Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for applying an elongate member to a substrate, an elongate member is fed to a guide capable of guiding the elongate member onto a substrate moving in a flow direction thereof. The guide is supported by a guide assembly for conjoint lateral movement therewith relative to the flow direction of the substrate. The guide assembly is moved lateral to the flow direction of the substrate to guide the elongate member onto the substrate along a securement path, at least a portion of which is generally oblique to the flow direction of the substrate. The guide is moved relative to the guide assembly, generally laterally relative to the flow direction of the substrate, to vary the transverse position of the elongate member within the securement path as it is guided onto the substrate. The elongate member is then secured to the substrate.