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Methods and Apparatuses for Folding Absorbent Articles

a technology of absorbent articles and folding methods, applied in the field of systems and methods for folding disposable absorbent articles, can solve the problems of affecting the overall dimensions of folded diapers, requiring relatively large packaging sizes, and negative consumer perceptions

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-11-20
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about systems and methods for folding absorbent articles in a converting line. The patent describes a process where tucker blades are used to maximize the speed of the folding process. The technical effect of this patent is to improve the efficiency and speed of the folding process for absorbent articles.

Problems solved by technology

Variations in the acceleration timing in during the folding process can lead to variability and inconsistencies with respect to how well the opposing ends of the bi-folded diapers align with each other, affecting the overall dimensions of the folded diapers.
Such inconsistencies may create negative consumer perceptions and may also require relatively larger packaging sizes than would otherwise be necessary.
The timing variation can also causes folded diapers to arrive at the subsequent packaging units at different times, which can lead to jams at these units, and / or excessive reject scrap.

Method used

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  • Methods and Apparatuses for Folding Absorbent Articles
  • Methods and Apparatuses for Folding Absorbent Articles
  • Methods and Apparatuses for Folding Absorbent Articles

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0024]The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure:

[0025]“Absorbent article” is used herein to refer to consumer products whose primary function is to absorb and retain soils and wastes. “Diaper” is used herein to refer to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso. The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

[0026]An “elastic,”“elastomer” or “elastomeric” refers to materials exhibiting elastic properties, which include any material that upon application of a force to its relaxed, initial length can stretch or elongate to an elongated length more than 10% greater than its initial length and ...

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates systems and methods for folding absorbent articles advancing in a converting line. The folding processes and apparatuses herein may be configured with tucker blades that are configured to maximize the period of time wherein the leading edges of the tucker blades move at maximum speeds during the folding process.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 824,013, filed on May 16, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for folding disposable absorbent articles in a nip between first and second carriers, and more particularly, tucker blades configured to maximize a period of time wherein the leading edges move at speeds through the nip that are relatively close to the speeds of the first and second carriers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Along an assembly line, diapers and various types of other absorbent articles may be assembled by adding components to and otherwise modifying an advancing, continuous web of material. For example, in some processes, advancing webs of material are combined with other advancing webs of material. In other examples, individual components created from advancing webs of material are combined with a...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B65H45/28B65H45/16
CPCB65H45/28B65H2801/57B65H45/16A61F13/15747B65H45/18
Inventor WIEDMANN, PETERLENSER, TODD DOUGLASYANEZ, JR., RICKY REYNALDOYAMAMOTO, YOICHIRODREHER, ANDREAS JOSEF
Owner THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY