Method And Apparatus For Securing The Tail Convolution Of A Roll

Abstract

A method and apparatus for causing adherence of the tail end portion of a wound paper roll to underlying convolutions at and in connection with the sawing off of the rolls from logs. Operating in timed relation with the saw is a manifold which extends partway around a portion of the log in advance of the sawing operation and having means for applying spots of water or other liquid to the peripheral portion of the log. Additional means is related thereto for penetrating the external portion of the log at the spots of water or liquid to cause the liquid to enter into the log and for adherence of the convolutions during the subsequent cutting and packaging of the rolls.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for adhering an outer tail portion of a wound roll of paper or other material to underlying convolutions of the roll.

In manufacturing wound rolls of papers for household use, such as rolls of toilet tissue, the paper is first wound in the form of a log containing a total number of convolutions to be provided in the formed rolls. The log is then cut into sections of the desired length forming the completed rolls for use.

The last convolution is cut off from the winding strip of paper and forms a tail portion on the wound roll. The rolls are usually packaged in transparent wrappers by means of automatic packaging machines. If the tail portions of the rolls are not secured to the outer convolutions, these flare outward during the movement to the packaging machine, interfering with the packaging operation and often presenting packages which are unacceptable in appearance. This is undesirable both from a manufacturing standpoint and also from a merchandising standpoint by reason of producing packages that may be unsightly or insecure.

Various attempts have been made heretofore to correct this difficulty. One method has been the application of adhesive along the length of the formed log to cause adherence of the final convolution thereto substantially at the tail end portion. Another method is to apply areas of adhesive on the linear material in its movement to the winding station in proper relation to the severed end thereof so as to cause the tail end portion to adhere.

These methods in use heretofore have been unsatisfactory because of the complexity of the equipment required and also because of the difficulty in separating the tail end portion from the remaining convolutions of the roll when the roll is to be put into use. If adhesive is applied to the major portion of the length of the roll, it is very difficult to separate the tail end portion for use and this frequently results in wastage of several convolutions before usable portions can be obtained.

One object of this invention is to overcome the objections heretofore set forth and to cause adherence of an outer tail portion of a wound roll while yet allowing for the ready separation of the tail portion when the roll is to be put into use.

Another object of the invention is to utilize water or other liquid rather than adhesive for causing adherence of the tail portion of a wound roll and preferably in such relation as to penetrate several convolutions thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to apply the adhering means to the tail portion of the formed roll and cause penetration thereof into several convolutions in timed relation with and adjacent to the cutting operation of the log.

A still further object of the invention is to combine the adhering means with the saw clamp so as to impart automatically the necessary adherence to the tail end portion as the log is held by the clamp preparatory to being sawed into roll lengths.

These objects may be accomplished, according to one embodiment of the invention, by providing a manifold on a saw clamp to be moved thereby into pressure relation with the periphery of a paper log delivered by the winding machine. The manifold has provision for imparting a desired number of jets of water or other liquid directly to the periphery of the formed log perferably at or adjacent to the tail end portion thereof and may extend circumferentially around a portion of the periphery. It is preferable that this manifold be so located with respect to the end of the log that a jet of liquid be imparted to the log in position to be located adjacent each opposite end of the formed roll. One or a plurality of jet sprays are thus applied in sequence to the log as it moves toward the saw in step-by-step relation.

Provision may be made also for causing penetration into the periphery of the roll after the application of liquid thereto and in registry with the jets of sprayed liquid to cause the latter to penetrate into several convolutions. These actions may be automatic, initiated by the saw clamp as it is moved into clamping relation with the log prior to the action of the saw in severing the log to form the resultant product. Appropriate controls may be utilized to impart one jet or a plurality of jets of water or other liquid in timed relation with the closing of the clamp on the log which then must be opened before a second application of liquid thereto. The penetrating means also is a part of the clamp and spaced along the length of the log so as to act on the spot or spots produced by the jet or jets applied during the previous action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the sawing station with the movement of the logs thereto and the discharge of the formed rolls;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the logs indicating the sawing action applied thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the formed rolls;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view partly in elevation through the manifold assembly substantially on the ine 4--4 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the conveyor assembly and sawing station;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view through one of the mold clamps showing the prong segment applied thereto;

FIG. 8 is an end elevation of the clamping section showing the application of the manifolds and the controls;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a view at right angles to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a detail vertical section through one of the manifold and control assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

I have shown in FIG. 3 a typical roll of toilet tissue, generally designated by the numeral 1 as an example of a paper product in connection with which this invention is used. This is formed of multiple convolutions wound upon a core 2 with the outer convolution terminating in a tail end portion, generally indicated at 3 in FIG. 3. It is desirable that the tail end portion 3 be readily separable from the underlying convolutions when the roll is to be put into use so as to allow ease of unwinding thereof. At the same time, it is desirable that the tail end portion 3 be retained, wound upon the underlying convolutions during the packaging of the roll, whether it be enclosed within an individual wrapper or in multiple. Thus, movement through the packaging machine should be accomplished without unwinding or separation of the tail end portion 3.

This invention contemplates the adherence of the ail end portion or final convolution of the formed roll 1 at spaced points, indicated generally at 4 in FIG. 3, which extend in rolls partway around the periphery of the formed roll adjacent the opposite ends thereof so as to cause this section of the final convolution to adhere to the underlying convolutions. Nevertheless, the tail end portion 3 between the rows of adhering points 4 remains unsecured so as to allow the fingers to be inserted under this tail end portion to lift it from the remainder of the roll when the latter is to be put into use.

A suitable liquid may be used for the purpose at each of the adhering points 4. This liquid may be water, starch or an adhesive material such as glue if a more positive adherance is desired of the tail to the convolution of the roll.

I have found that water is satisfactory for the purpose and will retain the final convolution adhering to the underlying convolutions for a sufficient length of time to allow the cutting operation and the movement of the formed roll through the packaging machinery. This adherence may be increased, however, by penetrating through the wetted spots 4 which result from the application of jets of water to the periphery and thus allow the water to penetrate by absorption into underlying convolutions, if desired.

The points or spots 4 may be circular in shape if a round orifice is used for discharging the adhering liquid. However, other shapes or designs may be employed as, for example, by varying the shape of the orifice. For example, a definite logo, design or trademark may be imparted to the surface at each of the spots 4.

The rolls 1 are formed initially as logs, generally indicated at 5 in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is then cut into the desired length at a sawing station, indicated at 6, within which a saw 7 is operated, usually by oscillating motion to sever the log or logs at measured points from the end or ends thereof. The required sawing equipment is well known in the art.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a saw bed 8 extends to the sawing station 6 and has troughs thereon to receive a pair of logs 5 as these are formed on the winding machine. A pair of logs lie side-by-side in the troughs of the bed 8 and are adapted to be moved step-by-step through the sawing station. Endless conveyors usually are employed, as indicated at 9, operating in timed relation with the oscillating motion of the saw 7 so as to advance the logs to a predetermined extent to cut the desired length of roll from the formed log. Pusher members are shown at 10 on the chains 9 to engage the ends of the logs and force these into and through the sawing station. These conveyors also direct the severed rolls out of the sawing station for discharge to the packaging machinery. In the usual fashion, the rolls are wrapped either individually or in multiples within transparent wrapping materials and the packages are sealed and directed to cases, all by automatic machinery.

Where the machine is constructed for receiving a pair of logs side-by-side in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, provision is usually afforded at the sawing station for clamping the end portions of the logs during the sawing operation. Clamping means of conventional construction include fixed and movable jaws, shown at 11 and 12, respectively, in FIG. 8, adapted to receive the logs 5 therein and to clamp the end portions of the logs adjacent the saw 7. This action is timed so that the movable jaws 12 will be closed in clamping relation with the logs during the action of the saw 7 in severing the end portions. It is also in timed relation with the operation of the conveyors 9 whereby the latter are stopped during the sawing action and during the closing of the movable jaws 12. The controls of these elements are conventional and well known in the art to effect this action. They form no part of this invention.

Each of the movable jaws 12 is pivotally supported at 13 for swinging motion in a vertical direction in opening and closing movements. These movements are accomplished by power cylinders 14 disposed on opposite sides of the pivot 13 of each jaw for effecting, respectively, the opening and closing actions under suitable timed relation with the other parts as described.

Mounted on one end of each clamp 12 is a control housing 15 which is secured by bolts 16 to the clamp 12 (see FIG. 11). The housing 15 has a longitudinal central bore within which is mounted a sleeve 17 extending upwardly from the lower end of the housing in the bore to a frame 18 which is secured upon the housing by bolts 19. A suitable air control valve is shown at 20 secured upon the frame 18 by the bolts 19, the purpose of which will be described.

A plug 21 extends axially through the sleeve 17, with its lower end projecting from the housing 15. An arcuate manifold 22 extends generally concentric with the arc of the clamp 12 and is secured to the lower end of the plug 21 by suitable mounting screws 23 (FIG. 4). The manifold 22 has arcuate passageways 24 extending along the length thereof and spaced apart axially, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11. These passageways 24 are provided with radial jet orifices 25, spaced apart along the length thereof at a convenient distance for the discharge of jets of liquid at the spaced points 4 in FIG. 3.

Arcuate segmental manifolds 22 may be provided also at the bottom of each clamp. These bottom manifold segments will be connected with the same source of an adhering liquid as the top manifold and discharge jets simultaneously therewith.

The outer ends of the passages 24 of each manifold are closed or sealed, and approximately midway of the length thereof these passages 24 communicate with a passage 26. The passage 26 is in open communication with an axial passage 27 extending through the lower end of the plug 21 to a transverse opening within which a plug 28 is mounted.

The plug 28 extends through a slot 29 in the sleeve 17 and through a slot 30 in the housing 15 so as to allow axial movement of the plug 21 with respect to the sleeve and housing. This axial movement is limited by a cross pin 31 (FIG. 4) mounted in the housing 15 and received in a slot 32 in a side of the plug 21.

The upper end of the plug 21 extends to the air valve 20 and opens and closes the latter in response to vertical sliding movement of the plug 21. The valve 20 is of conventional form well known in the art and need not be described in detail. The upper end portion of the plug 21 is guided in the frame 18 by a head 33 which is in guided relation with the interior of the frame.

A suitable source of air under pressure is indicated at 34 connected with the air valve 20 and through the latter when opened to a fitting 35. The air valve extends through the fitting 35 through a connecting fitting 36 mounted on a cut-off air valve 37. The air passageway through the air cut-off valve 37 extends to the control head of a water control valve 38. The water control valve 38 is normally closed while the air cut-off valve has its passageway therethrough normally open. A source of water or other suitable liquid is indicated at 39, connected with the control valve 38. The outlet from the water control valve 38 is to a flexible conduit 40 extending to the fitting 28. This control assembly, including the valves 37 and 38, is mounted in a convenient position, preferably somewhat elevated with respect to the machine as, for example, on a bracket plate 41 secured upon the frame of the machine.

A flow valve assembly is indicated at 42 connected with the fitting 35 and between the latter and the air control valve 37. Air from the fitting 35 is by-passed to the flow valve 42 and acts through the latter to shift the air control valve 37 to a closed position after an initial very short opening thereof.

These several control valves and assemblies are duplicated for the respective clamps 12, as will be apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus, the description of one of them is sufficient for the operation of both. A common source of air and a common source of water may be used for both assemblies and other fluids may be employed for the respective operations.

If it be desired to perforate the outer one or more convolutions of the log or roll either with or without the application of a jet or jets of water or other liquid thereto in the manner described, this may be accomplished by inserting shoes 43 within each clamp 12, as shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10. Each shoe can be secured by suitable fastening means within the clamp, as indicated at 44 in FIG. 7. Each shoe 43 is provided with prongs 45 spaced along the length thereof in positions to correspond with the adhering points 4 in FIG. 3 and with the orifice jets 25 in FIG. 4.

The location of the shoes 43 within the clamp 12 is such that the closing of the clamp will affect the moistened spots that were moistened on the preceding stroke. Thus, the impression of the prongs 45 will cause the moisture which will have been applied to the outer surface of the log at the time of impression to penetrate several convolutions. This will increase the adhesive connection between the convolutions during the packaging operation and yet allow ready separation thereof when the roll is ready for use. The penetration by the prongs 45 will cause temporary adhesion between the convolutions even if no moisture is employed in the operation, but it is preferred that both moisture and penetration be used.

OPERATION

The logs 5 of paper or other suitable material are delivered to the saw bed 8 from the winding machine. A pair of logs are dropped into the troughs of the saw bed, generally in the relation illustrated in FIG. 1 where they are aligned with the saw station 6. These logs 5 are advanced step-by-step toward the saw station by the action of the endless conveyors 9 and the pushers 10 on the latter.

As each of the logs 5 is advanced into the saw station 6, it reaches one of the clamps 11-12. The log is advanced a predetermined timed relation into the clamp after which the latter is closed by the appropriate action of one of the cylinders 14.

As the movable clamping head 12 is lowered into clamping relation with the log 5, the manifold 22 will be lowered with the clamping section into contact with the peripheral surface of the log. The manifold 22 is supported for vertical sliding motion as described. Thus, the contact with the outer surface of the log will cause the manifold 22 to be lifted relative to the clamping section 12. This causes the plug 21 to be raised to the extent of sliding motion limited by the parts 31 and 32 while maintaining the bearing relation about the peripheral portion of the log.

It is preferred that the log be located so that the end of the convolution will form the tail end 3 and will be at one side of the log in this position. Thus, the manifold 22 will extend over the upper peripheral surface of the log adjacent the tail end section.

The raising movement of the plug 21 will cause opening movement of the air valve 21 to allow air from the source of supply 24 to pass upward through the pipe 46 to the fitting 35, thence through the pipe 47 to the fitting 36. At this time the passageway through the air cut-off valve 37 is open so that air passes momentarily therethrough to open the water supply valve 38. Upon the opening of the latter, a jet of water from a source 39 will pass through the water valve 38 and through the pipe 40 to the fitting 28, thence through the passageways 27, 26 and 24 to the jet orifice 25. This will discharge jets of water through these orifices onto the outer convolution of the log in positions so that after cutting, these points 4 will be located adjacent the ends of the roll, as shown in FIG. 3.

Almost immediately upon the opening of the valve 38, the air to the control of this valve will by-pass through the flow valve assembly 42 which will act then to close the air cut-off valve 37. This will discontinue the supply of air to the water control valve 38 and the latter, being normally closed, will be closed thereby discontinuing the flow of water or other liquid to the orifices 25. In this way only a momentary jet of water or other liquid is discharged at the respective orifices 25, just sufficient to impart a small amount of moisture onto the peripheral portion of the log at the points indicated at 4 in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The axial movement of the log by the conveyor 9 is stopped during the sawing operation by the saw 7. The log is securely clamped during this sawing action and is held stationary. The sawing occurs between a pair of the adhesive points 4, as will be apparent from FIG. 2.

The closing of the clamp 12 upon each log serves also to penetrate the outer periphery of the log at each of the respective points 4 where moisture was applied by the jets 25. These points are spaced axially along the log, as will be apparent from FIG. 2, so that simultaneously moisture will be applied and the log then moved one step further and stopped where the prongs 45 will penetrate the convolutions at the moistened areas. Then the log will advance one step further and the respective rolls will be cut off by the saw 7 between a pair of the areas 4. This serves to locate the moistened and penetrated areas adjacent opposite ends of the completed roll 1 where they are effective to retain the outer convolution during the packaging of the respective rolls while allowing the tail end 3 of the outer convolution to be readily separated with the fingers from the remainder of the roll when it is desired to put the latter into use.

The application of water or other liquid adhesive at points around the circumference of the respective rolls, or segment thereof, is simultaneously with the cutting of the rolls, one by one, from the log. This action is so timed that these adhering points will be in a fixed or definite relation to the respective ends of the rolls as they are cut from the log.

This provides a simple and effective way of securing the tail ends of the rolls during the packaging operation and yet permitting the outer convolutions to be opened when the rolls are to be used. It eliminates the use of glue or other adhesives that are objectionable for various reasons and it also makes unnecessary a long strip of adhesive throughout the length of the log.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in one embodiment, it is recognized that variations and changes may be made therein without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method of securing the tail convolution of a paper roll to underlying convolutions thereof, comprising applying spots of moisture to circumferentially spaced points of the roll adjacent opposite ends thereof, and pentrating through the spots of moisture through the tail convolution and into the underlying convolutions, the spots of moisture being applied in circumferentially extending rows and the penetrating being effected before drying of the moisture thereby absorbing moisture into the underlying convolutions.

2. A method of securing the tail convolution of a paper roll to an underlying convolution thereof, according to claim 1, including clamping and holding an elongated paper log, cutting the roll therefrom, and applying the spots of moisture and penetrations while the log is held for cutting the roll therefrom.

3. Apparatus for making a wound roll product having a tail convolution with underlying convolutions comprising supporting means for holding the roll product, means for applying circumferentially spaced jets of liquid to spots on the outer surface of the tail convolution, means for perforating through the spots on the tail convolution and into the underlying convolutions, and wherein the liquid is absorbed into the underlying convolutions through the perforations and thereby causes adhesion between the convolutions at the opposite ends of the roll product while allowing separation of the tail convolution between the spots at said opposite ends.

4. Apparatus for making a wound roll product according to claim 3, wherein the jet of liquid is applied to a spot adjacent each opposite end of the roll product.

5. Apparatus for making a wound roll product, according to claim 4, wherein the jet of liquid is water.

6. Apparatus for making a roll product according to claim 3, and wherein the roll is made from a wound paper log, comprising clamping means for the log, means for cutting the roll product from the log, the means for applying liquid to the tail convolution being mounted on the clamping means and being operated in timed relation to the cutting means.

7. Apparatus for making a wound roll product, having a tail convolution with underyling convolutions, comprising supporting means for holding the roll product, means for applying a jet of liquid to a spot on the outer surface of the tail convolution, means for perforating through the spot on the convolution and into the underlying convolutions, the supporting means comprising an arcuate manifold arranged to embrace the wound roll product and having longitudinally spaced jet orifices therein and spaced circumferentially of the roll product, said manifold having the liquid supply means thereon for supplying liquid to the jet orifices and a shoe having prongs thereon spaced equidistant to the spacing of the jet orifices, and means for advancing the roll step-by-step to the moistening manifold and to the shoe for perforating through the moistened spots.