阅读说明：本技术 可重构的包裹机构 (Reconfigurable package mechanism ) 是由 M·西拉尼·弗纳西尼 于 2019-07-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于通过将芯(160,560)包裹于幅材材料内来形成基本上圆柱形的被包裹的元件的可重构的包裹机构(100,200,300,400,500,600),所述可重构的包裹机构包括：具有细长形成通道(212)的可重构附属床(110,210,310,410),所述细长形成通道具有细长敞开侧,其中所述细长形成通道是细长形成通道；沿着所述细长形成通道(212)的长度延伸的传送带(120,220,320,420,520),所述传送带用于输送所述幅材材料；用于沿着所述细长形成通道(212)的长度驱动所述传送带(120,220,320,420,520)的驱动机构。(A reconfigurable wrapping mechanism (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for forming substantially cylindrical wrapped elements by wrapping a core (160, 560) within a web material, the reconfigurable wrapping mechanism comprising: a reconfigurable cot (110, 210, 310, 410) having an elongated formed channel (212) having an elongated open side, wherein the elongated formed channel is an elongated formed channel; a conveyor belt (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) extending along a length of the elongate forming channel (212), the conveyor belt for transporting the web material; a drive mechanism for driving the conveyor belt (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) along the length of the elongate forming channel (212).)

1. A reconfigurable wrapping mechanism for forming substantially cylindrical wrapped elements by wrapping a core within a web of material, the reconfigurable wrapping mechanism comprising a reconfigurable appurtenant bed having an elongate formed channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate formed channel for conveying the web of material, and wherein the elongate formed channel has an elongate open side, wherein the appurtenant bed comprises a plurality of appurtenant bed subcomponents,

wherein each sub-bed component provides a portion of the elongate channel-forming surface in a direction extending around the elongate channel-forming surface perpendicular to the length of the elongate channel-forming surface, and

wherein at least one of the accessory bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel.

2. The wrap mechanism of claim 1, wherein each sub-bed component comprises:

a base sub-member; and

a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member removably connected to the respective base sub-member.

3. A wrapping mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein adjacent edges of said one or more sub-bed sections cross each other.

4. A wrapping mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein said one or more said sub-bed members are configured for substantially symmetrical movement.

5. The wrap mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongate formed channel has a central axis extending along a length thereof, and the sub-bed member is configured for substantially radial movement relative to the central axis.

6. A wrapping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an elongate shoe provided adjacent and extending along said elongate open side of said elongate forming channel for slidably contacting at least one of said wrapped core, core and web material.

7. The wrapping mechanism of claim 6, comprising one or both of:

the elongate shoe is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate formed channel towards the cot; and

the auxiliary bed is configured for

Moving transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel towards the elongate shoe.

8. A wrapping mechanism according to any preceding claim, comprising a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming channel for conveying the web material.

9. A wrapping mechanism according to any preceding claim, comprising a drive mechanism for driving a conveyor belt along the length of the elongate forming channel.

10. A method of reconfiguring an appurtenant bed in a wrapping mechanism for forming substantially cylindrical wrapped elements by wrapping a core within a web of material, the wrapping mechanism comprising a reconfigurable appurtenant bed having an elongate formed channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate formed channel for conveying the web of material, and wherein the elongate formed channel has an elongate open side,

wherein the appurtenant bed comprises a plurality of appurtenant bed sub-members, wherein each appurtenant bed sub-member provides a portion of the surface of the elongate forming channel in a direction extending around the surface of the elongate forming channel perpendicular to the length of the elongate forming channel, and wherein at least one of the appurtenant bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel, and the method comprises relative movement of the appurtenant bed sub-members transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel to adjust the size of the elongate forming channel.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein each sub-bed component comprises:

a base sub-member; and

a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member removably connected to the corresponding base sub-member, an

The method includes removing and replacing the channel liner-forming sub-member.

12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein adjacent edges of the one or more said sub-bed sections intersect with each other, and the method includes relative movement of the sub-bed sections to increase or decrease the level of intersection with each other.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10, 11 and 12, wherein the one or more accessory bed sub-members are configured for substantially symmetrical movement.

14. The method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the elongate forming channel has a central axis extending along its length and the sub-bed member, and the method comprises moving the sub-bed member substantially radially relative to the central axis.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, the wrapping mechanism comprising:

an elongate shoe provided adjacent and extending along the elongate open side of the elongate forming channel for slidably contacting at least one of the wrapped core, core and web material,

the method includes one or both of:

the elongate shoe is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate formed channel towards the cot; and

the auxiliary bed is configured for

Moving transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel towards the elongate shoe.

16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the method comprises reconfiguring the satellite bed to provide a narrower formation channel.

17. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the wrapping mechanism comprises a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming channel, the conveyor belt being for conveying the web material, and

wherein the method comprises reconfiguring the cot to provide a wider formed channel, and the method further comprises replacing the conveyor belt.

18. A method of manufacturing a substantially cylindrical wrapped element with a wrapping mechanism comprising:

a reconfigurable cot having an elongated forming channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along a length of the elongated forming channel for transporting the web material, and wherein the elongated forming channel has elongated open sides; wherein the cot comprises a plurality of cot subcomponents,

wherein each sub-bed component provides a portion of the elongate channel-forming surface in a direction extending around the elongate channel-forming surface perpendicular to the length of the elongate channel-forming surface, and

wherein at least one of the accessory bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel; and

a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming channel; and

a drive mechanism for driving the conveyor belt along the length of the elongate forming channel,

the method comprises the following steps:

driving the conveyor belt and conveyed web material along the elongated forming channel with the drive mechanism;

receiving a core on the conveyed web material; and

wrapping the core in a web of material.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism, a method of reconfiguring a wrapping mechanism and a method of using a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism, in particular to the manufacture of rods for aerosol-generating articles.

The present description relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, which may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated by a heating element of an aerosol-generating device. The present description also relates to methods of using and reconfiguring an apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles.

Background

The wrapped rod is formed in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article, for example, any of an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element, an aerosol-cooling element and a mouthpiece.

The wrapped rod may be formed by passing a web of wrapping material and the core through an assembly known as an "appendage" in which the web is wrapped around the core and sealed. The accessory assembly has an elongated channel-forming having an open side extending along a length thereof, and a shoe positioned adjacent at least a portion of the open side, and a belt driven through the channel-forming along a channel-forming concave surface. The web is conveyed onto the belt and pulled through the forming tunnel, and the core is positioned on the belt. The forming channel and the shoe cooperate to wrap the web around the core, and at least a portion of the adjunct forms a substantially cylindrical channel between the shoe, the belt, and the forming channel. A heating element may be disposed in a portion of the shoe to thermoset the adhesive between the overlapping portions of the wrapped web.

In use, the belts and the forming channels each wear, which undesirably increases the size of the wrapped rod being manufactured. To maintain manufacturing quality, replacement of worn belts and worn channel-forming components is necessary because they can add additional cost to the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing efficiency.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism for forming substantially cylindrical wrapped elements by wrapping a core within a web of material, the reconfigurable wrapping mechanism comprising a reconfigurable subbed having an elongate formed channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate formed channel for conveying the web of material, and wherein the elongate formed channel has elongate open sides.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of reconfiguring an appurtenant bed in a wrapping mechanism for forming substantially cylindrical wrapped elements by wrapping a core within a web material, the wrapping mechanism comprising a reconfigurable appurtenant bed having an elongate formed channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate formed channel for conveying the web material, and wherein the elongate formed channel has elongate open sides,

wherein the appurtenant bed comprises a plurality of appurtenant bed sub-members, wherein each appurtenant bed sub-member provides a portion of the surface of the elongate forming channel in a direction extending around the surface of the elongate forming channel perpendicular to the length of the elongate forming channel, and wherein at least one of the appurtenant bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel, and the method comprises relative movement of the appurtenant bed sub-members transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel to adjust the size of the elongate forming channel.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a substantially cylindrical wrapped element with a wrapping mechanism comprising:

a reconfigurable cot having an elongated forming channel for supporting a conveyor belt extending along a length of the elongated forming channel for transporting the web material, and wherein the elongated forming channel has elongated open sides;

a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming channel; and

a drive mechanism for driving the conveyor belt along the length of the elongate forming channel,

the method comprises the following steps:

driving the conveyor belt and conveyed web material along the elongated forming channel with the drive mechanism;

receiving a core on the conveyed web material; and

wrapping the core in a web of material.

The cot may comprise a plurality of cot subcomponents,

wherein each sub-bed component provides a portion of the elongate channel-forming surface in a direction extending around the elongate channel-forming surface perpendicular to the length of the elongate channel-forming surface, and

wherein at least one of the accessory bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel.

Each sub-bed member may include:

a base sub-member; and

a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member removably connected to the respective base sub-member.

Adjacent edges of the one or more accessory bed sub-members may intersect one another.

The one or more accessory bed sub-members may be configured for substantially symmetrical movement.

The elongate form channel may have a central axis extending along its length, and the accessory bed sub-member may be configured for substantially radial movement relative to the central axis.

The wrapping mechanism may include an elongate shoe provided adjacent to and extending along the elongate open side of the elongate forming channel for slidably contacting at least one of the wrapped core, and web material.

The wrapping mechanism may include one or both of:

the elongate shoe is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate formed channel towards the cot; and

the auxiliary bed is configured for

Moving transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel towards the elongate shoe.

The wrapping mechanism may comprise a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming channel for conveying the web material.

The wrapping mechanism may comprise a drive mechanism for driving a conveyor belt along the length of the elongate forming channel.

Each sub-bed member may include:

a base sub-member; and

a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member removably connected to the corresponding base sub-member, an

The method includes removing and replacing the channel liner-forming sub-member.

Adjacent edges of the one or more accessory bed sub-members may intersect one another, and the method may include relative movement of the accessory bed sub-members to increase or decrease the level of intersection with one another.

The one or more accessory bed sub-members may be configured for substantially symmetrical movement.

The elongate form channel may have a central axis extending along its length and the sub-bed member, and the method may comprise moving the sub-bed member substantially radially relative to the central axis.

The wrapping mechanism may include:

an elongate shoe provided adjacent and extending along the elongate open side of the elongate forming channel for slidably contacting at least one of the wrapped core, core and web material,

the method includes one or both of:

the elongate shoe is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate formed channel towards the cot; and

the auxiliary bed is configured for

Moving transverse to the length of the elongate forming channel towards the elongate shoe.

The method may include reconfiguring the satellite bed to provide a narrower formation channel.

The wrapping mechanism may comprise a conveyor belt extending along the length of the elongate forming tunnel to convey the web material, and the method may comprise reconfiguring the satellite bed to provide a wider forming tunnel, and the method may additionally comprise replacing the conveyor belt.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for a smoking article.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol comprising nicotine that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user.

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-forming substrate' is used to describe a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated. The aerosol produced by the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article described herein may be visible or invisible, and may comprise vapour (e.g. fine particulate matter in the gaseous state, which is typically a liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapour.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed as a folded web (also referred to as a pleated web). The folded web may be, but is not limited to, homogenized tobacco material, such as TCL (tobacco cast leaf), and wrapped in wrapping paper.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-cooling element" is used to describe an element having a large surface area and a low resistance to draw. In use, an aerosol formed from volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate passes through and is cooled by the aerosol-cooling element and is then inhaled by a user. The aerosol-cooling element has a lower resistance to draw than high resistance to draw filters and other mouthpieces. The chambers and cavities within the aerosol-generating article are also not considered aerosol-cooling elements.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for a smoking article.

The wrapper may be a wrapper of filter paper. Preferably, the overwrap is cigarette paper. However, this is not essential and the elements of the aerosol-generating article may be wrapped by other overwraps.

As used herein, the term "forming a channel" is used to describe a channel that: the channel is for wrapping the web material around the core as the core of web material passes through the channel. In use, at least the inlet portion of the channel formed where the web material is progressively wrapped around the core has a radius of curvature that decreases towards the downstream end. In use, at the upstream end, the channel may be substantially flat or have a large radius of curvature, with the unwrapped material being introduced into the forming channel. At least the outlet portion forming the channel is flared towards the downstream end, e.g. has a radius of curvature which increases towards the downstream end, and may be flattened at the downstream end.

As used herein, the term "reconfigurable cot" is used to describe a composite structure that provides a channel or a portion of the length of a channel, which may be modified to compensate for wear, replacement of other portions, or both. One of the portions of the composite structure may provide the entire surface forming the channel perpendicular to the length of the forming channel. Alternatively, the plurality of portions may each provide a portion of the entire surface forming the channel that is perpendicular to the length of the forming channel.

As used herein, "reconstruction" is used to describe modifications that can be performed quickly.

The reconfiguration of the cot can include changing the size of the formed channel, for example, changing the cot to provide a narrower or wider formed channel.

For reconstruction of a cot, removal of the or each replaceable channel-forming liner sub-component may require the release of no more than two set screws or set bolts.

The plurality of replaceable channel-forming liner subcomponents is substantially smaller than the complete satellite bed. The cross-sectional area of the plurality of replaceable channel-forming liner subcomponents, perpendicular to the length of the forming channel, and at a location along the length of the forming channel where the cross-sectional area of the forming channel is smallest (or where the radius of curvature of the forming channel is smallest), may be at a ratio of at least 10:1, at least 5:1, or at least 2:1 less than the cross-sectional area of the appendage bed.

As used herein, the term "subform" is used to describe an element that provides a portion of the entire surface forming a channel or a portion of the length of the channel perpendicular to the length of the channel. In use, each of the sub-bed components can contact the conveyor belt (e.g., in use, the conveyor belt can slide over each of the sub-bed components). The sub-bed components may be closely spaced in use (e.g., may be spaced less than 20% of the narrowest width of the forming channel, less than 10% of the narrowest width of the forming channel, or less than 5% of the narrowest width of the forming channel). The close spacing facilitates smooth flow of the driven conveyor belt along the forming channel and across any gaps between the sub-bed member and an adjacent sub-bed member. The sub-bed members may be mechanically interconnected with a mechanism for providing relative movement (e.g., the outer sub-bed members may be directly connected to the central sub-bed member).

As used herein, the term "channel-forming liner sub-member" is used to describe a replaceable element that provides a portion of the entire surface forming the channel or a portion of the length of the channel perpendicular to the length of the channel, and is removably attached to the retained base sub-member when the channel-forming liner sub-member is replaced.

As used herein, the term "conveyor belt" is a belt that is placed along the length of the forming tunnel and is driven along the forming tunnel in use to convey the web and core of wrapping material. Conveyor belts are also known as garniture belts or accessories. As used herein, the term "drive mechanism" is an electrically powered mechanism for driving the conveyor belt along the forming path. The conveyor belt may be an endless loop.

As used herein, the term "boot" has been used to describe a member which, in use, provides a surface complementary to the channel-forming surface of the accessory bed, so as to cooperate with the channel-forming surface to wrap the wrapping material around the core material.

The plurality of replaceable lane-forming liner sub-members are smaller than the plurality of base sub-members in a cross-section perpendicular to the length of the lane-forming, which may allow the plurality of replaceable lane-forming liner sub-members to be replaced without having to remove the conveyor belt from the remainder of the cot, which includes at least the plurality of base sub-members.

In use, the conveyor belt may be held in tension by a belt tensioning mechanism (e.g., a tensioning wheel), which may be a pulley rotatably mounted on a biasing arm. To replace the cot, the tensioning mechanism may be released to loosen the conveyor belt, lift the conveyor belt from the form tunnel while the cot is reconfigured, and then the conveyor belt is replaced into the form tunnel and re-tensioned by re-engagement of the belt tensioning mechanism.

Advantageously, the cot may be reconfigured without the need to completely remove one or more of the cot, the conveyor belt, and the shoe (if present). Without completely removing one or more of the subbed, conveyor belt, and shoe, the reconfiguration of the subbed may allow for faster periodic maintenance of the wrapping mechanism to be performed than would otherwise be the case, thereby reducing downtime of the wrapping mechanism and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Advantageously, reconfiguration of the wrapping mechanism without completely removing the accessory bed or boot can avoid or reduce the need for technically re-assembling and re-aligning.

Usually, the conveyor belt is replaced more frequently than the known subbeds. In order to reduce the wear of the known forming channels, it is known to form the satellite beds from a wear resistant material (e.g. stainless steel) which may additionally be provided with a hardened coating (e.g. a diamond-like carbon coating). By replacement of the replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member, the cot can be conveniently reconfigured, which may allow the channel-forming material (e.g., plastic material) to be provided in a less wear-resistant material, with increased wear of the cot being compensated for by reconfiguration of the cot. Advantageously, forming the channels to provide a low wear resistant material may reduce wear of the conveyor belt, thereby reducing the frequency of scheduled maintenance and reducing the overall down time of the wrapping mechanism.

Advantageously, the reconstitution of the cot may also continue to use one or both of the conveyor belt and cot even if one or both of them have worn, which may increase the run time of the wrapping mechanism before the conveyor belt needs to be replaced. Extending the run time of the components may improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Advantageously, by the reconstruction of the accessory bed, both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core can be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

Drawings

Examples will be further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism;

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view through the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism in an unworn state;

FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view through the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism after reconfiguration to compensate for wear;

fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the second reconfigurable wrapping mechanism in an unworn state;

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view through the third reconfigurable wrapping mechanism in an unworn condition;

FIG. 3B shows a plan view of the subbed of the third reconfigurable wrapping mechanism of FIG. 3A;

figure 4 shows a plan view of an accessory bed of a fourth reconfigurable wrapping mechanism; and

fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view through the fifth reconfigurable wrapping mechanism in an unworn state.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the example, identical features have been identified with identical numbering, even though in some cases with one or more of the increments being integer multiples of 100. For example, in the different figures, 100, 200, 300, and 500 have been used to represent reconfigurable packaging mechanisms.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100. Fig. 1B shows a cross-sectional view through the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 having the conveyor belt 120 and the satellite bed 110 in an unworn state. Fig. 1C shows the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100' after reconfiguration to compensate for wear of the conveyor belt 120' and the cot 110 '.

The reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 has an accessory bed 110 with a formed channel 112 extending along its length. The conveyor belt 120 extends along the surface forming the channel 112 and both are open along the length forming the channel, with the open side facing the elongate shoe 150.

In the illustrated subbed 110, the formation channel 112 has an inlet portion 112A, an intermediate portion 112B, and an outlet portion 112C. The middle portion 112B has a constant radius of curvature along its length. The inlet portion 112A narrows away from the inlet forming the channel 112 and toward the intermediate portion 112B. The outlet portion 112C widens towards the outlet and away from the intermediate portion 112C.

The conveyor belt 120 may be an endless belt and only a portion of the conveyor belt, i.e., within the intermediate portion 112B forming the channel 112, is shown in fig. 1A. A belt drive mechanism (not shown) is provided to drive the conveyor belt 120 along the forming tunnel 112 in the transport direction T. The shoe 150 has a concave surface 152 in cross-section perpendicular to the length of the channel 112 that faces the open side of the channel 112. The concave surface 152 forming the channel 112, the conveyor belt 120, and the shoe 150 are arranged and complementarily shaped to receive a substantially cylindrical member, e.g., a substantially cylindrical core 160 wrapped in a wrapping paper 162. Although the elongate boot 150 is present in the wrapping mechanism 100 of fig. 1A, the elongate boot is optional and may be omitted (e.g., as shown in fig. 5).

The cot 110 can be reconfigured by adjusting the size of the formed channels 112.

The cot 110 is a composite construction having movable cot sub-components 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3, each of which provides a portion of the channel 212. The sub-bed components 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 can be connected to a common support (not shown). In use, the conveyor belt 120 contacts and slides along the sub-bed components 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3.

As shown in fig. 2, the dependent bed sub-components 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 may each have a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-component (not shown in fig. 1A-1C) that is removably connected to a complementary base sub-component, with an elongated channel-forming provided in the liner sub-component.

The concave surfaces 152 (if present) forming the channel 112, the conveyor belt 120, and the shoe 150 are arranged and complementarily shaped to form and transport a substantially cylindrical member conveyed on the conveyor belt, e.g., a generally cylindrical core 160 wrapped in a wrapping paper 162. In use, the belt drive mechanism drives the conveyor belt 120 along the forming tunnel 112 in the transport direction T (as shown in fig. 1A), the wrapping paper 162 is received onto the conveyor belt 120 and extends along the conveyor belt, the cores 160 are received onto the wrapping paper, and the wrapping paper is wrapped around the cores. As the conveyor belt 120 pulls the wrapping paper 162 and the cores 160 along the entrance portion 112A and the intermediate portion 112B forming the channel 112, the wrapping paper gradually wraps around the cores before the wrapped cores exit the forming channel along the exit portion 112C. As the wrapping paper 162 passes along the forming channel 112 (e.g., in the intermediate portion 112B), it is sealed around the core 160.

In the illustrated reconfigurable package assembly 100, the illustrated boot 150 has a constant cross-sectional shape along its length and extends along the intermediate portion 112B forming the channel 112. However, to enhance the wrapping properties, the boot 150 may have a shape that varies along the length forming the channel 112. However, the shoe 150 may extend a portion or all of the length of the inlet portion 112A, a portion or all of the length of the intermediate portion 112B, a portion or all of the length of the outlet portion 112C, or may extend along a portion or all of a combination of adjacent portions 112A, 112B, 112C forming the channel 112.

During manufacture, when the wrap paper 162 has been wrapped around the core 160, the doubled region 162D may pass along the concave surface 152 of the shoe 150 (or similarly, the doubled region 562B may pass along the concave surface forming the channel 512, as shown in fig. 5).

Contact adhesive may be provided between the layers in the bi-layer region 162D and adhesion may be facilitated by contact between the bi-layer region and one or both of the conveyor belt 120 and the forming tunnel 112. Alternatively or additionally, a thermosetting adhesive may be provided between the layers in the bi-layer region 162D. At least a portion of the concave surface 152 of the shoe 150 (or the surface forming the channel 512 in the arrangement of figure 5) may be provided with a heating zone (not shown) that heats the bi-layer region 162D to dry or melt the adhesive between the layers, and the concave surface 152 of the shoe 150 (or the surface forming the channel 512 in the arrangement of figure 5) may also optionally be provided with a cooling zone (not shown) to cool the adhesive.

With continued use, the conveyor belt 120 may be worn thinner, for example back to the dashed line indicated at 120W. Alternatively or additionally, the surface forming the channel 112 may be worn away by the conveyor belt 120, for example, back to the dashed line indicated at 110W.

When a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn subbed 110 'and a worn conveyor belt 120' (the respective wear being only within the respective wear tolerance range), the subbed subcomponents 110-1', 110-2', and 110-3 'may move M-1, M-2, and M-3 inward (or outward) to reconfigure to form the channel 112' to compensate for the wear. The shoe 150 may also move H inward to further compensate for wear. The sub-bed components 110-1', 110-2', and 110-3' and the shoe 150 can move radially relative to a central axis extending along the core 160.

In the event that wear of the conveyor belt 120, the dependent bed sub-components 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3 or both the conveyor belt and the dependent bed portion is detected and the conveyor belt can be further used, the dependent bed sub-components 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3 can be moved inward M-1, M-2 and M-3 to compensate for the worn conveyor belt, e.g., moved inward to provide a smaller diameter in the middle portion 112B.

In the event that wear of the conveyor belt 120 is detected and the conveyor belt is replaced, the sub-bed components 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 can be moved outwardly M-1, M-2, and M-3 to compensate for the replacement of the worn conveyor belt, e.g., moved outwardly to provide a larger diameter in the middle portion 112B. In addition, the height H of the shoe 150 (if present) on the base forming the channel 112 (e.g., in the middle portion 112B) may be adjusted corresponding to the reconfiguration of the cot 110 and to the wear of the conveyor belt 120.

The reconstitution of the subbed may also continue to use one or both of the conveyor belt and the subbed even if one or both of them have worn, which may increase the run time of the wrapping mechanism before the conveyor belt needs to be replaced or the walkway formed. Extending the run time of the components may improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

By movement of one or more accessory bed base portions, the substantially cylindrical shape and cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view looking through the second reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 200, which is substantially similar to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 of fig. 1A, in an unworn state.

The second reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 200 differs from the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 in that: the movable subsidiary bed sub-members of the subsidiary bed 210 each have a composite construction with base sub-members 210A-1, 210A-2 and replaceable channel-forming lining sub-members 210B-1, 210B-2 and 210B-3, each detachably connected to a respective base sub-portion, the elongate channel-forming 212 being provided by an assembly of channel-forming lining sub-members.

The concave surfaces 252 forming the channel 212, conveyor belt 220, and shoe 250 are arranged and complementarily shaped to form and transport a substantially cylindrical member, e.g., a substantially cylindrical core 260 wrapped within a wrapping paper 262, in a manner similar to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100, as shown in fig. 1A-1C.

With continued use, the conveyor belt 220 may be worn thinner, for example back to the dashed line indicated at 220W. Alternatively or additionally, the surfaces forming the channels 212 may be worn by the conveyor belt 220, e.g., the channel-forming liner sub-members 210B-1, 210B-2, and 210B-2 are worn back to the dashed line indicated at 210W.

When wear of one or both of the cot 210 and the conveyor belt 220 is detected by a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown), the cot base sub-components 210A-1, 210A-2, and 210A-3 may be moved inward to reconfigure the formation channel 212 to compensate for the wear. The shoe 250 may also move H inward to further compensate for wear.

The reconstitution of the subbed may also continue to use one or both of the conveyor belt and the subbed even if one or both of them have worn, which may increase the run time of the wrapping mechanism before the conveyor belt needs to be replaced or the walkway formed. Extending the run time of the components may improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

By movement of one or more accessory bed base sub-members, the substantially cylindrical shape and cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

By replacement of one or more replaceable channel-forming liner subcomponents, the substantially cylindrical shape and cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within a narrower tolerance.

Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional view through the third reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 300 in an unworn state, and fig. 3B shows a plan view of the cot 310 of fig. 3A.

The wrapping mechanism 300 has an accessory bed 310 with a formed channel 312 extending along its length. The conveyor belt 320 extends along the surface forming the channel 312 and both are open along the length forming the channel, with the open side facing the elongate shoe 350. The conveyor belt 320 may be an endless belt. A belt driving mechanism (not shown) is provided to drive the conveyor belt 320 along the forming path 312 in the conveying direction T.

In a cross-section perpendicular to the length of the forming channel 312, the shoe 350 has a concave surface 352 facing the open side of the forming channel 312. The concave surfaces 352 forming the channel 312, the conveyor belt 320, and the shoe 350 are arranged and complementarily shaped to form a substantially cylindrical wrapped rod, e.g., a substantially cylindrical core 360 wrapped within a wrapping paper 362.

The third cot 310 is a composite construction having movable sub-members 310-1 and 310-2, each of which provides a portion that forms a channel 312. The sub-bed components 310-1 and 310-2 can be connected to a common support (not shown). The sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 may each have a replaceable channel-forming liner sub-member (not shown) that is removably connected to a complementary base sub-member, with an elongated channel-forming provided in the channel-forming liner sub-member.

The concave surfaces 352 forming the channel 312, conveyor belt 320 and shoe 350 are arranged and complementarily shaped to form and transport a substantially cylindrical member, e.g., a substantially cylindrical core 360 wrapped within a wrapping paper 362, in a manner similar to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100, as shown in fig. 1A-1C.

With continued use, the conveyor belt 320 may be worn thinner, for example back to the dashed line indicated at 320W. Alternatively or additionally, the surface forming the channel 312 may be worn by the conveyor belt 320, for example, back to the dashed line indicated at 310W.

When a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn subbed 310 and the conveyor belt 420, the subbed sub-components 310-1 and 310-2 may move M-1 and M-2 inward to reconfigure the formation tunnel 312 to compensate for the wear. The shoe 450 may also move H inward to further compensate for wear.

In the illustrated third reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 300, the movable sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 are configured to move inwardly (or outwardly) and parallel to each other and perpendicular to the movement H of the boot 350 (e.g., each of the cot sections 310-1 and 310-2 and the boot 350 may move radially relative to a central axis extending along the core 360). However, the movable portion of the wrapping mechanism may alternatively be configured to move inwardly at a different angle (e.g., in a symmetrical arrangement).

The reconstitution of the subbed may also continue to use one or both of the conveyor belt and the subbed even if one or both of them have worn, which may increase the run time of the wrapping mechanism before the conveyor belt needs to be replaced or the walkway formed. Extending the run time of the components may improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

By movement of one or more accessory bed base sub-members, the substantially cylindrical shape and cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

By replacement of one or more of the channel liner sub-sections, the substantially cylindrical shape and cross-sectional area of the wrapped core can be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

As shown in fig. 3B, at the channel-forming surface 312, the opposing edges 314-1 and 314-2 of the sub-bed components 310-1 and 310-2 (or composite sub-bed components, each having a base sub-component and a channel-forming liner sub-component) may have an interdigitating toothed arrangement, allowing the sub-bed components to move inward (or outward). The teeth along the opposing edges 314-1 and 314-2 remain interdigitated to provide enhanced support for the conveyor belt 320, web material, and core. The opposing edges may have complementary serrated edges.

The movable portions 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 210-1 and 210-2 of other reconfigurable wrapping mechanisms 100 and 200 may additionally be provided with an interdigitating toothed arrangement along opposite edges thereof where the channel-forming surfaces 112, 212 are formed.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth composite cot 410, generally similar to the composite cot 310 of fig. 3A and 3B, having cot sections 410-1 and 410-2.

The cot 410 of fig. 4 differs from the cot 310 of fig. 3A and 3B by having complementary castellated interdigitated opposing edges 414-1 and 414-2.

The channel-forming assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400 of fig. 1A-4 have one, two, or three portions, each portion providing a portion of the channel-forming surface. Alternatively, the cot may have a plurality of sections, each section providing a portion forming a surface of the channel.

The reconfigurable wrap mechanisms 100, 200, and 300 illustrated in fig. 1A-3A each include an elongate boot 150, 250, and 350. Alternatively, however, the elongate shoe may be omitted from the reconfigurable wrapping mechanism.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view looking through a fifth reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 600, which is substantially similar to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 of fig. 1A-1C, in an unworn state.

The fifth reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 500 differs from the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 in that the elongate shoe 150 is omitted.

The forming tunnel 512 and the conveyor 520 are shaped to form and transport a substantially cylindrical member, e.g., a substantially cylindrical core 560 wrapped in a wrapping paper 562, that is conveyed on the conveyor. In use, the belt drive mechanism drives the conveyor belt 520 along the forming tunnel 512 (e.g., in the transport direction T, as shown in fig. 1A), the wrapping paper 562 is received onto and extends along the conveyor belt 520, the core 560 is received onto the wrapping paper, and the wrapping paper is wrapped around the core.

During manufacture, double-layer region 562D may pass along the concave surface forming channel 512 when wrapping paper 562 has been wrapped around core 560. Contact adhesive may be provided between the layers in the bi-layer region 562D and adhesion may be facilitated by contact between the bi-layer region and one or both of the conveyor belt 520 and the forming channel 512. Alternatively or additionally, a thermosetting adhesive may be provided between the layers in the bi-layer region 562D. At least a portion of the concave surface forming the channel 512 may be provided with a heating region (not shown) that heats the bi-layer region 562D to dry or melt the adhesive, and the forming channel 512 may also optionally be provided with a cooling region (not shown) to cool the bi-layer region.

With continued use, the conveyor belt 520 may be worn thinner, for example back to the dashed line indicated at 520W. Alternatively or additionally, the replaceable channel-forming liner 510B may be worn by the conveyor belt 520, e.g., back to the dashed line indicated at 510W.

When a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn subbed 510 and a worn conveyor belt 520 (the respective wear being only within the respective wear tolerance range), the subbed subcomponents 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 may move M-1, M-2 and M-3 inward (or outward) to reconfigure to form the channel 512 to compensate for the wear. The sub-bed components 510-1, 510-2, and 510-3 can move radially relative to a central axis extending along the core 560.

In the event that wear of the conveyor belt 520, the dependent bed sub-components 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 or both the conveyor belt and the dependent bed portion is detected and the conveyor belt can be further used, the dependent bed sub-components 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 can be moved inward M-1, M-2 and M-3 to compensate for the worn conveyor belt, e.g., moved inward to provide a smaller diameter in the middle portion 512B.

In the event that wear of the conveyor belt 520 is detected and the conveyor belt is replaced, the sub-bed components 510-1, 510-2, and 510-3 can be moved outwardly M-1, M-2, and M-3 to compensate for the replacement of the worn conveyor belt, e.g., moved outwardly to provide a larger diameter in the middle portion 512B.

The reconstitution of the cot may also continue to use one or both of the belt and cot even if one or both of them have worn, which may increase the run time of the wrapping mechanism before the belt needs to be replaced or a passageway is formed. Extending the run time of the components may improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

By reconfiguration, both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core can be maintained within a narrower tolerance range.

The drawings provided herein are schematic and not drawn to scale.

Throughout the detailed description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "comprise", and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.