Method and apparatus for winding a web

An apparatus for winding a web about a central axis to form a roll, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a rotating mandrel, the rotating mandrel being oriented along a central axis,
• (b) a feeding mechanism, the feeding mechanism comprising two rollers for holding in a feed position a running web to be wound upon the mandrel into a roll, and
• (c) a retainer assembly, the retainer assembly being mounted around the central axis of the rotating mandrel, the retainer assembly being configured to facilitate winding of the web by oscillating movement of the rotating mandrel between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, the retainer assembly providing support to the outer portion of the roll during winding of the web upon the mandrel in forming a roll, the retainer assembly having at least one circumferential support stay for engagement of the web on the outer surface of the roll as the roll builds;
• the two rollers of the feeding mechanism positioned for pressing engagement of a running web there-between;
• and
• wherein the two rollers of the feeding mechanism are configured to oscillate between a first position adapted for feeding web in a clockwise direction upon the rotating mandrel, and a second position adapted for feeding web in a counterclockwise position upon the rotating mandrel.

An apparatus for winding a web, the apparatus comprising:

• an oscillating, rotating mandrel, the rotating mandrel being oriented along a central axis;
• (b) a feeding means, the feeding means comprising at least one roller for holding in a feed position a running web to be wound upon the rotating mandrel into a roll;
• (c) a retaining means, the retaining means being mounted around the central axis of the rotating mandrel, the retaining means being configured to facilitate oscillating movement of the rotating mandrel to wind in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, the retaining means providing support to the outer portion of the roll during winding of the web upon the rotating mandrel in forming a roll, the retaining means having at least one circumferential support stay for engagement of the web on the outer surface of the roll;
• and
• (d) at least a one engagement means, the engagement means being oriented for activation between:
• i) an active position in which the engagement means is extended to contact and retain the web on the outer surface of the roll, and
• ii) a resting position in which the engagement means is retracted from the outer surface of the roll,
• wherein while in the active position the engagement means is positioned for retaining the web upon the outer surface of the roll during a change in the roll rotational direction.

A method for winding a web to form a roll, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a rotating mandrel oriented along an axis,
• (b) providing a web;
• (c) feeding the web through a feed assembly, the feed assembly being adapted to facilitate winding of the web upon the rotating mandrel;
• (d) providing a retainer assembly in operable connection to the mandrel;
• (e) rotating the mandrel relative to the retainer assembly, in a clockwise direction, to wind the web;
• (f) reversing the direction of rotation, thereby winding the web in the counterclockwise direction;
• (g) repeating steps (e) and (f);
• thereby
• (h) forming a roll.