MXPA01006261A - Machine for cutting and placing discrete components in registry onto a moving web of material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a machine for cutting at least two components (56, 63) of a multi-component workpiece from webs (51, 61) of material which are moving at different speeds relative to one another, and depositing the two cut components (53, 63) on a third web (71) of material moving at yet a different speed. The machine cuts the first component (53) from a moving first web (51), transfers the cut component to overlie a moving web (61) of second material, and cuts the second component (63) from the second web (61) while the first component (53) overlies and falls, either wholly or partially, within the cut boundaries of the second component (63). The mated first (53) and second (63) cut components are then transferred by the machine to a web (71) of third material. An optional embossing roller imparts a pattern to the stacked cut first (53) and second (63) components as they pass between the embossing and anvil rollers. The machine is particularly adapted for the manufacture of articles of manufacture such as infant diapers, adult incontinence garments, and personal hygiene napkins in which elements of the napkin must be cut, registered with respect to one another, and affixed to other elements of the article during the manufacturing process.

Description

MACHINE FOR CUTTING AND PLACING DISCRETE COMPONENTS IN REGISTRATION ON A MOVING MATERIAL FABRIC FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a machine for cutting discrete parts of a work piece that displaces at different speeds some in relation to others apply the parts to a fabric of moving material. More particularly, the invention relates to a machine for cutting discrete portions of at least two fabrics of material moving at different speeds and depositing the discrete parts with a controllable correspondence on a woven third of continuously moving material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Items such as infant diapers, adult incontinence garments, sanitary napkins and the like have generally been manufactured by processes wherein the discrete parts or components of the article are deposited on a continuously moving product fabric. Frequently, the speed with which the parts or components are produced and supplied to the process is not the same as the speed of the tissue advancement of the product itself. In such cases, the speed of production and / or deposit of the component parts on the moving tissue must vary to match the speed of the product weaving to adequately match the parts with the moving tissue without adversely affecting the process or the finished item.

Various methods for changing the velocity of a part or component of deposit material on a continuously moving fabric are known in the art. A method employs segmented rollers in sections which can move in and out in a radial direction to the direction of rotation. When the roller is rotated, the segments are driven by a lev gear or actuation means to move in and out by changing the linear surface velocity of the roller segments as the roller rotates through each revolution.

Another method uses festoons to reduce the speed of the moving fabric to which the components or parts are applied. The tissue continuously in motion is temporarily decelerated at the speed of the component parts that are to be deposited, with the excess part of the tissue continuously moving, plagiarizing in festoons. While the continuously moving tissue is decelerated to equalize the speed of the component parts, the parts are transferred to the fabric and the speed of the fabric is then accelerated to unfold the scallops before the next cycle.

Another method is the so-called "crevassed crack" method in which the parts or components are cut from a weave of material moving at a slower speed than the product fabric. When the component parts of the first fabric of material are cut, they are held in the anvil roller by means of vacuum. By passing the pieces tangentially to the product fabric continuously in motion which is moving at a different speed, the component parts slip temporarily until they are transferred with vacuum from the anvil roller to the fabric of the product continuously in motion.

These known methods of transferring the component parts, moving at a speed, to a continuously moving fabric that moves at a different speed, do not refer to the problem of ensuring a careful correspondence of the component parts deposited on the fabric continuously in motion. The problem is exacerbated when there is a need to deposit two or more components, one on top of the other on a continuous tissue and movement while ensuring a correspondence care of one component with the other or with the tissue in motion.

There is still a need for an efficient machine for cutting and depositing the work piece components which move at different speeds on a weave or substrate while the machine ensures an exact correspondence of the parts with respect to each other.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a machine for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two cut components of woven material and movement. The individual components each have an associated shape and dimensions, a front end and a tail end, a longitudinal center line, and a longitudinal center defined by a point in half on said longitudinal center line between the front and tail edges. The machine cuts a first component of a first woven material, then transfers the cut component to cover a second woven material. The machine then cuts a component of the second fabric of material while the first component covers the second component during the cutting operation. The machine allows an independent correspondence of the two components one with respect to the other, and after having cut them, deposits the components that have been made corresponding on a fabric of material in movement.

The machine comprises a) a first apparatus for cutting the first component of a first woven material moving at a first speed and transferring the first component to cover a second woven material moving at a second speed; b) a second apparatus for receiving the cut component of the first apparatus on the second material web and for cutting a second component of the second web while the first component covers said second component, and for transferring the first and second cut components. fabric of material that moves at a third speed.

The machine provides thrust means to independently drive the first second cutters, and means for adjusting the longitudinal center points of the cut first and second components with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the means for adjusting the longitudinal center points of the cut components comprise a differential phase change apparatus. The differential phase change apparatus allows the relative positioning of the first and second sliced components so that the first component can lie partially partially within the cut boundaries of the second component.

The cutting blades on the two cutting apparatus have predetermined shapes with associated dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting blades on the first and second cutting apparatus are similar in shape, with the dimensions of the first component cutting blade being smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the second component cutting blade. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the The components are of the same shape, with the dimensions of the first cut component being smaller than those of the second cut component, with the first component being placed in a centered position on the second cut component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Figure 1 shows a perspective view, a schematic representation of an embodiment of a machine of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the components and the fabric of product moving through the machine of the Figure in a side view taken along the line A-of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end view of a side switch vacuum system employed in the illustrated embodiment of the machine of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the switch of Figure 3 taken along the cutting line of C-C of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows an end view of a central switch vacuum system employed in the illustrated embodiment of the machine of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the switch of Figure 5 taken along the cutting line D-D of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a cutting die and anvil roll assembly for cutting a fabric of material by the "stair cut" method.

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a die and anvil cutting roller assembly for cutting a fabric of material by the "butterfly cutting" method.

Figure 9 shows a plan view partly in section of a sanitary towel called "mini" produced by the machine and the process of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a side view cut away from the sanitary napkin of Figure 9 taken along the cut line B-B of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a side view cut from a sanitary pad "maxi" as in Figure 9, showing the additional component of a superabsorbent applicator 94.

Figure 12 is a representation of the general steps of a process using the machine of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a representation of the steps d making a sanitary napkin using the machine of the present invention.

The invention is not limited in its application the details or arrangements of the machine components or process steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other incorporations or of being practiced or of being carried out in various other ways. Also, it should be understood that the terminology and phraseology used herein for purposes of description and illustration should not be viewed as limiting. Like reference numbers in the Figures of the drawings are used to indicate similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED INCORPORATIONS An embodiment of a machine for carrying out the process of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 which schematically shows a machine for depositing two components of different lengths, cut d material fabrics that move at different speeds, and which have been made coxresponder one with respect to the other, deposit them on a third moving tissue at a third speed. Since the two components have different lengths, the fabrics of which each one is cut and the apparatus for cutting each of their fabric and transferring the cut components to the next machine element, must move at different speeds. The machine of the invention provides the marrying and correspondence of the two components, as well as the deposit of the married components on a woven third which moves at a speed different from that of any of the two items from which the pieces are cut. components.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the machine 10 comprises as its main components a transfer and matrix cutting apparatus of the first component 20 comprising a combination of matrix cutting and transfer roller 22 and a cooperating anvil roller 24 The combination of the matrix and transfer cutting roller 22 is driven by the shaft 26 connected to the base change differential 27 which, in turn, is connected to the machine line axis. A second component transfer and matrix cutting apparatus 30, similarly, comprises a combination of a transfer and matrix cutting roller 32 and a cooperating anvil roller 34. The combination of cutting roller with matrix and transfer 32 is driven by the shaft 36 attached to the phase change differential 29 which, in turn, is attached to the machine line axis. An optional engraving apparatus 40 comprises the engraving roller 42 and the associated anvil roller 44, driven by the machine line axis. A main product fabric transport apparatus 50 comprises the conveyor belts 17 and 18, driven by the machine line shaft.

The engraving roller 42 and its associated etching roller yokes 44 are driven at a constant speed equal to the speed of the machine line axis and the speed of the product fabric 91, measured in terms of product per minute. The first component and second component transfer rolls 22 and second component 32 and their respective cutter anvil rollers 24 and 34 are driven at a constant speed in the detailed manner further below.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a fabric 51 of a first material is delivered under light tension to the roller 12. The material is then passed between the transfer and cutting roller d with first component die 22 and anvil cutting roller with 24 for cutting the fabric 5 of the first material into the component parts 53 having the shape and the desired dimensions.

The "cookie cutter" blade on the matrix transfer and transfer roll 22 can be configured to cut the component parts by means of either a "stair cut" method or a "butterfly cut" method as shown in FIG. Figures 7 and 8, respectively. The ladder cutting method is shown in a generalized manner in FIG. 7 where an advancing fabric 51 of a material passes between the cutting roller with die 22 and the yoke roll 24. The ladder 52 of cut fabric cut is shown moving up and out of the die and anvil roll. A first cut component part 53 is shown moving along the process stream outwardly of the rollers. The lengths of the cut component parts 53 are indicated in Figures 7 and 8 by the dimension Lc. The component repetition length, eg, the distance between the leading edge of a cut component and the leading edge of the next cut component, indicates as L ^ and the repetition length of the product, eg, the distance between the edge The front of a completed product and the leading edge of the next product in the process stream is indicated as LPR which may be the same as the component repetition lengths.

Although shown in Figure 7 as pieces having parallel sides and semicircular ends, component parts 53, cut by the ladder cutting method, may be of any desired shape. Since the fabric 51 of material, in the stair cutting method is of a width greater than the width of the component pieces cut, there is a cutting region on the ladder 52 along the sides of each component piece. Similarly, there is a region of length cut LCR-Lc between the successive component parts. As a result, the component parts 53 can be cut into any desired shape by the ladder cutting method, such as circular, elliptical, dog-bone shaped, meshed, etc. Even though it has the advantage of allowing the component parts to be cut in any desired shape, the ladder cutting method suffers, however, from the disadvantage of having more trimming than the butterfly cutting method, which is shown in FIG. Figure 8 In Figure 8, a web of advancing material 51 is shown passing between the die cutting roller 22 and the anvil roller 24 to produce the component parts 53, cut by the butterfly method. The cutting pieces 59 are smaller than those derived from the stair cutting method. The length of the component, the length d repetition of the component, and the length of repetition of product are indicated as Lc, LCR, and LPR, respectively as in Figure 7.

Since in the butterfly cutting method, the material fabric 51 is the same width as the final cut component parts 53, there is less clipping but the cut pieces are constricted to have the parallel sides of the fabric 51. However, in a alternate incorporation, the lateral edges of the weaving material that advances to be cut by the butterfly method must be previously cut so that the sides of the fabric have a repeating pattern of any desired shape. It is a simple matter that the cutting frequency in the cutting roll d matrix is matched to the repetition frequency of the lateral cut pattern in the weave to produce component pieces cut by means of the butterfly cutting method, but having the lateral edges conformed This alternative increases, however, the cost and complexity of the process and the option of cutting the component parts by the method of maripos of a fabric having parallel sides is preferred.The butterfly cutting method is also preferred in those cases in which the fabric of material to be cut into component parts is expensive, and the amount of trimming generated by the cutting process is to be minimized.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the Figures show the first component fabric 51 being cut into the component parts by the ladder cutting method, but as mentioned above, either the ladder method or the method can be used. butterfly cut. During step d cutting the first discrete components 53 of the fabric 51, the transfer and matrix cutting roller 22 and its associated cutter anvil roll 24 are moved at the advancing speed of the fabric 51. When the tissue component is cut off , its front bord is maintained on the surface of the die-transfer cutting roller 22 through the internal vacuum means to the roller 22, as well as by the natural tendency of the cut component to remain in the cutter "cookie cutter". " This tendency of the cut component to remain in the cutting blade is used as an advantage in both matrix cutting transfer rollers as will be discussed below.

Once the component 53 is completely cut from the fabric 51, the component is transferred to the fabric 61. A unique feature of the machine and the process of the present invention is the transfer of the first cut component from a first die cutting roll directly. to a second die cutting roller. By this we mean that the machine of the invention allows the cutting of the components from the second woven material while the already cut components of the first woven cover the second woven material. To assist in the transfer of the first cut component from the first matrix cutting transfer roller, the internal vacuum for the first matrix cutting roller is turned off and the vacuum in the second matrix transferring roll d is activated. In addition, if necessary or if desired, the mechanism controlling the internal air pressure in the first die cutting transfer roll may be placed at a pressure slightly above the ambient to push the cut component out of the cutter blade. biscuit at the appropriate point in the rotation of the roller. This is done by appropriately placing the vacuum pieces in a switched vacuum system that is described more fully below.

A second material fabric 61 passes over the roller 14 and enters the light separation between the transfer and matrix cutting roller 32 and the anvil roller 34 and receives a first previously cut component, shown with the number 54 in the Figure 2. The first cut discrete component 54, when moving away from the first fabric 51 covers, or lies on the upper part of the fabric of the second material 61. The terms "lie on" "cover" or "lie on top" co with respect to the first cut components 54 means that the woven of the second material lies between the first cut component and the matrix and transfer cut roll 32.

The vacuum means, internal to the matrix and transfer shear roller 32 support both the tissue of the second material and the first cut component 54 on the knee 32 in the manner described below when the roller 32 is turned. of material 61 and the first covering component 54 with the matrix cutting roller and transfer transfer 32, these enter the separation between the die cutting roller 32 and the anvil roller 34. A cut is made in the second tissue of the die. material 61 passing the first discrete cut discrete component, shown with the number 55 through the cutting separation between the rollers 32 34.

The cut in the fabric of the second material 61 can produce a second cut component piece which is of the same overall dimensions as those of the first cut components, or of different global dimensions, whether larger or smaller. The shape and dimensions of the second cut discrete component 63, will of course be controlled only by the shape and dimensions of the cutting blade with die on the face of the roller 32. Since the cut in the second fabric of material is made at passing both the second fabric 61 and the first cut component 55 between the matxiz cutting roller 61 and its associated anvil roller 34, a number of resultant cuts in the superjacent component may not be made, depending on the relative correspondence of the first component Cut with the second component matri cutter, and the shape and dimensions of the second die roll cutter blade. In a preferred embodiment, the blade on the first matrix cutting transfer roller 22 and that on the second matrix cutting transfer roller 32 are of a similar shape. The term "similar shape" is used in the same sense as when referring to geometric shapes and it is intended that the two cutting blades have the same contour of the same of different dimensions. For example, if one cutter blade is of a circular shape the other is also, whether it is the same or a different diameter; if one is of a "racetrack" shape, the other also, whether it is the same length and width dimensions; if one is of a "dog bone" shape the other also, whether it is larger or smaller than the other etc.

The various situations which can result are best seen with reference to Table 1 which presents a matrix of the possibilities. In Table 1, the term "longitudinal center" of the components of the workpiece means the point on a centerline running through the workpiece in the direction of tissue flow of the workpiece through the workpiece. the machine, halfway between the front and rear edge of the work piece. Similarly, the term "longitudinal center" of the cutting blade on the second cutting roller means a point on the central line running through the cutting blade in the direction of the flow of the fabric or of the work piece through the machine. , halfway between the front and rear edges of the blade. The terms "leading edge" and "trailing edge", when referring to the components of the workpiece or the second tissue cutting blade, respectively mean the edges up and down relative to the flow of the workpiece. I work through the machine.

It should be understood that the matrix of possibilities presented in Table 1 does not address the consequences to the relative widths and lateral placement of the two components with respect to each other. These are affected only by the predetermined parameters of 1) the widths of the first component fabric and the second component fabric, 2) the width of the first and second component cutting blades over the respective cutter rolls, and 3) the lateral placement of the two fabrics in relation to the cutting rollers as the fabrics pass through the machine.

It is preferred that the cutting blades be centered longitudinally with respect to the first second tissues as they pass through the machine. It is particularly preferred that the first cutting blade d component be narrower than the second so that the width of the first cut component is less than that of the second cut component. Similarly, it is preferred that the relative sizes of the components of the first and second cut workpiece and their relative correspondence are such that the leading edge of the second cut component carried that of the leading edge of the first cut component. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first cut component is both narrower and shorter than the cut component segund, and is centered with respect to the component segund. In this manner a peripheral band of the second cut component extends beyond the periphery of the first cut component around the totality of both components. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second component cutting blades are chosen to have the sizes and the shapes one with respect to the other and the coincidence of the first cut components second so that the peripheral band of the second component that extends more beyond the periphery of the first cut component is uniform in width around the totality of the two components. * i l- < T B L A Effect on the First Component by the Matrix Cutting Blade on the Face of the Second Matrix Cutting and Transfer Roller By indexing the cutting rollers d matrix 22 and 32 with respect to each other, the first component part can be made controllably correlated with respect to the second component part so that the first part is centered on the second part, or, in a way such that the leading edge of the first advancing piece directs or follows the leading edge of the second piece by any desired amount. This indexation is achieved in a manner very well understood in the mechanical arts by interposing between the line axis of the machine and the drive shaft either or both of the die cutting roller 22 or 32 a differential phase change of the type manufactured by Fairchild Industry Products Company of 1501 Fairchild Drive, of Winston Salem Carlolina del Norte, United States of America under the trade name "Specon7". The phase change differentials 27 and 2 are shown in Figure 1 fastened to the axes 26 and 3 driving the matrix and transfer cut rolls 22 and 32 respectively. This arrangement allows the adjustment of phase angle between the axes of matxiz 22 and 32 pax avanzax or delays the cutting of one of the components co with respect to the other.

Returning to the description of the flow of the fabrics and the workpiece components through the machine as shown in Figures 1 and 2, once the second component is completely cut from the fabric of the second material 61, the components first and second stacks are transferred to the tissue 71.

The first and second segmented cut components maintained on the surface of the cutting roller of the transfer die 32 through the vacuum means internal to the roller, and by the natural tendency of the cut second component to remain within the cutter blade. The knives are moved apart from the separation between the die and transfer cutting roll 32 and an optional engraved roll 42. A fabric of the third material 71, under a slight tension, is further extended in the second 2 by entering the machine on the roll 16, after having received an adhesive application of the adhesive applicator 82. The adhesive used is chosen for its suitability to the materials that constitute the first, second and third fabric of the material according to the manner known in the art of the articles. for the care of the woman and diapers.

The stacked first and second cut components are pressed to the fabric of the third material 71 at the separation between the roller 32 and the roller 42. As shown in Figure 2, the first component 56 and the second stacked component 64 are shown in the separation between the rollers. The surface of the first component 56 adjacent tissue of the third material 71 is maintained in the fabric 71 by means of the previously applied adhesive, as is the edge of the second largest component 64 which protrudes around the first component 56. As indicated in Figure 2, the leading edge 65 of the second component 64 is shown adhered to fabric 61 of the third material upon showing the stacked component pair leaving the gap between the rollers 32 and 42.

The first second cut workpiece components are then passed through the gap between the optional engraving roller 42 and the engraved roller anvil 44 for engraving a pattern, if desired, onto the stacked components and the tissue of the staple. third material 71. An adhesive application is applied to the surface of the fabric 7 by the adhesive applicator 82. The cut and stacked components are held on the surface of the fabric 71 by the adhesive as the two components are transferred to the fabric 7 in passing the fabric 71 and the stacked components stacked through the spacing between the engraving roller 42 and the engraving roller yunker 44, the pressing action of the two rollers form a complete seal between the fabric of the third material 7 and the edge of the second component cut which protrudes out from the edge of the first cut component. This action forms a "sandwich" in which the first small cut component is sealed between the second cut and woven component of the third component. The engraving in the sandwich of cut components is enabled by the propoxcionax l working surface of the press roll with either a highlighted or depressed pattern which imparts to the sandwich the corresponding negativ of the pattern disposed on the working surface of the press roll. The engraving step is optional if not desired, it can be removed by simply making the face of the smooth roller 42 rather than the one having a pattern of engraving.

The third fabric 71, now carrying the workpiece components cut first and second (shown as the element 57 in Figure 2) attached to the fabric surface, are then received on the conveyor belt 17 where the third fabric and the components are married with a fourth fabric 91 carrying the additional components of the product, assembled upwards from the machine assembly shown in Figure 1. As it moves downward, the third fabric 71 and the fourth fabric 91, each carrying its respective components, it is required or necessary to carry out additional operations on both tissues. This operations may include, for example, joining the third and fourth tissue to each other by conventional means known in the art and adding the components of the product to the upper surface of the fourth fabric 91 such as the strip of fabric. garment adhesive and adhesive stripping strips, shown as elements 93 and 92, respectively, in Figures 10 and 11.

The vacuum systems used to support the cut workpiece components in the transfer and matrix cutting rolls employ conventional vacuum systems well known in the art. These are generally illustrated in Figures 3-6. Figure 3 shows an end view of a vacuum system "called side switch 200. Figure 4 shows the vacuum system of Figure 3 e a cross section taken along the cut line C-C.

Referring to Figure 4, the system comprises a stationary switch made of two sections 205 and 206. The upper section in Figure 4 comprises a chamber 208 and tube 212 through which a high vacuum is introduced into chamber 208. lower section 206 of the switch in Figur 4 comprises a chamber 210 into which a low vacuum is introduced through the tube 214.

Referring to Figure 3, the spacers 218, 220 and 222 are shown which divide the switch into three chambers: a chamber in which no vacuum is introduced, a low vacuum chamber, and a high vacuum chamber. These chambers correspond to arcs a, b and g, respectively. Unlike the side switch system described below, in the central switch system, a vacuum is maintained in the low and high vacuum chambers at all times, while the radial holes 216 in the concentric rotor 204 move beyond each camera. In this manner, a low vacuum, a high vacuum or no vacuum is introduced to the outer surface of the rotor 204 in sequence as the rotor 204 is turned through each revolution of the shaft 202.

The lengths of the arcs a, b and g are determined, and can be changed by the movement of the separators 218, 220 and 222. The central switching system 200 with its ability to have zones without vacuum, low vacuum and high vacuum, is very well adapted for the rollers in the machine of the invention where it is necessary to turn off the vacuum, and to have high vacuum regions, for example, in the matrix and transfer cutting roller 3 wherein both components of the First and second cut work requires holding on the roller surface.

Figure 5 shows an end view of a so-called "central switch" vacuum system 300. In the Figure, the vacuum system comprises a stationary switch 306 and a rotor 304. The rotor 304 has a series of tubular orifices 312 and 314 drilled therein, parallel to the axis d of the rotor 304. The holes 316 and 318 drilled radially in the rotor 304 connect the axial holes or tubes 312 and 314 to the outer surface of the rotor. The vacuum is introduced into the commutator through the inlet tube 31 in the area between the vacuum pieces 320 and 322.

Referring to Figure 5, the vacuum pieces 320 and 322 block the connection of the switch 306 to the axial tubes 312 and 314 in the rotor 304 for a fraction of the motor's rotation. Therefore, the vacuum is introduced into the tubes 312 and 314 of the rotor only during that part of the rotation of the rotor designed by the arc b when a vacuum piece d is not interposed between the switch 306 and the rotor 304. The pieces of vacuum mobiles 320 and 322 detexmin the ends of the vacuum zone defined by the arc ß. The lengths of the arcs a and b can be adjusted by means of the appropriate placement of the vacuum pieces. The lateral switching system 300 is very well adapted for the rollers in the machine of the invention where it is necessary to provide a firm support for the roller, for example in the die cutting roller 22.

Even when an embodiment of the machine of the invention has been shown and illustrated to deposit matching two workpiece components of different lengths one on top of another and subsequently on or weaving material constantly in motion, it is easily seen by a person with skill. ordinary in the mechanical arts the machine can be modified to introduce and match the workpiece components third, fourth and fifth, etc., by simply introducing additional components of the type illustrated in Figure 3 described above inside the machine either upwards downwards in the process from the corresponding elements shown. In this way, the machine of the present invention provides an efficient and cost-effective device for manufacturing multi-component articles of manufacture where there is a need to "stack" and match workpiece components and subsequently deposit it with correspondence on A weave id constantly in motion.

Having thus described the machine and the process for cutting and stacking, with correspondence two discrete workpiece components of different lengths deposit them on a constantly moving fabric, the following example illustrates the use of the process and the machine of the invention for the manufacture of a sanitary towel for the hygiene of the woman of multiple layers.

Example A so-called "mini" sanitary towel suitable for use by a woman during the days of light menstrual flow is shown schematically in the plan view in Figure 9 and in a schematic cross-section in the side view of Figure 10. cross-sectional view of Figure 10 is taken along the line of cut B-of Figure 9. A thicker towel or so-called "maxi" suitable for use by a woman during the days of superior menstrual flow, shown in a schematic cross-sectional side view in Figure 11 wherein the towel includes a superabsorbent applicator 94 in addition to the same elements as the mini towel of Figure 10.

In Figure 9, the towel elements shown in plan view are comprised of the lower side-to-side "barrier component" to the "top" side-to-body component "d" of the towel. The towel cover component, made of a material of the type shown in the art, is permeable to body fluids and is composed of the towel used closest to the wearer's body during use. The barrier component, also made of materials of a type well known in the art, is made of a waterproof material and is worn as far as possible from the wearer's body, close to the undergarments.

The towel 90. shown in Figures 9, 10 or 11 described in this example comprises a unique distribution feature which serves to disseminate or distribute the body fluids before reaching the absorbent component of the towel in order to provide a towel more efficient than it has a longer service life before the need for replacement and resulting in greater comfort to the user. The distribution characteristic includes the distribution and delay components not found in the sanitary napkins of the prior art. The specific materials used for the various components of the towel are described in detail in the co-pending application serial number (case d attorney 13303.10), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In the towel shown in Figures 9-11, the cover cap 98 corresponds to the third fabric of material described in the general process detailed above. The distribution layer component 97 corresponds to the first cut component, and the transfer delay component 96 corresponds to the second cut workpiece component. The barrier layer 9 corresponds to the fabric of the fourth material, and the absorbent layers 95 and 94, the adhesive strip 93 and the adhesive peel strip 92 correspond to the elements bonded to the barrier layer 91 in the process steps that are not part of this invention.

In this example, the specific lengths of the sanitary napkin and of each component will be given to aid understanding of the invention. However, you should understand that the specific dimensions are merely cited for illustrative purposes and should not be read as limiting scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to Figure 9, the towel 90 has, when it is finally cut along the dotted line 102, a dog bone shape and a global length L equal to about 300 millimeters. With a tolerance, for example, for a tension in the process of 2 percent and a 3-millimeter cut-off between the successive finished sanitary napkins when they are cut along the dotted line 102, the length LPR of repeating product is 30 mm. The towel .90 comprises a top cover layer 98 which is permeable to body fluids. The cover 9 constitutes the moving tissue of the material 71 mentioned in the general process discussion given above.

Directly below the cover layer 98 is a distribution component 97 of the LC2 length, of about 254 millimeters and a component repetition length, UR2 of about 260 millimeters made of a material which serves as a transmission agent. to help in the more or less even distribution of the fluids of the body to the absorbent component that is below.

Directly below the distribution component 97 there is a transfer delay component 96 of the LC1 length, of about 268 millimeters and a repeating component length, LCR1, of about 275 millimeters which is somewhat less permeable to body fluids than the cover cap 98. The transfer delay component 9 acts to slightly delay the flow of body fluids to allow the distribution component 97 mentioned above to effectively carry out its transmitting function prior to the passage of body fluids through the component. absorbent 95 below. Lying below the absorbent layer 95 e of the mini towel of Figures 9 and 10 is the barrier layer or d to the garment 91 impervious to the fluid.

In the maxi sanitary towel of Figure 1 the same elements are also present, bearing the same reference numbers, however, a superabsorbent applicator component 94 interposed between the absorbent cap 95 and the barrier layer 91 is shown. Both the towels The mini-maxi of Figures 10 and 11 are shown with the upper cover layer 98 sealed to the lower barrier layer 91 by means of the seals 100 and 101 in the conventional manner. Also the conventional garment adhesive strip 93 and the peel strip of protective adhesive 92 are shown for both towels.

Referring again to Figures 9, 10 and 11, under the transfer delay component 96 is the absorbent component 95. The barrier component 91, which lies under the absorbent component 95 is typically made of a polymeric material which is not permeable to the fluids of the body and which serves to shield the interior garments d the user of the stain by body fluids.

In the sanitary napkin 90 shown in Figure 9 the cover component is generally translucent and is typically made of a white material. To provide the consumer with visual indications that the towel being purchased has the above-mentioned dispensing characteristic, the absorbent layer 95, the transfer delay component 96 and the distribution component 97 are manufactured from different colored materials. For example, the absorbent component 95 and the distribution component 9 may be white, while the transfer delay component 96 may be light blue, pink, peach, or any other pleasing color. The various components, viewed through the preferably translucent cover component 98 therefore form a pleasing pattern. The shaded region of the transfer delay component 96 in FIG. 7 appears as a uniform color band through translucent top cover component 98. To add the visual indications, the finished towel 90 can also be engraved with an indication pattern. visual 99 It is highly desirable that the distribution component 97 and that the transfer delay component 96 be carefully matched with respect to each other, and with the optional recorded visual indication 99. If the distribution component 97 and the delay component of the Transfer 9 are mismatched, the color band will look like a uniform n band and will harm the overall aesthetic appearance of the finished product. In addition, if the optional recorded visual indication pattern 99 is similarly mismatched with the color band, the overall pleasing appearance of the product will be diminished.

Referring to the specific components with the example dimensions given above, the details of the general process for making the feminine sanitary napkin of this invention will be made clear with reference to Figures 1 and 2. A woven of the cover material 71 for the towel 90 is fed to the machine of the invention at a constant speed of Lp po repetition or 306 mm / repetition. A fabric of the first component material 51 from which the components of the distribution layer are cut is fed to the pair of die and anvil cutting rollers 22 and 24 at a constant rate of LCR1 per repetition, or 260 millimeters / repetition. A second material fabric 61 is supplied to the die and anvil cutter rolls 32 and 34 at a constant linear velocity d LCR2 per repetition, or 275 mm / repetition to be cut into distribution components.

Once the distribution layer component 53 is cut free of the fabric 51, and the component 53 e supplied on the fabric 61 of the transfer delay material, the fabric 61 is cut with the first component lying on the second in the manner detailed above.

When the second component (63 in Figure 2 and its first superjacent component (55 in Figure 2) is free of the tissue 61, the stacked pair of the components is transferred to the tissue 71.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the engraving and anvil rolls 42 and 44 apply a recorded and optional visual indication pattern 99 to the partially finished sanitary napkin.

Although the preferred embodiments of the process and the machine of the present invention have been shown and exemplified, it will be clear to those with skill in the art that several deviations from the preferred embodiments of both the machine and the process may be made if of the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (23)

R? I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A machine for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two cut components of moving fabrics of the material, each said component having an associated shape and dimensions including a length, a leading and a trailing edge, a longitudinal center line , and a longitudinal center defined by a mid point on the longitudinal center line between the front and tail bord; match the components one with respect to the other; and deposit the components registered on a fabric of material in movement, said machine comprises: a) a first apparatus for cutting the first components of a first fabric of material moving at a first speed and transferring the first component to cover a second fabric of material moving at a second speed; b) a second apparatus for receiving the cut components of said first apparatus on said woven material second and for cutting a second component of the second woven while said first component covers said second component, and for transferring the first second cut components to a fabric of material that moves at a third speed.

2. The machine as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first apparatus and said second apparatus each comprise a combination of matrix transfer transfer roller and an anvil roller, the combination of matrix cutting roller and transfer and the anvil rollers of each apparatus have working surfaces that cooperate to cut the components of the material fabrics passing between them, the work surfaces of the combination of the rollers d transferring matrix cut are in a ratio of cooperatively work with each other to transfer a cut component by said first cutter apparatus to cover said second material web on said second die cut transfer roller before a second fabric component is cut by said second apparatus.

3. The machine as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first second apparatuses each comprise a first combination of transfer roller and die cutting roller and an anvil roller, each roller having a work surface, said working surfaces. of the first and second die cutting and transfer roller have the respective first second cutter blades disposed thereon having the respective first and second shapes and the associated first and second dimensions, which blades respectively cooperate with the working surfaces of said first second anvil rollers for cutting the respective first and second material tissues of the respective first and second components having the respective first and second shapes and associated respective first and second dimensions.

4. The machine as claimed in clause 3 characterized in that the first and second cutting blades are similar in shape.

5. The machine as claimed in clause 4 characterized in that the dimensions of said cutting blade segund are larger than the dimensions of said first cutting blade.

6. The machine as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it further comprises means for adjusting the longitudinal centers of said first and second components one with respect to the other when the second component of said second material fabric is cut.

7. The machine as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that said means for adjusting the longitudinal centers of the first and second components comprises the differential phase change apparatus that drives one of said first and second apparatuses.

8. The machine as claimed in clause 2 characterized in that it also comprises a third apparatus for receiving the first cut and second cut components on a third fabric of material.

9. The machine as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that said third apparatus comprises a press roller and an anvil roller, each having a work surface, said work surfaces cooperate to press the first and second components cut in a dich third fabric material passing said first and second cut components and the third fabric between them.

10. The machine as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that said work surface d said press roller has a pattern for recording said pattern in the first and second components.

11. The machine as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that the working surface of said press roll is in a working relationship with said working surface of said second die cutting transfer roller for transferring the first cut component that covers the second component cut directly to the fabric of the third material.

12. A machine for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two cut components of said movable fabric of material, each said component having an associated shape and dimensions including a length, a leading edge and a trailing edge, a center line longitudinal, and a longitudinal center defined by one point in half on said longitudinal center line between the leading edge and the trailing edge; the matching of the components one with respect to the other; and depositing the components that have been matched on a fabric of material and movement, said machine comprises: a) a first apparatus comprising a first transfer roller and matrix cutting and a first anvil roller, each of said rollers has a work surface, the working surface of said first roller d transfer and matrix cutting cooperates with the working surface of said first anvil roller to cut the components of a first woven material passing between them and to transfer said cut components to cover a second fabric of material; b) a second apparatus for receiving said first components cut on a second woven material, comprising a second transfer roll d of matrix and a second roll of anvil, each said roller having a working surface, the surface The work of said second transfer and cutting roller d matrix cooperates with the working surface of said second anvil roller to cut the second components of said second fabric of material passing between them while said first cut components cover the second components. components; The working surfaces of said first and second die cutting rollers are in a cooperative working relationship.

13. The machine as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that it further comprises half phase shift differentials for adjusting the rotational angle of said first apparatus with respect to the second apparatus for adjusting the center point of said first component with respect to said second apparatus. second component when the second component of the second material is cut.

14. The machine as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the working surfaces d each of said first and second combinations of transfer rollers and matrix cutting have the respective first and second cutting blades having the first and second form respective respective first and second associated dimensions, said first second cutter blades respectively cooperate with the working surfaces of said first and second anvil rollers to cut the first and second components of the first and second respective fabrics having the first and second forms. and corresponding seconds and the corresponding first and second corresponding dimensions.

15. The machine as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said first and second cutting blades are of similar shapes.

16. The machine as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that the dimensions of said cutting blade segund are larger than those of said first cutting blade.

17. The machine as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that it further comprises a third apparatus for receiving the first and second cut components cut on a third material web, said third apparatus comprising a press roller and an anvil roller, each it has a work surface, said work surfaces cooperate to press the first and second components cut into said third material fabric by passing the first and second cut components and the third fabric therebetween.

18. The machine as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that the working surface of said press roll is in a cooperative working relationship with the working surface of said second transfer and matrix cutting wheel for directly transferring the components cut first and second third woven material so that the first component lies between the second cut component and said third woven material.

19. The machine as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said working surface of said press roll comprises a pattern for recording said pattern in said first and second cut components when passing these between said press roll and said third roller d anvil of apparatus.

20. The apparatus as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said third apparatus further comprises an apparatus for depositing adhesive on the surface of the third weave of material before the first cut second components are received on said third tissue.

21. A machine for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two cut components of moving fabrics, each of said components having an associated shape and dimensions including a length, a leading and a trailing edge, a central line longitudinal, and a longitudinal center defined by a half point on said longitudinal centerline between the front bord and the trailing edge; the matching of components one with respect to the other; and deposit the components on or tissue of material in movement, said machine comprises: a) the first and second cutting apparatus comprising a combination of transfer roller and die cutter and an anvil roller, the combination of the transfer and die and anvil cutting rolls of each apparatus have cooperating work surfaces for cutting the components of the material fabrics passing between them, the working surface of the combination of matrix cutting and transfer rollers is in a cooperative working relationship with one another to transfer a component cut by said first apparatus cutter from a first material web to cover a second material web on said second transfer roller and matrix cutter before a component is cut from the second web by said second device; b) a third apparatus downstream of the second apparatus comprising a press roller and an anvil roller, said cooperating work surfaces for receiving the first and second cut components on a third material web and for recording a pattern on said components first and second.

22. The machine as claimed in clause 21 characterized in that it also comprises means for adjusting the center points of said first cut component when covering said second component when the second component of the second material fabric is cut.

23. The machine as claimed in clause 22 characterized in that said means for adjusting the center points of the first and second components comprises a differential phase change apparatus that drives at least one of said transfer and cut-off rollers. first and second . SUMMARY The present invention provides a machine for cutting at least two components of a workpiece d multiple components of fabrics of material which is moving at different speeds one in relation to another, deposit the two components cut on a third tissue d material which is still moving at a different speed. The machine cuts the first component of a first moving fabric transfers the cut component to cover a tissue and movement of a second material, and cuts the second component of the second fabric while the first component covers and falls either completely or partially, inside of the cut limits of the second component. The first married second cut components are then transferred by the machine to a third material fabric. An optional engraving roller imparts a pattern to the stacked first and second components as they pass between the engraving and anvil rollers. The machine is particularly adapted for the manufacture of manufacturing articles such as infant diapers, adult incontinence garment. , and sanitary napkins for hygiene and whose elements of the towel must be trimmed to correspond one with respect to the other, and fixed to other elements of the article during the manufacturing process.