WEB DIVERTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A web diverting apparatus capable of diverting a web to one of two or more downstream web paths and a method for managing a web is provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a web diverting apparatus capable of diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path; more particularly, a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path, a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path and from the different downstream web path to another downstream web path, a web diverting apparatus capable of severing a web prior to diverting the severed web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path, and a method for managing a web.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Web diverting systems are known in the art. For example, one system cuts an unsupported web and then folds the web back upon itself before diverting to another downstream web path.

In another example of a known web diverting system, a shoe contacts and pinches a web between it and a vacuum roll thus diverting the web to a different downstream web path before cutting of the web occurs. After cutting, the vacuum roll directs the web down the downstream web path.

In yet another example of a known web diverting system, a knife blade severs a web after the web has been pinned between a pair of nip rolls and then directs the leading edge of the severed web to a single downstream web path.

Other examples of web diverting apparatus are designed to work with narrow webs or with only a narrow threading strip on wide web processes and not the entire web. Such web diverting apparatuses are limited to diverting a web from an original web path to a different web path, but not back to the original web path.

The known web diverting systems all exhibit negatives with respect to speed, reliable control of the web and/or the range and variety of substrates for which the process is compatible.

Many of the known web diverting apparatuses require the web velocity to change, such as the web stopping and/or being pinned between two components, during diverting of a leading edge of a severed web to a downstream web path. Additionally, many of the known diverting apparatuses rely upon vacuum to control a web which may not be practical with permeable webs.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a web diverting apparatus that overcomes the negatives associated with the known web diverting systems. In particular, there exists a need for a web diverting apparatus that is more simple in both mechanical design and controls complexity thus resulting in a more robust and reliable web diverting apparatus and method and that are able to direct a web of any width down more than one downstream web path while minimizing any interruptions in the speed and/or flow of the web.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills the need described above by providing a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path, a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path and from the different downstream web path to another downstream web path, and a method for managing a web.

In one example of the present invention, a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path and from the different downstream web path to another downstream web path, is provided.

In even another example of the present invention, a web diverting apparatus comprising a web guiding member capable of directing a web between two or more downstream web paths such that the web travels along a web path defined by the web guiding member prior to being directed down one of the two or more downstream web paths by the web diverting apparatus, is provided.

In still another example of the present invention, a web diverting apparatus capable of severing a web and then subsequently diverting the severed web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path (in one example, along a web guiding member), is provided.

In yet another example of the present invention, a method for managing a web, the method comprising the step of passing a web through a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention, is provided.

The present invention provides a web diverting apparatus and method for managing a web that overcomes the negative associated with the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention in a first state;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a second state;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a portion of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top view of FIG. 3 without the web;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a third state;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a fourth state;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a fifth state;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a sixth state;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another example of a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention in a first state;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 9 in a second state;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 9 in a third state;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 9 in a fourth state;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 9 in a fifth state;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 9 showing details of an exemplary transmission configuration;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of another example of a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the web diverting apparatus of FIG. 15 in a second state; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of another example of a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Web” as used herein means a substantially continuous and/or greater than about 100 cm and/or greater than about 150 cm and/or greater than about 300 cm and/or greater than about 500 cm and/or greater than about 1000 cm in length material. The web may be any width. In one example, the width of the web may be greater than 10 inches and/or greater than 20 inches and/or greater than 50 inches and/or greater than 100 inches and/or greater than 150 inches and/or greater than 200 inches. Non-limiting examples of materials for the web include fibrous elements (such as fibers and/or filaments), films, metals, and textiles. In one example, the web is a highly permeable and/or high stretch web. In one example, the web is a fibrous structure such as paper or another type of non-woven.

“Web path” as used herein means a course along which the web travels through the web management apparatus.

“Web management apparatus” as used herein means a machine that functions to interact, such as move, direct and/or guide, a web along one or more web paths.

“Web diverting apparatus” or “web diverter” as used herein means a component of a web management apparatus that functions to change the direction of the web, in other words divert the web, from a first web path to a second web path different from the first web path.

“Downstream web path” as used herein means a web path that is after a web diverting apparatus of a web management apparatus.

“Upstream web path” as used herein means a web path that is before a web diverting apparatus of a web management apparatus.

“Web path surface” as used herein means a surface of web management apparatus along which the web travels. The web may be in contact with the surface during its movement. In one example, the web may not contact the web path surface during its movement, for example it may be moving on an air stream positioned between the web path surface and the web.

“Air Stream” as used herein refers to a flow of air, for example a desirably laminar flow of air along at least one web path surface with a velocity that may be equal to or greater than the web velocity. The air stream may be supplied by one or more air sources such as an air foil supplied air from a blower, or an air knife or an air nozzle, or supplied air by a compressed air source. One or more air streams may be present during the web diverting operation to help control the leading edge of the web and direct it down the appropriate downstream web path.

“Constant web velocity” as used herein means that a web travels at a constant velocity along a web path. In other words, the web does not stop, does not reverse its direction and/or does not fold back upon itself to change direction.

“Sever” and “Severing” as used herein means any process of creating separation in a web that creates two or more separate portions of the web. Examples may include, but are not limited to, typical shear cutting and/or tearing resulting from straining the web to the point of tensile failure. One or more severing elements may be used to sever the web. In one example, one or more severing elements moves at a velocity of at least 20 in/second and/or at least 40 in/second and/or at least 60 in/second and/or at least 80 in/second.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” when used herein, for example, “an anionic surfactant” or “a fiber” is understood to mean one or more of the material that is claimed or described.

Web Diverting Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a web diverting apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises a web guiding member 12 capable of directing (as represented by the arrows) a web 14 between two or more downstream web paths 16, 18 such that the web 14 travels through the web guiding member 12 prior to being directed down one of the two or more downstream web paths 16, 18 by the web diverting apparatus 10. The web guiding member 12 may comprise an air stream 20 upon which the web 14 travels. The air stream 20 may be created by an air source 48. The web 14 travels along the web guiding member 12 prior to being diverted from one downstream web path 16 to another downstream web path 18.

The web guiding member 12 is movable, as represented by the arrows, such that the web guiding member's web path 22 aligns with downstream web path 16 as shown in FIG. 1 so that the web 14 can move from the web guiding member's web path 22 to the downstream web path 16. The web guiding member 12 may be associated, such as physically connected, with an actuator 24 which may be for example an air cylinder, linear motor, rotary motor with a crank and slide device and/or a rotary cam that causes the web guiding member 12 to move (as shown by the arrows). The web guiding member 12 may be movably associated with an upstream web source, such as an upstream web path 25, which may comprise an upstream web guiding member, pivotally connected to a part of a web management apparatus 26 of which the web diverting apparatus 10 is a part. The connection may be upstream of the web diverting apparatus 10. The connection may be a hinge 28. In another example, the web guiding member may be a bendable extension of the upstream web path (not shown).

The web guiding member 12 may be a chute comprising at least two walls such as a first wall 30 and a second wall 32 that define the web guiding member's web path 22. In one example, the web guiding member 12 comprises a first wall 30 and a second wall 32 that are spaced apart from one another by a sufficient amount such that the web 14 is able to pass through the web guiding member 12. In one example, the first and second walls 30, 32 are spaced apart from each other by greater than about 0.75 cm and/or greater than 1 cm and/or greater than 1.25 cm and/or greater than about 2.54 cm. The web guiding member 12 may further comprise one or more side walls (not shown) that are associated with one or more of the first and second walls 30, 32 to further define the web guiding member's web path 22 and to prevent air associated with air stream 20 from escaping out the sides of the web guiding member 12.

The web diverting apparatus 10 may comprise one or more severing elements 34, 36. The severing elements are capable of severing the web 14. One or more of the severing elements may be attached to one or more of the first and second walls 30, 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one example, when the actuator 24 is activated, the web diverting apparatus 10 moves from a first position to a second position to divert the web 14 to a different downstream web path, such as to the downstream web path 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, the web diverting apparatus 10 may comprise one or more severing elements 34, 36, such as knife blades, that are capable of severing the web 14 to form a trailing edge 38 of the web 14 and a leading edge 40 of the web 14. In one example, the web 14 is severed by the severing element 36 as the web guiding member 12 diverts the web 14 from downstream web path 16 to downstream web path 18. The sever may be substantially perpendicular to the web guiding member's web path 22. During the diverting operation, the severing element 36 may contact or come sufficiently close (such that the web is sheared or torn, for example a clearance of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm) to contacting a complementary severing element 42, such as a knife blade, such that the web 14 is severed. The severing element 36 and complementary severing element 42 may be non-parallel at the time of interfacing as shown in FIG. 3 or they may be parallel. The complementary severing element 42 may be positioned between downstream web path 16 and downstream web path 18. In one example, the complementary severing element 42 is attached to a surface that is between the downstream web paths 16 and 18. In another example, as shown in FIG. 2, an air source 50 may supply an air stream 56 to help pull the web 14 to create sufficient tension in the web 14 to help facilitate the severing of the web 14. In another example, the severing element 36 and the complementary severing element 42 comprise serrated edges and/or opposing triangular tooth profiles as shown in FIG. 4. Though an isosceles triangle shaped tooth is exemplified, any triangle or non-triangle shaped tooth capable of severing the web 14 may be used. In one example, the complementary severing element 42 is stationary (non-moving) while the severing element 36 moves relative to the complementary severing element 42.

The severing elements 34, 36, 42 may be non-contact severing elements such as air jets, water jets, ultrasonics, lasers and combinations thereof such that they do not contact the web during the severing operation. In another example, the severing elements 34, 36, 42 may comprise contact severing elements such as knife blades, wires, saw blades and combinations thereof such that they do contact the web during the severing operation.

As shown in FIG. 5, after being severed, the trailing edge 38 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 16 and the leading edge 40 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 18. The movement of the web 14 down the downstream web path 18 may be facilitated by air streams 20, 54 supplied by exemplary air sources 48, 52 and optionally other air streams from other air sources positioned throughout the web management apparatus 26 such as prior to the web guiding member 12 and/or at the beginning of and/or along the downstream web path 18. As shown in FIG. 6, in one example, the downstream web path 18 guides the web 14 to a web collection device 44, such as a scrap collection storage container or shredding device (not shown). The air streams within the web management apparatus 26 may be operational at different times during the web diverting operation. For example, air stream 20 may not be operational once the web has been diverted to a downstream web path. In another example, air stream 54 may be operation during the diverting operation in order to help control and the leading edge 40 down the downstream web path 18.

In one example, the web 14 may be tension free after it has been diverted to another downstream web path.

In another example, the web diverting apparatus 10 may divert the web from one plane to a different plane.

In still another example, the velocity at which the web 14 is moving in a downstream web path may be different from the velocity the web 14 was moving prior to being diverted to the downstream web path. In one example, the web 14 decelerates after being diverted to a downstream web path.

The web diverting apparatus 10 may be operated such that the web 14 that is being collected in a web collection device 44 may be diverted to direct the web 14 from downstream web path 18 to downstream web path 16 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In order to achieve this diverting operation, severing element 34 interfaces with the complementary severing element 42 to sever the web 14. This occurs as a result of the web guiding member 12 moving from a position of alignment of the web guiding member's web path 22 with downstream web path 18 to alignment of the web guiding member's web path 22 with downstream web path 16. The severing of the web 14 in this operation results in a trailing edge 38 of the web 14 being formed and a leading edge 40 of the web 14 being formed. As shown in FIG. 8, the movement of the web 14 along downstream web path 16 may be facilitated by air streams 20, 56 supplied by exemplary air sources 48, 50. In one example, downstream web path 16 guides the web 14 to a web converting and/or processing operation or apparatus (not shown) and/or a web winding apparatus (not shown). Non-limiting examples of suitable web converting and/or processing operations and/or apparatuses include embossing rolls, calendaring rolls, printing processes, perforating processes, combining and laminating processes, winding processes, tuft-generating processes, ply bonding processes, folding processes, surface treating processes, and combinations thereof.

In one example, the diverting of the web 14 from downstream web path 16 to downstream web path 18 by the web diverting apparatus 10, or conversely diverting of the web 14 from downstream web path 18 to downstream web path 16 by the web diverting apparatus 10, occurs at a constant or substantially constant web velocity. In another example, this diverting of the web 14 occurs such that the web 14 does not fold back upon itself and/or does have its downstream movement halted or interrupted.

One or more of the downstream web paths 16, 18 may comprise two or more walls that define a chute through which the web 14 may travel similar, if not identical to, the chute that the web guiding member 12 may comprise. One or more of the downstream web paths 16, 18 may also comprise one or more side walls (not shown) that are associated with one or more of the first and second walls of downstream web paths 16, 18 to further define the downstream web paths 16, 18 and to prevent air from escaping out the sides of the paths.

In another example of a web diverting apparatus 10 according to the present invention, air jets may be used to divert the web from a first downstream web path to a second downstream web path and vice versa.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 9, the web diverting apparatus 10 comprises a web guiding member comprising an upper web guide 60 and a lower web guide 62 which together define the web guiding member's web path 22 and direct the web 14 traveling in the web guiding member's web path 22 toward one of two or more downstream web paths 16, 18. These two web guides 60, 62 may pivot about axes 64, 66, as represented by the arrows. This embodiment may include an additional web guide 68, which may define in part one or more of the downstream web paths 16, 18, and which may pivot about axis 70. The web guides 60, 62 may contain severing elements 34, 36. The additional web guide 68 may contain a third severing element 72, which is a complementary severing element to severing elements 34, 36.

As shown in FIG. 10, web guides 60, 62, 68 may move contemporaneously from a first position to a second position. In one example, severing element 36 and the third severing element 72 may sever the web 14 to form a trailing edge 38 of the web 14 and a leading edge 40 of the web 14. Any of the severing elements described above may be utilized for severing elements 34, 36, 72. An air source 50 may supply an air stream 56 to help pull the web 14 to create sufficient tension in the web 14 to help facilitate the severing of the web 14.

As shown in FIG. 11, after being severed, the trailing edge 38 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 16 and the leading edge 40 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 18. The movement of the web 14 along downstream web path 18 may be facilitated by air streams 20, 54 supplied by exemplary air sources 48, 52 and optionally other air streams from other air sources positioned throughout the web management apparatus such as prior to the web guides 60, 62 and/or at the beginning of and/or along the downstream web path 18.

As shown in FIG. 12, web guides 60, 62, 68 may again move from a first position to a second position. In one example, severing element 34 and the third severing element 72 may sever the web 14 to form a trailing edge 38 of the web 14 and a leading edge 40 of the web 14. An air source 52 may supply an air stream 54 to help pull the web 14 to create sufficient tension in the web 14 to help facilitate the severing of the web 14. In this example, as shown in FIG. 13, after being severed, the trailing edge 38 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 18 and the leading edge 40 of the web 14 travels along downstream web path 16. The movement of the web 14 may be facilitated by air streams 20, 56 supplied by exemplary air sources 48, 50 and optionally other air streams from other air sources positioned throughout the web management apparatus 26 such as prior to the web guides 60, 62 and/or at the beginning of and/or along the downstream web path 16.

As shown in FIG. 14, the web guides 60, 62, 68 may be driven by, for example, a single motor or actuator (not shown) and linked together by pulleys 74, 76, 78, and a drive belt 80 to ensure synchronized motion of the web guides 60, 62, 68. This may be, for example, a toothed belt, flat belt or V-belt, this may be a chain and sprockets, and this may also be mechanical linkages. In another example, each web guide 60, 62, 68 may be independently actuated. In one example, the web guides 60, 62, 68 may move independent of one another. In another example, the web guides 60, 62, 68 may move contemporaneously with one another.

In still another example, as shown in FIG. 15, a web management apparatus 26 according to the present invention may comprise a web severer 90, such as a knife blade that is triggerable to sever the web 14, that is positioned upstream of the web guiding member 12. The web severer 90 is capable of severing a web 14 prior to the web 14 entering the web guiding member 12. The web severer 90 may be a non-contact web severer (does not come in contact with the web during the severing operation) or a contact web severer (does come in contact with the web during the severing operation). Non-limiting examples of suitable non-contact web severers include air jets, water jets, ultrasonics, lasers, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable contact web severers include knife blades, wires, saw blades and combinations thereof.

Once severed, the web 14 will have a trailing edge 38 of the web 14 and a leading edge 40 of the web 14. As shown in FIG. 16, the web guiding member 12 may move from a first position (shown in FIG. 15) to a second position, such that the web 14 is diverted from a downstream web path 16 to a downstream web path 18. The result is that the trailing edge 38 of the web 14 travels along the downstream web path 16 and then the leading edge 40 of the web 14 travels along the downstream web path 18. The movement of the web 14 may be facilitated by air streams 20 and 56 supplied by exemplary air sources 48, 52 and optionally other air streams from other air sources positioned throughout the web management apparatus such as prior to the web guiding member 12 and/or at the beginning of and/or along the downstream web path 18.

The web diverting apparatus 10 of the present invention may be used to sever and divert and stack portions of a web into separate, discrete groups, such as for facial tissue and/or wipes and/or coupons. As shown in FIG. 17, a web diverting apparatus 10 of the present invention may sever and divert a web 14 to three or more different downstream web paths 16, 18, and 19. Severing elements 34, 36, 42, and 43 may be used to sever the web 14 while diverting the web 14 from one downstream web path 19 to two or more different downstream web paths 16, 18. Downstream web path 19 may comprise one or more air sources 82, 84 that supply air streams to help control and divert the web 14 down downstream web path 19. Thus, the web 14 may be diverted among the three or more different downstream web paths 16, 18, and 19 in an sequential fashion or in a non-sequential fashion. For example, the web 14 may be severed and diverted down one downstream web path and then severed and diverted down another downstream web path and then severed and diverted down yet another downstream web path. This is useful when groups and/or stacks of web or portions of web, such as napkins, facial tissue, coupons, and the like, need to be produced from a web.

The overall web management apparatus 26 and its components, for example the web diverting apparatus 10, and any materials that define the web paths 16, 18, 22, may be made of any suitable material known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include, plastic, glass, ceramic, metal, and combinations thereof.

The examples described herein are non-limiting examples of the present invention. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the various elements described by the exemplary embodiments may be utilized in other combinations. For example the web guides 60 and 62 of FIG. 9 can be combined with the complementary severing element 42 of FIG. 2 positioned between downstream web path 16 and downstream web path 18. In still another example, the web guides 60 and 62 of FIG. 9 may be combined with the web severer 90 of FIG. 15.

Method of Web Diverting

In one example, a method for diverting a web according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

a. providing a web diverting apparatus according to the present invention; and

b. passing a web through the web diverting apparatus.

The method may further comprise the step of severing the web to produce a leading edge of the web. The method may further comprise the step of directing the leading edge of the web along a downstream web path.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A web diverting apparatus capable of simultaneously severing and diverting a web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path.

2. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the web diverting apparatus is further capable of simultaneously severing and diverting the web from the different downstream web path to another downstream web path.

3. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the web diverting apparatus comprises a web guiding member along which the web travels prior to being simultaneously severed and directed from the downstream web path to the different downstream web path.

4. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web guiding member comprises an air stream upon which the web travels.

5. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web diverting apparatus further comprises one or more severing elements for severing the web.

6. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the web guiding member comprises at least one of the one or more severing elements.

7. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the one or more severing elements severs the web when the web guiding member moves between the downstream web path and the different downstream web path.

8. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the one or more severing elements is a contact severing element.

9. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the contact severing element is selected from the group consisting of: knife blades, wires, saw blades, and combinations thereof.

10. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the one or more severing elements is a non-contact severing element.

11. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the non-contact severing element is selected from the group consisting of: air jets, water jets, ultrasonics, lasers, and combinations thereof.

12. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web guiding member is movably associated with an upstream web source.

13. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the upstream web source comprises an upstream web path.

14. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the web guiding member is hingedly associated with the upstream web path.

15. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the web guiding member is a bendable extension of the upstream web path.

16. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one downstream web path guides the web to a winder for winding the web into one or more rolls.

17. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one downstream web path guides the web to a web collection device.

18. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the web diverting apparatus diverts the web without contacting the web.

19. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web guiding member comprises an upper web guide and a lower web guide that define the web guiding member's web path.

20. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 19 wherein at least one of the upper web guide and lower web guide comprises a severing element.

21. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein one or more of the downstream web paths comprises a web guide that defines in part one or more of the downstream web paths.

22. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the web guide comprises a severing element.

23. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web guiding member comprises an upper web guide and a lower web guide that define the web guiding member's web path and at least one of the downstream web paths comprises a web guide that defines in part the at least one downstream web path, wherein the web guides move independent of one another.

24. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 23 wherein at least one of the web guides comprises a severing element.

25. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the web guiding member comprises an upper web guide and a lower web guide that define the web guiding member's web path and at least one of the downstream web paths comprises a web guide that defines in part the at least one downstream web path, wherein the web guides move contemporaneously with one another.

26. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 25 wherein at least one of the web guides comprises a severing element.

27. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the web diverting apparatus severs and diverts the web from one downstream web path to two or more different downstream web paths.

28. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the web diverting apparatus severs and diverts portions of the web into two or more separate, discrete groups.

29. The web diverting apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the two or more separate, discrete groups comprise stacks having two or more portions of the web.

30. A method for managing a web, the method comprising the step of passing a web through a web diverting apparatus according to claim 1.

31. A web diverting apparatus capable of severing a web and then subsequently diverting the severed web from a downstream web path to a different downstream web path.

32. A method for managing a web, the method comprising the step of passing a web through a web diverting apparatus according to claim 31.