Apparatus for transporting a continuous web, and for manipulating the web

• Main Authors: Kuntze, Lothar, Schmitz, Christoph Johann
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.09.2003

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting a continuous web, and for manipulating the web especially to form web loops. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, including diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus () comprising a plurality of means for forming web loops (), each means for forming web loops being positioned between adjacent web support plates (), wherein each of the web support surfaces lies in an arc, the arcs lying around the circumference of a circular path, and wherein the web support surfaces and means for forming web loops () are rotatably mounted about the axis of the circular path. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the means for forming web loops () is provided by rotatably driving the web support plates () around the circular path with a circumferential velocity, wherein the circumferential velocity is varied between a minimum circumferential velocity and a maximum circumferential velocity so that the distance between adjacent web support plates () varies between a minimum distance and a maximum distance. Preferably the circumferential velocity of the web support plates () varies according to a sinusoidal function, and wherein one cycle of the sinusoidal function corresponds to one complete rotation of the web support plate () around the circular path. The invention also relates to a process for transporting a continuous web around the apparatus whereby the distance between adjacent web support plates () is greater than the minimum distance, and wherein the web is transported around the circular path so that a web loop () is formed when the distance between adjacent web support plates () decreases towards the minimum distance.