CN102858289B - Method and apparatus for pleating absorbent article lateral plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The many aspects of the disclosure relate to pleating for relative lateral plate in the base structure of diaper pants.Described equipment and method can utilize one or more to make base structure along the transporter being longitudinally travelled.Each transporter can have the region of no pressure of applying vacuum power with fixed infrastructure.Base structure can be positioned on to be had between the first transporter of the first region of no pressure and second transporter with the second region of no pressure.The while that transporter can applying relative vacuum power to keep the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region to separate, base structure is being longitudinally travelled towards tucker.Vacuum power is removed towards when advancing lateral plate each other by lumbar region subsequently at tucker.Make the inner surface of lumbar region simultaneously towards moving each other towards advancing lateral plate each other.

Description

Method and apparatus for pleating absorbent article lateral plate

Invention field

It relates to for the method and apparatus manufacturing absorbent article, more particularly to for pleating The method and apparatus of the lateral plate of diaper pants.

Background of invention

Along assembly line, can be by each assembly being added on the continuous material fleece of traveling and with other Mode is revised the continuous material fleece of traveling and is inhaled to assemble various types of goods, such as diaper and other Receive goods.Such as, in some techniques, the web material of traveling is the material fiber advanced with other Net combined.In other example, the single component produced from the web material advanced and traveling Web material is combined, the material fiber that the web material of the most described traveling is advanced with other then Net combined.It is used for manufacturing the web material of diaper and component parts comprises the steps that egative film, top flat, lower limb Hoop, waist cap, absorbent cores assembly, front auricle and/or rear auricle, fastener assemblies and various types of Elastic webs and assembly such as lower limb elastomeric element, barrier leg cuff elastomeric element, stretching lateral plate and waist are elastic Parts.The most desired component parts assembles, then make one or more fleeces and the assembly of traveling Parts stand final cutter and cut the one or more fleece is separated into discrete diaper or other suction Receive goods.

After final cutter is cut, absorbent article also can experience folding technology before encapsulation.Diaper pants also can wrap Include the Additional manufacturing steps being not used for during conventional adhesive diaper manufactures.Such as, diaper pants can include Attacking Midfielder The lateral plate that district and back waist region are connected to each other.Therefore, with mode same or analogous with conventional diaper around Cross central line be folded into U-shaped after, the lateral plate on diaper pants can connect front waist region and back waist region with shape Become waist opening and a pair leg opening.Additionally, lateral plate can be the most pleating in diaper pants.

Some are currently available that lateral plate pleating methods makes diaper pants pass at upper void apparatus and lower vacuum Send between device in being longitudinally travelled.In this type of configuration, upper void apparatus can be to the Attacking Midfielder of diaper pants District applies vacuum power upwards and lower void apparatus can apply downward true to the back waist region of diaper pants Empty power.Therefore, relative vacuum power keeps the lumbar region of diaper pants to be spaced apart.It follows that at diaper While lumbar region is maintained spaced apart by by vacuum, rotates pleating blade or air stream can be used for lateral plate is pushed into urine Inside cloth.Once lateral plate is pleating in diaper, then front waist region and back waist region are subsequently facing to being pressed against each other to incite somebody to action Lateral plate is maintained at pleating position.But, the power being applied on diaper due to vacuum and higher traverse speed with The elastomeric composition of lateral plate may result in lateral plate front waist region and back waist region facing to before being pressed against each other unintentionally after Outside removal diaper.

Summary of the invention

The many aspects of the disclosure relate to pleating to diaper to the first relative lateral plate and the second lateral plate Equipment in the base structure of trousers and method.

In one form, method can be configured to the first relative lateral plate and the second lateral plate is pleating arrives In the base structure of diaper pants, wherein said base structure includes inner surface and outer surface, described basis knot Structure have the first longitudinally opposed lumbar region and the second lumbar region, be arranged in the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region vertical To the first relative waist end edges and the second waist end edges, it is positioned at the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region in the vertical Middle crotch region, the first lumbar region is connected with the second lumbar region with formation waist opening and a pair leg opening First lateral plate and the second lateral plate.Described method can comprise the following steps that to be positioned at base structure have Between first transporter and second transporter with the second region of no pressure of one region of no pressure；True by first Dead zone applies the first vacuum power and is applied the second vacuum by the second region of no pressure to the second lumbar region to the first lumbar region Power；The vacuum power relative with the second region of no pressure from the first region of no pressure is utilized to keep the first of base structure Lumbar region separates with the second lumbar region of base structure；Basis knot is made with the first transporter and the second transporter Structure is being longitudinally travelled；Removed the first vacuum power by the first lumbar region and removed the second vacuum power by the second lumbar region； And when being wanted lumbar region to remove the first vacuum power and the second vacuum power by the first lumbar region and second by the first side Sheet and the second lateral plate are towards the most inwardly advancing certain distance.

In another form, method can be configured to pleating to the first relative lateral plate and the second lateral plate In the base structure of diaper pants, wherein said base structure includes inner surface and outer surface, described basis Structure has the first longitudinally opposed lumbar region and the second lumbar region, is arranged in the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region The first longitudinally opposed waist end edges and the second waist end edges, it is positioned at the first lumbar region and the second waist in the vertical Crotch region in the middle of district, connect the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region to form waist opening and a pair leg opening First lateral plate and the second lateral plate.Described method can comprise the following steps that to be positioned at base structure have very On the transporter of dead zone；Vacuum power is applied to the first lumbar region of base structure by region of no pressure；Utilize from First lumbar region and second of the vacuum power holding base structure that the first region of no pressure is relative with the second region of no pressure Lumbar region separates；Transporter is utilized to make base structure be longitudinally travelled；Vacuum power is removed by the first lumbar region； And when being removed vacuum power by the first lumbar region by by the first lateral plate and the second lateral plate towards laterally Inwardly advance certain distance and towards moving in base structure each other in the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region Surface.

Accompanying drawing is sketched

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of diaper pants.

Fig. 2 is the sectional plan view of the diaper pants shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of diaper pants in the pleating Fig. 1 in base structure inside of lateral plate.

Fig. 4 is the schematic side elevation of the diaper pants walked in longitudinal direction along the pleating equipment of lateral plate.

Fig. 5 shows the profile that the equipment in Fig. 4 and diaper pants 5-5 along the line intercept.

Fig. 6 shows the profile that the equipment in Fig. 4 and diaper pants 6-6 along the line intercept.

Fig. 7 shows the pleating equipment utilizing rotary pleating blade and the urine of Fig. 6 that 7-7 along the line intercepts The profile of cloth trousers.

Fig. 8 shows the diaper pants of the pleating equipment that make use of gaseous blast that 7-7 along the line intercepts and Fig. 6 Profile.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

The explanation of following term can be used for understanding the disclosure:

" absorbent article " is used to refer to major function in this article for absorbing and retaining dirt and excremental disappear Fei Pin.The limiting examples of absorbent article includes diaper, training pants, wears pants-type diaper, repeatable The diaper buckled or pants-type diaper, incontinence briefs and underwear, napkin holder and lining, women Sanitary underwear such as sanitary pad, absorption insert etc..

" diaper " is used to refer to the absorption system typically worn around lower body by baby and incontinent patients in this article Product.

" two-fold " refer to once along with goods vertically moving of stroke around across goods horizontal expansion Fold line folding products, then on production line the leading edge portion of goods and rear edge part with aspectant configuration Combine.

Term " disposably " be used in this article describing generally be not intended to be washed or be reconditioned or The absorbent article that used again as absorbent article (such as, they are intended to be dropped after a single use, And also can be configured as recoverable, compost treatment or locate in the way of other are compatible with the environment Reason).

Term " arrange " be used to refer in this article element in specific part or position using with other elements as Grand single structure or form (engage and position) as the independent component being joined on another element.

As used herein, term " engage " include wherein by being fixed in another element by the most attached for an element and This element is made to be affixed directly to the configuration on another element and wherein by being fixed in centre by attached for an element Component, intermediate member are again by the attached structure being fixed in another element and make this element be indirectly fixed on another element Type.

Term " longitudinally " (MD) is used to refer to the direction of material stream in the course of processing in this article.Additionally, material Relative displacement and motion can be described as the downstream by the upstream of technique to technique and flowing longitudinally through this work Skill.

Term " laterally " (CD) is used to refer to the direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal in this article.

" longitudinally " refers to when goods are in flat out, uncontracted state from the edge of waist of absorbent article to vertical To relative edge of waist, or bottom (i.e. fold line) from edge of waist to crotch in two-fold goods The direction that perpendicular extends.Direction within longitudinal 45 degree is considered as " longitudinally "." laterally " Refer to that the side by the longitudinal extension of goods is walked to laterally opposing longitudinally extending side and with the biggest The direction that body is at a right angle.Direction within horizontal 45 degree is considered as " laterally ".

Term " taped diaper " (also referred to as " open diaper ") refers to had before being administered to wearer The initial front waist region not buckling when having packaging, buckle in advance or being connected to each other and the disposable suction of initial back waist region Receive goods.

The many aspects of the disclosure relate to the method and apparatus manufacturing goods, more particularly, relate to For by pleating to of laterally opposite first lateral plate and the second lateral plate equipment in diaper pants base structure and Method.As discussed in detail below, the embodiment of apparatus and methods disclosed herein may utilize one Individual or more make base structure along the transporter being longitudinally travelled.Each transporter can have applying The region of no pressure of vacuum power is with the base structure of fixing diaper.In some embodiments, base structure is determined Position have the first region of no pressure the first transporter and have the second region of no pressure the second transporter it Between.Transporter can be applied the first vacuum power and can be by the second vacuum by the first region of no pressure to the first lumbar region District applies the second vacuum power to the second lumbar region.Therefore, relative vacuum power keeps the first waist of base structure District separates with the second lumbar region of base structure, and base structure is being longitudinally travelled towards tucker simultaneously.With After removed vacuum power towards when advancing lateral plate each other by lumbar region at tucker.Towards advancing lateral plate same each other Time make when removing vacuum power the inner surface of the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region simultaneously towards moving each other.One In a little embodiments, when tucker advances lateral plate, one lumbar region can continue to fix with region of no pressure so that The inner surface of another lumbar region moves towards the lumbar region fixed by vacuum power simultaneously.Along with lateral plate is pleating to base In plinth structure, front waist region and back waist region are facing to being pressed against each other lateral plate is maintained at pleating position.

The following provide the description of diaper pants and associated component to contribute to lateral plate pleating methods and equipment Follow-up discussion provide additional environment.

Term " diaper pants " and " trousers " (also referred to as " training pants ", " trousers of preliminary closure ", " pants-type diaper " and " set Wear diaper ") refer herein to for baby or adult wearers design have continuous periphery waist opening and The disposable absorbent article of of laterally opposite continuous periphery leg opening.It is applied to wearer's body at goods Before on, the waist opening that trousers may be structured to when packaging have continuously or close is continuous with at least one The leg opening of Guan Bi.Trousers can use multiple technologies preform, described technology to include but not limited to, and use is appointed The enclosed member of what refastenable and/or permanent closure member (such as stitching, hot adhesion, Pressure Welding Connect, binding agent, adhesive bonds, mechanical fastener etc.) each several part of goods is bonded together.Trousers energy (such as, side buckles or stitching, Attacking Midfielder any position preforming in lumbar region of enough surroundings along goods Buckle or sew up, low back buckles or sews up or combinations thereof).With exemplary trousers disclosed in various configurations It is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,246,433；5,569,234；6,120,487；6,120,489；4,940,464； 5,092,861；5,897,545；5,957,908；6,036,805；6,113,717；And U.S. Patent Publication In 2003/0233082.

In order to illustrate, Fig. 1 shows and includes base structure 102 and relative the first lateral plate and second One example of the plane graph of the diaper pants 100 of lateral plate 104,106.Fig. 2 shows open and flat unfolded The diaper pants 100 of situation, the diaper wherein deviating from wearer is orientated partially towards observer.In order to more clear Show the structure of the various parts potentially included in the embodiment of diaper pants 100 clearly, Fig. 2 clips The part of base structure.Fig. 3 shows have pleating relative lateral plate in base structure 102 Diaper pants 100 in Fig. 1.

In order to provide reference frame for this discussion, by base structure 102 and longitudinal axis 108 and axis of pitch 110 displays altogether.Base structure 102 be shown with the 112, second lumbar region 114, the first lumbar region and It is arranged on the crotch region 116 in the middle of the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region.The periphery of base structure 118 is indulged by first To the longitudinal side 122 of side 120, second；The first waist end edges 124 being arranged in the first lumbar region 112； Limit with the second waist end edges 126 being arranged in the second lumbar region 114.As it is shown in figure 1, the first lateral plate With the second lateral plate 104,106, first lumbar region 112 of base structure 102 is connected with the second lumbar region 114 To form waist opening 128 and two leg openings 130.

As illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, base structure includes internal towards body surface 132 and outside towards clothes Surface 134.As in figure 2 it is shown, base structure 102 can include forming one of the surface 132 towards health The top flat 138 of part.Base structure 102 may also comprise the egative film 140 formed by layered product, described layer Laminate includes outer cover and internal layer.Absorbent cores 142 may be provided at a part and the egative film of top flat 138 Between 140.Base structure 102 may also comprise lower limb elastomeric element 144 as shown in Figure 2 and elastic waist Region is to strengthen the leg around wearer and the stickiness of waist.Exemplary lower limb elastomeric element and leg cuff Embodiment is disclosed in such as United States Patent (USP) and discloses in 4,695,278 and 4,795,454.Should be appreciated that base Any one or more region of plinth structure are stretchable and can include polytype elastomeric material And/or layered product.Therefore, diaper is configurable to when wearing be adapt to the health knot of wearer Structure, and keep contacting with the body structure of wearer during wearing.

As it has been described above, base structure 102 can include egative film 140 as shown in Figure 2.Egative film also can limit The outer surface 134 of base structure 102.In some embodiments, egative film is configurable to prevent from absorbing And the goods of the dirty possible touching diaper of effluent being contained in base structure, such as sheet and underwear. Some backsheet embodiments can be fluid penetrable, and other embodiment can be liquid (such as urine) Impervious and include plastic sheeting.Some backsheet film can include by Tredegar Industries Inc. (Terre Haute, Ind.) manufactures and sells with trade name X15306, X10962 and X10964 Those.Other stock footage can include allowing steam from diaper effusion, the most also preventing effluent from passing through the end The gas permeable material of sheet.Exemplary gas permeable material can include such as woven web, nonwoven web, answer Condensation material (such as the nonwoven web of film coating), monomer film and the material of microporous membrane.Exemplary is ventilative Composite describes in greater detail in PCT Patent Application WO 95/16746 and United States Patent (USP) open In 5,865,823, both of which is incorporated by reference accordingly.Including nonwoven web and apertured formed films Other egative film that can breathe freely be described in United States Patent (USP) and disclose 5,571,096 and 6, in 573,423, these are two years old Individual patent is incorporated by reference the most accordingly.

Egative film 140 can be by the most a piece of (or layer) material such as breathable (or micropore or entirety) thin-film material Or gas impermeable (or non-micropore) thin-film material is formed.In some embodiments, egative film can by two (or More) formation of sheet (or layer) material, described material can include non-breathable (or breathable) thin-film material It is cladded with cover material with nonwoven.In some embodiments, egative film can be by the two panels (or layer) being bonded together The layered product of material is formed, and such as, egative film can include the gas impermeable thin-film material forming backsheet inner layer With the non-woven material of formation outer layer, the engageable surface towards clothes to thin-film material of described non-woven material On to provide be similar to cloth and/or the sensation that is similar to clothes.From the above discussion, can be by pattern Being printed in thin film, non-woven substrate or composite substrate with the assembly material of preparation printing, described material can turn Turn to the absorbent article including printing egative film.

As it has been described above, base structure 102 can include the such as top flat 138 shown in Fig. 2.Top flat 138 is also A part for the inner surface 132 of base structure 102 can be limited.All or part of Wei liquid of top flat Permeable, thus allow liquid to readily penetrate through top flat.Therefore, top flat can be by far-ranging material system Become, such as porous foam；Reticulated foams；Apertured nonwoven materials or plastic sheeting；Or by natural fiber (the such as wood fiber or cotton fiber), synthetic fibers (such as polyester fiber or polypropylene fibre) are constituted or by sky Right fiber combines, with synthetic fibers, the woven web or nonwoven web constituted.Including staple length One example of the top flat of the fleece of polypropylene fibre is by International Paper The branch Veratec, Inc. of Company (Walpole, Mass.) manufactures with name P-8.Formed film top The example of sheet is described in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 3,929,135；4,324,246；4,342,314；4,463,045； With 5, in 006,394, these patents are all incorporated by reference herein.Other top flat can be special according to the U.S. Profit discloses 4,609,518 and 4, and 629,643 manufacture, and the two patent is incorporated by reference accordingly.

In some embodiments, top flat is made up of hydrophobic material or is processed into hydrophobic, in order to will wear The skin of the person of wearing and the liquid isolation accommodated in an absorbent core.If top flat is made up of hydrophobic material, then push up At least upper surface of sheet can be processed into hydrophilic, in order to liquid may pass through top flat and shifts more quickly.Logical Crossing in processing with surfactant or surfactant is incorporated into top flat to make top flat have hydrophilic.This Class processes and hydrophilic being discussed more fully is included in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 4,988,344 and 4,988,345 In, the two patent is incorporated by reference accordingly.For surfactant is mixed some in top flat Being discussed more fully of method is found in the U.S. being published on July 1st, 1997 with the name of Aziz et al. The invention H1670 in accordance with the law registered, entire contents is all incorporated by reference.In some embodiments, Top flat 138 can include hydrophobic perforate fleece or thin film.This can be by removing parent from production process Hydration process step and/or use the poly-of hydrophobic treatment thing such as SCOTCHGUARD etc to top flat Tetrafluoroethene compound or hydrophobic lotions compositions realize, as described below.Multiple apertured topsheet more detailed Thin discussion is found in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,342,338；5,941,864；6,010,491；With 6,414,215 In, these patents are all incorporated by reference.

As it has been described above, base structure 102 may also comprise absorbent cores 142.As in figure 2 it is shown, absorbent cores 142 Can include and the second longitudinal side 146 of longitudinal side 148 oss-divided first, and with the second end edge 152 the first longitudinally spaced apart end edge 150.Absorbent cores may also comprise the group of such as acquisition layer and absorbing material Part, described absorbing material the most compressible, conformal, non-stimulated to the skin of wearer, and And can absorb and retain liquid such as urine and other body exudates.Absorbent cores also can be by a variety of chis Very little and shape (such as rectangle, hourglass shape, T-shaped, asymmetric shape etc.) manufactures.Absorbent cores may also comprise logical It is usually used in a variety of liquid absorption materials of disposable diaper and other absorbent article.In an example, Absorbent cores includes the wood pulp pulverized, and is commonly known as airfelt.The example of other absorbing material includes crape Cellulose wadding；Meltblown polymer, including coforming；Chemicosolidifying, modification or the cellulose fiber of crosslinking Dimension；Thin paper, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates；Absorbing foams；Absorb sponge；Superabsorbent Pinching compound；Absorbent gelling material；Or other any of absorbing material or the combination of material.

Should be appreciated that absorbent cores configuration and structure can change (the most one or more absorbent cores or its Its absorbing structure have the caliper zones of change, hydrophilic gradient, superabsorbent gradient or relatively low average density and Relatively low average basis weight acquisition district；Or one or more layer or structure can be included).Exemplary absorption Structure is described in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 4,610,678；4,673,402；4,834,735；4,888,231； 5,137,537；5,147,345；5,342,338；5,260,345；5,387,207；With 5, in 650,222, These patents are all incorporated by reference.

Absorbent cores also can have the structure of multilamellar.Being discussed more fully of various types of multilayer absorbent cores is visible In U.S. Patent Publication 2004/0162536A1 and 2004/0167486A1；United States Patent (USP) is open 5,669,894；6,441,266；5,562,646；European patent EP 0565606B1；PCT Publication WO In 2006/015141, these patents are all incorporated by reference.In some embodiments, diaper pants Including stretchable absorbent cores.In this configuration, absorbent cores may be adapted to other material with base structure Extend the most in longitudinal and/or transverse direction.Absorbent cores can also various modes and other group of base structure Part connects.Such as, diaper can include " floating core " configuration or " bucket core " configuration, and wherein diaper includes grappling System, described system can be configured such that antagonism tends to the power of the goods with mobile wearer.This anchor Determine system also can be configured as, by the various parts of contact health, himself is anchored to wearer's On health.In this way, anchoring system may utilize the retentivity deriving from grappling to balance collected movement Power.By utilizing the retentivity obtained to balance collected locomotivity, anchoring system can at least help In appropriate location with disposable wearable absorbent articles is maintained at wearer.

The embodiment of diaper pants may also comprise for receiving and accommodate excremental pocket, carrying for Excreta For the escapement in space, for limiting the barrier of excremental motion in goods, receiving and accommodate deposition Excremental compartment in diaper or space etc. or their any combination.For absorbing product The embodiment of pocket and spacer is described in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,514,121；5,171,236；5,306,266； 5,397,318；5,540,671；With in PCT application WO 93/25172；These patents are all with the side of quoting Formula is incorporated to.The embodiment in compartment or space is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 4,968,312；4,990,147； 5,062,840；6,482,191；With 5, in 269,755, these patents are all incorporated by reference.Laterally The example of barrier is described in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,554,142 and 5,653,703；And PCT Patent Publication In WO 94/14395, these patents are all incorporated by reference.Except above-mentioned space, pocket and screen Outside barrier or substitute them, the embodiment of absorbent article may also comprise faecal management element, described unit Part can efficiently and effectively receive, store and/or fix the fluid body excretions such as loose stool of thickness, Such as United States Patent (USP) discloses 6, and described in 010,491, this patent is incorporated by reference.

Above with reference to described in Fig. 1, the embodiment of diaper pants 100 can include the of base structure 102 One lumbar region 112 is connected to be formed waist opening 128 and two leg openings 130 with the second lumbar region 114 First lateral plate and the second lateral plate 104,106.As depicted in figs. 1 and 2, the first lateral plate 104 include with The first auricle 104a that second auricle 104b connects, and the second lateral plate 106 includes and the second auricle 106b The the first auricle 106a connected.First auricle 104a, 106a each includes and base structure 102 The proximal end region that first lumbar region 112 connects.And the two the first auricle 104b, 106b each include The proximal end region being connected with the second lumbar region 114 of base structure 102.First auricle 104a and the second ear The remote area of sheet 104b can be connected to each other or buckle to be formed the first lateral plate 104, and the first auricle The remote area of 106a and the second auricle 106b can be connected to each other or buckle to form the second lateral plate 106. Although the lateral plate shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is by being joined together to form auricle it should be appreciated that side Sheet is alternatively the most single structure.Should be appreciated that lateral plate may be alternatively formed to the first waist of base structure District and the continuous extension of the second lumbar region one or both.It is also understood that available methods herein and set The embodiment of standby diaper pants can include except the various inhomogeneities in addition to those shown and described herein Type and the lateral plate of configuration.The example of all kinds lateral plate is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,246,433； 5,569,234；6,120,487；6,120,489；4,940,464；5,092,861；5,897,545；5,957,908； 6,036,805；6,113,717；With in U.S. Patent Publication 2003/0233082, these patents are all to draw It is expressly incorporated herein by mode.

Should be appreciated that the proximal end region of auricle can be connected with base structure in many ways, and auricle Remote area can be connected to each other in many ways.Such as, proximal end region and/or the remote area of lateral plate can With base structure and/or each other permanent bond, strippingly be connected and/or refastenable connect, Described connection utilizes such as binding agent, adhesive, hot adhesion, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical adhesion and machinery Fastening, such as hook-and-loop type fastener.Such as, one or more element can be located on lateral plate and May be adapted to and to be positioned at one or more corresponding element of the first lumbar region or the second lumbar region repeatable Buckle ground to connect, or element may be adapted to and include the absorbent article of lateral plate alternatively One or more assembly refastenable ground connect.Diaper pants may also comprise miscellaneous part such as can bullet Property extend lateral plate, described lateral plate can each include one or more material piece.

Should be appreciated that and depend on particular configuration, various types of element can be used for diaper pants.One In individual example, element includes hook-loop fastener, such as derives from 3M or Velcro Industries that A bit.In other example, element includes binding agent and/or band protuberance, other then by structure Make as grand fastener or hook (such as, MACRO fastener or " button shape " fastener).Some exemplary fastening units Part and system are disclosed in United States Patent (USP) and disclose 3,848,594；4,662,875；4,846,815；4,894,060； 4,946,527；5,151,092；With 5, in 221,274, these patents are all incorporated by reference.Fastener And/or the additional example of element is discussed at United States Patent (USP) and discloses 6,482,191；6,251,097；With In 6,432,098, these patents are all incorporated by reference.Other fastening system is described in greater detail in United States Patent (USP) 5,595,567；5,624,427；5,735,840；With 5, in 928,212, these patents all with Way of reference is incorporated to.Fastening system may also provide for goods being maintained at the device disposing configuration, such as U.S. State's patent 4, disclosed in 963,140, this patent is incorporated by reference.

As it has been described above, can be used for the first relative lateral plate and the second side with method according to the equipment of the disclosure Sheet 104,106 is pleating in the base structure 102 of diaper pants 100.Fig. 1 shows to have and is in not First lateral plate of pleated configuration and the diaper pants 100 of the second lateral plate 104,106, and Fig. 3 shows tool There is the diaper pants 100 of pleating relative lateral plate 104,106 in base structure 102.As it is shown on figure 3, The some of each lateral plate 104,106 is inserted in the base structure 102 of diaper pants 100 and makes side The some of sheet is arranged between the first lumbar region 112 and the inner surface 132 of the second lumbar region 114.Additionally, Lateral plate 104,106 is inserted in base structure 102 to limit longitudinally to be rolled over along the first of the first lumbar region 112 Superimposing thread 150 and the second longitudinal folding line 152 along the second lumbar region 114.

Fig. 4 shows for by pleating for lateral plate 104,106 equipment 200 in base structure 102 One embodiment.Equipment 200 can include that the first transmission 202, second transmits 204 and the 3rd and transmits 205. Each transmission 202,204,205 can be the form of transporter and include the surface 206 that can move, This surface can be the form of the band 208 wrapping up and being configured to the endless collar around roller 210.Band 208 One or more also be configured to the porous vacuum conveyer belt that can move, it is to base structure 102 apply vacuum power to receive, keep and/or transmit diaper pants 100.Should be appreciated that each transmission can Including more than one transporter, such as, arrange and/or along being laterally arranged in parallel along lontitudinal series Multiple transporters.Additionally, one or more transmitted can be configured to revolving drum or vacuum Rotating cylinder.As discussed in detail below, transmitting 202,204,205 makes diaper pants 100 at longitudinal MD Travelling across the pleating district 212 of empty wire frame representation in general Fig. 4, wherein lateral plate pleating machine is by lateral plate 104 and 106 are pushed in base structure 102.At lateral plate pleating machine, lateral plate 104 and 106 is pushed into Time in base structure 102, by transmitting the vacuum power quilt that 202,204,205 pairs of base structure 102 applies Remove.

As shown in Figure 4, diaper pants 100 is received between the first transmission 202 and the second transmission 204.Should Working as understanding, diaper pants 100 can stand multiple assembling and structure before being transmitted 202,204 receivings Method and apparatus.The example of this type of upstream process and equipment is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) and discloses 5,779,831； 6,036,805；6,113,717；6,497,032；7,175,584；7,322,925；With 7,335,150 and U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0083489A1；2009/0098995A1；With in 2009/0094941A1, These patents are all incorporated by reference herein.As it has been described above, first transmit and second transmit 202, 204 make diaper pants when longitudinal MD advances first transmit 202 and second transmit 204 can be to diaper pants 100 Base structure 102 apply vacuum power.Such as, as shown in Figure 4, the first transmission 202 and second transmits The band 206 of 204 applies relative true to the first lumbar region 112 with the outer surface 134 of the second lumbar region 114 Empty power.The band 206 of the first transmission 202 and the second transmission 204 also can be long along the longitudinal direction transmitting 204 Deviating from each other at least partially of degree.Therefore, along with base structure 102 is along being longitudinally travelled, on basis The relative vacuum power applied on first lumbar region of structure and the second lumbar region lifts the first lumbar region and the second lumbar region 112,114 inner surface 132 and make it keep being spaced from each other.

Fig. 5 shows that in Fig. 4 that 5-5 along the line intercepts, diaper pants 100 and first transmits and the second transmission 202, the profile of 204.Include to base as it is shown in figure 5, the first vacuum transmits the band 206 of 202 The outer surface 134 of the first lumbar region 112 of plinth structure 102 applies the region of no pressure 214 of downward vacuum power. And the second vacuum transmits the band 206 of 204 and includes outside the second lumbar region 114 of base structure 102 Surface 134 applies the region of no pressure 214 of vacuum power upwards.Therefore, by the vacuum in base structure 102 Relative the trying hard to keep that district 214 applies is held the inner surface 132 of the first lumbar region 112 and the second lumbar region 114 and is separated. Additionally, lateral plate 104 and 106 opposite elongate and the most pleating configuration before lateral plate pleating machine are shown in Fig. 5 In.

As it is shown in figure 5, the first transmission and second transmits the region of no pressure 214 of 202,204 each limits horizontal stroke To CD width, described width is smaller than by the relative longitudinal edge 120 and 122 of base structure 102 The transverse width limited.Additionally, the horizontal CD width of region of no pressure 214 is also smaller than by absorbent cores 142 The transverse width that limits of relative longitudinal edge 146 and 148.It will be appreciated, however, that region of no pressure can Be constructed having different transverse widths and can limit more than or less than painted transverse width horizontal Width.Such as, some embodiments can include following region of no pressure, and they have equal to or more than absorbent cores And/or the transverse width of the transverse width of base structure.It also is configured to along laterally additionally, transmit CD and/or longitudinal MD has more than one region of no pressure.

Above with reference to described in Fig. 4, along with diaper pants 100 is being longitudinally travelled by pleating district 212, by One transmits the 202 relative vacuum powers transmitting 204 applyings with second is removed by base structure.Along with vacuum Power is removed by base structure 102, and lateral plate 104 and 106 is pushed into base structure by lateral plate pleating machine 216 In 102, as shown in Figure 6.Along with lateral plate 104 and 106 is pushed in base structure 102, first The inner surface 132 of lumbar region 112 and the second lumbar region 114 is moved toward each other.By lateral plate 104 and 106 dozens Pleat makes to produce longitudinal folding line 150 and 152 in base structure 102 in base structure 102.? In configuration shown in Fig. 6, longitudinal folding line 150 and 152 also can be with longitudinal side of absorbent cores 142 146 and 148 overlap and can be limited by described longitudinal side.Should be appreciated that depend on the most pleating Method and configuration, longitudinal folding line 150 and 152 can produce in various different positions.Such as, exist In some embodiments, longitudinal folding line may correspond to the transverse sides of region of no pressure.In some embodiments In, lateral plate can not exclusively be pleated in base structure, and therefore, longitudinal folding line can be along the length of lateral plate It is defined.

Should be appreciated that lateral plate pleating machine 216 can construct in a variety of different ways.Such as, such as Fig. 7 Shown in, lateral plate pleating machine 216 is configured to rotating blade 218.Along with diaper pants 100 is gone in the vertical Entering through lateral plate pleating machine 216, it is every that one or more rotating blades can impact in lateral plate 104 and 106 Individual and lateral plate is pushed in base structure 102.In another embodiment shown in Fig. 8, side Sheet pleating machine 216 is configured to gaseous blast 220.Along with diaper pants 100 travels through lateral plate in the vertical Pleating machine 216, on horizontal CD, the air from gaseous blast 220 ejection can impact lateral plate 104 and 106 In each and lateral plate is pushed in base structure 102.In other embodiments, lateral plate is pleating Machine 216 may be structured to the guide rail that towards each other converges on horizontal CD.Lateral plate pleating machine can be whole vertical Contacting absorbent article in length, described longitudinal length is positioned at and is transmitted 204 by the first transmission 202 and second The one or more regions of no pressure through non-real dead zone 212 produced are transmitted to by the first transmission 202 and the 3rd Between the 205 one or more regions of no pressure produced.Lateral plate pleating machine can be with transmission 202,204 and 205 In one or more longitudinally with overlapping orientation.Make lateral plate pleating machine and transmit 202 and 205 weights Lateral plate is maintained at pleating position until absorbent article is fully folded by folded can help to, the i.e. first lumbar region Inner surface 132 in 112 contacts the inner surface 132 in the second lumbar region 114.In other embodiments, Lateral plate pleating machine may be structured to the one in aforementioned means, and it also sprays air so that lateral plate is pushed into base In plinth structure.Such as, lateral plate pleating machine is configurable to from rotary blade, the cutter walked in orbit Sheet and/or convergence guide rail spray air.Other lateral plate pleating machine configuration is disclosed in April 9 in 2010 Entitled " the Methods and Apparatuses for Tucking Side Panels of that day submits to Absorbent Articles " U.S. Provisional Patent Application that identified by attorney docket 11683P and the U.S. Patent discloses 6,723,035 and 6, and in 776,316, these patents are all incorporated by reference herein.

Referring again to Fig. 4, once lateral plate 104 and 106 is pushed in base structure 102, then diaper Trousers 100 can continue transmitting traveling on 202 longitudinally to first.The lumbar region 112,114 of diaper pants 100 Also can be further compressed to together to contribute to lateral plate 104 and 106 is fixed on pleating position.Such as, As shown in Figure 4, after pleating district 212, diaper pants 100 transmits 202 and the 3rd first and transmits Advance between 205.First transmits 202 and the 3rd transmits the band 206 of 205 than the first transmission 202 With second transmit 204 be spaced closer to, or band 206 longitudinally can walk along with diaper pants 100 Time towards converging each other.

Dimensions and values disclosed herein is not understood as being strictly limited to described exact numerical values recited.On the contrary, Except as otherwise noted, each above-mentioned size is intended to indicate that the function equivalence model near described value and this value Enclose.Such as, disclosed size " 40mm " is intended to indicate that " about 40mm ".

Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every document cited herein, including Any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application, is incorporated by this most hereby Literary composition.Quoting of any document is not as disclosed herein or claimed any to it The prior art of invention, or its individually or with any combination of other list of references any, or With reference to, propose, advise or disclose any this type of invent accreditation.Additionally, when in the present invention term appoint When what implication or definition and any implication of term in the file being incorporated by reference or definition contradiction, should When obeying implication or the definition giving this term in the present invention.

Although illustrate and describe the present invention by specific embodiments, but the skill to those this areas Art personnel it is readily apparent that can make without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention many its Its change and amendment.Therefore, following claims is intended in the scope of the invention all this A little changes and modification.

Claims (7)

1. one kind is used for pleating to the first relative lateral plate and the second lateral plate (104,106) to diaper pants (100) Base structure (102) in method, described base structure (102) includes inner surface (132) and outer surface (134), described base structure (102) have the first longitudinally opposed lumbar region and the second lumbar region (112,114), Be positioned adjacent in the first lumbar region of corresponding waist end edges and the second lumbar region (112,114) is longitudinally opposed The first waist end edges and the second waist end edges (124,126), in the vertical be positioned at described first lumbar region and Crotch region (116) in the middle of second lumbar region (112,114), will described first lumbar region (112) and described second lumbar region (114) connect to form waist opening (128) and the first lateral plate of a pair leg opening (130) and the second side Sheet (104,106), said method comprising the steps of:

Described base structure (102) is positioned at first transporter (202) with the first region of no pressure (214) And have between second transporter (204) of the second region of no pressure (214)；

The first vacuum power is applied and by institute to described first lumbar region (112) by described first region of no pressure (214) State the second region of no pressure (214) and apply the second vacuum power to described second lumbar region (114)；

The vacuum power relative with the second region of no pressure (214) from the first region of no pressure is utilized to keep described basis First lumbar region (112) of structure (102) separates with second lumbar region (114) of described base structure (102)；

Described base structure (102) is made with described first transporter and the second transporter (202,204) It is being longitudinally travelled；

Removed described first vacuum power by described first lumbar region (112) and removed by described second lumbar region (114) Described second vacuum power；And

Described first vacuum power and described second vacuum power by described first lumbar region and the second lumbar region (112, 114) by described first lateral plate (104) and described second lateral plate (106) towards the most inwardly pushing away when removing Enter certain distance；And

Make described base structure (102) at described first transporter (202) and the 3rd transporter (205) Between be longitudinally travelled, wherein said first transporter (202) and the bundle of described 3rd transporter (205) Band than described first transporter (202) and described second transporter (204) be spaced closer to；

Described method be additionally included in by described first lumbar region and the second lumbar region remove described first vacuum power and Towards moving each other in described first lumbar region (112) and described second lumbar region (114) during described second vacuum power The step of the inner surface (132) of dynamic described base structure,

Wherein said base structure (102) also includes having the relative longitudinal side limiting transverse width The absorbent cores (142) of (146,148), and wherein advance described first lateral plate (104) and described second lateral plate (106) step is additionally included in described base structure (102) in the outside of described absorbent cores (142) longitudinally Edge (146,148) place produces longitudinal folding,

Wherein said first region of no pressure (214) and described second region of no pressure (214) each limit less than described The transverse width of the transverse width of absorbent cores (142).

2. the method for claim 1, wherein advances described first lateral plate (104) and described second The step of lateral plate (106) also includes vertically moving described first along the first stationary track (216) described Lateral plate (104) and vertically move described second lateral plate described along the second stationary track (216).

3. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein advances described first lateral plate (104) and described second The step of lateral plate (106) also includes by described first stationary track (216) described first lateral plate (104) Discharge air and by described second stationary track (216), described second lateral plate (106) discharged air.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein advances described first lateral plate (104) and described second The step of lateral plate (106) also includes that rotating pleating blade (218) along first vertically moves described the described One lateral plate (104) and along second rotate pleating blade (218) vertically move described second lateral plate described (106)。

5. method as claimed in claim 4, wherein advances described first lateral plate (104) and described second The step of lateral plate (106) also includes being rotated pleating blade (218) to described first lateral plate (104) by described first Discharge air and rotated pleating blade (218) to described second lateral plate (106) discharge air by described second.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein said first transporter (202) includes endless belt (208)。

7. the method for claim 1, wherein said first lateral plate and the second lateral plate (104,106) Described first lumbar region (112) is connected with described second lumbar region (114) refastenable.