Substitute Leader Material for 135 Film Cassettes

A substitute material can be used for the leaders and trailers on 135 filmstrips. The 135 filmstrip can be modified by replacing the portion of the filmstrip that will not receive photographic images with a non-photographic leader material that is spliced to the photographic portion of the filmstrip.

The low cost leader material must be compatible with all end uses of the product, such as, in cameras and photofinishing, and may be made of paper, composite materials or similar materials, such as synthetic paper.

The leader could be used to display information for the user such as product information and specifications, or it may contain messages, such as, advertising.

Information could be human readable, bar-coded or graphic.

Leader and trailer attachment to the photographic portion of the filmstrip may be accomplished by ultrasonic sealing, tape, adhesives, mechanical interlocking, or by other means.

The length of the leader may be as short as shown in Figure 1, or could extend up to the region of the first image exposure (Figure 2).

If a substitute trailer is used, it may extend from the region of the last image exposure to the end of the roll at the cassette or spool (Figure 3).