Method and apparatus for changing the orientation of an absorbent article

摘要

The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein operate to change the orientation of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a transfer apparatus having a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The method includes advancing an absorbent article in a machine direction. The absorbent article is defined by a longitudinal centerline intersected by a lateral centerline at a center. The method includes rotating the absorbent article from a first orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in a cross direction to a second orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in the machine direction. The method includes shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts from a first cross-directional position to a second cross-directional position. The steps of rotating the absorbent article and shifting the absorbent article may occur concurrently.

主权项

1. A method for changing the orientation of an absorbent article, the absorbent article defining a longitudinal centerline that intersects a lateral centerline at a center of the absorbent article, the method comprising the steps of:
advancing the absorbent article in a first direction, wherein the absorbent article is oriented such that the longitudinal centerline extends in a second direction that is different from the first direction; positioning the absorbent article on a transfer member configured to rotate about a transfer axis of rotation, wherein the transfer member comprises a rotation member and a receiving surface attached to a portion of the rotation member, and wherein a center of the rotation member is aligned with the transfer axis of rotation, and wherein a center of the receiving surface and the center of the absorbent article is offset from the center of the rotation member; rotating the absorbent article about the transfer axis of rotation such that the longitudinal centerline extends in the first direction; and shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts in the second direction.