U.S. patent application number 13/669515 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for compact machine for unwinding multiple strands of material.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Nicholas Paul Goyette, Ricky Reynaldo Yanez, JR..
Application Number | 20130161431 13/669515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47351940 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130161431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yanez, JR.; Ricky Reynaldo ;
et al. |
June 27, 2013 |
Compact Machine for Unwinding Multiple Strands of Material
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to machines for unwinding strands
of material from wound packages. As discussed in more detail below,
machines for continuously unwinding multiple strands of material
from wound packages according to the present disclosure may be
arranged to be relatively more compact machines, wherein open areas
are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more
compact footprint for the machines.
Inventors: |
Yanez, JR.; Ricky Reynaldo;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Goyette; Nicholas Paul; (West
Chester, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company; |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE
COMPANY
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
47351940 |
Appl. No.: |
13/669515 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61578995 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/31 20130101;
B65H 49/12 20130101; B65H 49/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/128 |
International
Class: |
B65H 49/00 20060101
B65H049/00 |
Claims
1. A machine comprising: a first apparatus having first package
unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first
centerline, wherein the first apparatus is configured to unwind a
first strand from a first package in one of the first unwind
stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the first
strand follows a first overall direction; and a second apparatus
having second package unwind stations, a second downstream infeed
location, and a second centerline, wherein the second apparatus is
configured to unwind a second strand from a second package in one
of the second unwind stations to the second downstream infeed
location, and the second strand follows a second overall direction;
and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the first
apparatus and the second apparatus, and which uses the first strand
and the second strand in a machine process; wherein the first
centerline and the second centerline are substantially parallel,
and the first overall direction is opposite from the second overall
direction.
2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline and the
second centerline are completely parallel.
3. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline and the
second centerline are completely horizontal.
4. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline is disposed
at a first vertical elevation, the second centerline is disposed at
a second vertical elevation, and the first vertical elevation is
equal to the second vertical elevation.
5. The machine of claim 1, wherein: the first centerline is
disposed at a first elevation, the second centerline is disposed at
a second elevation, and the first elevation is greater than the
second elevation; the first apparatus has a first footprint, the
second apparatus has a second footprint, and the first footprint
overlaps the second footprint; and the first centerline is
horizontally offset from the second centerline.
6. The machine of claim 1, wherein: one of the first package unwind
stations is a first closest package unwind station, which is
closest to the second apparatus, and which has a first strand
unwind outline with a first overall shape that is substantially
conical; one of the second package unwind stations is a second
closest package unwind station, which is closest to the first
apparatus, and which has a second strand unwind outline with a
second overall shape that is substantially conical; and a portion
of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall
shape are substantially parallel.
7. The machine of claim 6, wherein a portion of the first overall
shape and a portion of the second overall shape are completely
parallel.
8. The machine of claim 6, wherein the first overall shape is
separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that
is less than or equal to 30 centimeters.
9. The machine of claim 6, wherein: each of the first package
unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first
maximum diameter; the first overall shape is separated from the
second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or
equal to the first maximum diameter.
10. The machine of claim 6, wherein: each of the first package
unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first
maximum diameter; the first overall shape is separated from the
second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or
equal to half of the first maximum diameter.
11. The machine of claim 1, comprising: a third apparatus having
third package unwind stations, a third downstream infeed location,
and a third centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the
third downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is
configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded
into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream
infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall
direction; and a fourth apparatus having fourth package unwind
stations, a fourth downstream infeed location, and a fourth
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the fourth
downstream infeed location, wherein the fourth apparatus is
configured to unwind a fourth strand from a fourth package loaded
into one of the fourth unwind stations to the fourth downstream
infeed location, and the fourth strand follows a fourth overall
direction; and the downstream apparatus, which is downstream from
the third apparatus and the fourth apparatus, and which uses the
third strand and the fourth strand in the machine process; wherein
the first, second, third, and fourth centerlines are substantially
parallel, and the first and third overall directions are opposite
from the second and fourth overall directions.
12. A machine comprising: a first apparatus having first package
unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the first
downstream infeed location, wherein the first apparatus is
configured to unwind a first strand from a first package loaded
into one of the first unwind stations to the first downstream
infeed location, and the first strand follows a first overall
direction; and a second apparatus having second package unwind
stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the second
downstream infeed location, wherein the second apparatus is
configured to unwind a second strand from a second package loaded
into one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream
infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall
direction; and a third apparatus having third package unwind
stations, a third downstream infeed location, and a third
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the third
downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is
configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded
into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream
infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall
direction; and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the
first apparatus, the second apparatus, and the third apparatus, and
which uses the first strand, the second strand, and the third
strand in a machine process; wherein the first centerline, the
second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a
substantially radial array, and the first overall direction, the
second overall direction, and the third overall direction are
directed inward toward a center of the array.
13. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline, the
second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a
completely radial array.
14. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline, the
second centerline, and the third centerline are completely
horizontal.
15. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline is
disposed at a first elevation, the second centerline is disposed at
a second elevation, the third centerline is disposed at a third
elevation, and the first, second, and third elevations are
substantially equal.
16. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first apparatus has a
first footprint, the second apparatus has a second footprint, the
third apparatus has a third footprint, and the first, second, and
third footprints do not overlap.
17. The machine of claim 12, wherein: one of the first package
unwind stations is a first closest package unwind station, which is
closest to the second apparatus, and which has a first strand
unwind outline with a first overall shape that is substantially
conical; one of the second package unwind stations is a second
closest package unwind station, which is closest to the first
apparatus, and which has a second strand unwind outline with a
second overall shape that is substantially conical; and a portion
of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall
shape are substantially parallel.
18. The machine of claim 17, wherein a portion of the first overall
shape and a portion of the second overall shape are completely
parallel.
19. The machine of claim 17, wherein the first overall shape is
separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that
is less than or equal to 30 centimeters.
20. The machine of claim 17, wherein: each of the first package
unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first
maximum diameter; the first overall shape is separated from the
second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or
equal to the first maximum diameter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine for unwinding
strands of material from wound packages. In particular, the present
disclosure relates to a compact machine for continuously unwinding
multiple strands of material from wound packages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Take off equipment is used to unwind strands of material
that have been pre-wound onto cores. The pre-wound cores are called
packages. Take off equipment unwinds a strand and then feeds the
unwound strand to downstream equipment. Take off equipment can
unwind packages in sequence while continuously feeding the
downstream equipment. Each package has a single continuous strand
of material with a leading end and a trailing end. In a take off
process, the trailing end of a first package can be joined to the
leading end of second package.
[0003] As take off equipment finishes unwinding the first (active)
package, it pulls off the trailing end, which pulls off the leading
end of the second (standby) package, which begins the unwinding of
the second package. The standby package becomes the new active
package. The finished first package can be replaced with a new
standby package. This process of connecting ends and replacing
packages can be repeated indefinitely. Thus, in a take off process,
there is no need to stop the downstream equipment to replace
packages.
[0004] In this process, for each strand being unwound, the take off
equipment typically has two package unwind stations, for the active
and standby packages. The two stations are typically adjacent to
each other, with each station angled toward a shared downstream
infeed location. Together, the two package unwind stations and the
downstream infeed location form a take off apparatus, which can
unwind one strand of material.
[0005] When the downstream equipment requires multiple strands of
material, multiple take off apparatuses are used. However, in many
machines, the take off apparatuses are arranged in a manner that
leaves large open areas, which result in inefficiently used space,
and thus, an unnecessarily large footprint for the unwinding
machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure relates to machines for unwinding
strands of material from wound packages. As discussed in more
detail below, machines for continuously unwinding multiple strands
of material from wound packages according to the present disclosure
may be arranged to be relatively more compact machines, wherein
open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller
and more compact footprint for the machines.
[0007] In one form, a machine comprises: a first apparatus having
first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location,
and a first centerline, wherein the first apparatus is configured
to unwind a first strand from a first package in one of the first
unwind stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the
first strand follows a first overall direction; and a second
apparatus having second package unwind stations, a second
downstream infeed location, and a second centerline, wherein the
second apparatus is configured to unwind a second strand from a
second package in one of the second unwind stations to the second
downstream infeed location, and the second strand follows a second
overall direction; and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream
from the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and which uses
the first strand and the second strand in a machine process;
wherein the first centerline and the second centerline are
substantially parallel, and the first overall direction is opposite
from the second overall direction.
[0008] In another form, a machine comprises: a first apparatus
having first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed
location, and a first centerline that is centered on and
perpendicular to the first downstream infeed location, wherein the
first apparatus is configured to unwind a first strand from a first
package loaded into one of the first unwind stations to the first
downstream infeed location, and the first strand follows a first
overall direction; and a second apparatus having second package
unwind stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the second
downstream infeed location, wherein the second apparatus is
configured to unwind a second strand from a second package loaded
into one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream
infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall
direction; and a third apparatus having third package unwind
stations, a third downstream infeed location, and a third
centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the third
downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is
configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded
into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream
infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall
direction; and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the
first apparatus, the second apparatus, and the third apparatus, and
which uses the first strand, the second strand, and the third
strand in a machine process; wherein the first centerline, the
second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a
substantially radial array, and the first overall direction, the
second overall direction, and the third overall direction are
directed inward toward a center of the array.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a prior art take off
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of FIG. 1A.
[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of a portion of a prior art
machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in
horizontal rows and vertical columns.
[0012] FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of FIG. 1C.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered
vertical columns.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered
horizontal rows.
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in a horizontal
row, with adjacent apparatuses having differing overall
directions.
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of FIG. 4A.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged with apparatuses in
adjacent columns having differing overall directions, and with
staggered vertical columns.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in horizontal rows,
with adjacent apparatuses in the same row having differing overall
directions, and with staggered horizontal rows.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in alternating
directions, offset horizontally and vertically from each other.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in a radial
array.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] As mentioned above, current take off apparatuses may be
arranged in a manner that leaves large open areas, resulting in
inefficiently used space, and thus, an unnecessarily large
footprint for the unwinding machine. Such inefficient use of space
is discussed in more detail below with respect the prior art
arrangements are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0022] For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of one prior
art take off apparatus 101 with a first package unwind station 111
holding a first package 112 and a second package unwind station 114
holding a second package 115. The first package 112 can unwind a
strand, where the outline 113 of the unwinding strand has a
substantially conical overall shape, as it travels from the package
112 to a downstream infeed location 117. The second package 115 can
also unwind a strand, where the outline 116 of the unwinding strand
also has a substantially overall conical shape, as it travels from
the package 115 to the downstream infeed location 117. FIG. 1B
illustrates a top view of FIG. 1A. The apparatus 101 has a
centerline 118 disposed halfway between the first package unwind
station 111 and the second package unwind station 114, and centered
on the downstream infeed location 117. The apparatus 101 also has
an overall direction 119, which is oriented in the downstream
direction for the unwinding strand and aligned with the centerline
118. Each take off apparatus described herein has the same overall
configuration, with like-numbered elements configured in the same
way.
[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of a portion of a prior art
machine 100 with six take off apparatuses, arranged in horizontal
rows and vertical columns. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG.
1C are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream
apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first
take off apparatus 101, a second take off apparatus 102, and a
third take off apparatus 103 form a horizontally arrayed top row. A
fourth take off apparatus 104, a fifth take off apparatus 105, and
a sixth take off apparatus 106 form a horizontally arrayed bottom
row. The first take off apparatus 101 and the fourth take off
apparatus 104 form a first vertical column. The second take off
apparatus 102 and the fifth take off apparatus 105 form a second
vertical column. The third take off apparatus 103 and the sixth
take off apparatus 106 form a third vertical column. FIG. 1D is a
top view of FIG. 1C, and as such, shows the centerlines 118, 128,
138, the infeed locations 117, 127, 137, and the overall directions
119, 129, 139 for the first, second, and third take off apparatuses
101, 102, 103, respectively. For all of the apparatuses 101-106 in
FIG. 1C, their centerlines are parallel, and their overall
directions are oriented in the same direction (toward the
viewer).
[0024] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 101-106 and the
need for spacing between the package unwind stations, the machine
100 has a number of vertically oriented open spaces between the
different parts of the apparatuses. Open spaces 161, 162, and 163
exist between the centers of apparatuses in the same column. Open
spaces 171 and 172 exist between the outer extents of the
apparatuses, at the intersection of the rows and the columns. These
open areas represent inefficiently used space, and thus, an
unnecessarily large footprint for the machine 100. FIG. 1D
illustrates a top view of FIG. 1C. Due to the arrangement of the
apparatuses 101-106 and the need for spacing between the packages,
the machine 100 has a number of horizontally oriented open spaces
between the apparatuses. Open spaces 181 and 182 exist between the
sides of adjacent apparatuses in the same row. These open areas
also represent inefficiently used space, and an unnecessarily large
footprint for the machine 100.
[0025] As discussed in more detail below, machines for continuously
unwinding multiple strands of material from wound packages
according to the present disclosure may be arranged to be
relatively more compact machines, wherein open areas are more
efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact
footprint for the machines. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a side
view of a portion of a machine 200 with six take off apparatuses,
arranged in staggered vertical columns. All of the take off
apparatuses in FIG. 2 are configured to provide unwound strands to
a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine
process. A first take off apparatus 201 and a fourth take off
apparatus 204 form a first vertical column. A second take off
apparatus 202 and a fifth take off apparatus 205 form a second
vertical column. A third take off apparatus 203 and a sixth take
off apparatus 206 form a third vertical column. In the machine 200,
adjacent vertical columns are staggered with respect to each other
(i.e. disposed at different elevations), such that an apparatus in
one column does not form a horizontal row with the neighboring
apparatus in the adjacent column. For further reference, FIG. 2
illustrates infeed locations 217, 227, 237, 247, 257 267 and
centerlines 218, 228, 238, 248, 258, 268 corresponding with take
off apparatuses 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, respectively. And
FIG. 2 shows that each take off apparatus 201-206, respectively,
includes first and second package unwind stations (211, 214) (221,
224) (231, 234) (241, 244) (251, 254) (261, 264), and first and
second packages (212, 215) (222, 225) (232, 235) (242, 245) (252,
255) (262, 265).
[0026] In FIG. 2, the columns are vertically offset such that the
centerlines of the apparatuses in each column are vertically
disposed halfway between the centerlines of the apparatuses in an
adjacent column, however in various embodiments, this staggered
spacing can be varied to various distances. For all of the
apparatuses 201-206, their centerlines are completely horizontal
and thus completely parallel. However, in various embodiments, one
or more of their centerlines may only be substantially horizontal
and one or more of their centerlines may only be substantially
parallel with the other centerlines. For all of the apparatuses
201-206, their overall directions are oriented in the same
direction (toward the viewer).
[0027] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 201-206, the sizes
of open spaces (such as 171 and 172 in FIG. 1C) between the outer
extents of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more
efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact
footprint for the machine 200. The embodiment of FIG. 2 can also be
varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described
above.
[0028] In another example, FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a
portion of a machine 300 with six take off apparatuses, arranged in
staggered horizontal rows. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG.
3 are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream
apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first
take off apparatus 301, a second take off apparatus 302, and a
third take off apparatus 303 form a horizontally arrayed top row
(all at one elevation). A fourth take off apparatus 304, a fifth
take off apparatus 305, and a sixth take off apparatus 306 form a
horizontally arrayed bottom row (all at another elevation). In the
machine 300, adjacent horizontal rows are horizontally offset with
respect to each other, such that an apparatus in one row does not
form a vertical column with the neighboring apparatus in the
adjacent row. For further reference, FIG. 3 illustrates infeed
locations 317, 327, 337, 347, 357 367 and centerlines 318, 328,
338, 348, 358, 368 corresponding with take off apparatuses 301,
302, 303, 304, 305, 306, respectively. And FIG. 3 shows that each
take off apparatus 301-306, respectively, includes first and second
package unwind stations (311, 314) (321, 324) (331, 334) (341, 344)
(351, 354) (361, 364), and first and second packages (312, 315)
(322, 325) (332, 335) (342, 345) (352, 355) (362, 365).
[0029] In FIG. 3, the rows are horizontally staggered such that the
centerlines of the apparatuses in each row are disposed about a
quarter of the way between the centerlines of the apparatuses in an
adjacent row, however in various embodiments, this staggered
spacing can be varied to various distances. For all of the
apparatuses 301-306, their centerlines are completely horizontal
and thus completely parallel. However, in various embodiments, one
or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially
horizontal and one or more, or even all of their centerlines may
only be substantially parallel with the other centerlines. In other
embodiments, one or more or even all of their centerlines may be
nonparallel with one or more, or even all of the other centerlines.
For all of the apparatuses 301-306, their overall directions are
oriented in the same direction (toward the viewer).
[0030] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 301-306, the sizes
of open spaces (such as 161, 162, and 163 in FIG. 1C) between the
centers of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more
efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact
footprint for the machine 300. The embodiment of FIG. 3 can also be
varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described
above.
[0031] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
400 with four take off apparatuses, arranged in a horizontal row,
with adjacent apparatuses having differing overall directions. All
of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 4A are configured to provide
unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the
strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 401, a
second take off apparatus 402, a third take off apparatus 403, and
a fourth take off apparatus 404 form a horizontally row (all at one
elevation). Due to the differing overall directions, the first take
off apparatus 401 and the third take off apparatus 403 are facing
toward the viewer, while the second take off apparatus 402 and the
fourth take off apparatus 404 are facing away from the viewer. For
further reference, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate infeed locations 417,
427, 437, 447, and centerlines 418, 428, 438, 448 corresponding
with take off apparatuses 401, 402, 403, 404, respectively. And
FIGS. 4A and 4B show that each take off apparatus 401-404,
respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations
(411, 414) (421, 424) (431, 434) (441, 444), and first and second
packages (412, 415) (422, 425) (432, 435) (442, 445).
[0032] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of FIG. 4A. In the embodiment
of FIG. 4B, the footprints of the apparatuses (that is, the outer
extents of the apparatuses, when viewed from the top) do not
overlap each other. For all of the apparatuses 401-404, their
centerlines are completely horizontal and thus completely parallel.
However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their
centerlines may only be substantially horizontal and one or more,
or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially parallel
with the other centerlines. In other embodiments, one or more or
even all of their centerlines may be nonparallel with one or more,
or even all of the other centerlines.
[0033] Adjacent apparatuses 401 and 402 have opposite overall
directions. Also, adjacent apparatuses 402 and 403 have opposite
overall directions. Further, adjacent apparatuses 403 and 404 have
opposite overall directions.
[0034] For adjacent apparatuses, portions of the substantially
conical overall shapes of their strand outlines are parallel with
each other. A portion of the strand outline 416 is parallel with a
portion of the strand outline 423, separated by distance 481. A
portion of the strand outline 426 is parallel with a portion of the
strand outline 433, separated by distance 482. A portion of the
strand outline 436 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline
443, separated by distance 483.
[0035] In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance
between adjacent unwinding strands (such as the distances 481, 482,
and 483 in the embodiment of FIG. 4B) can be set to various
dimensions to reduce the possibility of interference between
adjacent unwinding strands. In any of the embodiments described
herein, the distance can be set to a particular dimension such as:
less than or equal to 50 cm, less than or equal to 45 cm, less than
or equal to 40 cm, less than or equal to 35 cm, less than or equal
to 30 cm, less than or equal to 25 cm, less than or equal to 20 cm,
less than or equal to 15 cm, or less than or equal to 10 cm, or any
integer value between any of these, or any range made from any of
these values. In any of the embodiments described herein, the
distance can be set to a dimension that is based on a maximum
diameter size for packages to be unwound by the apparatuses. In any
of the embodiments described herein, the machine can additionally
or alternatively include a guard, shield, or separating panel, set
in between adjacent apparatuses, to prevent interference between
adjacent unwinding strands.
[0036] In a particular alternate embodiment of FIG. 4B, adjacent
apparatuses can be moved closer with respect to each other, such
that the footprints of the apparatuses (that is, the outer extents
of the apparatuses, when viewed from the top) do partially overlap
each other. For example, the first take off apparatus 401 and the
second take off apparatus 402 can be moved, with respect to each
other (inward sideways, or in the overall direction(s), or in a
combination of these directions), such that strand outlines 416 and
423 at least partially overlap. This overlap condition can exist,
without interference, in certain process conditions. For example,
if the package in the left package unwind station of apparatus 401
is the active package, and the package in the left package unwind
station of apparatus 402 is the active package, then the strand
outline 423 will not interfere with strand outline 416, because the
right hand package of apparatus 401 is not active; so the strand
outline 416 will not create interference. In this way, the
footprints of adjacent apparatuses can partially overlap each other
so long as the package cores and the frames of closest package
unwind stations do not fall within the footprint of the adjacent
apparatus. This overlapping relationship can also be repeated for
other adjacent apparatuses in the machine 400.
[0037] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 401-404, the sizes
of open spaces (such as 181 and 182 in FIG. 1D) between the sides
of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more
efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact
footprint for the machine 400. The embodiment of FIG. 4A can also
be varied with different numbers on apparatuses in a row, and any
number of rows, with the apparatuses in each row arranged as
described above.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 500
with six take off apparatuses (501-506), arranged with apparatuses
in adjacent columns having differing overall directions, and with
staggered vertical columns. The machine 500 is configured in the
same way as the machine 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, except that
adjacent vertical columns are staggered with respect to each other,
as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0039] For further reference, FIG. 5 illustrates infeed locations
517, 527, 537, 547, 557 567 and centerlines 518, 528, 538, 548,
558, 568 corresponding with take off apparatuses 501-506,
respectively. And FIG. 5 shows that each take off apparatus
501-506, respectively, includes first and second package unwind
stations (511, 514) (521, 524) (531, 534) (541, 544) (551, 554)
(561, 564), and first and second packages (512, 515) (522, 525)
(532, 535) (542, 545) (552, 555) (562, 565).
[0040] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 501-506, the sizes
of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open
areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and
more compact footprint for the machine 500. The embodiment of FIG.
5 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses,
arranged as described above.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with six take off apparatuses (601-606), arranged in horizontal
rows, with adjacent apparatuses in the same row having differing
overall directions, and with staggered horizontal rows. The machine
600 is configured in the same way as the machine 400 of FIGS. 4A
and 4B, except that adjacent horizontal rows are staggered with
respect to each other, as described in connection with the
embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0042] For further reference, FIG. 6 illustrates infeed locations
617, 627, 637, 647, 657 667 and centerlines 618, 628, 638, 648,
658, 668 corresponding with take off apparatuses 601-606,
respectively. And FIG. 6 shows that each take off apparatus
601-606, respectively, includes first and second package unwind
stations (611, 614) (621, 624) (631, 634) (641, 644) (651, 654)
(661, 664), and first and second packages (612, 615) (622, 625)
(632, 635) (642, 645) (652, 655) (662, 665).
[0043] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 601-606, the sizes
of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open
areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and
more compact footprint for the machine 600. The embodiment of FIG.
6 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses,
arranged as described above.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 700
with four take off apparatuses, arranged in alternating directions,
offset horizontally and vertically from each other. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, a first take off apparatus 701 and a second
take off apparatus form one horizontal row, and have overall
directions that are commonly aligned in one direction (toward the
viewer), while a third take off apparatus 703 and a fourth take off
apparatus 704 form another horizontal row (vertically offset from
the one row) and have overall directions that are commonly aligned
in another direction (away from the viewer).
[0045] For further reference, FIG. 7 illustrates infeed locations
717, 727, 737, 747 and centerlines 718, 728, 738, 748 corresponding
with take off apparatuses 701-704, respectively. And FIG. 7 shows
that each take off apparatus 701-704, respectively, includes first
and second package unwind stations (711, 714) (721, 724) (731, 734)
(741, 744), and first and second packages (712, 715) (722, 725)
(732, 735) (742, 745).
[0046] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 701-704, the sizes
of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open
areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and
more compact footprint for the machine 700. The embodiment of FIG.
7 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses,
arranged as described above.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine
with four take off apparatuses, arranged in a radial array. The
take off apparatuses 801, 802, 803, and 804 are arranged in a
circular array, such that all of their overall directions are
directed inward toward the center of the array. For further
reference, FIG. 8 illustrates infeed locations 817, 827, 837, 847
and centerlines 818, 828, 838, 848 corresponding with take off
apparatuses 801-804, respectively. And FIG. 8 shows that each take
off apparatus 801-804, respectively, includes first and second
package unwind stations (811, 814) (821, 824) (831, 834) (841,
844), and first and second packages (812, 815) (822, 825) (832,
835) (842, 845).
[0048] All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 8 are configured to
provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which
uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus
801, a second take off apparatus 802, a third take off apparatus
803, and a fourth take off apparatus 804 form a horizontally
oriented circle (all at one elevation).
[0049] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the footprints of the
apparatuses (that is, the outer extents of the apparatuses, when
viewed from the top) do not overlap each other. For all of the
apparatuses 801-804, their centerlines are completely horizontal.
However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their
centerlines may only be substantially horizontal. For all of the
apparatuses 801-804, their centerlines intersect at a common point,
and thus are completely radial. However, in various embodiments,
one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be
substantially radial.
[0050] In FIG. 8, for adjacent apparatuses, portions of the
substantially conical overall shapes of their strand outlines are
substantially or completely parallel with each other. However, in
various embodiments, for adjacent apparatuses, portions of the
substantially conical overall shapes of their strand outlines may
be nonparallel with each other. A portion of the strand outline 816
is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 823, separated by
distance 881. A portion of the strand outline 826 is parallel with
a portion of the strand outline 833, separated by distance 882. A
portion of the strand outline 836 is parallel with a portion of the
strand outline 843, separated by distance 883. A portion of the
strand outline 846 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline
813, separated by distance 884.
[0051] In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance
between adjacent unwinding strands (such as the distances 881, 882,
and 883 in the embodiment of FIG. 8) can be set to various
dimensions to reduce the possibility of interference between
adjacent unwinding strands. In any of the embodiments described
herein, the distance can be set to a particular dimension such as:
less than or equal to 50 cm, less than or equal to 45 cm, less than
or equal to 40 cm, less than or equal to 35 cm, less than or equal
to 30 cm, less than or equal to 25 cm, less than or equal to 20 cm,
less than or equal to 15 cm, or less than or equal to 10 cm, or any
integer value between any of these, or any range made from any of
these values. In any of the embodiments described herein, the
distance can be set to a dimension that is based on a maximum
diameter size for packages to be unwound by the apparatuses. In any
of the embodiments described herein, the machine can additionally
or alternatively include a guard, shield, or separating panel, set
in between adjacent apparatuses, to prevent interference between
adjacent unwinding strands.
[0052] Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 801-804, the sizes
of open spaces (such as 181 and 182 in FIG. 1D) between the sides
of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more
efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact
footprint for the machine 800.
[0053] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can also be varied in a number of
ways. Different numbers of apparatuses can be used in the radial
array. The radial array may or may not form a complete circle. A
machine can include any number of radial arrays stacked vertically
on top of each other, with the apparatuses in each radial array
arranged as described above. When the machine includes two or more
radial arrays stacked vertically on top of each other, adjacent
apparatuses may be vertically and/or radially aligned or may be
vertically or radially offset from each other, as described in
connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0054] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0055] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, 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.
[0056] 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.
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