MXPA97003679A

MXPA97003679A - Process and apparatus for the preparation and incorporation of acquisition / distribution inserts in absorben nucleos

Info

Publication number: MXPA97003679A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/003679A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Albert Ahr Nicholas
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1994-11-17
Filing date: 1997-05-16
Publication date: 1997-08-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for assembling a first member (38) and a second member (44). The first member (38) comprises a fluid distribution part and the second member (44) comprises an absorbent core member having in the window portion. The assembling apparatus comprises a conveyor mechanism (58) for forming a transport path, a first deposition mechanism (52) for placing a series of a first (38) and second (49) members in spaced apart relation on the conveyor mechanism ( 58), and a drum mechanism (42) rotatably mounted adjacent to the conveyor mechanism to carry the other of the first (38) or the second (49) member, already placed in the conveyor mechanism (58). The apparatus further includes a second deposition means for placing a series of the other of the first (38) and second (49) members on the drum mechanism, in a spaced apart relationship and a drive mechanism for the conveyor and drum mechanism, for moving in synchronized relation the first (38) and the second (49) members together in the conveyor mechanism (58) and to place a part of the first member (38) in the window portion of the second member (4)

Description

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ELABORATING AND INCORPORATING PURCHASING / DISTRIBUTION INSERTS IN ABSORBING NUCLEI FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to an apparatus and process for forming absorbent cores, such as for catamenial sanitary napkins and / or disposable diapers. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus and process for making and incorporating acquisition / distribution inserts in an absorbent core.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wide variety of types of structures for disposable absorbent articles used to collect bodily fluids are well known in the art. Commercial absorbent articles include, for example, adult incontinence products, diapers, catamenial products and bands. Disposable products of this type comprise components for receiving, absorbing and retaining fluids. Typically, these articles include a liquid pervious top sheet, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. Improving the performance of absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, continues to be a formidable compromise, although a number of improvements have been made in both their materials and structures. A number of efforts have been directed to provide sanitary napkins with the ability to remain in contact with the wearer's body, and to immediately acquire body exudates upon exiting the body, and then distribute the exudates throughout the absorbent core of the body. towel.

Examples of such sanitary napkins are described in PCT International Publication Nos. WO 93/01779 and WO 93/02251 which disclose sanitary napkins employing fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels (which may be referred to as the patent application of US Pat. "Capillary Channel Fiber"); and in WO 93/01780 to WO 93/01783, which disclose the use of capillary channel fibers that can be arranged in the form of a tufted bundle (or "braid"), in a body-shaped absorbent article, curved (and, as a result may be referred to as the "Trenza Curva" patent applications), and in WO 93/01785 and WO 93/01786, which disclose extendable and stretched sanitary napkins; the disclosure of all of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although the sanitary napkins described in the above patent applications work very well, however, the search also continues as an alternative for improved sanitary napkins (particularly for those described in the patent applications of "Capillary Channel Fibers" and "Curve Braid"). ). In addition, there is a need for a sanitary napkin that is at least as easy to build, or preferably even easier to construct than those sanitary napkins described in the prior patent publications of "Capillary Channel Fibers" and "Trenza Curva" . The present invention provides a method and apparatus for easily and efficiently manufacturing disposable absorbent articles having the ability to acquire body exudates immediately upon leaving the body, and then distributing the exudates throughout the absorbent core of the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a main aspect of the invention, there is described an apparatus for assembling a first member, referred to, as an acquisition / distribution member or tube, and a second member, referred to as a core absorbent member, having a window for receiving the first member, for use in absorbent products, the assembly apparatus comprises a conveyor means for forming a towel that still carries, a first deposition means for placing a series of one of the first and second members in separate spaced relation on the medium conveyor, and a drum means rotatably mounted adjacent to the conveyor means for bringing the other of the first and second members and for depositing thereon on one of the first or second members already placed on the conveyor means. The apparatus further includes a second deposition means for placing a series of others of the first and second members on the drum means., in separate separate relation and a driving means for the conveyor means, and the drum means, for moving in synchronized relation to the first and second members together in the conveyor means, and for placing a portion of the first member in the window portion of the conveyor. second member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a mechanical drum for elevation deposition and placement of the tube according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic illustration of a retention / deposition member of the elevation and positioning drum of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a fragmentary, schematic side elevational view of a core absorbent member forming the apparatus; Figure 6 is a fragmentary, amplified side elevational view of a deposition cavity disposed at the periphery of the deposition drum of the apparatus shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a top view of a catamenial product having an absorbent core made by the apparatus and process of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along generally line 9-9 of the Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Shown schematically in Figure 1, there is an apparatus for making and incorporating an acquisition / distribution insert or tube into an absorbent core member. The apparatus includes a supply container 10 for a twist or long tow 12. This container 10 can typically be a barrel with a spool or roll having the tow 12 wound thereon. The tow 12 comprises a bundle of loose fibers, typically a bundle of 1000 or more fibers. The fibers forming the tow or wick are preferably comprised of a material that is more elastic than the pulp of crushed wood, which is generally referred to as an air filter (often used as an absorbent core material). Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: capillary channel fibers, chemically modified, crosslinked cellulosic fibers, super absorbent fibers, polyesters, rayon, orlon, foams and polyolefin fibrous materials treated with surfactants. Preferably, the tow or wick includes capillary channel fibers. Capillary channel fibers are fibers that have intra-fiber capillary channels, especially on their outer surface. Suitable capillary channel fibers are disclosed in EPO patent application 391 814 published October 10, 1990; Application for Continuation - in part from the United States entitled "Fibers Capable of Spontaneously Transporting Fluids", Serial No.

No. 07 / 736,261, filed in the name of Phillips et al. On July 23, 1991, United States Patent No. 5,200,248 entitled "Open Capillary Channel Structures, Improved Process for Making Capillary and Chanel Structures, and Extrusion Die for Use Therein ", issued in the name of Thompson and others on April 6, 1993, and United States Patent Application No. 07 / 918,174, entitled" Spinerette Orifices and Filament Cross-Sections With Stabilizing Legs Therefrom ", presented in the name of Phillips, and others on July 23, 1992. Suitable capillary channel fibers are also described in the following patent applications, which were filed on July 23, 1991: patent application No. 07 / 734,404 filed in the name of Thompson et al .; United States Patent Application No. 07 / 734,392 filed in the name of Thompson et al .; and United States Patent Application No. 07; / 734,405 filed in the name of Buenger et al. These patent applications can be collectively referred to as patent applications of "Capillary Fiber Channel." The disclosure of all of the above patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated herein by reference. To make the tow or wick 12 easier to handle and transport, and the tow 12 moves through a machine 16, which may be similar to conventional machines for forming cigar filters, to wrap the fibers of the tow 12 in a tube. Referring again to Figure 1, the tow or wick 12 of loose fibers is directed from the container 10 to a guide eye assembly 14 and fed into the tube forming machine 16, by a pair of feed rollers 17 In the machine 16, the loose fibers of the tow or wick 12 are formed into a cylindrical shape by a compression element 18 which is a funnel or corniform, and has first and second openings 20 and 22. The first opening 20, the which is at the upstream end, has a larger diameter than the second opening 22. The size of the second smaller opening 22 determines the diameter of the tow or wick 22 coming out of the compression element 18. After the tow or wick 12 has been compressed, wrapped with wrapping material to 24 such as a non-toxic fabric or other wrapping material, preferably a woven wrapping material, such as low weight, nonwoven polypropylene, bonded p or spinning, Unicorn, manufactured by Fiberweb North America of Washaugal, WA. As shown in Figure 1, a supply roll 25 of a sheet-like wrapping material 24 is provided in the tube-forming machine 16. An adhesive is applied by a glue applicator 26 to a longitudinal edge of the wrapping material 24 A particularly useful adhesive is a hot melt adhesive of construction made by Findley Adhesive, Inc. De Milwaukee Wl, no. of product identification 672-334-07. The wrapping material 24 is passed over a guide roller 27 and then moved in a convulsive manner, adjacent to the tow or wick 12, and towards a tube cylinder former 28. The former 28 is a conventional device for wrapping the fabric around the tow or wick 12, and is preferably formed as a corniform in G, having a larger diameter end upstream 30 and a lower diameter end downstream 32. The wrapping material 24 and the tow or wick 12 are fed to the cylinder former 28, which forms or winds the wrapping material 24 in a wrapped cylinder 34 around the tow or wick. The adhesive edge is placed over and adhered to another longitudinal edge by the adhesive to keep the wrapped cylinder 34 in a cylindrical shape, such that the tow or wick can be handled more easily. The forming machine 16 also includes a second and third pair of feed rollers 32A, 32B, for pulling the tow or wick 12 through the machine. As the fiber tow 12 is wrapped in the cylinder former 28, it is held under tension or compression by adjusting the speed of the first, second and third pair of feed rollers 17, 33A and 33B. Preferably, the second and third pair of feed rollers 33A, 33B, rotate at approximately the same speed, which is about 2 to about 10% faster than the first pair of feed rollers 17. This causes the fibers of the tow 12 are stretched and tensioned between the first and second pair of feed rollers 17, 33A. The fibers of the tow 12 are maintained and controlled under tension during the wrapping process, by having the third pair of feed rollers 33B pulling the wrapped cylinder 34 at approximately the same speed as the second pair of feed rollers 33A pulls the tow 12. The wrapping material 34 of the wrapped cylinder 34, then keeps the fibers of the tow 12 under tension until, as discussed in more detail below, the tension is released for purposes of use. After the wrapped cylinder 34 leaves the cylinder former 28, it is fed and cut into shorter length sections by a conventional cutting element 36 to form individual cylindrical acquisition / distribution tubes 38.

Although a variety of cutting devices can be used, the cutting element 36 preferably includes a two-blade cutter in the form of a drive device that rotates about an axis parallel to the length or direction of movement of the tow 12. The speed of the element 36 is determined by the desired length of the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 and the speed of movement of the wrapped cylinder 34. The cutting element 36 can also be a 3 or 4 blade driving device, if speed is required additional cutting. The cutting element typically cuts the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 to lengths between 3 and 4 inches, but of course other lengths can be provided depending on the requirements of the final product. After the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 are cut, they are deposited on a conveyor on a vacuum conveyor belt 40 traveling at a higher speed than the wrapped cylinder 34 which moves the cutting element 36. As discussed further on, this increased speed of speed allows to achieve the desired separation between the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 as they travel on the vacuum conveyor 40. The vacuum band 40 transports the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 to a drum rotatable lifting and positioning 42. Line 41 in figure 1, is a schematic illustration of the connection between the conveyor 40 and the drum 42, and preferably includes a single or a series of vacuum conveyor belts, the lifting and positioning drum 42 individually lifts the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 out of line 41, rotating and bringing the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 about their periphery in an angularly spaced relationship and individually depositing each tube 38 on the upper surface of an absorbent core member 44 (see figure 8 and 9) previously formed. The absorbent core member 44 can be processed in any conventional manner. The absorbent core member 44 is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, such as vaginal fluids (e.g., menstruation, and other body exudates). The absorbent core member 44 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g. rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone shape, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid absorbing materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles. Suitable materials for the absorbent core member 44, include but are not limited to: pulped wood pulp, which is generally referred to as an air filter; folded cellulose wadding; paper, including paper wrappers and paper laminates; synthetic fibers, especially polymeric fibers, such as engaged polyester fibers; polymers insufflated in the melted state including coform; chemically hardened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels preferably on their outer surfaces (capillary channel fibers); peat thigh, absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; polymeric gelling agents that form super absorbent hydrogel; or any of the equivalent materials or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these materials. If the absorbent core member 44 is comprised of air filter or other similar material, the apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 4,592,708 to Fiest et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is incorporated herein by reference. it can be used to form the absorbent core member 44. As shown in Figure 5, a forming machine 46 of the absorbent core member is provided. The forming machine 46 includes, for example, a disk type hammer shredder 48, a cover 50, a deposition drum 52 having a plurality of position cavities 54 disposed in circumferentially equi-spaced relation about its outer periphery, and an internal vacuum drum 56. The cavities 54 are formed of a porous or sieve-like material, and the vacuum drum 56 holds the fibers in the cavities 54, from line 52a to line 55b. Briefly, the hammer crusher 48 dissociates a dry superimposed weft (a web of wet cellulose fiber, then dried not shown) and discharges a stream of dispatched fibers into a short circumferential space of the periphery of the drum 52, where they are injected into the cavities of the exposition 54 and held in the cavities 54 by the vacuum drum 56 which exerts a vacuum force on the internal sides of the cavities 54. The deposition drum rotates and deposits the formed mass of fibers in each cavity 54 on a vacuum conveyor 58 as an absorbent core member 44. The operation of the absorbent core former 46 is discussed in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 4,592,708, referred to above. The absorbent core members 44 are provided with an open area or a window, generally free of fibers. In the specific example described herein, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the deposition cavities 54 on the periphery of the drum 52, include a floor 60, an upper end 61 and a portion forming a window 62. The window forming portion 62 is generally rectangular, and projects upward from a central portion of the floor 60 to a height substantially equal to that of the upper end 61 and occupies a given volume of the position capacity 54. The forming portion of the The window 62 prevents the fibers from the hammer mill 48 from being deposited in the central portion of the cavities 54. This ensures that the central portion of the absorbent core member 44 is essentially free of fibers, and has a window 64 open area (see Figures 8 and 9) in its central portion. The forming portion of the window 62 can have a variety of dimensions, preferably it has a length between A to inches and a width of between VA inches, which produces a window 64 of essentially similar dimensions. The forming portion of the window can, of course, have other dimensions depending on the application. Also, although the forming portion of the window 62 is rectangular, it may have alternate configurations. For example, it can be rectangular with rounded corners oval, elliptical or cigar shaped, to produce similarly formed windows. Referring again to produce similarly formed windows. Referring again to Figure 1, if the core members 44 are not formed with a window, the machine may be provided with means (shown by the dotted lines) to operate outwardly or otherwise cut a window. In this example, the members of the absorbent core 44 without a window are deposited through the deposition drum 52 on the conveyor belt 58. To provide absorbent core members 44 with a sale, the deposited absorbent core members 44 are carried on the web. conveyor 58 to a mechanism or section 68 of cutting blade. This section 68 comprises a cutter roll 69 having a conventional cutting means for cutting the window 64 in the absorbent core member 44, and an anvil roll 70 for supporting the absorbent core member 44, while cutting the window. The conveyor belt 58 is preferably constructed of stainless steel or other resistant material that is resistant to the cutting force of the cutting roller 69. Additionally, although not shown, instead of a conveyor 58, two bands can be used. conveyors not passing between the cutting roller 69 and the anvil roller 70, one feeding the absorbent core member 44 to the cutting section 68 and one removing the absorbent core member 44 (now having a window 64) from the section of cut. This allows the bands to be constructed of material that is less resistant to cutting. If the absorbent core member 44 is deposited on the conveyor belt with a window 64, the cutting section 68 is not present.

The members of the absorbent core 44 having windows 64 are then transported on the conveyor belt 58 to the lifting and laying drum 42 which deposits an acquisition / distribution tube 38 on the surface of each member of the absorbent core 44, such that a part of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 lies on the total length of the window 64. The lifting and positioning drum 42, as shown in Figure 1, can be a vacuum drum where a vacuum is applied by a member of internal arcuate vacuum 66 along a space at the beginning of the drum, near point 67a where the drum 42 raises the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 of line 41, and ending near point 67b where the tubes are deposited acquisition / distribution 38 on the upper surface of the absorbent core member 44. This space is illustrated generally by the arcuate member 66. Figures 2 and 3 show an alternate construction of a lifting and positioning drum 42 '. This positioning and lifting drum 42 'includes a plurality of clamp-like mechanical fingers 71 disposed in a circumferentially equi-spaced relation about its outer periphery. As best shown in Figure 3, each of the clamps 71 has two fixed or stationary fingers, and a single opposable thumb 73 capable of moving. The thumb 73 is pivotally mounted on the drum frame 42 'by a bolt 73a, and this includes a radially inwardly extending part 73b. The lifting and positioning drum 42 'also includes a stationary, arched elevating mechanism 74, which is engageable with the part 73b as the drum rotates, and thereby causing the movable thumb 73 to rotate toward the two fingers stationary 72 for raising and holding an acquisition / distribution tube 38 in the clamp 71 as the clamp 71 rotates about the periphery of the rotating drum 42 '. The lifting mechanism 74 also causes the movable thumb 73 to move away from the two stationary fingers 72 to release and deposit the acquisition / distribution tube 38 on the surface of the absorbent core member 44. The clamps 71 are preferably rotatable. in at least about 90 ° around a radial line of the lifting and positioning drum 42 '. This allows the clamp 71 to be properly aligned to the acquisition / distribution tube 38 over the window 64 of the absorbent core member 44. The lift mechanism 74 may include a portion (not shown), to change the clamps 71 through from a desired angle, if said change is considered necessary. For the best longitudinal distribution of the body exudate throughout the core member 44, the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is deposited in such a way that its long dimension (its length) aligns with the long dimension (the length) of the absorbent core member 44, such that a central portion of the tube 38 lies on the window 64. If the length of the absorbent core member 44 and the length of the tube of acquisition / distribution 38 will not coincide at the time of deposition, the clamp 71 can be rotated to provide the proper deposition alignment. After an acquisition / distribution tube 38 has been properly deposited on the surface of an absorbent core member 44, it is transported to the absorbent core member 44, with the acquisition / distribution tube 38 on its upper surface, on the band 58 to a fluted compression mechanism 75, which includes a feed alignment band 76 and a pair of compression rollers 77 (see Figure 1). As the absorbent core member 44 and the acquisition / distribution tube 38 pass through the mechanism 75, the feed alignment band 76 first aids in keeping the acquisition / distribution tube in alignment with the absorbent core member 44 , and begins to compress the acquisition / distribution tube 38 into the absorbent core member 44, and then the compression rollers 77 further compress and calender the two parts together to force a portion of the deeper acquisition / distribution tube 38, toward the window 64 of the absorbent core member 44. The web 58 preferably includes a vacuum device (not shown) to provide sufficient suction force to hold the tube 38 in place over the window 64 of the absorbent core member 44, as they travel together on the band 58. If desired, bags for the members 44 on the band can be provided. The tubes 38 are synchronized to be deposited on the window of the absorbent core member 44, so it can be referred to as a cutting and interval process. As discussed above, the conveyor belt 40 is moving at a speed faster than the speed of the wrapped cylinder 34, which is fed to the cutting element 36 to enable cutting of the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 so that they are spaced apart from one another. other. The speed of rotation of the drum and the range of the clamps 71 can be synchronized with the tubes 38 moving on the band 40, and with the core members 44 moving on the band 58, such that the tubes are lifted and transferred by the drum to the core members 44. Preferably, the speed of the conveyor belt 40 spans the tubes 38 at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the equi-spaced cavities 54 of the deposition drum 52, plus the difference between the length of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 and the length of the cavity 54. This allows the deposition drum 52, the lifting and positioning drum 42, the band 40, the line 41 and the band 58 to move at the same linear speed by means of a single driving synchronizer mechanism, such that the lifting and positioning drum 42 can properly deposit an acquisition / distribution tube 38 on The window 64 of the absorbent core member 44 is used. If the lifting and mechanical positioning drum is used, the clamps 71 are preferably spaced apart circumferentially from one another by the same distance as the centers of the acquisition tubes are spaced. 38 adjacent distribution on the band 40, such that the lifting and positioning drum 42 'can travel (similar to the drum 42) at the same linear speed as the band 40, line 41 the band 58 and the deposition drum 52 , and be controlled by a single driving synchronizing mechanism. If the clamps 71 are not capable of being spaced around the periphery of the drum 42 'at this distance, the only driving synchronizing mechanism can include a gear mechanism for enabling the lifting and positioning drum 42' to travel at a speed different than the elements of the apparatus previously numbered to lift the acquisition / distribution tube 38 out of line 41 and deposit it appropriately on an absorbent core member 44. Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus, which manufactures absorbent products, containing the absorbent core member 44 and the acquisition / distribution tube 38, with one with the acquisition side of the moisture facing downwards. An absorbent product of the type described, typically comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet. The top sheet is the acquisition side and is closely to the wearer's body and is located on what is referred to as the surface facing the body of the absorbent product. The back sheet is farthest from the body or located in what is referred to as the surface that faces the garment of the product. As seen in Figure 1, an uncoiler of the topsheet 68 is provided which carries a roll of top sheet material 80 porous to the liquid. The upper sheet material 80 is fed to a conveyor belt 82 such that the compressed absorbent core member 44 and the acquisition / distribution tube 38 are deposited from the conveyor belt 58 onto the material of the upper sheet 80, and joins it by conventional means (not shown). The conveyor belts 58 and 82 are spaced adjacently together, such that the compressed absorbent core member (44) and the acquisition / distribution tube can pass from the web 58 to the web 82 and not fall into the space between the two bands. If required, a portion of dead plate (not shown) can be placed between the two bands 58 and 82, to provide proper transfer between the bands and to prevent the core member 44 and the acquisition / distribution tube 38 from falling into space . After the compressed acquisition / dispensing tube 38 and the absorbent core member 44 have been deposited onto the material of the topsheet 80, a sheet 84 of the liquid-impermeable backsheet material of a supply roll is fed, around a slack roller 86 and attached by conventional means (not shown) to the upper part of the absorbent core member 44, to the acquisition / distribution tube 38 and to the material of the upper sheet 80.

Downstream of the roller 86 are conventional (not polished) devices for sealing the upper sheet material and the back sheet together around the periphery of the core member 44, and then cutting the entire assembly into individual absorbent products such as those shown in Figures 8 and 9. Suitable top sheet and backsheet materials are described in United States patent application NO. 08 / 804,048 filed in the name of Doak, and others on June 28, 1993 and entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Window With a Body Conforming Element Positioned Therein". As can be seen from Figures 8 and 9, a sanitary napkin 88 has an upper sheet 90 made from material of the upper sheet 80, and a back sheet 92 made from the material of the rear sheet 84. Arranged between the upper sheet 90 and rear sheet 92, is an acquisition / distribution tube 38 and an absorbent core member 44 having a window 64. A central portion of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is pressed in window 64, and portions The ends of the tube are between the backsheet 92 that faces the garment and the absorbent core member 44. For the handling of improved body exudate fluids, a portion of the casing material 24 of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is arranged to open in the window 64, and detach a portion of the fibers of the tow or wick 12 in the window 64. Before opening, the portion of the fibers held in the acquisition / distribution tube 38, are and maintained, as discussed above under compression. The fibers are thus maintained at a given density. When the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is opened, the compression is released and the fibers of the tow or wick 12 extend out of the window 64. The density of the fibers released is less than the density of the fibers previously maintained. in the acquisition / distribution tube 38 without opening. Since the window 64 is typically designed to be located at or near the point of deposition of the body exudate, the lower density fibers provide an excellent acquisition zone and conform well to the wearer's body. The fluid handling characteristics of the absorbent cores having similar acquisition / distribution members are discussed in greater detail in the aforementioned co-pending United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 084,048, filed in the name of Doak. , and others on June 28, 1993, and titled "Absorbent Article Having a Window With a Body-Conforming Element Positioned Therein". It is preferred in use that only a portion of the tube 38 is open, and that only a portion of the fibers contained in the acquisition / distribution tube 38 are released to the window 64. The fibers remaining in the acquisition / distribution tube 38 They have a higher density than the fibers that are released. If the fibers of the tow or wick 12 are comprised of capillary channel fibers, the intra-fiber capillary channels of the capillary channel fibers along with their density gradient help the passage of the body exudates deposited in the window 64, containing the lower density detached fibers for the higher density fibers remaining in the non-open portion of the acquisition / distribution tube 38, and consequently towards the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core member 44. The mounting material 24 of the acquisition / distribution tube 38, may be predisposed to open for or while using the product in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in Figure 1, a moisture sensitive tape 93 has permanent portions attached to the wrapping material 24, such that the tape runs along the length of the wrapping material 24 and extends as far as possible. length of the acquisition / distribution tube 38. The tape can be joined by most media that include an adhesive not soluble in water, which can be the same hot melt adhesive as the adhesive applied to the glue gun applicator 26 for the wrapping material 24. As shown in Figure 1, a glue applicator 94 sprayed glue spots on the wrapping material 24 and immediately upstream of a pair of compression feed rollers 95. These rollers 95 direct both the wrapping material 24 of the roll 25 and the ribbon 93 of its roll 96, and the portions of the tape 93 are compressed and adhered. to the glued points sprayed on the surrounding material 24, leaving a portion of the ribbon 93 unattached. The moisture resistant tapes 93 can be any tape that contracts when exposed to moisture such as body exudate, or to moisture exposure of the wearer's body. This contraction either aids in or causes the wrapping material 24 to break, allowing the release or detachment of the fibers from the tow or wick in the window.

Alternatively, or in addition the wrapping material 24 may be pre-marked before being wrapped around the tow or wick 12 to enable the portion of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 that is marked to be opened by body movement, which during Use or manually by the user before use. The wrapping material 24 can be pre-marked before being placed on the supply roll 25. Alternatively, the feed compression rollers 95 can be equipped with cutting means to produce or cut a series of marked lines of substantially equal length and generally parallel at appropriate intervals in the wrapping material 24. This enables an acquisition / distribution tube 38 having a plurality of generally parallel marked lines extending around at least a portion of its periphery to be formed, the lines being marked located on the window 64 of the absorbent core member 44. Preferably, the marked lines generally have the same length, which is substantially equal to the length of the window 64. The wrapping material 24 may also be comprised of a low material. or without resistance to moisture, which can break when exposed to moisture, and exp oner the fibers contained in the acquisition / distribution tube 38. Preferably the wrapping material has a wet tensile strength equal to or less than 10 grams per linear inch in the transverse direction to the machine, as measured by the Tappi T method. 456 om-87. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive of the applicator 26 used in the tube forming machine 16 to form and hold the wrapped cylinder 34, can also be a water soluble adhesive that when placed in an atmosphere of higher humidity or put in contact with exudates of the body, will not maintain its union, causing the acquisition / distribution tube 38 to open along the overlap of the two longitudinal edges of the wrapping material 24, and release the fibers contained therein. A particularly useful water-soluble adhesive is manufactured by Findley Adhesive, Inc., of Milwaukee, Wl, the product having the designation 9087-05. If the application of water-soluble adhesive is the only method for predisposing the wrapping material 24 to be opened, it is preferred that the overlapped edges of the wrapping material 24 of the acquisition / distribution tube 38 towards the window 64, when the tube is deposited. acquisition / distribution 38 on the surface of the absorbent core member 44. This will ensure that the fibers in the acquisition / distribution tube 38 will be released or detached in the window 64, instead of being released away from the window 64 when the tube is opened of acquisition / distribution along the overlapping edges. The overlapped edges are appropriately positioned, for example, by first forming and positioning the acquisition / distribution tube 38 with its overlapping edge facing away from the band 40, and using the vacuum forces of the band 40, and the line 41, to maintain the proper position until the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is lifted from the lifting and positioning drum 42 or 42 'that is used. In addition to the formation of the absorbent product and a downward manner of the acquisition side, where the acquisition / distribution tube 38 is placed on the absorbent core member 44, an alternate embodiment of the present apparatus is shown in Figure 4, where the absorbent product is made with an acquisition side up and where the core member is placed on top of the tube. Like the apparatus of Figure 1, the fiber tow 112 is pulled out of a container 110 through a set of eyes 114 and into a tube forming machine 116, similar to the machine 16, where it is wrapped with a material shell 124 to form a wrapped cylinder 134, and is cut by a cutting element 136 into individual acquisition / distribution tubes 138 as described in relation to the apparatus and process of Figure 1. The acquisition / distribution tubes 38 are deposited in spaced ratios within a vacuum conveyor belt 110 which transports the acquisition / distribution tubes 138 to the deposition drum 152 of the former of the absorbent core member, similar to the machine 46 shown in Figure 5. The drum 152 may be identical to the drum 52 and has a plurality of equi-spaced supply cavities around its periphery. The drum 152 deposits a member of the absorbent core 144 with a window from a cavity within each acquisition / distribution tube 38, in place of the acquisition / distribution tube that is deposited on the absorbent core member as in the embodiment of the Figure 1. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, which utilizes a vacuum drum of the lifting and positioning 42, the vacuum band 100 moves at a speed greater than that of the wrapped cylinder 134, which is fed to the cutting element. 136, to space the acquisition / distribution tubes 38 one from the other. Preferably, the speed of the band 100 is established to separate the tubes 138 at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the cavities in the drum 152 plus the difference between the length of the acquisition / distribution tubes 138 and these cavities. This enables the band 100 and the drum 152 to run at the same linear speed, such that the drum 152 can appropriately place the window of the absorbent core member 144 within the acquisition / distribution tube 138. Preferably, a single mechanism controls the speed of the band 100 and the drum 158. After the absorbent core member 144 has been deposited in the acquisition / distribution tube 138, the two members are transported on the conveyor belt 100 to a transmission mechanism. calender 175, similar to mechanism 75, which includes a feed alignment band 176 and a pair of compression rollers 177, which compress the two members together and press a portion of the acquisition / distribution tube 138 into the member window of the absorbent core 144. After the acquisition / distribution tube 138 and the absorbent core member 144 have been compressed, a sheet 180 of matte The top sheet is fed from a supply roll, around a slack roller 176 at the top of the absorbent core member 144, and the acquisition / distribution tube 138. Downstream of the slack roller 179, a sheet 184 of the backsheet material is fed from a supply roll around another idler roll 186, under the composite material consisting of the sheet 180 of the top sheet material, the absorbent core member 144 and the acquisition / distribution tube 138. The mixed acquisition / distribution tube 138 and the absorbent core member 144 sandwiched between the sheets 180, 184, of the materials of the topsheet and the backsheet travel together on the conveyor belt 102 towards combined and cutting devices for combining and cutting the composite material into individual absorbent products similar to those seen in Figures 8 and 9. The wrapping material 124 may be predisposed to be opened by the apparatus and methods discussed above. Numerous modifications and alternate embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description should be interpreted only as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the structure can be varied substantially without departing from the writing of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.

Claims

1 - . 1 - An apparatus for assembling a first member and a second member, the first member comprising a fluid distribution part and said second member comprising an absorbent core member having a window portion therein, said apparatus comprising: a) means conveyors to form a transport path; b) first deposition means for placing a series of one of said first and second members in spaced apart relation on said conveying means, c) drum means rotatably mounted adjacent to said conveying means the other of said first and second members and for depositing said other of said first and second members on said one of said first and second members in said transporting members; d) drum means including means for holding a series of said other of said first and second members on said drum means in spaced apart relation; and e) driving means for said conveying means and said characterized drum means in which said driving means is provided for combining in synchronized relation said first and second members together on said conveyor means and for placing a portion of said first member adjacent said portion of said conveyor means. window of said second member. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drum means comprises means for applying a vacuum force to a portion of a surface of said drum means for bringing said first member onto said surface. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drum means comprise a revolving and mechanical positioning drum and said lifting and mechanical positioning drum comprises a plurality of retention / deposition members for releasably holding or removable said first member in a circumferentially spaced relation around the periphery of said lifting and positioning drum and a cam mechanism for opening and closing said retention / deposition members. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a) a pair of compression rollers for incorporating at least a portion of said first member in said window portion of said second member, wherein said first member comprises a wrapped cylinder comprising fibers wrapped and held under tension by a wrapping material; b) means for treating said wrapped material that is predisposed to open along at least a portion of said first member to release or detach at least a portion of said fibers in said window portion of said second member; and c) means for arranging said first and second members between a liquid-permeable upper sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first deposition means includes a plurality of cavities, wherein each of said cavities includes means for forming said window portion disposed in a circumferentially spaced relationship. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first member comprises a tow or wick of fibers and an overwrap, said apparatus further comprising: a) means for enclosing said tow or wick inside said overwrap to form a wrapped cylinder; b) means for applying tension to said fibers of said tow, as said tow is being enclosed in said overwrap; c) means for treating said overwrap which is predisposed to open along at least a portion of said tube to expose and detach at least a portion of said fibers in the opening; and d) means for cutting said cylinder wrapped in a plurality of tubes to form a plurality of said first members. 7. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, wherein said treatment means are selected from the group consisting of: means for applying water-soluble adhesive to said wrapping material, means for marking said wrapping material, or means for adhesively attaching a moisture sensitive tape to said material envelope 8. A method for assembling an absorbent article formed of an absorbent core member and a distribution member, the core member having therein a window opening, comprising the steps of: a) placing a series of one of said members on a mobile transporter in spaced relation; b) rotating a drum in synchronized relation with movement of said members on said conveyor, said drum being located above said conveyor and a series of other said members being located on a periphery of said drum, said synchronized relation being characterized in that said members are combined on said conveyor with said distribution member adjacent said window; c) depositing said other member from said drum, when said members are combined; and d) incorporating said distribution members in said window; e) arranging said combined members between a liquid-permeable upper sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. The method according to claim 9, further including forming said absorbent core member in said drum. The method according to claim 8, further including forming said dispensing member and placing said dispensing member in said drum.