초록 ▼

The present invention provides a distinctive method and apparatus (20) for forming an article which includes one or more selectively configured strands of material. In particular aspects, the invention can provide a method and apparatus for wrapping a strand of material with selected filaments, and

The present invention provides a distinctive method and apparatus (20) for forming an article which includes one or more selectively configured strands of material. In particular aspects, the invention can provide a method and apparatus for wrapping a strand of material with selected filaments, and desirably, the filaments can be adhesive filaments. The technique of the invention can include a moving of a strand of material (22) at a selected speed along an appointed machine-direction (34). At least a first, substantially continuous filament (24) can be directed onto the strand of material (22) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path (26) to form a first plurality of filament threads (28) which extend from opposed lateral side regions (30) of the strand of material (22). In particular aspects, at least a second, substantially continuous filament (24a) can be directed onto the strand of material (22) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path (26a) to form a second plurality of filament threads (28a) which extend from opposed lateral side regions (30) of the strand of material (22). Additionally, at least one air stream (32), and desirably a plurality of air streams are directed to operatively wrap the filament threads (28, 28a) around their corresponding strand of material (22).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for forming an article, said method comprising:a moving of a strand of material along an appointed machine-direction; a directing of a first, substantially continuous filament of adhesive onto said strand of material along an oscillating filament path, said filament forming a first plura

1. A method for forming an article, said method comprising:a moving of a strand of material along an appointed machine-direction; a directing of a first, substantially continuous filament of adhesive onto said strand of material along an oscillating filament path, said filament forming a first plurality of filament threads disposed at opposed lateral side regions of said strand of material; a directing of at least a second, substantially continuous filament of adhesive onto said strand of material along an oscillating filament path, said filament forming a second plurality of filament threads disposed at opposed lateral side regions of said strand of material; and a directing of at least one air stream to operatively wrap said filament threads around said strand of material and thereby deposit and wrap at least about 75 wt % of said first and second filaments of adhesive onto said strand of material; wherein the directing of said first, substantially continuous filament of adhesive onto said strand of material occurs at a first nozzle location, the directing of the second, substantially continuous filament of adhesive onto said strand of material occurs at a second nozzle location, and said first and second nozzle locations are spaced apart along said machine-direction by a selected, nozzle separation distance; said nozzle separation distance is at least about 2 mm and not more than about 900 mm; the directing of said at least one air stream provides a first air stream to operatively wrap said first plurality of filament threads around said strand of material, and provides a second air stream to operatively wrap said second plurality of filament threads around said strand of material; and said first and second nozzle locations are spaced apart along a transverse cross-direction by a selected, nozzle offset distance which is not more than about 3 mm.