The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 04, 2006
Filed:
Apr. 03, 2003
Charles Robert Tomsovic, Omro, WI (US);
Joseph Daniel Coenen, Kaukauna, WI (US);
David Albert Maxton, Menasha, WI (US);
Charles Robert Tomsovic, Omro, WI (US);
Joseph Daniel Coenen, Kaukauna, WI (US);
David Albert Maxton, Menasha, WI (US);
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Abstract
New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.