Patent ID: 8225837
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: A61F,B65H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for making absorbent articles having side seams, the apparatus comprising: a wheel adapted to rotate about a rotation axis; a first track defining a first circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis and having a varying distance from the rotation axis, wherein the first track is stationary relative to the wheel; a second track defining a second circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis and having a varying distance from the rotation axis, wherein the second track is stationary relative to the wheel; a plurality of folding mechanisms disposed on the wheel, each folding mechanism comprising: wherein as the wheel rotates, the distal end portion of the first follower member orbits in a first orbit path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the first circumferential shape; and wherein as the wheel rotates, the second follower member moves relative to the first follower member in correspondence with a relative radial distance between the first track and the second track.