sheet material between the press plate and the support table;   moving a pressure support to engage the second side of the sheet material such that the full longitudinal length of the sheet material to which the first actuator applies the first portion of the support tab is clamped between the press plate and the pressure support respective application of the respective second portion by the second actuator;   applying the second portion of the support tab to a second side of the sheet material disposed opposite the first portion of the support tab; and   actuating a punch to cut a hole through a portion of the sheet material disposed between the first and second portions of the support tab, the hole for receiving the suspension member for suspending the sheet material.   
     
     
         21 . The method as set forth in  claim 20 , further including the step of applying a strengthening film along the sheet material and across the support tab. 
     
     
         22 . The method as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein the applying a strengthening film along the sheet material and across the support tab occurs simultaneously with actuating a first actuator to apply a first portion of the support tab to the first side of the sheet material along the longitudinal length of the sheet material. 
     
     
         23 . The method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the actuating the first actuator to apply a first portion of the support tab to the first side of the sheet material occurs simultaneously at two oppositely disposed longitudinal edges of the sheet material with oppositely disposed support tabs. 
     
     
         24 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the applying the second portion of the support tab to a second side of the sheet material occurs at a gap at a table edge of the support table. 
     
     
         27 . A method of applying a support tab to a sheet material, the method comprising the steps of:
 actuating a first actuator to apply a first portion of the support tab to a first side of the sheet material along a longitudinal length of the sheet material, the support tab for receiving a suspension member;   actuating a second actuator to fold a second portion of the support tab under the sheet material;   engaging an opposite side portion of the second side of the sheet material to which the second portion of the support tab is to be applied with a retractable pressure support;   engaging the first side of the sheet material opposite the opposite side portion of the second side of the sheet material with a press plate such that the press plate and the retractable pressure support stabilizingly clamp the sheet material and the first portion of the support tab therebetween prior to application of the second portion of the support tab;   applying the second portion of the support tab to a second side of the sheet material disposed opposite the first portion of the support tab;   retracting the retractable pressure support outwardly from the sheet material disengaging it from the sheet material during the application of the second portion of the support tab to the opposite side portion to allow for engagement of the second portion of the support tab with the opposite side portion; and   actuating a punch to cut a hole through a portion of the sheet material disposed between the first and second portions of the support tab, the hole for receiving the suspension member for suspending the sheet material.   
     
     
         28 . The method as set forth in  claim 27 , further including the step of applying a strengthening film along the sheet material and across the support tab. 
     
     
         29 . The method as set forth in  claim 28 , wherein the applying a strengthening film along the sheet material and across the support tab occurs simultaneously with actuating a first actuator to apply the first portion of the support tab to the first side of the sheet material along the longitudinal length of the sheet material. 
     
     
         30 . The method as set forth in  claim 27 , wherein the actuating the first actuator to apply the first portion of the support tab to the first side of the sheet material occurs simultaneously at two oppositely disposed longitudinal edges of the sheet material with oppositely disposed support tabs. 
     
     
         31 . The method as set forth in  claim 27 , wherein the applying the second portion of the support tab to a second side of the sheet material occurs at a gap at a table edge of a support table supporting a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal length of the sheet material.