MXPA97004705A - Method and apparatus to make an interior garment that has a translation or side seams of type of t - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for making an undergarment having side seams from a substantially two-dimensional weft, the weft having two longitudinal sides and a first transverse edge extending transversely to the longitudinal sides, characterized in the method because it comprises the steps of: transporting the weft in a substantially flattened position on a transport means along a transport path, cutting the weft along a second transverse edge to form a two-dimensional preform, the preform comprising the first and second edges transverse and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having two waist sections and a crotch section located intermediate the waist sections, a sealing area which is located adjacent and towards the center of each waist section, and wherein the longitudinal edges of the preform are formed by the trans borders slant of the weft, the transverse edges of the preform corresponding to the sections of the longitudinal sides of the weft, holding the preform adjacent to each waist section with gripping means in four areas of grip, being each area of grip located near an area of respective sealing, rotating together at least the gripping means, which maintain the gripping areas in the region of one of the transverse edges around at least one axis of inflection extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the preform, to place the transverse edge generally parallel and opposite the second transverse edge, superimpose the sealing areas in a contact relationship, join the sealing areas superimposed on a sealing means, thus forming the undergarment, and release the undergarment of agar media

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MAKE AN INSIDE GARMENT THAT HAS A TRANSFER OR SIDE SEAMS OF TYPE OF STEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for making an undergarment having side seams from a substantially two-dimensional weft, the weft having two longitudinal sides and a first transverse edge extending transversely to the longitudinal sides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION From EP-A-0 187 728 (Heran) a disposable absorbent article having manually releasable side seams is known. The seams can be stop-type seams or overlapping side seams. WO93 / 09742 describes an absorbent article having ultrasonically joined side seams. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing an undergarment, in particular an absorbent article having strong side seams, wherein the sealing areas can be accurately placed in a sealing configuration in a reproducible manner. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for producing an undergarment, in particular a disposable absorbent article, having side seams that can be easily and manually separated. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for producing an undergarment having side seams of aesthetic appearance, while producing a small adjustment and operation at high speeds.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method for producing an undergarment having a waist with elastic, providing an exact control of the procedure and a small variation in the placement of the side seams. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for providing an apparatus for carrying out the above method, said apparatus is of a relatively simple construction, and allows the formation of side seams at high speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: transporting the weft in a substantially planar position on conveying means along a conveying path, cutting the weft along a second transverse edge to form a two-dimensional preform, the preform comprising the first and the second transverse edge of the frame and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having two waist sections and a crotch section located intermediate the waist sections, a sealing area being located adjacent and inward of each waist section, holding the preform adjacent to each waist section with gripping means in four gripping areas, the gripping areas being located near each sealing area, - rotating together at least the gripping means, which hold the grip areas in the region of the first transverse edge around a first rotational axis extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the preform to place the first transverse edge generally parallel and opposite the second transverse edge, - overlapping the sealing areas, which are located along the same longitudinal side in a contact relationship, joining the sealing areas superimposed on sealing means, thereby forming the absorbent article, and releasing the absorbent article from the gripping means. The method according to the invention bends over the preform along its transverse center line and accurately places the sealing areas of the preform in an overlapping relationship. The method involves a controlled delivery of the preform from the conveying means to a bending and sealing unit, wherein the position of each sealing area during all phases of the transport passage and the delivery step is clearly defined. This allows the high-speed formation of the side seams of the undergarment with little procedural variability. This is especially important in case the transverse edges of the preform are elastic and, therefore, the need to be confined to a stretched state in all phases of the transport and sealing process. The seams formed can be stop-type seams, which are made by overlaying the sealing areas in the region of the first waist sections with their inner sides on the inner sides of the sealing areas in the region of the second ones. waist sections. For the stop-type side seams, the sealing areas in the region of each waist section are located on the same side of the preform. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of superimposing the sealing areas comprises rotating each of the gripping means about a respective axis of rotation, generally extending parallel to the longitudinal sides of the preform to place the sealing areas, which are located along the same longitudinal side in an overlap relationship, to form overlapping side seams. In the overlapping side seams, the sealing areas in the region of the first waist section are located on a different side of the preform than the sealing areas in the region of the second waist sections. By consecutively rotating the ears of the absorbent article perpendicularly to the plane of the preform, the sealing areas are made to overlap and then brought into contact, for example, through an ultrasonic sealing unit, to join the overlapping sealing areas. The overlapping side seams are located in the plane of the side panels of the finished undergarment. In this way, the seams are of a pleasant aesthetic and are pleasant for the user. In addition, in the event that an undergarment is formed through a disposable absorbent article, the overlapping side seams have a high shear strength but can be easily and manually separated for disposal of the absorbent article. Overlapping seams can alternatively be connected through mechanical fasteners, such as Velero® hook-type and loop-type materials or through adhesive tapes. Such resealable seams can be detached by the user without tearing the article and can be reclosed for further use. The longitudinal sides of the preform are preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the weft, so that each preform has the same width as the width of the weft. Alternatively, the longitudinal sides of the preforms are formed through the transverse side of the weft, such that the preforms are transported with their longitudinal sides perpendicular to the transport direction. The weft, from which the absorbent article is formed, comprises a flexible material, which may be a woven fabric, a non-woven material, a thermoplastic film or any combination or laminar unit thereof. The undergarment formed by the method according to the invention can be reusable and can be used in combination with disposable absorbent inserts. Such inserts may comprise a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core interposed therebetween. One embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the steps of forming the weft by combining a backing sheet impermeable to the liquid an absorbent core and a top sheet impervious to the liquid, so that the finished undergarment, after the formation of the seams lateral, is a disposable absorbent article of the type that is climbed. Disposable absorbent articles of the climbing type are characterized by having preformed side seams in place of the usual mechanical or tape fasteners. The plot, from which the undergarment is formed, it can be of elastic material or that it becomes elastic, such that the weft is elastically extensible. If the web is of a substantially non-elastic material, the method according to the invention comprises a length compensation step. In the length compensation step, at least the first axis of rotation is displaced to prevent stretching of the preform in the direction of the longitudinal edge, when the preform is bent along its transverse center line. When the overlapping side seams are formed, a width compensation step can be made in the direction of the transverse edge. In this step, the distance between the grip areas, located in the region of the same transverse edge, is reduced. This prevents the preform from being stretched in the direction of the transverse edges when the grip means are rotated about their grip axes. The need to compensate for the length or width of the preform depends on the manner in which the preform is bent. If the preform is bent around an axis that is located on the concave side of the bend, a length compensation step is required. If the preform is bent around an axis that is located on the convex side of the fold, the material of the preform is gathered by the bend and no length compensation is necessary.

In an embodiment according to the method of the present invention, the gripping means, after fastening the article, are rotated about a main axis, which extends generally transverse to the longitudinal sides of the weft towards a stationary or rotation sealing unit. In this embodiment, the gripping means is rotated towards and away from the transportation path of the frame. In this way, a number of gripping means can be placed on the main shaft and can be rotated consecutively towards and away from the transport means ying the weft, so that the high-speed sealing of the preforms is effected. Preferably, the gripping means is rotated tangentially to the transport path at a speed that is substantially equal to the transport speed of the web along the transport path. Thus, the relative speed between the gripping means and the weft is substantially zero, so that delivery from the means of transport on the gripping means can be ied out at a continuous speed of the transport of the weft. An apparatus for ying out the method according to the invention comprises at least one bending and sealing unit, said bending and sealing unit having: a first and a second ying arm, each ying arm being hinged mounted on an inflection axis, the turning axes extending, in general, transversely to the ying arms, - gripping means attached to each ying arm for holding the absorbent article in the four grip areas, driving arm drive means for rotating at least one ying arm about its axis of inflection towards a sealing position, and sealing means for contacting the article in the sealing areas when the ier arms and the gripping means are in the sealing position. In a preferred embodiment, each ier arm is at a point attached to a connecting arm. Each connecting arm is at one end joined to a hinge point which is composed of a lower member, which is displaceable relative to the inflection axes of the ying arms, along a central line. The centerline is located midway between the inflection axes and extends generally perpendicular to the inflection axes. In this way, a "umbrella type" construction is formed. This construction is relatively simple and operates accurately at high speeds. By varying the distance between the inflection axes, on which the ier arms and the inflection points of the connecting arms are suspended, the opposing ier arms move outwards and inwards, respectively. The umbrella type mechanism allows the exact alignment of the sealing areas in a simple and reproducible way. Each of the gripping means can be rotated about a respective gripping axis, which is generally positioned parallel to the ying arms, the apparatus comprising gripping actuator means for rotating each of the gripping means around the gripping arms. grip shafts, to a sealing position. Through the rotation of the gripping means around the gripping axes, the overlapping side seams are produced. The actuating means for the rotation of the grips can be formed by a contact element, which engages with the gripping means under the rotation of the cutting arms, and which guides the grips to rotate around their grips. grip shafts, or through other actuators such as molds, springs or wires. In another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, each ier arm is connected with its inflection axis to a first end of a respective pivot member, the second end of each pivot member being rotatably connected to a central pivot shaft located on the line center and extending generally parallel to the axes of inflection. Rotation of the pivot members around the centered pivot axis produces a length compensation, which prevents the deformation of non-elastically extensible frames. Another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention comprises two distance control arms, each distance control arm being, with one end, hingedly connected to a respective connection arm and being, with the other end, hingedly connected to a point of respective hinge in the region of a central line. The distance control arms in cooperation with the connecting arms impart a single position to each of the gripping means through the entire gripping and sealing cycle, for each position of the connecting arms. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping means are formed through vacuum grips, comprising a perforated surface through which a pressure differential is maintained. Said grips can easily be coupled in a form without damage to the weft, and can be quickly decoupled by deactivating the vacuum and ventilating the grips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the method and apparatus according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 show embodiments of an undergarment having overlapping and stopper-type side seams, respectively, Figure 3 shows a top plan view of a two-dimensional preform to form an absorbent article having side seams , Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 3 along the line ll, Figure 5 shows a schematic side elevation view of a bending and sealing unit according to the invention in the position of grip, Figure 6 shows a top elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 5, Figures 7 and 8 show a side elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in the sealing position, Figure 9 shows a front elevation view schematic of the apparatus shown in Figure 8, Figure 10 shows a schematic side elevational view of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in an alternative sealing position, Figure 11 shows a schematic side elevation view of a mode of an umbrella type apparatus for forming side seams, Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an umbrella type apparatus to form the seams in the gripping position, Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a sunshade-type apparatus for forming side seams in the sealing position, Figures 14-17 show schematic side elevational views of the gripping phases and sealing an umbrella type apparatus, Figure 18 shows a top cross-sectional view of the umbrella type apparatus of Figures 12 and 13, Figures 19-23 show cross-sectional views of a different embodiment of preforms two-dimensional to form undergarments that have side seams, Figures 24 and 25 show a schematic top plan view of a frame, from which the preforms are cut in a longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively, Figure 26 shows a schematic top view of the gripping and sealing means in the formation of a stop-type side seam, Figure 28 shows a schematic top view of the gripping and sealing means in the formation of a combined overlap and stop type side seam, and Figure 28 shows a schematic top view of the gripping and sealing means in the formation of a three-layer overlapping side seam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a finished undergarment 1, in particular a disposable absorbent article of the climbing type, having a front panel 3 and a rear panel 5. The front panel and the back panel are joined together in the area of the seams overlapping sides 7, 9 to form a three-dimensional disposable garment having openings 11, 13 for the legs and a waist opening 15. The side seams 7, 9 are formed by overlapping portions of the front panel 3 and the rear panel 5. The seams overlapping sides have favorable characteristics with respect to shear strength (in the plane of the front and back panels) and may, in the event that the undergarment is a disposable absorbent article, be easily torn when the user removes the article used. Alternatively, the overlapping side seams can be joined through side seams of the Sailboat type comprising patches of hook-type and loop-type material. These patches may be located parallel to the side seams 7, 9, or they may be located perpendicularly to the seams 7, 9. Alternatively, the side seams may be joined through strips of adhesive tape extending perpendicularly to the seams 7.9. Sailboat type sealing means or adhesive tape sealing means are joined by the manufacturer to form the three-dimensional garment. After the garment has been placed on a wearer, the seams 7, 9 can be separated to inspect the interior of the article and, after inspection, can be reclosed by the user for further use.

The waist opening 15 and the leg openings 11, 13 are made elastic, so that they contract and fit snugly around the user's waist and legs to provide seal joints, which prevent liquids from escaping of the garment 1. Figure 2 shows an undergarment 1 having stop type seams 16, 18, located outwards. The stop type seams 16, 18 are made by folding the preform, or template, from which the article 1 is formed, along its transverse center line 19 and overlapping the sealing areas that are located on it. surface of the template in a face-to-face relationship. Seams can be formed through pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat sealing adhesive bond, or mechanical bonding. The sealing line 14 of the stop-type seam is preferably located within the outer periphery and leaves the outer edges of the seam separated to maintain a smooth edge. The stop-type side seams 16 and 18 can be located on the inside of the undergarment 1. Internal seams can be obtained when the preform, or insole, of the undergarment is folded along its transverse centerline. , so that its internal surface is facing outwards after the formation of the seams. Subsequently, by an inventive step, the seams 16 and 18 are turned inwardly. The undergarment 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, may comprise a single layer or multiple layers of a woven or non-woven material, and may comprise a thermoplastic film. The undergarment can form a reusable diaper support, which is to be used in combination with a disposable absorbent insert core. Preferably, the undergarment forms a unitary disposable absorbent article, in which a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core and a liquid permeable topsheet are combined to form an integral structure.

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain exudates from the body, and, more specifically, refer to devices that are placed against or close to the user's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discarded from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles, which are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (ie, intended to be discarded after individual use and, preferably, recirculated). , composites, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). A "unitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles, which are formed of separate parts joined together to form a coordinated entity, so that they do not require separate handling parts, such as a separate support and liner. The present invention can also be applied to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, incontinent undergarments, diaper liners and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like. Figure 3 shows the preform 17, which will also be referred to as "template" 17, to form an absorbent article having side seams. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the jig 17 along the line 11 of Figure 3. The jig 17 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, a liquid-impermeable backing sheet 23 and an absorbent core 25 interposed between the upper sheet and the backing sheet. The template 17 comprises two longitudinal edges 27, 29 and two transverse edges 31, 33. The longitudinal edges 27, 29 and the transverse edges 31, 33 form the periphery of the template 17. The longitudinal edges 27, 29 extend generally in the direction of the longitudinal center line 20 and comprise cutting regions, which are for forming the openings 11, 13 for the legs, of the absorbent article in its assembled state. The insole 17 comprises waist elastics 35 and 37 and leg elastics 36, 38. Each longitudinal edge 27, 29 comprises a first waist section 39, 39 'and a second waist section 41, 41'. The waist sections 39, 39 'and 41, 41' of the longitudinal edges 27, 29, are located on both sides of a central crotch section 40, 40 'of each edge 27, 29. Each waist section comprises an area sealing means 43, 45, 47, 49. A grip area 51, 53, 55, 57 is located adjacent to each sealing area 43, 45, 47, 49. Figure 5 shows a schematic side elevational view of the apparatus for forming an absorbent article having side seams according to the invention. Figure 6 shows a top elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 5. A continuous web 58 is transported in a substantially flat state along a transport path on a conveyor belt 73 in a transport direction.

T. The cutting means 42 cuts the weft transversely across its width to form the individual stencils 17. The stencils 17 are transported in their substantially flat state on the conveyor belt 73, which is permeable to air and runs on a box suction 44. By suction, the jigs 17 are held in a defined position on the conveyor belt, and the elastic elements 35, 36, 37, 38, in the jigs 17, are prevented from contracting and joining the jigs. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a bending and sealing unit 59 is located above the conveyor belt 73 and comprises gripping means 60, 61, 62 and 63. In Figure 5, only the means are visible. 61 and 63. The gripping means is brought into contact with the liquid-impermeable backing sheet 23 of the jigs 17 in the four gripping areas 51, 53, 55 and 57. The gripping means 60-63 is mounted rotatably on carrier arms 64, 65, 66 and 67. The carrier arms 64-67 are connected to a frame 72 and each can be rotated about an axis of inflection 75, 77. The inflection axes 75, 77 extend perpendicularly. to the plane of the drawing in Figure 5, and generally perpendicular to the carrier arms 64-67. As shown in Figure 6, two sealing means 78, 79 are placed on each side of the conveyor belt 73 and can be moved in a direction transverse to the transport direction T to contact an anvil carrier 69. The sealing means 78, 79 may comprise hot elements, which contact the anvil carrier under pressures of 1 and 105 psi. Since the anvil carrier 69 is simultaneously connected through the sealing means 78, 79 on both sides and is compressed between the sealing means, high pressures can be exerted on the side seams without the need for a heavy and rigid suspension. of the anvil carrier 69. The carrier arms 64-67 can be rotated upwardly around the inflection axes 77, 75 to a position in which they extend substantially perpendicular to the conveyor belt 73, so that the sealing areas 43 -49 are positioned near the anvil carrier 69. This is illustrated in Figure 7. The actuator means for rotating the carrier arms 64-69 about the turning axes 75, 77 may, for example, be formed by levers or gears or any other known means. As schematically indicated in Figure 5, the carrier arms-actuator means for rotating the carrier arms about the turning axes 75 and 77 may comprise a number of gears 74. The gears 74, for example, engage a surface complementary toothing on the suspension arm 70. By moving the frame 72 along the arm 70 towards the anvil carrier 69, the carrier arms 64-67 are rotated upwards. The direction of rotation of the carrier arms 64-67 can, in this embodiment, be easily varied by selecting an odd or even number of gears in the actuator means. Prior to, or during the operation of the carrier arms, the frame 72 and the anvil carrier 69 may be, in combination, raised from the conveyor belt 73 in the direction of the arrow F to a sealing position. In the embodiment of Figures 5, 6 and 7, the jig 17 is stretched under the rotation of the carrier arms 64-67 around the inflection axes 75, 77. Stretching of the jig can be prevented by hinging the carrier arms 64- 67 around the inflection axes, which lie in the plane of the template 17. For the inflection axes that are not located in the plane of the template 17, but above the plane of the template 17, compensation is required of length. To counteract the increase in staff length 17, caused by the upward rotation of the carrier arms 64-67, the bending and sealing unit 59 comprises length compensation means, which may, for example, comprise a telescopic arrangement for varying the length of the carrying arms 64. -67. In a preferred embodiment, the length compensation means comprises a suspension of the turning axes 75, 77, which causes a variable distance between the turning axes 75, 77 due to the rotation of the carrying arms. This is shown in the preferred flexure and sealing unit 59 of Figures 12 and 13. As illustrated in Figure 8, the sealing areas 45, 47 and 43, 49, respectively, are placed in an overlap relationship by the rotation of each of the gripping means 60-63 about a grip axis 56, 56 ', 68, 68', which extend parallel to the carrier arms 64-67. The overlapping sealing areas 45, 47 and 43, 49 are brought into contact between the anvil carrier 69 and the sealing means 78, 79, which may comprise an ultrasonic conductor. The ultrasonic energy imparted to the sealing areas places the thermoplastic material of the sealing areas in a heat softened state, so that under the understanding of the sealing areas and the conductors an overlapping side seam is formed. Instead of an overlapping seam, where the sealing areas 43, 49 are superimposed generally parallel to the plane of the anvil carrier 69, the gripping means 61, 63 can be rotated simultaneously around the grip shafts 56, 56 '; 68, 68 ', in such a way that the sealing areas 43, 49 mutually abut and extend generally perpendicular to the plane of the anvil carrier 69. Then, sealing can occur, for example, by compressing the stop sealing areas. 43, 49 in a direction generally parallel to the transport direction T by the sealing means traveling with the bending and sealing unit 59 at a coincident speed. Figures 26 to 28 show different embodiments of overlapping and stop side seams. Figure 9 shows a front view of the sealing unit 59 in the sealing position, before contacting the ultrasonic conductors 78, 79 with the anvil carrier 69. The template 17 has been indicated with a dotted line. As under the rotation of the gripping means 61, 62 around the gripping axes 56, 56 ', the jig 17 is stretched, the mutual distance between the gripping means 61, 62 is reduced by the rotation, for example , moving the gripping means along the inflection axis 75. Figure 10 shows a schematic side elevational view of a sealing unit, wherein the frame 72 moves upwards in the direction of arrow F, and in FIG. where the carrier arms 64, 67 are rotated downwards after holding the template 17. In this case, the flexing of the jig 17 causes an excess of the material of the jig 17 to be compressed between the gripping means 61 and 63. To maintain the template 17 in a tensioned state, the carrier arms 65 and 67 can be moved outwardly along a transverse arm 71. In order to fix the jig 17 in place during bending, the center point of the jig 17 can be clamped through. of the gripping means 76, which may comprise, for example, a vacuum suction device. Figure 11 shows a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the bending and sealing unit 59 to form the side seams at high speed. The carrier arms 64-67 are mounted on the frame 72, which forms a top member. The frame 72 is mounted on the arm 70, which rotates about a main axis 80 in the direction of the arrow R. The speed of rotation of the arm 70 about the main axis 80 is coincident with the speed of transportation of the templates 17 , and is such that the circumferential speed of the gripping means 60-63 is equal to the transportation speed. The leading edge 24 of a jig 17 is held by the gripping means 61, 62 at a time when the relative speed between the jig 17 and the gripping means 61, 62 is approximately zero. The geometry of the flexure and sealing unit 59 is adapted to the length of the jig 17, and is such that the gripping means 60, 63 comes into contact with the trailing edge 26 of the jig 17 at the time the that the gripping means 60, 63 are tangential to the conveyor belt 73. The actuator means of the carrying arms, in the embodiment of Figure 11, comprise a lower member 84 and for each carrying arm, a connecting arm 86, 88 The connecting arms 86, 88 are connected at hinge points 89, 90 to the carrier arms 64-67, and are hingedly connected to the lower member 84. The lower member 84 is slidably mounted on the arm 70, so as to be the distance between the frame 72 and the lower member 84 may vary. The carrier arms 64-67 move towards the anvil carrier 69, as indicated by the dotted lines, moving the lower member 84 towards the main shaft 80, while maintaining ne the frame 72 stationary with respect to the arm 70. Obviously, it is also possible to move the carrying arms 64-67 towards its sealing position, moving the frame 72 along the arm 70 away from a stationary lower member 84. The anvil carrier 69 is mounted on the arm 70 and rotated together with the carrier arms 64-67 . Figures 12 and 13 show detailed cross-sectional views of the flexure and sealing unit 59 in the clamping phase and in the sealing phase, respectively, including the length compensation means. The length compensation means comprises two pivot arms 93, 94 to which the carrier arms 64-67 are connected. The pivot arms 93, 94 rotate about a central axis 103, which is connected to the arm 70. Through the rotation of the pivot arms 93, 94 about the axis 103, the distance between the turning axes 75, 77, which extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of Figures 12 and 13, is varied by the rotation of the carrier arms 64-67. In addition, distance control arms 96, 98 are provided, which are on one side connected to the arm 70, and which have their opposite sides attached to the connecting arms 86, 88. The distance control arms 96, 98 the carrier arms 64-67 are coupled to the lower member 84, such that for each position of the lower member 84 along the arm 70, an individual position of the carrier arms 65, 67 corresponds. Figure 13 shows the lower member 84 in its retracted position, wherein the connecting arms 88, 86 have been pulled down generally along the arm 70. The position of the connecting arms 88, 86, the distance control arms 96, 98 and the pivot members 93, 94, is uniquely determined for each position of the carrier arms 65, 67. When the connecting arms 86, 88 are pulled downward by the lower member 84, the carrier arms 64-67 are rotate about the turning axes 75, 77, while the turning axes move along a circle segment, which is centered on the central axis 103. Figures 14-17 schematically show how, from of a continuous plot 58, individual templates 17 are cut, and how the sealing steps of the sides of the templates are effected in the preferred embodiment of a flexure and sealing unit 59, according to the invention. The web 58 is transported along the conveyor means comprising guide rollers 105, 107, 108 towards a collection drum 112, which is rotated in the direction of the arrow R '. The leading edge 24 of the weft 58 is sucked against a vacuum chamber 115 on the periphery of the drum 112, while the trailing edge, which in the embodiment of Figure 14 is formed after cutting the weft in a cutting unit 110. , it is sucked on the surface of the drum 112 through the vacuum chamber 116. In the embodiment of Figure 15, the frame 58 is first placed through the vacuum chambers 115 and 116, and subsequently is cut by the unit. cutting machine 110.

The positioning of the cutting unit 110, tangential to the surface of the collection drum 112, allows precise control of the position of the trailing edge of each template on the surface of the drum 112. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the means 60, 61, 62 and 63 rotate on a circular track 118, which is tangential to the collection drum 112. The leading edge 24 of the preform 17, which is maintained on the drum 112, between the vacuum chamber 114 and 115, is held by the gripping means 61 and 62. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16, the trailing edge of the jig is held by the gripping means 60 and 63 from the vacuum chamber 115. In the embodiment of Figures 14-17, arm 70 of the flexure and sealing unit 59 comprises an internal telescopic section, having an internal end comprising a cam roller 85 which is for coupling a stationary cam surface 120. As shown in Fig. 17, the telescopic section 83 is compressed radially outwardly towards the rail circular 119, so that the frame 72 is radially displaced and the carrying arms are rotated towards the sealing position. Within the telescopic section 83, an additional telescopic element can be included, which is for coupling an additional stationary cam surface, so that after the carrier arms have reached the sealing position, this element is pushed radially outwardly. beyond the frame 72 to eject the finished sealed article from the flexure and sealing unit 59. This construction has not been shown in the Figures. In the embodiment of Figures 14-17, an additional group of carrying arms is placed in each position 121, 122. Stationary, individual sealing means 79 are provided such as an ultrasonic conductor, around which each group of spins is rotated. the carrying arms. For reasons of clarity, only a single group of carrying arms has been shown in Figures 14-16. As many as 30 identical groups of arms can be placed around the main shaft 80 to allow a sufficient time of the sealing operation, while maintaining a high transportation speed of the frame 58, which can, for example, be transported at speeds of 2 m / s or more. In an alternative embodiment, seal means 79 are provided for each bending and sealing unit in each position 121, 122, and rotate with the bending and sealing units about the main axis 80. This allows, at a given speed of rotation around the axis 80, a sufficient time of interaction between the sealing means 79 and the material of the preform 17. Especially when the sealing means 79 are formed through heat sealing means, it is important to allow sufficient time for heat and cool the material of the side seam. In an illustrative embodiment, the heat sealing means 79 requires a sealing time of approximately 700 ms., which corresponds to a rotation of the sealing means 79, about the axis 80, of approximately 180 degrees. Figure 18 shows a top cross-sectional view of the flexure and sealing unit 59, to more clearly illustrate the width compensation means. Each carrier arm 64, 65, 66 and 67 is connected to a slotted member 124, 125, 126 and 127. Each carrier arm 64-67 is mounted on a sleeve 128, 129, which is part of the pivot members 93, 94. The following description is given with respect to the gripping means 61, but also applies to the other gripping means 60, 62 and 63. A slotted member 125 is mounted on a bracket 130, which is connected to the central axis. 103 to be rotated together with the pivot member 93. The bracket 130 carries a shaft 132, on which a pin 134 is located, which falls into a slot 131 of the member 125. Under the downward rotation of the carrier arm 65 around the turning axis 75, the grooved member 125 is axially displaced along the axis 132, so that the distance between the gripping means 61 and 62 is reduced. The gripping means 60-63 is preferably formed by means of vacuum grip. Each of the vacuum gripping means comprises a hollow body having a plurality of outlets on a gripping surface for contacting the gripping areas of the jig. Each hollow body of the gripping members is connected via a flexible vacuum leading to a switched vacuum supply. This has not been indicated in the figures. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the gripping actuator means for rotating the gripping means 60-63 around the gripping axes 56, 56 ', 68, 68', comprises a projection 146, 148 on each one of the gripping means and a coupling surface 150, 152 mounted on the arm 70. When the carrier arms 64-67 are rotated towards the sealing position, where they lie adjacent to the arm 70, the projections 146, 148 are guided along the mating surfaces 150, 152 so that the gripping means are forced to rotate around the gripping shafts 56, 56 ', 68, 68'. Figures 19-23 show cross-sectional views of the different templates 17, along a cross section extending parallel to the transverse sides of the templates 17, and cutting through two sealing areas 140, 142. Figure 19 shows an embodiment in which the insole 17, from which the undergarment 1 is formed, comprises an upper sheet 21, a backing sheet 23, 23 'and a core 25 interposed between the upper sheet and the sheet backup. The backing sheet is formed through a thermoplastic film 23 and an outer non-woven layer 23 '. The thermoplastic film 23 is not coextensive with the outer non-woven layer 23 ', so that in each lateral seam only two layers of the non-woven material 23' are present. The breathability of the absorbent structure is achieved through the regions of the non-woven material, which are not covered by the impermeable film 23. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the insole 17 comprises a backsheet 23 of thermoplastic film that has panels 135, 137 of stretchable material attached thereto. In addition, straight bends 136, 138 can be provided with elastic, on each side of the core 21. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the insole 17 is intended to form an undergarment in the form of a reusable support for absorbent insert cores, and it comprises a nonwoven backsheet 23 and two fins 143, 144 forming a cavity, wherein the disposable insert core can be inserted and serving to hold the insert core in the proper position with respect to the garment. Figure 22 shows a template, which is made of a layered unit of two non-woven layers 23, 23 'or of a non-woven layer 23' and a thermoplastic layer, both layers extending towards sealing areas 140, 142 for better seam strength. Figure 23 shows a jig where both the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 extend toward the sealing areas 140, 142 to form reinforced side seams. Since the topsheet 21, the backsheet 23 and the absorbent core 25 can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, the preferred configurations are generally described in US Pat. 3,860,003 entitled "Contractable Side Portions for Disposable Diaper" (Contractile Lateral Portions for Disposable Diapers) issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; and the patent application of E.U.A. Series No. 07 / 715,152, assigned "Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having a Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge "(absorbent article with a dynamic elastic waist attachment that has a hinge of predisposed elastic flex), Kenneth B. Buell et al., Filed June 13, 1991; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent core 25 can be any absorbent means that are generally compressible, comfortable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other exudates from the body. The absorbent core 25 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, "T" -shaped, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of absorbent materials. liquid commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as shredded wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; blown polymers under fusion including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers; gauze including gauze wraps and laminar gauze units; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core can also be varied (eg, the absorbent core can have varying gauge zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or acquisition zones of lower average density and average weight basis more low, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 must, however, be compatible with the design load and intended use of the absorbent article. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 can be varied to suit users ranging from babies to adults. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 25 are described in the U.S.A. 4,610,678 entitled "High-density Absorbent Structures" issued to Weisman et al. On September 9, 1986; patent of E.U.A. 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Dual-layered Cores" (Absorbent articles with double layer cores) issued to Weisman et al. On June 16, 1987; patent of E.U.A. 4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent Core Having a Dusting Layer" issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and the patent of E.U.A. 4,834,735 entitled "High Density Absorbing Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones" (High density absorbing members having lower density and lower basis weight acquisition zones) issued to Alemany et al. On May 30, 1989 Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. The backsheet 23, 23 'is positioned adjacent the garment surface of the absorbent core 25 and preferably is attached thereto through attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 23 can be secured to the absorbent core 25 through a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a molded layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of lines, spirals, or separate spots of adhesive. The adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul Minnesota and sold as HL-1258. The attachment means will preferably comprise an open-pattern network of filaments of adhesive, as described in US Pat. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment", issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986, and preferably several lines of adhesive filaments intertwined in a spiral pattern as illustrated by apparatus and methods of the US patent 3,911, 173 issued to Sprague, Jr., on October 7, 1975; patent of E.U.A. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker et al. On November 22, 1978, and patent of E.U.A. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the joining means may comprise heat bonds, pressurized joints, ultrasonic joints, dynamic mechanical joints and other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means such as are known in the art. The backsheet 23 is impermeable to liquids (eg, urine) and preferably is made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are condescending and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 23 prevents the body exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 25 from wetting the articles that are in contact with the absorbent articles, such as sheets and undergarments. The backsheet 23 in this manner comprises a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to 0.051 mm. Particularly preferred materials for the backsheet include blown films RR8220 and RR5475 cast films, such as those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc., of Terre Haute, IN. The backsheet 23 is preferably embossed and / or matte to provide a more clothing-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 23 can allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 25 (ie, breathable), while continuing to prevent exudates from passing through the backsheet 23.

The topsheet 21 is positioned adjacent to the body surface of the absorbent core 25 and is preferably attached thereto and to the backsheet 23 through attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art. Suitable attachment means are described with respect to the attachment of the backsheet 23 to the absorbent core 25. As used herein, the term "attached" encompasses configurations by which one element is directly secured to the other element by fixing the element directly on the other element, and configurations by means of which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to the intermediate member (s), which in turn is attached to the other element. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 are directly joined together at the periphery of the jig and are indirectly joined together by attaching them directly to the absorbent core 25 through attachment means (not shown). The topsheet 21 is pleasant, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 21 is permeable to liquid, allowing liquids (eg, urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams; cross-linked foams; plastic films with openings; or woven or non-woven webs of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Preferably, the topsheet 21 is made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from the liquids contained in the absorbent core 25. There are a number of manufacturing techniques, which can be used to manufacture the topsheet 21. For example , the upper sheet 21 may be a non-woven web of spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangling, combinations of the above, or the like fibers. A preferred topsheet is carded and thermally bonded through means well known to those skilled in the field of textiles. A preferred top sheet comprises a web of medium length polypropylene fibers such as that manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Massachusetts under the designation P-8. The disposable absorbent article further preferably comprises elastic leg cuffs, 36, 38; 136, 138, to provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. Each fold with elastic for the legs can comprise different modalities to reduce the filtration of the exudates of the body in the regions of the legs. (The leg fold can be and is sometimes also referred to as leg frames, side flaps, barrier folds, or elastic folds). The patent of E.U.A. 3,860,003 discloses a disposable diaper that provides a contractile leg opening having a side flap and one or more elastic members to provide a fold with elastic for the legs (joint fold). The patent of E.U.A. 4,909,803, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Flaps", issued to Aziz et al. On March 20, 1990, describes a disposable diaper having "straight" elastic fins (barrier folds) to improve the containment of the leg regions. The patent of E.U.A. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Dual Cuffs" issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, describes a disposable diaper having dual folds including a joint fold and a barrier fold. Since each fold with elastic 32 for the legs can be configured in order to be similar to any of the leg frames, side flaps, barrier folds, or elastic folds described above. The disposable absorbent article preferably further comprises a waist elastic accessory 35, 37 which provides improved fit and containment. The elastic waist accessory is that portion or zone of the absorbent article, which aims to elastically expand and contract to dynamically adjust to the wearer's waist. The waist elastic attachment at least extends longitudinally outward from at least one of the waist edges of the absorbent core 25, and generally forms at least a portion of the end edge of the insole 17. Disposable absorbent articles are generally constructed so that they have two elastic waist accessories 35, 37, one placed in the first waist region and one placed in the second waist region, although the diapers can be constructed with an individual waist elastic attachment. In addition, the elastic waist accessory or any of its constituent elements may comprise a separate element attached to the absorbent article, the elastic waist accessory preferably being constructed as an extension of other diaper elements such as the backsheet 23 or the topsheet 21, preferably both the backsheet 23 and the top sheet 21. The waistband with elastic, 35, 37, can be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in the US patent. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit et al. On May 7, 1985, and in the patent application of E.U.A. series No. 07 / 715,152, cited above; each of these references incorporated in the present.

Figure 24 shows a top plan view of the frame 58, where the templates 17 are oriented with their longitudinal sides in the transport direction, T, of the frame 58. Cutting regions 155 are provided for the legs throughout of the longitudinal sides 28, 30 of the frame 58, and waist elastic elements 37, 35 are applied transversely through the weft. In the embodiment of Figure 25, the templates 17 are oriented transversely with respect to the web 58, so that the longitudinal sides of the preforms 17 correspond to the transverse sides of the web 58. The waist elastic elements 35, 37 are applied along the longitudinal sides of the frame 58, the cutting sections 156 for the legs extending through a central part of the frame 58. In this embodiment, the preforms 17 can be rotated 90 °, either before, or after clamping through the gripping means 60-63, to align the preforms 17 with the transport direction T. Figure 26 shows a schematic top view of the position of the sealing areas 43, 49 of the template 17 after the formation of a side seam of stop type. The sealing means 153, 154 compress the sealing areas 43, 49 in the direction of the arrows C. In the embodiment of Figure 27, a side seam is formed, which is a combination of a stop-like seam as is shown in Figure 2, and an overlap seam as shown in Figure 1. The seams of Figure 27 can be obtained by first placing the sealing areas 43, 49 in a stop relationship as shown in Figure 26. , and subsequently folding the stop sealing areas. The bent stop sealing areas 43, 49 are subsequently compressed between the sealing means 79 and the anvil carrier 69. The seam formed in this manner is particularly strong since the seam comprises three layers of the material. Figure 28 shows an overlapping seam, in which three layers of material are contained. In this embodiment, the sealing area 43 is bent before being placed in a superimposed relationship with the sealing area 49. The bent sealing area 43 can be obtained by bending one of the longitudinal edges 28, 30 of the frame 58 prior to cutting the individual templates 17 and adhesively, or through heat, or ultrasonically sealing the longitudinal edge in a bent configuration.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS 1.- A method for making an undergarment (1) having side seams (7, 9, 16, 18) of a substantially two-dimensional weft (58), the weft having two longitudinal sides (28, 30) and a first transverse edge (24, 31) extending transversely to the longitudinal sides, the method comprising the steps of: transporting the weft (58) in a substantially planar position over conveying means (73,105,107,112) along a transportation path, cutting the weft (58) along a second transverse edge (26, 33) to form a two-dimensional preform (17), the preform (17) comprising the first and the second transverse edge (24, 31; 26, 33) and two longitudinal edges (27, 29), each longitudinal edge having two waist sections (39, 39 '; 41, 41') and a crotch section (40, 40 ') located intermediate to the waist sections, a sealing area (43, 45; 47, 49) being located adjacent to and inward of each waist section, holding the preform adjacent to each waist section with gripping means (60, 61, 62, 63) in four grip areas (51, 53, 55, 57), the gripping areas being located close to each other. each sealing area, to rotate together at least the gripping means, which maintain the grip areas in the region of the first transverse edge around a first axis of inflection (75, 77) extending substantially parallel to the edges transverse (24, 31; 26, 33) of the preform (17) to place the first transverse edge (24, 31) generally parallel and opposite the second transverse edge (26, 33), overlapping the sealing areas (43, 49; 45, 47), which are located along the same longitudinal edge (27, 29) in a contacting relationship, joining the overlapping sealing areas in sealing means (78, 79), thereby forming the absorbent article, and releasing the absorbent article from the means of grip.
2. 2. - The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal edges of the preform (17) are formed through transverse edges (24, 31; 26, 33) of the weft (58), the transverse edges of the preform (17) corresponding to the sections of the longitudinal sides (28, 30) of the frame (58).
3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the step of superimposing the sealing areas comprises rotating each of the gripping means (60, 61, 62, 63) around a respective axis of rotation (56, 56 '; 68, 68') extending generally parallel to the longitudinal sides (27, 29) of the preform to place the sealing areas in a stop relationship to form lateral stop seams.
4. 4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first gripping areas (51, 53) in the region of the first transverse edge (24, 31) of the frame (58) are fastened, what then the web (58) is cut along the second transverse edge (26, 33) to form the preform (17) and then the preform (17) is fastened in the region of the second transverse edge (26, 33).
5. 5. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first gripping areas (51, 53, 55, 57) in the region of the first and second transverse edges (24, 31; 26, 33). ) are clamped, so that the web (58) is cut along the second transverse edge (26, 33) to form the preform (17).
6. 6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the step of forming the frame (58) by combining a backing sheet impermeable to liquid (23, 23 '), an absorbent core (25) and a sheet liquid permeable upper (21), so that the inner garment (1) is an absorbent article.
7. 7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after fastening the preform (17) in the four grip areas (51-57), at least one axis of inflection (75, 77) is displaced to prevent stretching of the preform (17) in the direction of the longitudinal edges (27, 29).
8. 8. - The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the clamping of the preform (17) in the four grip areas (51-57), the distance between the grip areas (51, 53; 55; 57), located along the same transverse edge, is reduced to prevent stretching of the preform in the direction of the transverse edges (24, 31; 26, 33).
9. 9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preform (17) is rotated towards the stationary sealing means (78, 79) around a main axis (80), which extends generally parallel to the turning axes (75, 77) of rotation.
10. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripping means (60, 61, 62, 63) are rotated tangentially to the transport path.
11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the circumferential speed of the gripping means (60-63) around the main axis (80) is substantially equal to the transportation speed of the frame (58) as along the transportation path.
12. 12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping means (60-63) comprise suction means.
13. 13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (78, 79) are an ultrasonic sealing unit.
14. 14. - The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple gripping means (60-63; 121-122) are mounted around the main shaft (80).
15. 15. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preform (17) comprises at least one elastic waist element (35, 37) extending substantially parallel to a transverse edge (24, 31; 26, 33). ), wherein the method comprises maintaining at least one elastic element in the extended state at least during transportation and during the sealing step.
16. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the preform (17) comprises an elastic element (35, 37) along each transverse edge (24, 31; 26, 33).
17. 17. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to any of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising at least one flexure and sealing unit (59), the flexure and sealing unit (59) comprising: at least a first and a second carrying arm (64, 65, 66, 67), each carrying arm being hinged mounted on an inflection axis (75, 77), the inflection axes (75, 77) extending, in general, transversally to the carrier arms, gripping means (60, 61, 62, 63) attached to each carrier arm for holding the preform (17) in the four grip areas (51, 53, 55, 57), carrier arm actuator means (70, 74, 84, 86, 88) for rotating at least one carrier arm about its axis of inflection towards a sealing position, and sealing means (76, 78, 79) for contacting the article in the sealing areas when the carrier arms and the gripping means are in the position of sealing ado.
18. 18. - The apparatus according to claim 17, further characterized in that the gripping means (60, 61, 62, 63) are rotatable about a respective gripping shaft (56, 56 ', 68, 68'), which is placed generally parallel to the carrier media (60-63), the apparatus comprising gripping actuator means (146, 148, 150, 152) for rotating each of the gripping means about the gripping axes towards a sealing position.
19. 19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, further characterized in that the bearer arm drive means comprise: at least two connecting arms (86)., 88), each connecting arm on one side rotatably connected to a respective carrier arm, and on the other side to a hinge point (91, 92), the carrier arm actuator means being adapted to periodically vary the distance between the arms. turning axes (75, 77) and the hinge point (91, 92) of the connecting arms so that at least one carrying arm (64, 65) is positioned generally parallel to and adjacent to the second carrying arm (66, 67).
20. 20. The apparatus according to claims 17, 18 or 19, further characterized in that the inflection axes (75, 77) being comprised in an upper member (72), the hinge point (91, 92) being comprised in a lower member (84), the lower member being displaceable relative to the upper member (72) along the center line (95) located midway between the inflection axes (75, 77) and generally extending transverse towards the turning axes.
21. 21. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 20, further characterized in that each carrier arm (64-67) is connected with its inflection axis (75, 77) to a first end of a pivot member (93). , 94), the second end of each pivot member being rotatably connected to a central pivot shaft (103) located on the center line (95) and extending generally parallel to the inflection axes (75, 77).
22. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, further characterized in that the apparatus comprises two distance control arms (96, 98), each distance control arm being, with one end, hingedly connected to the connection arm (86). , 88) and being, with the other end, hingedly connected to a respective hinge point (100, 102) in the region of the center line (95).
23. 23. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 22, further characterized in that two gripping means (60-63) are connected to each carrier arm, the apparatus further comprises width compensation means (128, 129, 124, 125, 126, 127) for moving the gripping means (60-63) which are located on the same carrying arm in opposite directions generally parallel to the turning axes (75, 77).
24. 24. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 23, further characterized in that it comprises a seal anvil (69) that is connected to the central shaft (95), the carrier arms (64-67) being in the position of seal located on each side of the sealing anvil (69).
25. 25. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 24, further characterized in that the sealing unit (59) can rotate about a main axis (80), which is generally parallel to the inflection axes (75, 77). 26 - The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 25, further characterized in that the upper member (72) or the lower member (84) comprises a cam roller (85), which can rotate relative to a surface of cam (120), to vary the distance between the upper and lower limbs. 27. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 26, further characterized in that the gripping means (60-63) comprise vacuum gripping means. 28. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 27, further characterized in that a plurality of sealing units (59, 121, 122) are mounted in angular positions spaced around the main axis (80). 29. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 28, further characterized in that it comprises an ejection member for radially disposing of the undergarment after sealing the sealing areas. 30. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 29, further characterized in that the carrier arms (64-67) can rotate about the main shaft (80) at the same circumferential speed as the frame transport speed (30). 58).