SURFACE WINDER FOR PRODUCING LOGS OF CONVOLUTELY WOUND WEB MATERIALS

Abstract

A surface winder for winding a web material around a core to obtain a log is disclosed. The surface winder provides a core inserter for inserting a core into an introductory portion of a winding cradle defined by an upper winding roller, a concave cradle, a lower winding roller, and a third oscillating roller. The concave cradle has a leading edge device having a surface with at least one channel disposed therein. The at least one channel has a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to the leading edge device and a first location disposed upon the surface capable of receiving a fluid from the at least one channel. The fluid is fluidically displaced onto the core from the at least one channel when the core is in contacting engagement with the first location disposed upon the surface.

Claims

1. A surface winder for winding a web material about a core having a radius, R, to obtain a log of convolutely wound web material, the surface winder comprising a core inserter for inserting said core into an introductory portion of a winding cradle, said introductory portion being defined by an upper winding roller, supplied from above with said web material directed towards said introductory portion at a velocity, v, and at a bottom by a concave cradle having a leading edge device, said concave cradle being associated downstream with a lower winding roller, said surface winder comprising a third oscillating roller arranged above said lower winding roller, said upper winding roller, said lower winding roller, and said third oscillating roller each having a respective axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the feeding direction of said web material and cooperating with each other downstream of said introductory portion to form said winding cradle in order to convolutely wind said web material about said core to obtain said log, said leading edge device comprising a surface, said leading edge device having at least one channel disposed therein, said at least one channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and a first location disposed upon said surface, said first location disposed upon said surface being capable of receiving a fluid from said at least one channel, said fluid being fluidically displaced onto said core from said at least one channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said first location disposed upon said surface.

2. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface further comprises a pressure-sensitive valve disposed thereon, said pressure-sensitive valve being in fluid communication with said at least one channel at said first location disposed upon said surface, said pressure-sensitive valve providing fluid communication of said first fluid from said channel to said core when said core is in contacting engagement therewith.

3. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface further comprises an opening disposed thereon at said first location disposed upon said surface, said opening being in fluid communication with said at least one channel at said first location disposed upon said surface, said opening providing fluid communication of said first fluid from said channel to said core when said core is in contacting engagement therewith.

4. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface causes said core to rotate at an angular velocity, ω, wherein v=Rω.

5. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface further comprises a texture comprising a plurality of protuberances disposed upon said surface, said core contacting said protuberances when disposed within said introductory portion.

6. The surface winder of claim 5 wherein each protuberance of said plurality of protuberances is provided with a geometry, said geometry of each of said protuberances reducing slippage between said core and said surface of said leading edge device.

7. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface comprises at least one recess disposed therein.

8. The surface winder of claim 7 wherein said recess is operatively connected to a second at least one channel, said second at least one channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and said recess, said second at least one channel being capable of receiving at least a portion of said first fluid from said recess, said at least a portion of said first fluid being fluidically displaceable through said second at least one channel to a position external to said leading edge device from said recess.

9. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface further comprises a raised area, said at least one channel extending from a position external to said leading edge device and said raised area.

10. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface further comprises at least a second channel disposed therein, said second channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and a second location disposed upon said surface, said surface being capable of receiving said fluid from said second channel at said second location disposed upon said surface, said fluid being fluidically displaced onto said core from said second channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said surface.

11. The surface winder of claim 1 wherein said surface winder rotates said core about a longitudinal axis within said introductory portion such that said core contacts said web material and said surface winder causes said web material to adhesively bond said web material to said core after said fluid is fluidically displaced onto said core from said at least one channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said first location disposed upon said surface.

12. The surface winder of claim 11 wherein said surface winder rotates said core about said longitudinal axis after said web material is adhesively bonded onto said core to convolutely wind said web material about said core.

13. The surface winder of claim 13 wherein said core inserter translates said core form a first position external to said surface winder to said introductory portion.

14. A surface winder for winding a web material around a core having a radius, R, to obtain a log of convolutely wound web material, the surface winder comprising a core inserter for inserting said core having a plurality of rugosities disposed upon a surface thereof into an introductory portion of a winding cradle, said introductory portion being defined by an upper winding roller, supplied from above with said web material directed towards said introductory portion at a velocity, v, and at a bottom by a concave cradle having a leading edge device operatively attached thereto, said concave cradle being associated downstream with a lower winding roller, said surface winder comprising a third oscillating roller arranged above said lower winding roller, said upper winding roller, said lower winding roller, and said third oscillating roller each having a respective axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the feeding direction of said web material and cooperating with each other downstream of said introductory portion to form said winding cradle in order to convolutely wind said web material about said core to obtain said log, said leading edge device comprising a surface having a texture disposed thereon, said texture reducing slippage of said core when said core is disposed within said introductory portion, said rugosities disposed upon said core facilitating attachment of said web material to said core.

15. The surface winder of claim 14 wherein said surface causes said core to rotate at an angular velocity, ω, wherein v=Rω.

16. The surface winder of claim 14 wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protuberances disposed upon said surface of said leading edge device, said core contacting said protuberances when disposed within said introductory portion.

17. The surface winder of claim 16 wherein each protuberance of said plurality of protuberances are provided with a geometry, said geometry of each of said protuberances reducing slippage between said core and said surface of said leading edge device.

18. The surface winder of claim 14 wherein said surface winder rotates said core about said longitudinal axis after said web material is attached to said rugosities to convolutely wind said web material about said core.

19. The surface winder of claim 14 wherein said core inserter contains a plurality of said cores.

20. The surface winder of claim 14 wherein said core inserter translates said core form a first position external to said surface winder to said introductory portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of still yet another exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary prior art surface rewinding machine winder including a core in-feed apparatus showing the transport of a winding core that has glue disposed upon a surface thereof;

[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary prior art surface winder having a winding core having an adhesive previously applied thereto disposed at the introductory portion of a winding cradle;

[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary prior art introductory portion of the winding cradle of the region labeled 8 in FIG. 7 having a smooth surface;

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface prior art winding machine showing a core having an adhesive applied previously thereto ‘slipping’ through the introductory portion of the surface rewinding machine while disposed between the upper winding roll and the winding cradle due to the introductory portion of the winding cradle having a smooth surface;

[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface rewinding machine having an exemplary introductory portion and ready to insert a core having no adhesive disposed thereon as described by the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary introductory portion for a surface rewinding machine;

[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary introductory portion taken at 12-12 of FIG. 10;

[0053] FIG. 13 is a photograph showing a perspective view of an exemplary introductory portion for a surface rewinding machine having a pressure-sensitive valve disposed within a surface thereof;

[0054] FIG. 14 is a photograph of the portion labeled 14 of the photograph of FIG. 13;

[0055] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary introductory portion for a surface rewinding machine;

[0056] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary introductory portion for a surface rewinding machine;

[0057] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of still another exemplary introductory portion for a surface rewinding machine;

[0058] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary introductory portion taken at 17-17 of FIG. 16;

[0059] FIG. 18A is a view of the region labeled 18A of FIG. 18;

[0060] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary surface rewinding machine having an exemplary introductory portion and ready to insert a core having no adhesive disposed thereon and stored in a core bin prior to insertion as described by the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface rewinding machine having an exemplary introductory portion and conveying a core having no adhesive disposed thereon thereto as described by the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface rewinding machine having an exemplary introductory portion and conveying a core having no adhesive disposed thereon from an accumulator thereto as described by the present disclosure; and,

[0063] FIG. 22 is an example of a convolutely wound web material wound about a core using the exemplary surface winding machines of the present disclosure and having no core glue applied to the core or alternatively the web material being convolutely wound about a core having a first COF during winding and a second COF after winding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] An exemplary embodiment of a new rewinder 1000 consistent with the description supra is shown in FIG. 10. As presented, FIG. 10 shows the main members of the rewinder 1000, and in particular the members intended to feed the winding cores A and the winding rollers.

[0065] As shown, the winding head of the rewinding machine comprises a first winding roller 1003 (also referred to herein as upper winding roll 1003) with a rotation axis 1003A, a second winding roller 1005 (also referred to herein as lower winding roll 1005) rotating about a rotation axis 1005A and a third winding roller 1007 (also referred to herein as rider roll 1007) rotating about a third rotation axis 1007A. A nip 1011 is defined between the two winding rollers 1003 and 1005 for passage of the web material N6, having a speed, v, which can be equal to the surface speed of upper winding roll 1003 wound about a core A.

[0066] In some embodiments the axis 1003A of the first winding roller 1003 is fixed with respect to a load bearing structure (not shown) of the rewinder 1000. In other embodiments the axis 1003A can be moving with respect to the load bearing structure (not shown).

[0067] In some embodiments the axis 1005A of the second winding roller 1005 is movable. In some embodiments the axis 1005A can be moved to produce logs with a winding core A. In other embodiments, the rotation axis 1005A of the second winding roller 1005 can be movable in a controlled manner also during each winding cycle of logs upon a core A having a variable diameter. Ideally, the axis 1005A of the second winding roller 1005 can be movable to adapt the machine to winding cores A or mandrels having different diameters. In any regard, the first winding roller 1003 can have a moving axis 1003A for the same reasons indicated above. Further, both the winding rollers 1003 and 1005 can be movable and adjustable.

[0068] The third winding roller 1007 is advantageously carried, for example, by a pair of arms 1009 pivoting with a reciprocating movement according to the double arrow f9 about a pivoting axis 1009A. The movement according to the double arrow f9 enables the third winding roller 1007 to move toward or away from the first winding roller 1003 and second winding roller 1005 according to the diameter of the log L during the step of formation inside the winding cradle defined by the three winding rollers 1003, 1005 and 1007.

[0069] The exemplary prior art rewinding machine 1000 can be provided with a concave cradle 1041. The concave cradle 1041 is in actual fact preferably formed by a series of mutually parallel shaped plates, only one of which is visible in the drawing and the others being superimposed thereon. The various shaped plates all have a concave edge forming a concave surface for rolling of the winding cores.

[0070] Single winding cores A can be picked up by a core inserter 1049 and inserted into introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013. Cam housing 34 of core inserter 1049 can be provided with a cam disposed within cam housing 1034 that defines the orbital motion of movable finger 1028 attached thereto about the longitudinal axis of core inserter 1049. The cam can be provided with any desired profile required by the manufacturing operation to provide the desired motion about the longitudinal axis 1038.

[0071] In this regard, movable finger 1028 can emanate from a centroid of cam housing 1034 in a manner that causes cam housing 1034 to orbit about the longitudinal axis 1038 of cam-controlled core inserter 1049. As cam housing 1034 orbits about the longitudinal axis 1038 while disposed in contacting and moveable engagement with cam housing 1034, cam housing 1034 can define the motion of movable finger 1028 relative to the longitudinal axis 1038, fixed finger 1022, and winding core A. Providing a cam housing 1034 system to control the movement of movable finger 1028 of cam-controlled core inserter 1049 can provide a more reliable and consistent contact and release system for the insertion of a winding core A into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0072] As the fixed fingers 1022 of core inserter 1049 approach the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013, winding core A remains in contacting engagement with fixed finger 1022 and movable finger 1028 of cam-controlled core inserter 1049 as the winding core A approaches the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013. Core inserter 1049 can provide more certainty relative to the insertion of a winding core A into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0073] Moving member 1021 can be used to sever the web material N6. Winding starts on the central core A and member 1021 does not perform any function in relation to this action, except for an optional effect of accompanying the leading edge toward the new winding core A that is inserted into the channel formed between the winding roller 1003 and the cradle 1041 upstream (with respect to the direction of feed of the web material N6) of the moving member 1021.

[0074] Interaction between the concave cradle 1041 and the moving member 1021 is permitted by the fact that the former has a comb shaped structure formed by a plurality of parallel plates. In this way, the pads 1023 of the moving member 1021 can pass between adjacent plates and enter the feed channel of the winding cores A formed between the concave surface of the cradle 1041 and the cylindrical surface 1003B of the winding roller 1003. The concave cradle 1041 can be supported about the rotation axis 1021C of the moving member 1021. The moving member passes from an idle position to an operating position by pivoting about the rotation axis 1021C. Pivoting can be controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator. Additionally, moving member 1021 can be provided with a reciprocating oscillatory or rotary movement around the axis. The moving member 1021 preferably rotates in clockwise direction to come into contact with the web material N6 and pinch it against the cylindrical surface of the winding roller 1003 and perform severing of the web material N6.

[0075] As mentioned previously, single winding cores A are picked up by a core inserter 1049 and translated to a point of entry into the introductory portion 1012 of the surface rewinding machine 1000 disposed between the upper winding roll 1003 having a web material N6 disposed about at least a portion thereof and the concave cradle 1041. The region disposed between concave cradle 1041 and upper winding roll 1003 is referred to herein as winding cradle 1013. The region disposed between leading edge device 1014 and upper winding roll 1003 forms the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013. While it is possible for web material N6 to have a velocity, v, that is different from the surface velocity of upper winding roll 1003 about its longitudinal axis 1003A, for purposes of discussion herein, it can be presumed that the velocity, v, of web material N6 is the same as the surface velocity, v, of upper winding roll 1003 about its longitudinal axis 1003A.

[0076] The present disclosure provides a unique introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 for insertion of the winding core A into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 of rewinder 1000. As shown in FIG. 11, the unique leading edge device 1014 incorporated into introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 can effectively eliminate the need for a rewinder 1000 system to incorporate a glue applicator as well as the associated storage capability/capacity for the storage of glue to be disposed upon a particular core A prior to insertion into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 11-14, leading edge device 1014 can be provided with at least one pressure-sensitive valve 1050 provided upon or recessed within surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014. A source of glue or other fluid can be supplied to pressure-sensitive valve 1050 via a channel 1052 disposed within leading edge device 1014 so that glue or any other fluid can be supplied from a glue or fluid source disposed external to leading edge device 1014 and provided in fluid communication with pressure-sensitive valve 1050 via channel 1052.

[0078] Referring again to FIGS. 10-14, in operation, a core A is disposed at the introductory portion 1012 of rewinder 1000 upon the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014 by core inserter 1049. As core A progresses into eventual contacting engagement with upper winding roll 1003 and/or web material N6 it concurrently progresses along surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014 in eventual rotating engagement with surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014. As core A is rotarily transported across surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014 while in contacting engagement with web material N6 and/or upper winding roll 1003, core A will assume contacting engagement with pressure sensitive valve 1050. As core A contactingly engages pressure-sensitive valve 1050, pressure-sensitive valve 1050 opens allowing glue, adhesive, or other fluid disposed within channel 1052 to fluidly migrate past the surface of pressure-sensitive valve 1050 and into contacting engagement with the surface of core A. Core A, now having glue or fluid disposed upon a surface thereof can then rotate into contacting engagement with web material N where web material N is then contactingly and releaseably engaged with core A via the glue or fluid disposed upon a surface thereof.

[0079] One of skill in the art will readily recognize that the deposition of glue or fluid upon core A while disposed within introductory portion 1012 can facilitate the more accurate placement and/or attachment of the web material N6 at a portion of web material N6 that is disposed adjacent a CD-oriented perforation. This can reduce and even remedy the undesirable attributes associated with the placement of glue upon core A by an external process and translating the glue-laden core A from the glue application device to the introductory portion 1012 as discussed supra.

[0080] By way of example only, glue can be disposed upon the surface of a core A that is disposed in contacting engagement with both the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014 and the web material N6 that is engaged with the surface of upper winding roll 1003 of rewinder 1000 that is in complete rotational and translational control. Thus the glue can be disposed upon a portion of the surface of core A and immediately rotate into a pre-determined and/or desired location disposed upon the surface of web material N6. This pre-determined and/or desired location disposed upon the surface of web material N6 can be provided immediately adjacent a CD-oriented perforation disposed within web material N6.

[0081] A shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of pressure-sensitive valves 1050 can be provided within or upon the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014. The plurality of pressure-sensitive valves 1050 can be provided with any desired positioning upon the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014. Any desired positioning can be provided in any desired configuration upon the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014 to include sinusoidal, saw-tooth, square, collectively elongate, and/or combinations thereof. Thus, one of skill in the art would be able to provide glue upon the surface of core A in a manner that provides the most efficacious fastening of web material N6 upon core A via the glue disposed thereon.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, each pressure-sensitive valve 1050 can be supplied with glue, adhesive, or other fluid through an individual channel 1052 associated with a respective pressure-sensitive valve 1050 associated thereto. Alternatively, a plurality of pressure-sensitive valves 1050 can be supplied with glue, adhesive, or other fluid through an individual channel 1052 associated with the plurality pressure-sensitive valve 1050 associated thereto through internal plumbing that would be recognized by one of skill in the art or through the connection of each respective pressure-sensitive valve 1050 of a given plurality of pressure-sensitive valves 1050 through a manifold that provides contacting engagement of a respective or plurality of channels 1052 with the plurality of pressure-sensitive valves 1050. Such plumbing architecture can be provided with methods known in the art as additive manufacturing and all of its industrially known equivalents.

[0083] A valve suitable as a pressure-sensitive valve 1050 is the SOLO GLUE RITER® Applicator available from Gluefast Adhesives & Applicating Equipment, Neptune, N.J.

[0084] One of skill in the art would understand that it can be desirable to provide the winding core A with pure rolling motion at the point of contact with upper winding roll 1003 and the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014. In this way, the rolling of winding core A becomes a combination of both translational and rotational motion. In this way, when winding core A experiences pure translational motion, all of its points move with the same velocity as the center of mass (e.g., in the same direction and with the same speed (v=v.sub.cm). Further, when the winding core A experiences pure rotational motion about its center of mass, all of its points move at right angles to the radius, R, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so that points on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of winding core A move in opposite directions, move with a speed proportional to radius (v=Rω), so that the center of mass does not move (since R=0) and points on the outer radius of winding core A move with speed v=Rω, and move in a circle centered on the axis of rotation (also the center of mass).

[0085] An exemplary leading edge device 1014 can be provided with a surface 15 that has a texture provided thereto. Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that providing a leading edge device 1014 with a finish texture upon surface 1015 that can reduce the slippage of a respective winding core A inserted into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0086] In the exemplary, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the surface 1015A of leading edge device 1014A can be provided with a finish texture comprising a plurality of raised areas (or ridges) 1058 and/or a plurality of recessed areas 1060 relative to the surface 1015A of leading edge device 1014A that can assist in providing the winding core A with a pure rolling motion at the point of contact with upper winding roll 1003 and the surface 1015A of leading edge device 1014A. As depicted, the plurality of raised areas 1058 and/or plurality of recessed areas 1060 can be MD-oriented relative to the movement of the core A through the rewinder 1000.

[0087] The raised areas 1058 can each be provided by at least one respective pressure-sensitive valve 1050. However, one of skill in the art could provide any number of raised areas 1058 with any number of pressure-sensitive valves 1050 that provide the desired amount of glue, adhesive, and/or other fluid upon a core A that is provided in contacting and pressured engagement thereto. In any regard, a core A presented in contacting engagement with leading edge device 1014A can be facilitated in obtaining rotational motion through the leading edge device 1014A and have glue disposed at a location (pre-determined or otherwise) thereon upon contacting engagement with the respective pressure-sensitive valves 1050 disposed upon any number of the raised areas 1058 disposed upon the surface 1015A.

[0088] Additionally, any number of the recessed areas 1060 can facilitate removal of any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that is not in contacting engagement with a core A. For example, any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that are not in contacting engagement with a core A can overflow into a recess and be re-directed away from any downstream manufacturing equipment comprising rewinder 1000. One of skill in the art could even provide glue, adhesive, and/or fluid reclamation equipment and/or systems in fluid engagement with any number of recessed areas 1060. For example, each recessed area can be operative connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal channel (not shown) that redirects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid away from leading edge device 1014A. Alternatively, each recessed area can be operative connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal reservoir (not shown) that collects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that has been redirected away from leading edge device 1014A.

[0089] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, the raised areas 1058 can each be provided by at least one respective opening 1056. However, one of skill in the art could provide any number of raised areas 1058 with any number of openings 1056 that provide the desired amount of glue, adhesive, and/or other fluid upon a core A that is provided in contacting and pressured engagement thereto. In any regard, a core A presented in contacting engagement with leading edge device 1014B can be facilitated in obtaining rotational motion through the leading edge device 1014B and have glue disposed at a location (pre-determined or otherwise) thereon upon contacting engagement with a respective opening 1056 disposed within any number of the raised areas 1058 disposed upon the surface 1015B.

[0090] Further, any number of the recessed areas 1060 can facilitate removal of any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that is not in contacting engagement with a core A. For example, any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that is not in contacting engagement with a core A can overflow into a recess and re-directed away from any downstream manufacturing equipment comprising rewinder 1000. One of skill in the art could even provide glue, adhesive, and/or fluid reclamation equipment and/or systems in fluid engagement with any number of recessed areas 1060. For example, each recessed area can be operative connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal channel (not shown) that redirects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid away from leading edge device 1014B. Alternatively, each recessed area can be operative connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal reservoir (not shown) that collects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that has been redirected away from leading edge device 1014B.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 17-18 and 18A, the raised areas 1058A of exemplary leading edge device 1014C can be disposed generally parallel or parallel to the longitudinal axis of leading edge device 1014C (generally extending in the CD). As shown, at least one raised area 1058A can be provided by at least one respective opening 1056A or a plurality of openings 1056A. However, one of skill in the art could provide any number of raised areas A that provide the desired amount of glue, adhesive, and/or other fluid upon a core A that is provided in contacting and pressured engagement thereto. In any regard, a core A presented in contacting engagement with leading edge device 1014C can be facilitated in obtaining rotational motion through the leading edge device 1014C and have glue disposed at a location (pre-determined or otherwise) thereon upon contacting engagement with a respective opening 1056A disposed within any number of the raised areas 1058A disposed upon the surface 1015C.

[0092] Further, any number of the recessed areas 1060A can facilitate removal of any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that is not in contacting engagement with a core A. For example, any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that is not in contacting engagement with a core A can overflow into a recess and re-directed away from any downstream manufacturing equipment comprising rewinder 1000. One of skill in the art could even provide glue, adhesive, and/or fluid reclamation equipment and/or systems in fluid engagement with any number of recessed areas 1060A. For example, each recessed area can be operatively connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal channel 1070 that redirects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid away from the surface 1015C of leading edge device 1014C. Alternatively, each recessed area can be operatively connected to a glue, adhesive, and/or fluid removal reservoir (not shown) with or without the use of fluid a removal channel 1070 that collects any excess glue, adhesive, and/or fluid that has been redirected away from the surface 1015 of leading edge device 1014.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 19, another exemplary embodiment of a rewinding machine 1000A comprises a first winding roller 1003, a second winding roller 1005, and a third winding roller 1007. A nip 1011 is defined between the two winding rollers 1003 and 1005 for passage of the web material N6, having a speed, v, which can be equal to the surface speed of upper winding roll 1003 and wound about a core A.

[0094] The third winding roller 1007 is advantageously carried, for example, by a pair of arms 1009 pivoting with a reciprocating movement according to the double arrow f9. The movement according to the double arrow f9 enables the third winding roller 1007 to move toward or away from the first winding roller 1003 and second winding roller 1005 according to the diameter of the log L during the step of formation inside the winding cradle defined by the three winding rollers 1003, 1005 and 1007.

[0095] The exemplary rewinding machine 1000A can be provided with a concave cradle 1041 preferably formed by a series of mutually parallel shaped plates. The various shaped plates all have a concave edge forming a concave surface for rolling of the winding cores A.

[0096] Single winding cores A can be stored and individually dropped into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 by a core bin 1049A. Each core A disposed within core bin 1049A can be produced by ancillary equipment suitable for the manufacture of cores A and deposited within core bin 1049A. Core bin 1049A can provide an individual core A to the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 by means of an articulable, or rotary, gate that opens and closes an opening allowing egress of a core A from core bin 1049A. Alternatively, a plurality of retractable pins can obfuscate an outlet opening of core bin 1049A to prevent expulsion of a core A from core bin 1049A. When a core A is required by rewinder 1000A, the retractable pins preventing core ejection from core bin 1049A can be retracted thereby allowing the expulsion of a core A from core bin 1049A into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0097] Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that providing a core bin 1049A that contains cores A and effectively deposits individual cores A to the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 can eliminate the need for additional equipment that provides translation of cores A from a first position to the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013. This can provide a more reliable and consistent insertion of a winding core A into the introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013.

[0098] Moving member 1021 can be used to sever the web material N6, but winding starts on the central core A and the member 1021 does not perform any function in relation to this action, except for an optional effect of accompanying the leading edge toward the new winding core A that is inserted into the channel formed between the winding roller 1003 and the cradle 1041 upstream (with respect to the direction of feed of the web material N6) of the moving member 1021. The moving member passes from an idle position to an operating position by pivoting about the rotation axis 1021C. Pivoting can be controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator. Moving member 1021 can be provided with a reciprocating oscillatory or rotary movement and rotates in clockwise direction to come into contact with the web material N6 and pinch it against the cylindrical surface of the winding roller 1003 and perform severing of the web material N6.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 20, yet another exemplary embodiment of a rewinding machine 1000B comprises a first winding roller 1003, a second winding roller 1005, and a third winding roller 1007. A nip 1011 is defined between the two winding rollers 1003 and 1005 for passage of the web material N6. The third winding roller 1007 is carried by a pair of arms 1009 pivoting with a reciprocating movement according to the double arrow f9. The third winding roller 1007 moves toward or away from the first winding roller 1003 and second winding roller 1005 along the double arrow f9 according to the diameter of the log L during the step of formation inside the winding cradle defined by the three winding rollers 1003, 1005 and 1007.

[0100] The exemplary rewinding machine 1000B can be provided with a concave cradle 1041 preferably formed by a series of mutually parallel shaped plates. The various shaped plates all have a concave edge forming a concave surface for rolling of the winding cores A.

[0101] Single winding cores A can be conveyed and individually dropped into introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 by a conveyor 1049B. Each core A disposed upon conveyor 1049B can be produced by ancillary equipment suitable for the manufacture of cores A and individually deposited onto conveyor 1049B. Conveyor 1049B can provide an individual core A to the introductory portion of winding cradle 1013 by means of a pusher or other conveyance assistance mechanism disposed upon and/or integral with conveyor 1049B that assists in conveying and effectively pushes a core A into introductory portion 1012.

[0102] Moving member 1021 can be used to sever the web material N6, but winding starts on the central core A and the member 1021 does not perform any function in relation to this action, except for an optional effect of accompanying the leading edge toward the new winding core A that is inserted into the channel formed between the winding roller 1003 and the cradle 1041 upstream (with respect to the direction of feed of the web material N6) of the moving member 1021. The moving member passes from an idle position to an operating position by pivoting about the rotation axis 1021C. Pivoting can be controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator. Moving member 1021 can be provided with a reciprocating oscillatory or rotary movement and rotates in clockwise direction to come into contact with the web material N6 and pinch it against the cylindrical surface of the winding roller 1003 and perform severing of the web material N6.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 21, yet another exemplary embodiment of a rewinding machine 1000C comprises a first winding roller 1003, a second winding roller 1005, and a third winding roller 1007. A nip 1011 is defined between the two winding rollers 1003 and 1005 for passage of the web material N6 to be wound about a core A. The third winding roller 1007 is carried by a pair of arms 1009 pivoting with a reciprocating movement according to the double arrow f9. The third winding roller 1007 moves toward or away from the first winding roller 1003 and second winding roller 1005 along the double arrow f9 according to the diameter of the log L during the step of formation inside the winding cradle defined by the three winding rollers 1003, 1005 and 1007.

[0104] The exemplary rewinding machine 1000C can be provided with a concave cradle 1041 formed by a series of mutually parallel shaped plates. The various shaped plates all have a concave edge forming a concave surface for rolling of the winding cores A. Single winding cores A can be conveyed and individually dropped into introductory portion 1012 of winding cradle 1013 by an accumulator 1049C. Each core A disposed upon accumulator 1049C can be produced by ancillary equipment suitable for the manufacture of cores A and individually deposited onto accumulator 1049C. Accumulator 1049C can provide an individual core A to the introductory portion of winding cradle 1013 by means of a pusher or other conveyance assistance mechanism disposed upon and/or integral with accumulator 1049C that assists in conveying and effectively pushes a core A into introductory portion 1012. The use of an accumulator 1049C can facilitate the continued production of cores A and storage thereof when rewinding machine 1000C is not operational. Such a circumstance can arise during production due to a mechanical breakage issue, a web material N6 break, and the like. Further, the use of an accumulator 1049C can facilitate the continued production of cores A and storage thereof when rewinding machine 1000C is not operational for periodic maintenance.

[0105] Moving member 1021 can be used to sever the web material N6, but winding starts on the central core A and the member 1021 does not perform any function in relation to this action, except for an optional effect of accompanying the leading edge toward the new winding core A that is inserted into the channel formed between the winding roller 1003 and the cradle 1041 upstream (with respect to the direction of feed of the web material N6) of the moving member 1021. The moving member passes from an idle position to an operating position by pivoting about the rotation axis 1021C. Pivoting can be controlled by a piston-cylinder actuator. Moving member 1021 can be provided with a reciprocating oscillatory or rotary movement and rotates in clockwise direction to come into contact with the web material N6 and pinch it against the cylindrical surface of the winding roller 1003 and perform severing of the web material N6.

[0106] The described rewinders having the described introductory portion of the present disclosure can provide the aforementioned complete control of the core during all stages of the winding process. This is because the described rewinders having the described introductory portion can overcome the significant challenges presented by rewinders that apply adhesive to the core prior to insertion into the winding cradle of the prior art rewinders as well as the prior art rewinders that provide a leading edge device having a generally smooth and polished finished surface.

[0107] As mentioned supra, the described leading edge device reduces, or can even eliminate, sliding of a winding core disposed within the introductory portion of a winding cradle as well as misregistration of the glue laden core relative to the web material within the introductory portion of the winding cradle. In short, the rewinder described herein can reduce, or even eliminate, mal-formed final convolutely wound products (e.g., consumer undesirable and unattractively wound products). For example, the rewinder described herein can reduce the occurrence of the web attachment point occurring at a point removed backwards from the region near the perforation (e.g., behind the perforation). This effectively reduces any excess leading web material ‘folding-back’ upon the core and overlapping the region of actual attachment of the web material to the core.

[0108] Additionally, the rewinder described herein can reduce the occurrence of the web attachment point occurring at a point removed forwards from the region near the perforation (e.g., ahead of the perforation) and causing the web material to fail to attach to the core. In this regard, the rewinder described herein can reduce, or even eliminate the deposition of the adhesive disposed upon the core contacting and depositing upon the manufacturing equipment resulting in process shut-downs to remove adhesive from the surfaces of the rewinder such as first winding roller, second winding roller, third winding roller, concave cradle, winding cradle, and/or leading edge device.

[0109] In short, the described rewinder can more accurately target contacting the adhesive disposed upon the core with the web material in contact with the UWR at a predetermined location. In other words, the adhesive disposed upon the core by the herein described rewinder can contact a targeted location on the web material that is immediately adjacent a perforation. This improved correlation and placement of adhesive upon a core can prevent the drawbacks observed by current surface winding equipment that meets current manufacturing financial and processing targets. This provides a closer association of the position upon the core where the adhesive is disposed thereupon with the web material that is intended to be contacted thereto.

[0110] Additionally, one of skill in the art will also recognize that the rewinder having the leading edge device herein can effectively eliminate the need for the conventional application, process, and use of disposing an adhesive upon a core in order to attach a web material thereto. The described rewinder can completely eliminate the need to use adhesives and reduce the drawbacks associated with the use of adhesives in rewinding operations.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 22, for example, since the winding core is motion constrained within the introductory portion or the rewinder, and is provided in contacting engagement with the leading edge device and the web material disposed upon the surface of the UWR, one of skill in the art will understand that it may be beneficial to only modify the coefficient of friction (COF) of the surface of the winding core temporarily in order to secure convolute winding of the web material about the winding core. In other words, the surface of the winding core can be provided with a first COF during the rewinding operation that evolves into a second COF after the rewinding operation. Since the consumer of the final convolutely wound product seeks to use all web material disposed about the winding core in use, there is an advantage to not having the final portion of web material actually contacting the core be adhesively attached thereto. Stated differently, the winding core can be provided with a first COF during winding and have a second COF at some point in time after winding that is different (e.g., lower, less than, and/or different) than the first COF. By way of example, water can be applied to the surface of the winding core. Water has been found to increase the COF of the surface of the winding core when applied. After web material has been wound about the winding core, water was found to effectively evaporate from the surface of the winding core thereby decreasing the COF of the surface of the winding core. The resulting wound web material can then be provided in contacting, but not adhesive, engagement with the winding core.

[0112] Additionally, because the leading edge device of the introductory portion of the rewinder, described supra, can apply a fluid to the winding core while the winding core is disposed between the leading edge device and the UWR, the relative size, shape and position of the fluid (e.g., adhesive or other fluid) disposed upon the winding core and position of the pressure-sensitive valves and/or opening disposed within the surface of the exemplary leading edge device can be positioned as desired by the manufacturing process. In any event, a fluid may be emitted, extruded, printed, or otherwise applied, to the winding core in a non-uniform pattern. A non-uniform pattern may include for example, a higher concentration of bonding material positioned towards the outer edges of the winding core. A non-uniform pattern may include a plurality of discrete, disconnected application sites disposed upon the surface of the winding core.

[0113] In some embodiments, a non-uniform pattern can be wavy, curved, or curvilinear pattern such that there is generally a contiguous application in the cross direction of the winding core. Nevertheless, the overall pattern or arrangement of the fluid upon the winding core can be non-uniform in any of the CD, the MD, or both. A non-uniform pattern may be generally optimized to utilize sufficient bonding material to maintain attachment of the tail to the winding core during manufacturing, while also providing a consumer with ease of detachment. In this regard, a greater amount of bonding material or application sites may be located towards the outsides edges of the winding core, which are more likely to become unattached during manufacturing, as compared to the center region of the winding core.

[0114] Additionally, it would be possible for one of skill in the art to provide a core material that has a web material contacting surface having a COF that is higher than a standard winding core having a smooth surface such as is currently used by manufacturers of convolutely wound web materials. Such a core, or core material, could be provided with a surface having a plurality of rugosities applied thereto. Alternatively, one of skill in the art could provide a core, or core material, that has an abrasive substance applied thereto. Such a core construction could provide for a core having a high COF sufficient for starting and supporting a web material to be convolutely wound thereabout but not facilitate adhesive attachment of the web material to the surface of the core. Such attachment would be contacting, non-adhesive, engagement.

Examples

[0115] a. A surface winder for winding a web material about a core having a radius, R, to obtain a log of convolutely wound web material, the surface winder comprising a core inserter for inserting said core into an introductory portion of a winding cradle, said introductory portion being defined by an upper winding roller, supplied from above with said web material directed towards said introductory portion at a velocity, v, and at a bottom by a concave cradle having a leading edge device, said concave cradle being associated downstream with a lower winding roller, said surface winder comprising a third oscillating roller arranged above said lower winding roller, said upper winding roller, said lower winding roller, and said third oscillating roller each having a respective axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the feeding direction of said web material and cooperating with each other downstream of said introductory portion to form said winding cradle in order to convolutely wind said web material about said core to obtain said log, said leading edge device comprising a surface, said leading edge device having at least one channel disposed therein, said at least one channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and a first location disposed upon said surface, said first location disposed upon said surface being capable of receiving a fluid from said at least one channel, said fluid being fluidically displaced onto said core from said at least one channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said first location disposed upon said surface.
b. The surface winder of a. wherein said surface further comprises a pressure-sensitive valve disposed thereon, said pressure-sensitive valve being in fluid communication with said at least one channel at said first location disposed upon said surface, said pressure-sensitive valve providing fluid communication of said first fluid from said channel to said core when said core is in contacting engagement therewith.
c. The surface winder of any of a. through b. wherein said surface further comprises an opening disposed thereon at said first location disposed upon said surface, said opening being in fluid communication with said at least one channel at said first location disposed upon said surface, said opening providing fluid communication of said first fluid from said channel to said core when said core is in contacting engagement therewith.
d. The surface winder of any of a. through c. wherein said surface causes said core to rotate at an angular velocity, ω, wherein v=Rω.
e. The surface winder of any of a. through d. wherein said surface further comprises a texture comprising a plurality of protuberances disposed upon said surface, said core contacting said protuberances when disposed within said introductory portion.
f. The surface winder of e. wherein each protuberance of said plurality of protuberances is provided with a geometry, said geometry of each of said protuberances reducing slippage between said core and said surface of said leading edge device.
g. The surface winder of any of a. through f. wherein said surface comprises at least one recess disposed therein.
h. The surface winder of g. wherein said recess is operatively connected to a second at least one channel, said second at least one channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and said recess, said second at least one channel being capable of receiving at least a portion of said first fluid from said recess, said at least a portion of said first fluid being fluidically displaceable through said second at least one channel to a position external to said leading edge device from said recess.
i. The surface winder of any of a. through h. wherein said surface further comprises a raised area, said at least one channel extending from a position external to said leading edge device and said raised area.
j. The surface winder of any of a. through i. wherein said surface further comprises at least a second channel disposed therein, said second channel having a single entry point and a single exit point and extending from a position external to said leading edge device and a second location disposed upon said surface, said surface being capable of receiving said fluid from said second channel at said second location disposed upon said surface, said fluid being fluidically displaced onto said core from said second channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said surface.
k. The surface winder of any of a. through j. wherein said surface winder rotates said core about a longitudinal axis within said introductory portion such that said core contacts said web material and said surface winder causes said web material to adhesively bond said web material to said core after said fluid is fluidically displaced onto said core from said at least one channel when said core is in contacting engagement with said first location disposed upon said surface.
l. The surface winder of k. wherein said surface winder rotates said core about said longitudinal axis after said web material is adhesively bonded onto said core to convolutely wind said web material about said core.
m. The surface winder of l. wherein said core inserter translates said core form a first position external to said surface winder to said introductory portion.
n. A surface winder for winding a web material around a core having a radius, R, to obtain a log of convolutely wound web material, the surface winder comprising a core inserter for inserting said core having a plurality of rugosities disposed upon a surface thereof into an introductory portion of a winding cradle, said introductory portion being defined by an upper winding roller, supplied from above with said web material directed towards said introductory portion at a velocity, v, and at a bottom by a concave cradle having a leading edge device operatively attached thereto, said concave cradle being associated downstream with a lower winding roller, said surface winder comprising a third oscillating roller arranged above said lower winding roller, said upper winding roller, said lower winding roller, and said third oscillating roller each having a respective axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the feeding direction of said web material and cooperating with each other downstream of said introductory portion to form said winding cradle in order to convolutely wind said web material about said core to obtain said log, said leading edge device comprising a surface having a texture disposed thereon, said texture reducing slippage of said core when said core is disposed within said introductory portion, said rugosities disposed upon said core facilitating attachment of said web material to said core.
o. The surface winder of n. wherein said surface causes said core to rotate at an angular velocity, ω, wherein v=Rω.
p. The surface winder of any of n. through o. wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protuberances disposed upon said surface of said leading edge device, said core contacting said protuberances when disposed within said introductory portion.
q. The surface winder of any of n. through p. wherein each protuberance of said plurality of protuberances are provided with a geometry, said geometry of each of said protuberances reducing slippage between said core and said surface of said leading edge device.
r. The surface winder of any of n. through p. wherein said surface winder rotates said core about said longitudinal axis after said web material is attached to said rugosities to convolutely wind said web material about said core.
s. The surface winder of any of n. through r. wherein said core inserter contains a plurality of said cores.
t. The surface winder of any of n. through s. wherein said core inserter translates said core form a first position external to said surface winder to said introductory portion.
u. A convolutely wound web material comprising a core having said web material wound convolutely about a surface thereof, said surface having a first coefficient of friction when said web material is convolutely wound thereabout and a second coefficient of friction when said web material convolutely wound thereabout is unwound from said surface, said second coefficient of friction being less than said first coefficient of friction.
v. The convolutely wound web material of u. wherein said surface of said core is smooth.
w. The convolutely wound web material of any of u. through v. wherein said first coefficient of friction evolves to said second coefficient of friction after said web material is wound about said core.
x. The convolutely wound web material of any of u. through w. wherein said web material is not adhesively attached to said surface of said core.
y. The convolutely wound web material of any of u. through x. wherein a fluid is applied to said surface of said core, said fluid providing said first coefficient of friction.
z. The convolutely wound web material of any of u. through y. wherein said fluid is water.
aa. The convolutely wound web material of y. wherein said fluid is applied to said surface of said core in a pattern.
bb. The convolutely wound web material of aa. wherein said pattern is non-uniform over said surface of said core.
cc. The convolutely wound web material of aa. wherein said pattern comprises a plurality of discrete applications of fluid to said surface of said core.
dd. The convolutely wound web material of aa. wherein said core comprises a machine direction and a cross machine direction, said pattern is applied in both said machine- and cross-machine directions.
ee. The convolutely wound web material of aa. wherein said core has a proximal end and a distal end, said fluid being applied to said surface of said core proximate to said proximal and distal ends of said core.
ff. A convolutely wound web material comprising a core having said web material wound convolutely about a surface thereof, said surface having a fluid disposed thereon, said fluid providing said surface of said core with a first coefficient of friction when said web material is convolutely wound thereabout and a second coefficient of friction when said web material convolutely wound thereabout is unwound from said surface, said second coefficient of friction being less than said first coefficient of friction.
gg. The convolutely wound web material of ff. wherein said surface of said core is smooth.
hh. The convolutely wound web material of any of ff. through gg. wherein said first coefficient of friction evolves to said second coefficient of friction after said web material is wound about said core.
ii. The convolutely wound web material of any of ff. through hh. wherein said web material is not adhesively attached to said surface of said core.
jj. The convolutely wound web material of any of ff. through ii. wherein said fluid is water.
kk. The convolutely wound web material of any of ff. through jj. wherein said fluid is applied to said surface of said core in a pattern.
ll. The convolutely wound web material of kk. wherein said pattern is non-uniform over said surface of said core.
mm. The convolutely wound web material of kk. wherein said pattern comprises a plurality of discrete applications of fluid to said surface of said core.
nn. The convolutely wound web material of kk. wherein said core comprises a machine direction and a cross machine direction, said pattern is applied in both said machine- and cross-machine directions.
oo. The convolutely wound web material of any of ff. though nn. wherein said core has a proximal end and a distal end, said fluid being applied to said surface of said core proximate to said proximal and distal ends of said core.
pp. A convolutely wound web material comprising a core having said web material wound convolutely about a surface thereof, said surface having a plurality of rugosities disposed thereon, said rugosities providing contacting engagement of said surface of said core with said web material as said web material is convolutely wound thereabout.

[0116] Any dimensions and/or values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact dimensions and/or numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension and/or value is intended to mean both the recited dimension and/or value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that dimension or value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

[0117] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0118] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.