Methods for improving product chassis and panel control during folding of garment
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsBrian R. Vogt, Robert Lee Popp, Larry D. Primeau, Jack L. Couillard, John P. Hillmer, David A. Maxton, Kurt G. Krupka
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for folding garments is suitable for use with garments having discrete mechanical fastening components and suitable for the manufacture of prefastened and refastenable garments. The garments or other discrete articles define leading and trailing halves with opposed side panels. A chassis portion and side panels of the garments can be controlled during folding by providing a three piece vacuum puck design and/or a channeled transfer plate as well as a layer of air under the leading side panels.
Claims23
A method of folding garments, comprising:
- creating a folding nip between first and second folding conveyors;
- transporting a plurality of discrete articles on the first folding conveyor toward the folding nip, each discrete article comprising a chassis and defining a leading half including opposed leading side panels, a trailing half including opposed trailing side panels, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves;
- guiding the leading half onto a transfer plate using a product control drum having at least one vacuum puck, the at least one vacuum puck comprising multiple pieces;
- moving the interconnecting region into the folding nip;
- and
- advancing the leading and trailing halves into the folding nip.
A method of folding garments, comprising;
- creating a folding nip between first and second folding conveyors;
- transporting a plurality of discrete articles on the first folding conveyor toward the folding nip, each discrete article comprising a chassis and defining a leading half including opposed leading side panels, a trailing half including opposed trailing side panels, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves, the leading half and the trailing half comprising mechanical fastening components;
- guiding the leading half onto a channeled transfer plate;
- moving the interconnecting region into the folding nip;
- and
- advancing the leading and trailing halves into the folding nip.
A method of folding garments, comprising:
- creating a folding nip between first and second folding conveyors;
- transporting a plurality of discrete articles on the first folding conveyor toward the folding nip, each discrete article comprising a chassis and defining a leading half including opposed leading side panels, a trailing half including opposed trailing side panels, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves;
- guiding the leading half onto a transfer plate, the transfer plate providing a layer of air under the discrete articles;
- moving the interconnecting region into the folding nip;
- advancing the leading and trailing halves into the folding nip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.