US3751254A

US3751254A - Photographic film unit

Info

Publication number: US3751254A
Application number: US00111465A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Nerwin
Original assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Current assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date: 1971-02-01
Filing date: 1971-02-01
Publication date: 1973-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 1990-08-07
Also published as: CA977200A

Abstract

A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes preregistered photosensitive and process elements mounted on a carrier sheet having a cooperating pod for supplying a fluid processing composition to the preregistered elements and a trap for receiving and retaining any excess processing composition from the elements. The preregistered elements are easily separable from the carrier sheet, pod, and trap, the pod and trap being permanently coupled to the carrier sheet for convenient disposal after processing. An extension of the pod is interposed between the leading ends of the preregistered elements to direct the processing composition between the elements, and a coating of cohesive cement is provided on the interior surface of each of those ends to couple the two together after the processing composition has passed between them. A coating of cohesive cement is also provided on the interior surfaces of the pod extension to seal the extension closed after the processing composition has passed through it.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Nerwin 1 1 PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT [75] lnventor: Hubert Nerwip, Rochester, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: Feb. 1, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 111,465

[52] U.S. Cl. 96/76 R, 96/29 R [51] Int. Cl G03c H48 [58] Field of Search 96/29, 76

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,352,674 ll/1967 Harvey 96/76 X 3,680,456 .8/1972 Nerwin 96/76 R X 2,662,822 12/1953 Land 96/29 3,582,335 6/1971 Erlichman 96/29 3,615,421 10/1971 Land 96/29 3,615,540 10/1971 Land... 96/29 3,479,184 11/1969 Land 96/29 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,225,724 3/1971 Great Britain 96/76 X Aug. 7, 1973 Primary Examiner-Norman G. Torchin Assistant Examiner-John L. Goodrow Att0rney-Robert W. Hampton and William C. Dixon, 111

[57] ABSTRACT A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes preregistered photosensitive and process elements mounted on a carrier sheet having a cooperating pod for supplying a fluid processing composition to the preregistered elementsand a trap for receiving and retaining any excess processing composition from the elements. The preregistered elements are easily separable from the carrier sheet, pod, and trap, the pod and trap being permanently coupled to the carrier sheet for convenient disposal after processing. An extension of the pod is interposed between the leading ends of the preregistered elements to direct the processing composition between the elements, and a coating of cohesive cement is provided on the interior surface of each of those ends to couple the two together after the processing composition has passed between them. A coating of cohesive cement is also provided'on the interior surfaces of the pod extensionto seal the extension closed after the processing composition has passed through it.

31 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU 7575 sum 10? 4 FIG.|

HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR. M00

ATTORNEYS PAIENIEM 3.751.254

SHEET 2 0f 4 nmw W3 v99 vwvi wvvw w INVENTOR. BY 44%.. 05 4 m ATTORNEYS PMENIEBAHB m HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is made to commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1, 1970 in the name of Donald M. Harvey; commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 70,835, entitled Photographic Film Unit and filed Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin; and commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser, No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit and filed Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to photographic film units of the self-processing type, and particularly to such film units comprising preregistered photosensitive and process elements removably. mounted on a carrier sheet.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is well known in the photographic arts to provide film units with materials for processing the units immediately after their exposure. Generally such units include a photosensitive element, comprising a support having thereon at least one layer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to be registered over the photosensitive element for processing. A viscous fluid processing composition is released from a rupturable pod at one end 'of the unit and is spread toward the other end by passing the unit between juxtaposed pressure-applying members that distribute the composition in a layer of predetermined thickness between the two elements. The distributed composition then permeates the layers of the unit to effect development of the photosensitive layer(s), and an imagewise distribution of dye or silver diffuses to or is formed on an image-receiving layer in either the photosensitive or second element to form the finished print.

In most presently commercial film units, generally referred to as being of the peel-apart type, the photosensitive and second elements are separated before and during exposure, and thereafter are brought into superposition for processing. The image-receiving layer is in the second element, and that element is stripped from the rest of the unit after processing to provide a positive, right-reading print. Such units are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pats. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

This invention is concerned with a more recently de-- veloped type of film unit, generally referred to as a preregistered" or integral unit,'in which a photosensitive element and a process sheet or second element are supplied as a permanently registered, integral pair of elements. The elements of such a unit are superposed prior to exposure and remain superposed after processing. The process sheet or second element is transparent to permit exposure of .the photosensitive material from the top side" of the unit, and the imagereceiving layer is located in either the process sheet or, preferably, the photosensitive element to provide a positive image that does not need to be stripped from the rest of the unit. Film units of the type having the image-receiving layer located in the process sheet are disclosed, for example, in French Pat. Nos. 2,006,255and 2,006,256, granted to Polaroid Corporation and published Dec. 26, .1969. Film units of the type having the image-receiving layer located in the photosensitive element are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled Photographic Film Unit For Diffusion Transfer Processing, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of Harold E. Cole.

The development of commercially practical film units of the preregistered or integral type has constituted a significant step toward alleviating some of the problems inherent in peel-apart units, such as those encountered in first superposing and then separating the photosensitive and image-receiving elements. At the same time, however, numerous and often unexpected new problems have been encountered. For example, with a peel-apart unit it is relatively easy to separate the finished print from its leader, pod, trap, and other processing waste material. Such separation is facilitated by the moistened condition of the interface between the photosensitive and image-receiving elements, the moistened condition resulting from the distribution of the processing composition between those elements. In integral units, however, the finished printcomprises the photosensitive element and process sheet permanently attached to each other, and separation of the processing waste materials therefrom may be more difficult because it does not occur at the moistened interfaceprovided by the distributed processing composition.

In commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. applications, Ser. No. 033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1, 1970 in the name of Donald M. Harvey, and Ser. No. 70,835, entitled Photographic Film Unit and filed Sept. 9, 1970, in the name of Hubert Nerwin, there have been disclosed integral film units which associated leaders, pods, and traps that provide solutions to certain of the aforementioned problems. A particular problem not completely solved in those two applications is that of providing an effi-' cient means of conveniently and positively sealing the leading ends of the photosensitive element and process sheet together after the processing composition has passed from the pod between those two ends to the interface between said element and said sheet. A similar problem not there solved is that of providing an efficient means of conveniently and positively sealing the trailing end of the pod, or its extension, closed after the fluid has passed therefrom to the interface between said element and said sheet. In the aforementioned French Pats. No. 2,006,255 and No. 2,006,256, the

leading end of the film unit there disclosed is sealed closed after removal of its associated pod by means of a tape which the user folds around the leading edge and presses firmly down upon the upper surface of that edge. A similar arrangement is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No 027,990. Such use of a tape to be folded over the leading edge of a film unit by the user is believed to be not entirely satisfactory for providing a positive, fool-proof seal against possible escape of the processing composition from between the two elements of the unit. That arrangement also presents some inconvenience to the user in requiring him to carefully fold the tape over the leading edge and press the tape down firmly along its entire length in order to effect the desired seal. More'- over, use of a tape for this purpose obviously entails an additional part in the manufacture of the film unit and therefore adds to the cost of such a-unit. ALso, no-

where in the prior art known to Applicant is there disclosed any means of sealing the trailing end of the pod or its extension closed after the usable portion of processing composition provided thereby has passed to the film unit. Consequently, an efficient means of conveniently and positively sealing the leading ends of the photosensitive and process elements together after the processing composition has passed therebetween, and an efficient means of sealing the trailing end of the pod or its extension closed after the processing composition has passed therethrough, are highly desirable in order to prevent unintended escape of any residual processing composition from between the two elements from the pod, particularly in view of the possible effects which the caustic nature of such composition may have on the surrounding environment, such as the skin or clothing of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-processing film unit comprising photosensitive and process elements wherein the unit includes an efficient means of conveniently and positively sealing the leading ends of the two elements closed after processing composition has been introduced between said elements. Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved film unit further comprising a pod containing the processing composition or an extension thereof removably coupled to said elements wherein the unit further includes an efficient means of conveniently and positively sealing the trailing end of the pod or its extension closed after the usable portion of the processing composition has passed through said trailing end. A further object of the invention is to provide such an improved film unit having such a pod or extension thereof removably coupled to said elements wherein the film unit further includes means for facilitating the removal of the pod or its extension from the two elements. A still further object of the invention is to provide such an improved film unit at a minimum cost of manufacture in order to provide the benefits obtainable from such a unit at a minimum cost to the ultimate user.

To meet these and other objects, the present invention provides an improved self-processing film unit comprising a pair of preregistered, superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image of a subject to which the photosensitive material can be exposed and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image in response to development of the latent image, each of the two elements having first and second longitudinal marginal portions along which the elements are permanently coupled to each other, first and second transverse marginal portions interconnecting the longitudinal marginal portions, and an image portion intermediate the marginal portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, the two elements being separable from each other at the inward-facing surfaces of their first transverse marginal and image portions so that a processing composition adapted to effect development of the latent image and recording of the visible image can be supplied between the first transverse marginal portions to the image portions. The improved self-processing film unit of the present invention also comprises means for supplying the processing composition between the first transverse marginal portions to the image portions, the supplying means including a rupturable pod containing the processing composition and means for directing the composition from the pod, when ruptured, between the first transverse marginal portions to the image portions, the directing means having a first end portion coupled to the pod for receiving the composition from the pod, when ruptured, and a second end portion removably disposed between and adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of the first transverse marginal portions for directing the composition, when received from the pod, to the image portions. The improved self-processing film unit of the present invention further comprises means on the inward-facing surface of at least one of the first transverse marginal portions of the two elements for coupling the first transverse marginal portions to each other upon application of a compressive force urging the first transverse marginal portions together. The improved self-processing film unit of the present invention may also include moisture-sensitive means on the second .end portion of the directing means for sealing the second end portion closed after the composition has passed therethrough. And the improved self-processing film unit of the present invention may further have the second end portion of its directing means folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an underlyig main portion between the first transverse marginal portions of the two elements, the back-folded portion being adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of the first transverse marginal portions.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the illustrated embodiments presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the detailed description of the illustrated embodiments of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film unit in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with portions thereof broken away for clarity, of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the film unit of FIG. 1 disposed between a pair of juxtaposed pressureapplying members;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing a portion of the film unit with its leader disposed between the pressureapplying members;

FIG. 4 is a more enlarged sectional view of a portion of the film unit of FIG. 3, showing the leading end portions of its photographic elements disposed between the pressure-aplying members;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the image portions of the photo graphic elements disposed between the pressureapplying members;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the unit removed from the pressureapplying members and its photographic elements almost completely separated from the remainder of the unit;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the photographic elements completely separated from the remainder of the unit;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the photographic elements of FIG. 7, showing the final sealing of their leading end portions by the user;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the photographic elements of FIG. 8 after they have reverted to their original configuration;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a film unit in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention before any portion of the film unit has passed between pressure-applying members;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the leading end portions of the photographic elements of the unit disposed between pressure-applying members; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a film unit in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the present invention before any portion of the film unit has passed between pressure-applying members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Because certain aspects of photographic film units and cooperating apparatus are well known, the following description is directed in particular to those elements forming, or cooperating directly with, the present invention, elements that are not specifically shown or described herein being understood to be selectable from those known in the art.

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings illustrate an improved selfprocessing film unit constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a film unit 1 is shown comprising a carrier sheet or leader 2, an image-recording unit 3including photosensitive and

process elements

4 and 5, respectively, a supplying means 6 for supplying a fluid processing composition to the image-recording unit, and a trap 7 for receiving and retaining any excess portion of the processing composition from the imagerecording unit.

The photosensitive and

process elements

4 and 5 are accurately constructed to define sheets having straight edges, square comers, and appropriate borders, and are appropriately registered during manufacture to provide a uniformly fiat, aesthetically pleasing struc ture that will maintain its integrity after processing. Except for the supplying means, trap, and carrying sheet or leader, image-recording unit 3 is supplied with all parts necessary for its processing in cooperation with photographic apparatus, and all such parts are permanently held together without adversely affecting the finished print.

Carrier sheet or leader 2 supports, and is coupled to, image-recording unit 3, supplying means 6, and trap 7, the supplying means and trap being coupled to the recording unit in order to discharge the processing composition between the photosensitive and process elements at one end of the recording unit and to receive and retain any excess portion of the processing compoto facilitate handling of the entire film unit 1 from the first stages of its manufacture through completion of the finished print to disposal of all processing waste material. Carrier sheet 2 comprises an individual sheet that is directly coupled to only one image-recording unit, although it may also be coupled to other similar units, in an assemblage of units. Carrier sheet 2 is adapted to facilitate its aligntment with the other parts of the film unit during manufacture, transport of the film unit from an assemblage of such units during use in cooperating photographic apparatus, and its being rolled up with other processing waste material such as the supplying means and trap for disposal after processmg.

Supplying means 6 and trap 7 are permanently coupled to carrier sheet 2, and are removably coupled to image-recording unit 3. The image-recording unit is removably coupled to the carrier sheet. As will be described more fully hereinafter, such an arrangement of permanent and removable couplings permits convenient removal of the image-recording unit (defining the finished print) from the carrier sheet, supplying means, and trap after processing. The carrier sheet, supplying means, and trap, which then comprise the processing waste material, can conveniently be rolled up and discarded, the carrier sheet surrounding the pod and trap to protect any sensitive environment (e.g'., the user's clothing or skin) from any processing composition remaining in the waste material.

With regard to the image-recording unit 3, photosen sitive element 4 thereof comprises a substantially flat, resilient support of transparent cellulose triacetate film sition from between the two elements at the opposite end of the unit. Carrier sheetZ is particularly adapted base defining a first or leading end 10, a second or trailing end 11,

longitudinal edges

13 and 15, and a central or image portion 16. At least the image portion 16 supports one or more layers of image-receiving material, opaque reflecting material, and silver halide emulsion with associated dye and image-providing material. Such layers preferably are arranged in the order given, the support being located near the bottom or lower face of the element adjacent to carrier sheet 2, so that the support protects that side of the unit, and the silver halide emulsion being located near the top or upper face of the element so that the emulsion is protected by the transparent process sheet 5. As will become more apparent hereinafter, the silver halide emulsion is adapted to be exposed through process sheet 5, i.e., from the top side of the unit, and the developed print is adapted to be viewed through the transparent support, i.e., from the bottom side of the unit.

Photosensitive element 4 further includes appropriate means, illustrated by imaginary lines as a border 20 comprising longitudinal marginal portions 20a, 20b and transverse

marginal portions

20c, 20d, for defining an exposure frame within which a latent image can be developed and a print frame (preferably white) within which a visible image can be recorded. The exposure and print frames are coextensive and may be defined in, any one of a number of ways including pre-flash and photo-resist techniques applied to one or more layers of the element.

The process sheet or second element 5 also is preferably formed from a transparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, and defines a resilient, substantially flat sheet having leading and trailing ends, longitudinal edges, and a central or image portion corresponding to and coextensive with their counterparts in photosensitive element 4. To avoid crowding of the drawing, separate reference numerals have not been applied to these corresponding parts of process sheet 5. It should bee understood, however, that such parts are aligned with and can be referred to or located by the reference numerals applied to their counterparts in photosensitive element 4 just as they are referred to in the same or similar terms. In addition to facilitating the spreading of the processing composition, to be described more fully hereinafter, transparent process sheet protects the top side of photosensitive element sion.

Photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5 are rectangular and coextensive with each other, and are maintained in their preregistered, superposed, facing relationship by any permanent coupling means 21 to maintain the structural integrity of image-recording unit 3. As illustrated and described more fully in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit and filed Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin, coupling means 21 may comprise a contact-sensitive, cohesive material applied to both photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5. Other satisfactory coupling means may be provided by heat or sonic seals, or by adhesive material applied to either one 0 both of the photosensitive element and process sheet. Preferably, the coupling means extends along longitudinal marginal portions 20a and 20b, adjacent to

longitudinal edges

13 and 15, respectively, from leading end to trailing end 11. The resulting coupling should be sufficiently impervious to the processing composition to prevent its premature escape from between the longitudinal edges during processing.

Regardless of the particular type of coupling means used, the photosensitive and process elements are secured substantially in direct contacting relationship, or the equivalent thereof, along their longitudinal marginal portions so that their central or image portions are retained in their preregistered, superposed relationship. As will be described hereinafter, transverse marginal portions 20c of

elements

4 and 5 are resiliently separable to permit the introduction of processing composition between the two elements at their leading ends; similarly, transverse marginal portions 20d of

elements

4 and 5 are resiliently separable to permit the discharging of any excess portion of the composition from between the two elements at their trailing ends.

Image-recording unit 3, comprising photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, is particularly adapted to cooperate with various parts of the more comprehensive film unit 1. Film unit 1 includes, in addition to image-recording unit 3, the carrier sheet or leade 2, supplying means 6, and trap 7, all of which cooperate with unit 3 to effect the recording of an image therein when used in suitable photographic apparatus.

Trap 7 generally comprises one or more lifters or spacers 41 and a skirt 43 permanently coupled to the trailing end portion of carrier sheet 2, the skirt overlying spacers 41 and transverse marginal portion 20d of process sheet 5 to confine any received excess processing composition between the spacers. The spacers are substantially incompressible and cooperate with carrier sheet 2 and skirt 43 to define surfaces enclosing a chamber or void that is maintained even when that portion of the film unit passes between pressure-applying members of cooperating photographic apparatus.

- 4 while permitting exposure of the silver halide emul- Supplying means 6 may include various cooperating parts which together define suitable means for supplying processing composition to image-recording unit 3. Supplying means 6 includes a rupturable container or pod 45 generally comprising a rectangular blank of vapor-impervious material that is folded over upon itself to form a folded leading end 47, a first pair of longitudinal edges 49 which are permanently coupled together, a second pair of longitudinal edges 51 which are permanently coupled together, and a pair of trailing edges 53 which are rupturably coupled together so as to permit ready release of processing composition from the pod in response to hydraulic pressure generated by the composition when the pod is passed between pressureapplying members of cooperating photographic apparatus. The container or pod 45 cooperates with leading end 10 of image-recording unit 3 to discharge the processing composition between photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, and for this purpose is coupled to a directing means or funnel 57 having a trailing end portion inserted between the transverse marginal portions 20c photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

Carrier sheet 2 comprises an elongate web of flexible material that can conveniently be cut as a single piece having the desired shape. The configurationillustrated permits assembly of each film unit independently of other such units and in a manner especially conducive to assembly-line or automated methods. By way of example only, the carrier sheet can be laid out on a flat vacuum table, and the various cooperacing parts, such as image-recording unit 3, supplying means 6, spacers 41, and skirt 43 can then be appropriately coupled to the outstretched surface of the carrier sheet. v

Carrier sheet 2 may also serve to interconnect various ones of a plurality of film units in an assemblage or pack thereof (not shown), and to transport the units in photographic apparatus such as a cartridge or camera (not shown). For that purpose, carrier sheet 2 is adapted to be folded in almost any desired manner at one or more locations along its leading end portion for suitable attachment to other units. The assemblage may be assembled in many different arrangements, both simple and complex, with no significant change in the unit itself except, perhaps, in the manner of folding the carrier sheet or in the attachment of one or more supplemental leaders (not shown).

Carrier sheet 2 preferably is cut from a continuous roll of coated paper. Such paper should be flexible and easily folded while resisting tearing or cracking even after long periods of storage. Moreover, it sould be strong in tension and have a protective coating to repel fluids, such as the processing composition, that might result in reducing its strength. The same coating can enhance the performance of the carrier sheet by reducing its coefficient of friction and thereby rendering it more slidable over other film units in an assemblage. The carrier sheet should have a slight resiliency, i.e., it should be neither so stiff nor so resilient as to interfere with its being folded to provide a compact and compressible stack of units. Also, the carrier sheet should accept a wide variety of coupling means, such as adhev sives, cohesives, and seals (e.g., ultrasonic or heat), so that it can be suitably coupled to the various other parts comprising the overall film unit.

Carrier sheet 2 comprises a first or leading end portion 59, a second or trailing end portion 61, and a central or unit-supporting portion 63. The length of leading end portion 59 depends upon many factors, such as the manner in which a plurality of film units are to be connected in an assemblage thereof. In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier sheet of one film unit is adapted to be coupled to the carrier sheet of another film unit near the leading end of the other unit, and therefore extends somewhat beyond pod 45 as shown. Should it be desired to couple the carrier sheet of one film unit to the carrier sheet of another film unit near the trailing end of the other unit, leading end portion 59 could be extended by an appropriate amount or a supplemental leader could be provided to increase the effective length of the carrier sheet.

The central of unit-supporting portion 63 of the carrier sheet is provided with suitable coupling means, such as adhesives, cohesives, or seals 65, 67, 69, and 70, for coupling pod 45, funnel 57, image-recording unit 3, and trap 7, respectively, to the carrier sheet. The

coupling means may be an adhesive applied only to the carrier sheet or only to the pod, funnel, imagerecording unit, and trap. Preferably, however, especially for the pod, funnel, and trap, a cohesive is applied to the carrier sheet and to each of the parts to be coupled thereto, since a cohesive, once applied, will adhere only to the same or a similar cohesive. Thus, a suitable cohesive may be applied to each of the parts at a plant location other than, and at a time prior to, their assembly. The parts, then, can be hand-led with the cohesive applied, and no particular precautionary measure need be taken to prevent them from sticking to the handling apparatus. When the parts are assembled in their intended contacting relationship, however, the cohesive on each contacting part immediately becomes effective to couple those parts together in the desired manner, e.g., removably in the case of the image-recording unit or permanently in the case of the pod, funnel, and trap.

The coupling means may be applied to the entire I contacting area of each part or to only a portion of such area. Preferably, the cohesive is applied to a substantial portion of each contacting area of the pod, funnel, and trap to provide a permanent coupling between those parts and the carrier sheet, but is applied to only small discrete portions of each contacting area of the imagerecording unit to provide a separable or removable coupling between that part and the carrier sheet. Also, corner portions 71 of image-recording unit 3 may be left free to separate from the carrier sheet when grasped by the user to facilitate removal of imagerecording unit 3 from the remainder of film unit 1 after processing.

Funnel 57 and trap 7 are also removably coupled to image-recording unit 3. Preferably, however, such coupling is only functional. As will be described more fully hereinafter, the lips at the trailing end of funnel 57 are disposed between the transverse marginal portions c of photosensitive and

process elements

4 and 5, and transverse marginal portions 20d of the photosensitive and process elements are disposed under lip 72 of the trap skirt 43, no adhesive, cohesive, or other coupling means being required. This general arrangement is illustrated and described in commonly assigned, copending US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 033,677, entitled Photographic Apparatus and filed May 1., 1970 in the name of Donald M. Harvey.

Referring now to FIG. 2, film unit 1 is intended to be used in photographic apparatus such as a camera having stepped pressure-applying

members

77 and 79, as illustrated and described in commonly assigned, copending US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 70,836, entitled Film Unit and filed Sept. 9,1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin. In operation, raised

shoulder portions

77a and 79a of pressure-applying

members

77 and 79 are adapted to ride on longitudinal marginal portions 20a and 20b of image-recording unit 3 as the unit is pulled between the two members, while recessed

central portions

77b and 79b of

members

77 and 79 are adapted to rupture pod 45 and spread its processing composition in a uniform layer between photosensitive and

process elements

4 and 5.

As the processing composition is expelled from pod 45 and distributed between the photosensitive and process elements, hydraulic forces within the composition separate the two elements throughout their central or image portions 16 and force them (with the carrier sheet) into engagement with the recessed

central portions

77b and 79b of the pressure-applying members. The distance between

central'p'ortions

77b and 79b is selected to spread the composition in a layer of suitable initial thickness, e.g., 0.003 inches. Since the total thickness of photosensitive element 4,, process sheet 5, and carrier sheet2 is automatically accounted for by. the engagement of their longitudinal marginal portions with raised

shoulder portions

77a and 79a of the, pressure-applying members, it has been found that the desired initial thickness can be had by providingeach of I the members with a recessed central portion approximately equal in height to three-fourths of such thick ness. I As the processing composition is distributed, it im mediately begins to permeate the various layers of the photosensitive element to initiate processing. Additionally, various components of the processing composition, including water, begin to escape ordissipate entirely through or otherwise from between the photosensitive and process elements to the surrounding atmosphere, resulting eventually in the evaporation of most of the processing composition. The composition comprises only a very small percentage of solids, e.g., less than 5 percent, and most of the remainder of the composition (essentially water) eventually escapes from between the two elements within a few hours. As a result, the hydraulic forces holding the photosensitive and process elements apart are relieved, and the resiliency of the elements effects their return to facing engagement. By this time, the image-recording unit again has assumed its original, uniformly flat configuration. Since the image-recording unit 3 is adapted to be stripped from the carrier-sheet, as described more fully hereinafter, the finished print will be presented in the very same complete structure that was accurately cut and assembled as the image-recording unit at the time of manufacture.

Certain particular features of a film unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3-9. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing film unit 1 ith the leading end portion 59 of its carrying sheet 2 passing between

pressureapplying members

77 and 79. FIG. 4 is a greatly e'nlarged sectional viewof a portion of film unit .1 as the transverse marginal portions 2000f its image-recording unit 3 are passing between the two pressure-applying members. FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view simlar to FIG. 3 but showing film unit I as the image portions 16 of its image-recording unit 3 are passing between the pressure-applying members.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the processing composition directing means or funnel 57 is shown as comprising a pair of

superposed sheets

81 and 83 of flexible, vapor-impervious material, each sheet having

longitudinal edge portions

85 and 87 along which the two sheets are permanently coupled to each other, and

transverse edge portions

58 and 73 forming, respectively, the leading and trailing, end portions of the funnel. Trailing edges 53 of pod 45 are inserted between and permanently coupled to transverse edge portions 58 of funnel 57, as shown, to enable funnel 57 to receive processing composition from pod 45 when the pod is ruptured. At the trailing end of funnel 57, transverse edge portions or lips 73 are inserted between but not otherwise coupled to transverse marginal portions 20c of the photosensitive and

process elements

4 and 5. Each of the transverse edge portions of lips 73 is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion 74 and an underlying main portion 75 between the transverse marginal portions 200, each back-folded portion being adjacent to a respective one of the transverse marginal portions 20c. Use of back-folded lips in this manner offers several advantages over lips which are not so folded. First, withdrawal of the trailing end of the funnel from its position between transverse marginal portions 20c is rendered easier because the inserted lips can simply be peeled or rolled back and thereby unfolded as withdrawal takes place. Second, the four thicknesses of sheet material of which the back-folded lips are formed make up the desired thickness of processing composition between the photosensitive and process elements, so that the back-folded lips are firmly closed when transverse marginal portions 200 pass between the pressureapplying members. Third, when the back-folded lips become unfolded upon their withdrawal from image-recording unit 3, the back-folded portions 74 provide an extension of the funnel which safely covers the end of the flow of the processing composition, as will be described more fully with reference to FIGS. 6-9. As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, sheets 8i and 83 of funnel 57 are separable from each other between their

longitudinal edge portions

85 and 87 so that the processing composition can pass from the pod between the two sheets to the imagerecording unit. To ensure that lips 73 remain closed after they have been withdrawn from image-recording unit 3, the interior or inward-facing surface of each underlying main portion 75 is provided with a moisturesensitive sealing means76 for sealing the two main portions together after the fluid processing composition has passed between them and they have been brought together by operation of the pressure-applying members.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the transverse mariginal portions 20c of image-recording unit 3 are definedby a photo-resist coating 89 applied to the interior or inward-facing surface of photosensitive element 4. To provide for the coupling of

elements

4 and 5 to each other along their transverse marginal portions 200 after the processing composition has passed therebetween to image portions 16, a coupling means is applied to the interior or inward-facing surface of at least one of the transverse marginal portions 20c, the coupling means being adapted to couple portions 200 to each other upon application of a compressive force urging those portions togethe. Such compressive force is applied by pressure-applying

members

77 and 79 as the film unit is drawn between them. The leading portion of the inward-facing surface of each transverse marginal portion 20c is provided with a cohesive coupling means 88 which is covered over by the adjacent one of the back-folded portions 74 of funnel lips 73. The cohesive coupling means 88 on each portion 200 comprises a cohesive cement which does not adhere readily to the adjacent back-folded portion 74 but which will cohere readily with the like coating of cohesive cement on the opposite portion 20c after lips 73 have been withdrawn from between the two portions 200. Thus, after lips 73 have been withdrawn, the portions 20c need merely be pressed together by the user in order to effect the desired coupling.

To provide a means for coupling transverse marginal portions 200 to each other independent of the above action to be taken by the user, an additional coupling means is applied to the trailing portion of the interior or inward-facing surface of at least one of the transverse marginal portions 20c, the additional coupling means preferably comprising a coating of moisturesensitive cohesive cement 90 applied to each of the opposing interior or inward-facing surfaces although .a suitable adhesive could be applied to only one of those surfaces in order to effect the desired coupling. FIG. 4 shows film unit 1 as the pressure-applying

members

77 and 79 are positioned above and below, respectively, the trailing portions of transverse marginal portions 20c having coupling means 90 applied thereto. To compensate for the decreased space between portions 200 at that point, a force-receiving member 91 is permanently coupled to the underside of carrying sheet or leader 2 beneath and parallel with the coupling means 90. Thus, as the film unit is drawn between the pressure-applying members, those members are urged together by their own biasing means (not shown) to compress imagerecording unit 3 at the point where coupling means 90 is applied, thereby permitting coupling means 90 to effect the desired coupling at that point. In this fashion, the transverse marginal portions 20c become sealed closed to avert any back-flow of processing composition between portions 20c during processing. FIG. 5

shows film unit 1 when the unit has passed still farther between the pressure-applying members, the members being shown above and below the image portions 16 of image-recording unit 3.

The manner of removing image-recording unit 3 from supplying means 6, after all of film unit 1 has passed between the pressure-ay'plying members, is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. While any number of different methods could be used, the most convenient is to first flex or bend carrier sheet 2 downwardly at its trailing end 61, thereby causing trap 7 to be pulled away from transverse marginal portion 20d and the carrier sheet to be stipped from the image-recording unit. Preferably, the image-recording unit is significantly less flexible than the carrier sheet, and therefore tends to remain relatively flat. The next step is to pull the leading end 59 of the carrier sheet, and with it the pod and funnel, away from the image-recording unit in the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 6. This causes the back-folded lips 73 to unfold so as to extend beyond the coupling means 76 after the lips have been completely withdrawn, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the user pressing the leading portions of the transverse marginal portions 200 together so that the cohesive coupling means 88 will effect the desired coupling at that point. FIG. 9 shows the coupled elements 4 and after theprocessing composition between them has been absorbed and/or dried out, leaving the two elements in their original, uniformly flat condition.

Should bending of the carrier sheet in the abovedescribed manner prove ineffective as a means of separating the image-recording unit from the supplying means, trap, and carrier sheet, the user can insert a fingernail or other object between the image-recording unit and the carrier sheet at the unattached comer 71 so as to grasp the unit and more forcefully separate it from the other parts in a manner similar to that described above.

The pod, funnel, and trap remain with the carrier sheet after the image-recording unit has been removed therefrom, and can be rolled up in the carrier sheet to enclose any remaining processing composition and thereby protect the immediate environment, e.g., the users clothing or skin, from the composition.

THE FIRST ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an improved selfprocessing film unit constructed in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. Parts that are the same in both the preferred embodiment and the first alternative embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, whereas parts that differ are designated by the same reference numerals primed. As will be seen, the first alternative embodiment is the same as the preferred embodiment except that the first alternative embodiment does not have the moisture-sensitive coupling means 90 and the forcereceiving member 91 for coupling the transverse marginal portions c to each other along their trailing portions. Also, as will be seen, the photo-resist coating 89' of the first alternative embodiment is somewhat narrower than its counterpart 89 in the preferred embodiment because of the absence of the moisture-sensitive coupling means 90. In all other respects, the two embodiments are identical, the only coupling means in the image-recording unit of this embodiment being the cohesive coupling means 88' adapted to couple the transverse marginal portions 200 to each other after withdrawal of lips 73 from portions 20c as in the preferred embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a film unit according to the first alternative embodiment as it would appear before passing between the pressure-applying members. FIG. 11 illustrates the same unit as it would appear when its leading transverse mariginal portions are disposed between the pressure-applying members, which close the lips 73 of funnel 57.

THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT An improved self-processing film unit constructed in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. Parts in this embodiment that are identical to those in either the preferred embodiment or the first alternative embodiment are designated by like reference numerals, whereas differing parts are designated by the same numerals primed. This embodiment is identical to the first alternative embodiment except that the lips 73' of the funnel 57' in this embodiment are not folded back upon themselves but are merely inserted between the leading transverse marginal portions of elements 4' and 5' as shown, and lips 73 do not have moisture-sensitive coupling means 76 on their interior surfaces for sealing the lips closed after the processing composition has passed between them. As will be seen, however, this embodiment does have the cohesive coupling means 88 on the interior or inward-facing surfaces of the leading transverse marginal portions of elements 4 and 5' for coupling those portions together after lips 73' have been withdrawn therefrom.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the illustrated preferred and alternative embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention,

I claim:

1. In a self-processing film unit comprising:

a pair of preregistered, superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image of a subject to which said photosensitive material can be exposed and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image in response to development of the latent image, each of said elements having first and second longitudinal marginal portions along which said elements are permanently coupled to each other, first and second transverse marginal portions interconnecting said longitudinal marginal portions, and an image portion intermediate said marginal portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inwardfacing surface of the other element, said elements being separable from each other at the inwardfacing surfaces of their first transverse marginal and image portions so that a processing composition adapted to effect development of the latent image and recording of the visible image can be supplied between said first transverse marginal portions to said image portions;

means for supplying said processing composition between said first transverse marginal portions to said image portions, said supplying means including a rupturable pod containing said processing composition and means for directing said composition from said pod, when ruptured, between said first transverse marginal portions to said image portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means having a first end portion coupled to said pod for receiving said composition from said pod, when ruptured, and a second end portion removably disposed between and adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of said first transverse marginal portions for directing said composition, when received from said pod, to said image portions, and means on the inward-facing surface of at least one of said first transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other upon application of a compressive force urging said first transverse marginal portions together after the processing composition has been supplied to said image portions. 2. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said second end portion of said directing means has been removed therefrom.

3. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes moisturesensitive coupling means for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.

5. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said second end portion of said directing means has moisture-sensitive means thereon for sealing said second end portion closed after said composition has passed therethrough.

6. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising means adjacent to said second transverse marginal portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.

7. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising a leader underlying said elements and said supplying means, said leader being removably couped to said first and second longitudinal marginal portions of one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.

8. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 7 further comprising a force-receiving member permanently coupled to said leader under parallel with said first transverse marginal portions of said elements to assist the compressive force, when applied to said member, in urging said first transverse marginal portions together.

9. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said directing means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of said sheets having first and sec-. ond logitudinal edge portions along which said sheets are permanently coupled to each other and first and second transverse edge portions forming, respectively, said first and second end portions, said second transverse edge portion of each sheet being removably disposed between, and adjacent to the inward-facing surface of a respective one of, said first transverse marginal portions of said elements, said sheets being separable from each other between said longitudinal edge portions so that said composition can pass from said first end portion between said sheets to said second end portion.

10. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 9 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itself to provide a backfolded portion and an underlying main portion between said first transverse marginal portions of said elements, said back-folded portion of each second transverse edge portion being adjacent to the inward-facing surface of a respective one of said first transverse marginal portions.

11. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said second transverse edge portions of said sheets have been removed therefrom.

12. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said coupling means includes moisturesensitive coupling means for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.

13. The selfprocessing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said underlying main portion of each second transverse edge portion has moisture-sensitive means thereon for coupling said underlying main portions together after said composition has passed therebetween.

14. In a self-processing film unit comprising:

a pair of superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image, each of said elements having first and second lateral border portions along which said elements are coupled to each other, first and second transverse border portions interconnecting said lateral border portions, and an image portion intermediate said border portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, said elements being separable from each other at the inward-facing surface of their first transverse border and image portions so that a processing composition for developing the latent image and recording the visible image can be supplied between said first transverse border portions to said image portions;

means for supplying said processing composition to said image portions, said supplying means including a rupturable pod containing said processing composition and means for directing said composition from said pod, when ruptured, between said first transverse border portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means and said first transverse border portions being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other, and means on the inward-facing surface of at least one of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other upon application of a compressive force urging said first transverse border portions together after said processing composition has been supplied to said image portions.

15. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each otherupon ap plication of the compressive force.

16. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said coupling means includes moistureactivated coupling means for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.

17. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-folded portion being in contact with said first transverse border portions.

18. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means has moisture-activated means thereon for sealing said directing means closed after said composition has passed therethrough.

19. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 further comprising means adjacent to said second transverse border portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.

20. The self-processing film unit laimed in claim 14 further comprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.

21. The self-processing film Elli claimed in claim further comprising a force-redivin g member permanently coupled to said carrier under and parallel with said first transverse border portions of said elements to assist the compressive force, when applied to said member, in urging said first transverse border portions together. I g

22. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of said sheets having a first and second lateral edge portions along wich said sheets are coupled to each other and first and second transverse edge portions, said first transverse edge portons being coupled to said pod for receiving said composition from said pod, when ruptured, said second transverse edge portions and said first transverse portions of said elements being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other for directing said composition to said image portions, said sheets being separable from each other between said lateral edge portions so that said composition can pass from said first transverse edge portions between said sheets to said second transverse edge portions.

23. The self-processing film unit calimed in claim 22 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itself to provide abackfolded portion and and adjacent main portion, each back-folded portion being in contact with a respective one of said first transverse border portions.

24. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other upon application of the compressive force.

25. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein said coupling means includes moistureactivated coupling means for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.

26. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein each sheet has moisture-activated means thereon for coupling said sheets together after said composition has passed therebetween.

27. In a self-pocessing film unit comprising:

a pair of coupled superposed elements including material for recording a photographic iage, each of said elements having leading and trailing end portions and an image portion intermediate said end portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inwardfacing surface of the other element, said elements being separable from each other at the inwardfacing surfaces of their leading end and image portions; and

means for supplying a processing composition to said image portions, said supplying means including a processing composition source exterior of said elements and means for directing procdssing composition from said source in between said leading end portions;

the improvement comprising said directing means and said leading end portions being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other, said directing means being folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-folded portion being in contact with said leading end portions.

28. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 wherein said back-folded and main portions of said directing means are disposed between the inward-facing surfaces of said leading end portions, said back-folded portion being in separable contact with said inwardfacing surfaces.

29. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprising means adjacent to said trailing end portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.

30. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.

31. In a film assemblage comprising at least one selfprocessing film unit, said self-processing film unit comprising a pair of superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image, said elements being separable from each other at inward-facing surfaces or border portions and at image portions so that a processing composition can pass between said surfaces and said image portions, and composition container means in communication with said elements for holding the processing composition, said composition being transferale between said container means and said image portions, the improvement comprising means provided on at least one of the inward-facing surfaces of said border portions for coupling said border portions to each other upon application ,of a compressive force urging said border portions together after the processing composition is transferred between said container means and said image portions, and said container means is adapted to be moved out'of communication with said elements after at least a portion of said composition is transferred between said container means and said image portions.

Claims

2. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said second end portion of said directing means has been removed therefrom.
3. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes moisture-sensitive coupling means for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.
4. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said second end portion of said directing means is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an underlying main portion between said first transverse marginal portions of said elements, said back-folded portion being adjacent to the inward-facing surfaces of said first transverse marginal portions.
5. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said second end portion of said directing means has moisture-sensitive means thereon for sealing said second end portion closed after said composition has passed therethrough.
6. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising means adjacent to said second transverse marginal portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.
7. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising a leader underlying said elements and said supplying means, said leader being removably coupled to said first and second longitudinal marginal portions of one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.
8. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 7 further comprising a force-receiving member permanently coupled to said leader under and parallel with said first transverse marginal portions of said elements to assist the compressive forcE, when applied to said member, in urging said first transverse marginal portions together.
9. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said directing means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of said sheets having first and second longitudinal edge portions along which said sheets are permanently coupled to each other and first and second transverse edge portions forming, respectively, said first and second end portions, said second transverse edge portion of each sheet being removably disposed between, and adjacent to the inward-facing surface of a respective one of, said first transverse marginal portions of said elements, said sheets being separable from each other between said longitudinal edge portions so that said composition can pass from said first end portion between said sheets to said second end portion.
10. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 9 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an underlying main portion between said first transverse marginal portions of said elements, said back-folded portion of each second transverse edge portion being adjacent to the inward-facing surface of a respective one of said first transverse marginal portions.
11. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse marginal portions for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said second transverse edge portions of said sheets have been removed therefrom.
12. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said coupling means includes moisture-sensitive coupling means for coupling said first transverse marginal portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.
13. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 10 wherein said underlying main portion of each second transverse edge portion has moisture-sensitive means thereon for coupling said underlying main portions together after said composition has passed therebetween.
14. In a self-processing film unit comprising: a pair of superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image, each of said elements having first and second lateral border portions along which said elements are coupled to each other, first and second transverse border portions interconnecting said lateral border portions, and an image portion intermediate said border portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, said elements being separable from each other at the inward-facing surfaces of their first transverse border and image portions so that a processing composition for developing the latent image and recording the visible image can be supplied between said first transverse border portions to said image portions; means for supplying said processing composition to said image portions, said supplying means including a rupturable pod containing said processing composition and means for directing said composition from said pod, when ruptured, between said first transverse border portions; the improvement comprising said directing means and said first transverse border portions being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other, and means on the inward-facing surface of at least one of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other upon application of a compressive force urging said first transverse border portions together after said processing composition has been supplied to said image portions.
15. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the Inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other upon application of the compressive force.
16. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said coupling means includes moisture-activated coupling means for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.
17. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-folded portion being in contact with said first transverse border portions.
18. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means has moisture-activated means thereon for sealing said directing means closed after said composition has passed therethrough.
19. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 further comprising means adjacent to said second transverse border portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.
20. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 further comprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.
21. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 20 further comprising a force-receiving member permanently coupled to said carrier under and parallel with said first transverse border portions of said elements to assist the compressive force, when applied to said member, in urging said first transverse border portions together.
22. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 14 wherein said directing means includes a pair of superposed sheets, each of said sheets having a first and second lateral edge portions along which said sheets are coupled to each other and first and second transverse edge portions, said first transverse edge portions being coupled to said pod for receiving said composition from said pod, when ruptured, said second transverse edge portions and said first transverse portions of said elements being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other for directing said composition to said image portions, said sheets being separable from each other between said lateral edge portions so that said composition can pass from said first transverse edge portions between said sheets to said second transverse edge portions.
23. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 22 wherein said second transverse edge portion of each sheet is folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and and adjacent main portion, each back-folded portion being in contact with a respective one of said first transverse border portions.
24. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein said coupling means includes cohesive coupling means on the inward-facing surface of each of said first transverse border portions for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other upon application of the compressive force.
25. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein said coupling means includes moisture-activated coupling means for coupling said first transverse border portions to each other after said composition has passed therebetween.
26. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 23 wherein each sheet has moisture-activated means thereon for coupling said sheets together after said composition has passed therebetween.
27. In a self-processing film unit comprising: a pair of coupled superposed elements including material for recording a photographic image, each of said elements having leading and trailing end portions and an image portion intermediate said end portions, each portion of each element having an inward-facing surface, each inward-facing surface of one element facing a corresponding inward-facing surface of the other element, said elements being separable frOm each other at the inward-facing surfaces of their leading end and image portions; and means for supplying a processing composition to said image portions, said supplying means including a processing composition source exterior of said elements and means for directing processing composition from said source in between said leading end portions; the improvement comprising said directing means and said leading end portions being disposed in separable overlapping contact with each other, said directing means being folded back upon itself to provide a back-folded portion and an adjacent main portion, said back-folded portion being in contact with said leading end portions.
28. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 wherein said back-folded and main portions of said directing means are disposed between the inward-facing surfaces of said leading end portions, said back-folded portion being in separable contact with said inward-facing surfaces.
29. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprising means adjacent to said trailing end portions for receiving and retaining any excess portion of said composition from said image portions.
30. The self-processing film unit claimed in claim 27 further comprising a carrier underlying said elements and said supplying means, said carrier being separably coupled to one of said elements and permanently coupled to said supplying means.
31. In a film assemblage comprising at least one self-processing film unit, said self-processing film unit comprising a pair of superposed elements including a layer of photosensitive material for establishing a developable latent image and a layer of image-recording material for recording a visible image, said elements being separable from each other at inward-facing surfaces or border portions and at image portions so that a processing composition can pass between said surfaces and said image portions, and composition container means in communication with said elements for holding the processing composition, said composition being transferable between said container means and said image portions, the improvement comprising means provided on at least one of the inward-facing surfaces of said border portions for coupling said border portions to each other upon application of a compressive force urging said border portions together after the processing composition is transferred between said container means and said image portions, and said container means is adapted to be moved out of communication with said elements after at least a portion of said composition is transferred between said container means and said image portions.