Folding Patents (Class 156/204)
  • Publication number: 20030084984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of making a child's disposable absorbent training pant having a unitary waist elastic system that provides a substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Steven Glaug, Margaret Ann Kato
  • Publication number: 20030079824
    Abstract: An energy efficient method and apparatus for manufacturing a biodegradable, compostable, liquid-impermeable lined paper bag for containing wet (i.e. food) wastes by which all adhesives used in the process are cold glues applied without using heat and are applied through an extrusion and/or metering application means. Cellulose film is advantageously used for the paper liner and a dot matrix configuration of adhesive is applied between the cellulose and paper layers to laminate them together. The matrix-defined size of spacings between the points of application of adhesive on the cellulose film is such that both loss of the permeability of the cellulose film to water vapour and oxygen and creation of stress points on the cellulose film are minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Prescott Paper Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: George P. Colgan
  • Patent number: 6551430
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of making a child's disposable absorbent training pant having a unitary waist elastic system that provides a substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Steven Glaug, Margaret Ann Kato
  • Publication number: 20030070746
    Abstract: Multilayer disposable pads for use as wipes or applicators in various applications, including the cosmetic and personal care fields and the medical field. The pads include an absorbent base pad and a flexible handle attached either to an intermediate barrier layer or to the base pad. To form the handle, handle forming material is mechanically folded, employing a pleating/folding machine, prior to being adhered to the barrier layer or to the base pad. In one embodiment, the handle includes a graspable portion made of two facing segments which may be joined along a distal folded edge, and two handle attached portions respectively joined to the facing segments along fold lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: M.J. Woods, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Woods, Marilyn S. Woods
  • Patent number: 6548147
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing a web (1) which is corrugated from a thin sheet material which is elastic at least in a transverse direction of the web. The apparatus includes a guide bed (2) which has grooves extending parallel or inclined to each other in the direction of movement of the material. The apparatus also has holding-down devices (5) arranged opposite the grooves of the guide bed (2) so as to urge the web passing between the surface of the guide bed (2) and the holding-down devices (5) into the grooves of the guide bed (2) to obtain corrugations in the web. Finally, at the outlet end (4) of the guide bed (2) is an apparatus or substance which substantially prevents the formed corrugations from springing back to the original condition. A process for producing a strip and an absorbent article containing corrugated strips are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Raidel, Jan Ullmann, Franz Aschenbrenner
  • Publication number: 20030062113
    Abstract: A method of tucking a pair of refastenable side seams into a body portion of a pant-like garment in which the fold locations can be controlled and the likelihood of creases occurring in the fastening components is reduced or eliminated. The garment is positioned either on one vacuum conveyor or between an upper vacuum conveyor and a lower vacuum conveyor. Vacuum zones from the conveyors hold the garment in place. While the garment is held by the vacuum zones, the refastenable side seams are pushed between the front and back regions toward one another with the fastening components being placed in a flat configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: David James Van Eperen, Steven James Langolf, Steven L. Schnasse, Kent Allan Franklin, David Michael Lehner, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Rodney Steele Gardinier, David Michael Clemens
  • Patent number: 6534148
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making cushioning dunnage comprising the steps of providing an elongated band of stock material having lateral edges and a longitudinal axis, the band of stock material being formed from at least two elongated paper webs adhered together along the lengths of the webs by glue applied to one of the webs in a gluing area having a length along a longitudinal axis of the one web and a width transverse to the one web longitudinal axis, the transverse location of glue applied to the gluing area varying as a function of the longitudinal location along the gluing area; driving the band longitudinally; folding the lateral edges of the band laterally inwardly; alternatingly crumpling the band longitudinally on first one side of the longitudinal axis of the band and then on the other side of the longitudinal axis of the band to form pleats in the band; and connecting the pleats in the band by compressing the band through the thickness of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Naturembal S.A.
    Inventor: Theodore Baumuller
  • Patent number: 6527895
    Abstract: A multiple cell window covering having a fold and a tab is constructed using a strip of fabric as the input, which is then folded, welded, prepared with adhesive, stacked, and cured in an oven. The apparatus used to construct double, triple, and multi-cell honeycomb products includes a folder, ultrasonic welder, adhesive applicator and drier, a fabric accumulator, a cutter, a stacker, and an oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6524359
    Abstract: A filter bag for a pocket air filter includes two side walls. Both lateral edges of the side walls, and the edge of the base are welded to each other. The side walls are made of an air-permeable filter material which can be ultrasonically welded, and at least part of the surface of said side walls is joined by means of interconnected welded spacer elements running substantially parallel to said side walls. The spacer elements are formed by an intermediate layer made from a strip of flexible material, which is alternately welded to the side walls in zig-zag fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Kluge
  • Publication number: 20030012924
    Abstract: The header is heat sealed along the top of one side of the liner body with both ends extending beyond the edges of the liner body. The ends of the header are folded around the edges of the liner body to a position parallel to the other side of the liner and heat sealed. Grommets are mounted through the liner and header portions such that the hook receiving openings at the comers of the liner are re-enforced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Publication number: 20030000625
    Abstract: A machine for continuously manufacturing tape strips having at least at one end a portion folded through an aperture of a workpiece is provided. A tape supply section supplies tape to a tape feed unit which is adapted intermittently supply a first predetermined length of tape through an aperture of a workpiece and a second predetermined length of tape not through an aperture. Work pieces are supplied to and received by a workpiece receiving device adapted to hold the workpiece and position the aperture of the workpiece in the tape traveling path. Tape folders operate to fold a tape towards a fusing member positioned above the workpiece. Tape gripping arms further fold a tape into a fusing member. A tape cutter cuts the tape after a second predetermined length of tape is fed from a tape supply section. Tape gripping arms then operate to eject the finished strap from the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kiichiro Ishikawa, Chester P. Dudek
  • Patent number: 6491676
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body having a front waist portion, a rear waist portion, a waist hole, two leg holes and a pair of elastic leakage protective members is disclosed. The elastic leakage protective members cooperate with the respective leg holes. The elastic leakage protective members cover at least part of the respective openings of the leg holes. Each of the elastic leakage protective members may have edge portions that form a pocket for holding body exudates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Migaku Suzuki, Hiroaki Fukui
  • Publication number: 20020174942
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle, Kelly Ray Green, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Patent number: 6482278
    Abstract: A pants-type diaper, is provided which is equipped with leg-hole elastics which effectively encircle the leg-holes without traversing the crotch region. Also provided are methods for producing such diapers. Typical products of this type are provided with an outer laminate, formed of an inner liner material and an outer backsheet material between which the leg-hole elastics are disposed. The invention provides for the removal of a strip of inner liner material carrying undesirable crotch-region elastic strands prior to lamination or combining of the remaining inner liner with a complementary outer layer backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. McCabe, Richard J. Nehrlich, Bradley M. Dahmer
  • Publication number: 20020153087
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle, Kelly Ray Green, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Patent number: 6464815
    Abstract: A laminated pad and method of manufacturing such pad wherein the laminated pad includes a grip portion and a work surface. The work surface may be comprised of any of a variety of substances including absorbent material, abrasive material, or polishing material. The grip portion may be upstanding for facile gripping with one's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wallace J. Beaudry
  • Publication number: 20020144924
    Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material formed from a web comprises a plurality of parallel side by side strip elements separated by dividing lines. The dividing lines are formed such that the width of the strip elements varies along their length with the wider portions of one alongside the narrower portions of the next in a nesting action. The strips are packaged for storage and transport to an end use machine where the strip elements are withdrawn and cut into identical strip portions at spaced positions along the strip so that each strip portion includes a portion of minimum width and a portion of maximum width. The web including all the strip elements is formed into a block in which the web is fan folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the web is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Each strip element is continuous through the block and is connected by a splice to the beginning of the next strip element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: BKI HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Johnson, Juan Carlos Zuhlsdorf, Carlo Gretter, John H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6461464
    Abstract: A colinear laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises at least two strips of material held in proximity to one another by a common carrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 6461344
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article in the form of a pants diaper or a sanitary panty starts from a flat blank which includes an elongated absorbent body enclosed between two casing sheets which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body have side parts which extend laterally beyond the body on the opposite sides thereof. The method includes the step of folding the blank about a transverse axis so that the end edges of the side parts lie edge-to-edge. The front and rear side parts of the blank which oppose one another in the folded state of the blank are joined together by a releasable and refastenable fastener. A pants diaper can be manufactured in accordance with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Anders Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6447628
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction, wherein the width of the product is the machine direction, or a machine direction wherein the length of the product is the machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams includes a lap side seam, which puts the seams under shear strain, as opposed to peel forces. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a left side or a right side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, Joseph D. Coenen, Robert Lee Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, David Arthur Kuen
  • Patent number: 6443938
    Abstract: A method of making a prefolded diaper or other undergarment includes the steps of forming a web of diaper material, placing a fastening system divided between front and back waist sections onto each diaper section of the web and cutting the web to define individual diapers. The diapers are then folded in half at the crotch section and are then microwaved in a high power resonant cavity microwave device to activate the latent elastic portions which are buried within the folded diaper. Where desired, the refastenable fastening system of the diaper, or the front and back waist sections or the diaper, may be registered in a fastening alignment and fastened together when the diaper is folded to create diapers which are useful upon removal from the point of sale container as pull on training pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Vogt
  • Patent number: 6440256
    Abstract: A method of forming and inserting filter elements into cup-shaped containers comprises the steps of: a) folding a continuous web of filter material into two adjacent plies which have separable upper edges and are joined one to the other along a bottom fold line; b) blanking the adjacent plies to form their upper edges into a scalloped pattern; c) inserting carrier mandrels between the adjacent plies; d) joining the adjacent plies along seams extending transversely with respect to the bottom fold line to form a series of collapsed frustoconical filter elements interconnected by scrap segments and supported internally by the carrier mandrels; e) separating the filter elements one from the other by blanking and removing the scrap segments; f) transferring the filter elements from the carrier mandrels into cup-shaped containers arranged therebeneath; and g) securing the thus inserted filter elements to interior surfaces of the cup-shaped containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Gordon, Richard P. Sweeney, Anthony J. Christopher, Brett Anderson, A. David Boccuti, Kevin Walsh, Hani Sallum, David Ramler, Jim Wolf, Mike Helmbrecht
  • Patent number: 6436217
    Abstract: A method for forming a score in a strip of laminate, such as cardboard, is disclosed. The laminate has a number of pressed-together layers, which are glued together, after which the score is formed in the strip of laminate. The application of glue between the various layers makes the strip of laminate being formed relatively soft. The score is then pressed into the relatively soft strip of laminate. The thickness of the score will be less than that of the strip of laminate. Curing of the laminate then takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Scanilec B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Heertjes
  • Patent number: 6432243
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction or a machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams is a dual side seam that includes a front lap seam and a back lap seam. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment on either a left side or a right side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, David Arthur Kuen, Shawn A. Quereshi
  • Patent number: 6432235
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providing a ribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion and then subjecting the folded ribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. The folded pressed ribbon is then subdividing into individual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressed ribbon can be rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and a finished label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Pittsfield Weaving Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Bleckmann, Gilbert A. Bleckmann
  • Patent number: 6409858
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in a cross direction. Each of the refastenable side seams includes a lap side seam, which puts the seams under shearing strain during use, as opposed to peel forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, David Arthur Kuen
  • Patent number: 6383320
    Abstract: A method of forming a headliner includes providing a lap mat including a first region having a first material composition, and a second region having a second material composition different than the first composition, wherein the second region is configured as at least one of an energy management region and a support region; positioning the mat between two mold sections of a mold; and moving at least one of the mold sections toward the other mold section to shape the mat into a desired shape. A method for forming the mat is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Harold G. Wolf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6364978
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a thermoplastic filter material laid in folds, with the folds fixed in close vicinity. The thermoplastic filter material which has been heated for forming the folds is accumulated within a cooling path such that the folds are pushed together and fixed by cooling with respect to their shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Skov, Heinz Wandel
  • Patent number: 6358350
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of making a child's disposable absorbent training pant having a unitary waist elastic system that provides a substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Steven Glaug, Margaret Ann Kato
  • Patent number: 6352607
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for making pant-like disposable absorbent garments with single-piece elastic side panels, and garments so made, are provided. The single-piece side panels eliminate the additional cost associated with multi-part side panels, and improve aesthetic appearance of the garments by eliminating side seams. The process and apparatus accomplish the steps of providing a garment chassis having unfinished lateral edges, folding the chassis so that a front portion overlaps a back portion, and folding and bonding the single-piece side panels so that opposing of the side panels are joined to the lateral edges on the garment chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Kuen, John Irvin VanDeurzen
  • Publication number: 20010040330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a single sheet of paper into a booklet. The method includes depositing adhesive along a linear path on the single sheet of paper and folding the sheet by making a plurality of folds parallel to a first direction, thereby forming a plurality of interconnected panels. The lateral edges of the panels are cut off so that the panels are no longer interconnected. A fold is made along a line coincident with the linear path to form the booklet. The booklet may be further folded with close folds to obtain a compact outsert. Apparatus for performing the folding patterns is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Vijuk Equiqment, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Vijuk
  • Publication number: 20010036496
    Abstract: Bags for produce or the like are prepared by advancing a thermoplastic sheet and a mesh sheet, each having an upper edge, along a process line. The plastic sheet has a bottom portion which is folded to define a lower edge of the thermoplastic sheet at a fold line. One seals the folded portion of the solid-wall thermoplastic sheet to a lower edge of the mesh sheet. Transverse slits are then formed in the sheets, and the sheets are heat sealed together near edges of the slits to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across both lower edges of the bags, but are preferably spaced from the upper edges. One drops produce between the sheet upper edges into the bags, and the bags are then heat sealed adjacent to the upper edges thereof, and subsequently separated by cutting. A novel heat seal die is also shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Recchia
  • Patent number: 6291039
    Abstract: A ruffling slide for making articles with stretchable portions includes a tubular sleeve for containing at least one resiliently elastic yarn element connecting the portions transversely provided on the sleeve and space apart in such a way that they define tubular ruffling sections. The connecting portions also form narrowed portions for locally clamping the elastic yarn elements. The yarn element inserts into the sleeve and is clamped at the narrowed portions in such a way that it extends freely through each tubular section and is movable therein between two positions, i.e., an inoperative position and an operative position in which said element is shorter than the section in question, whereby it may subsequently impart a ruffle thereto in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general direction of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Cera France Compagnie d'Equipment Robotique Appliquee
    Inventors: Robert Combe, Serge Moulin
  • Patent number: 6284083
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a perforated multiweb folded display product or insert having a width greater than the width of any single web forming a part thereof. The perforated multiweb product is also claimed. Gutterless joints are used to allow the display to lay flat when opened. Perforations allow the insert to be removably bound within a book or magazine. In some embodiments, displays having widths exceeding commercially available web widths are disclosed. In other embodiments, two or more webs are combined to yield web printed single or double magazine inserts or displays having an active viewing width in excess of 70 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sleepeck Printing Company
    Inventor: Ake L. Dahlquist
  • Patent number: 6280551
    Abstract: A method and system for producing an article using a thermoplastic sandwich material such as, for example, a 3-D deep-drawn article is disclosed. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, two reinforced thermoplastic skins surround a generally planar honeycomb structure. During the manufacturing process, the skins and the honeycomb structure are bonded together by means of a thermocoupling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventor: Lloyd R. Hilligoss
  • Patent number: 6277223
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, John M. Tharpe
  • Patent number: 6267836
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing tape tabs for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers. The method includes steps of cutting a unitary strip of material along parallel curved transverse lines to product tab shapes in the strip material having rounded corners, doubling over the strip material into itself to form a gripping area, and cutting the strip material along parallel cut lines which extend from the curved transverse cut lines to the longitudinal edge to form individual tape tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Wilfried Horst Fenske, Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6254714
    Abstract: A machine which fabricates an undergarment assembly having an openable front panel. The assembly is made from two continuous half width webs. The first and second web paths are transversely spaced. It includes devices to add a V-folded reinforcing strip along the edge of one web. Devices are included to add elastic strands adjacent the central crotch section and a re-closable tape across the front panel opening. One of the webs is printed with adhesive at spaced longitudinal intervals to bond portions of the two overlapped webs in central areas to define a bonded full width rear panel. The machine cuts leg openings and pad securement flaps on the outer margins of each half web. After assembly, the web is severed into unit products for delivery and packaging. The delivery system includes vacuum rolls for transferring flat product or longitudinally and transversely folded product for package size reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6250357
    Abstract: The machine of the present invention fabricates an undergarment assembly having an elasticized pad support panel secured to inner surfaces of the rear panel and the openable front panel. The machine makes the garment assembly from two half width webs, one of which has a reinforced edge. The machine arrangement includes first and second transversely spaced web paths and components to bond tensioned elastic strands to spaced dots of adhesive located on a third pad supporting web that is secured to adhesive areas applied adjacent, but not in, the garment crotch area with spaced adhesive applied to the innermost surfaces of the rear and front panels. The machine includes devices to add side margin and front panel connecting tapes, and die cutting rolls to cut leg openings in side margins. The machine includes components to divert cull product and deliver flat unfolded product, or longitudinal and transverse folded products for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6251209
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6245179
    Abstract: A process for making a sealing material for sealing doublewide manufactured homes includes the steps of selecting an elongated seal core made of a foamed polymer and selecting a flexible polymer covering sleeve for loosely covering the selected seal core and covering the seal core with a loose fitting covering sleeve. The covering sleeve is then shaped to form a skin over the seal core by forming a pair of flanges from the slack material in the covering sleeve with a folded portion of the covering sleeve and attaching the folded portions together to form flanges. A seal for a doublewide manufactured home is formed by the process and has an elongated polymer foam core covered by an elongated flexible polymer sleeve and having a pair of elongated flanges formed with folded slack material in the flexible polymer sleeve which folded flange portions are attached together, such as by sewing. A predetermined density foam core material of a larger size is covered with a woven polypropylene material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory A. Arnold, Jamie C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 6231712
    Abstract: A sheet of paper is provided with pressure-sensitive adhesive on areas of its front and rear surfaces. In a preferred form, the sheet is provided as a pad of similar sheets that may be removed from the pad one sheet at a time. The adhesive on the rear of the sheet is employed to secure the sheet to a first object. The adhesive on the front of the sheet is employed to secure a second object to the sheet. An area of the sheet face free of adhesive may be employed for a written message. A modified sheet is provided with cuts formed in an adhesive area of the sheet so that the cut area of the paper may move away from the plane of the sheet to adhere to irregular surfaces. The cut sheet may have adhesive on one or both sides. Where the adhesive is applied to both sheet sides, pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of the uncut side of the sheet is used for adhering the sheet to a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Carlos A. Torres
  • Patent number: 6214147
    Abstract: A process for in-line lamination of a non-oven fibrous sheet to an extruded polymer film. A non-oven fibrous sheet is slit into a plurality of narrow non-oven fibrous webs. The narrow non-oven fibrous webs are spaced by turning the webs around a plurality of spaced webs. An extruded polymer film is laminated onto a surface of the spaced webs to provide a laminate of the extruded polymer film and the spaced narrow webs having a portion of the extruded polymer film between the spaced non-woven fibrous webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Mortellite, Kevin W. Preston, Thomas G. Mushaben
  • Patent number: 6210388
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article in the form of a pants diaper or a sanitary panty starts from a flat blank which includes an elongated absorbent body (5) enclosed between two casing sheets (2, 9) which at opposing front and rear end parts of the absorbent body have side parts which extend laterally beyond the body on opposite sides thereof. The method includes the step of folding the blank about a transverse axis so that the end edges of the side parts lie edge-to-edge. The front and rear side parts of the blank which oppose one another in the folded state of the blank are joined together by a releasable and refastenable fastener (20). A pants diaper can be manufactured in accordance with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Anders Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6203654
    Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, Gary Dean Lavon, Wilfried Maria Kollner, John Richard Noel, John Lee Hammons
  • Patent number: 6187126
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tube and cable restraint comprising: a strip of flexible material having a generally elongated rectangular loop-section adapted to form a loop about the tube with an attachment means near the first end of the loop-section adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the strip to a surgical drape and a refastenable loop forming means adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the second end of the loop-section to the first end thereby forming a loop around the tube or cable. In another embodiment, the restraint is adapted to secure a tubular drape around a projecting object such as a microscope eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Robert L. Wheeler, F. Andrew Ubel
  • Patent number: 6183587
    Abstract: The method of making a shaped tube of absorbent material for the sanitary napkin, in one embodiment, involves the steps of: (a) providing a web of absorbent material, the web of absorbent material having a length, a width, a longitudinal centerline oriented in the direction of the length of the web of absorbent material, a first surface and an opposed second surface; (b) providing a cover for the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material; (c) at least partially covering the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material with the cover to form a composite web having longitudinal side margins; (d) folding the composite web at least once with folds defining fold lines that are arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the web of absorbent material; and (e) autogenously bonding a portion of the cover that covers the first surface of the web of absorbent material to a portion of the cover that covers an opposing portion of the second surface of the web of absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, John Lee Hammons, Diana Lynn Gann, John Richard Noel
  • Patent number: 6174397
    Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6162315
    Abstract: A friction material pad comprises a lamination of stacked sheets, each of which has a top edge forming the friction face that is generally parallel to the direction of relative rotation between the friction pad and an opposing rotary member. Each sheet is formed by a wet paper making process and has a plurality of unwoven fibers, platelets, flakes, or the like, more than half of which are oriented within 45.degree. of perpendicularity to the top edge, the sheets being bound together by a resin binder to form a lamination in which the sheet edges progress from inner to outer sheets to form the friction face of the pad, each sheet having the same blend of friction and lubricating particles, fibers and fillers in a resin matrix. Three groups of sheets are heat aged to different densities and have different friction, hardness and stiffness characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Lamport
  • Patent number: RE37154
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for manufacturing individual disposable underpants provided around a waist line and a pair of leg-holes with elastic members from two continuous webs and a plurality of continuous elastic members, characterized by that the webs are applied on predetermined locations with adhesive so that the elastic members can be reliably held on the webs although the elastic members must be forcibly curved when the elastic members are bonded between the webs with use of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Nomura, Taiji Shimakawa, Sadanori Matsura, Hiroki Yamamoto, Hirofumi Ohnishi