Patent ID: 7204682
Filing Date: 2007-04-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for making a reinforced absorbent member including a fibrous material and a reinforcing web, said reinforcing web having inner and outer surfaces, said apparatus comprising: a forming chamber adapted to receive a fluent fibrous material therein; a forming surface moveable within the forming chamber and adapted to collect fibrous material thereon to form the absorbent member; a source of reinforcing web disposed generally exteriorly of the forming chamber; and a delivery tube having an inlet end open to the exterior of the forming chamber, a discharge end open to the interior of the forming chamber, and a central passage extending between the inlet end and the discharge end, at least a portion of the delivery tube adjacent the discharge end thereof extending within the interior of the forming chamber, said delivery tube being arranged for receiving the reinforcing web from the source of reinforcing web into the central passage of said tube at the inlet end thereof and guiding the web to the discharge end thereof for conveyance within the forming chamber toward the forming surface, the delivery tube further comprising a panel extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the central passage of said tube and terminating at the discharge end of said tube, said panel being arranged such that the reinforcing web moves over at least a portion of the panel in an unfolded condition and in contact therewith as the web passes through the central passage of the tube to the discharge end thereof.