Abstract: The present invention relates to stretchable webs having a plurality of elongated cells, and a retractive force mechanism to provide increased retractive force of the web when stretched in a given direction. The stretchable webs are useful in disposable garments such as diapers, bandages and other hygiene material so that the material fits closely without slipping off.

Abstract: A multi-layered web is provided that includes an elastic web bonded to an inelastic web. The inelastic web has extensible and inextensible regions arranged along the machine direction. In the extensible regions, the inelastic web is bonded to the elastic web in a creped structure that is extensible by virtue of the creping. A continuous process is provided to manufacture a multi-layer web having extensible regions that are conjoined with regions that are inextensible by varying the tension that is applied during manufacture of the multi-layer web. The apparatus comprises an elastic web that is fed into a bonding nip, into which one or more inelastic webs are also provided. The elastic web is fed into the bonding nip under a tension that is alternated between a low value that is sufficient to ensure processing stability, and a higher value that provides an elongation to the elastic web.