Methods and apparatuses for tucking side panels of absorbent articles
US10117787B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H45/16
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tucking opposing side panels into a chassis of a diaper pant. The apparatuses and methods may utilize one or more conveyors that advance the chassis along a machine direction. Each conveyor may have a vacuum zone that applies a vacuum force to hold the chassis. The chassis may be positioned between a first conveyor having a first vacuum zone and a second conveyor having a second vacuum zone. The conveyors may apply opposing vacuum forces to hold the first waist region apart from the second waist region while the chassis advances in the machine direction toward a tucking device. The vacuum forces are then removed from the waist regions as the tucking device pushes the side panels toward each other. Pushing the side panels toward each other causes the inner surfaces of the waist regions to simultaneously move toward each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.