Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion in a punctiform and/or linear bonding pattern.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.

Abstract: 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 a selected filament, and desirably, the filament can be an adhesive filament. 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). A substantially continuous filament (24) can be directed onto the strand of material (22) along an oscillating filament path (26) to form a plurality of filament threads (28) extending from opposed lateral side regions (30) of the strand of material (22). An air stream (32) is directed to operatively wrap the filament threads (28) around the strand of material (22).

Abstract: A disposable sanitary article having elastic members extending to be associated with leg-openings secured under tension to the article along transversely opposite side edge portions of the sanitary article. The transversely opposite side edge portions respectively have first elastic zones extending across a crotch region in the longitudinal direction along a desired length, second elastic zones extending from the first elastic zones into a front waist region along a desired length and third elastic zones extending from the first elastic zones into a rear waist region along a desired length. The sections of the elastic members extending along the second elastic zones and the third elastic zones has values of stretch stress represented by a relationship of the second elastic zones<the third elastic zones or the third elastic zones<the second elastic zones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, the pivoting being about a pivot axis parallel to the substrate path, oscillates the oscillation unit first roll such that the first roll pivot axis oscillates in a plane generally traverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, oscillates the oscillation unit in a path generally transverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions comprising a rubber-like polymer and low boiling point alkanes which can be used to provide a flexible, durable, permanent repair for snags, holes, runs or ladders in hosiery such as pantyhose and nylon stockings. In a preferred embodiment, the rubber-like polymer is a gum-like residue obtained from drying commercial rubber cement adhesive. A composition comprising 2% weight to volume of this residue in an equal volume solvent system of pentane and hexane is applied to the snag and allowed to dry. When the repair is made while the stocking is being worn, a thin, transparent shield can be inserted between the stocking and the skin of the person wearing the stocking. The shield protects the skin from the composition yet does not adhere to the skin or stocking. The shield therefore can be easily removed after the composition is dry or can be left in place between the skin and the hosiery.

Abstract: A printing process prints a continuously moving substrate with elongate, semi-tone graphics. The printed substrate is incorporated into a composite elastic material, in which the substrate is contracted, thereby forming a desired full-tone graphic from the semi-tone graphic.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of strips starting from a single sheet (1) of elastic film, wherein said single sheet (1) is fed in a longitudinal forward direction (X) up to a severing zone (b), in which the sheet is severed longitudinally into a plurality of strips (2-6), said plurality of strips then being fed further in the forward direction, while simultaneously being stretched in said longitudinal direction to thereby reduce their width (e) and thickness. The invention also relates to an absorbent product which makes use of a plurality of strips which are flat, thin and rectangular in one or more elasticated areas of said product to provide good and uniform breathing ability along said elasticated area(s).

Abstract: A composite structure (3) includes a piezoelectric element (1) sandwiched between fiber composite panels (2). The composite structure can be used as an actuator element. In a method for producing the composite structure, the fiber composite panels are pre-stressed and pre-strained by applying respective pre-stressing forces (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) in opposite directions along two substantially perpendicular axes in the plane of the panel. The pre-stressed and pre-strained condition of the fiber composite panels (2) is maintained, while the panels are adhesively bonded (5) surfacially onto the piezoelectric element (1). After the bonding is completed, the pre-stressing forces are removed from the fiber composite panels. As a result, in the finished composite structure (3), the fiber composite panels (2) are under internal tension, while the piezoelectric element (1) is under internal compression. The pre-stressing forces (F.sub.1, F.sub.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of fibre reinforced resin material includes the preparation of a reinforcement preform which includes one or more roves of staple fibres with sufficiently low twist to enable the fibres to slide relative to each other and thereby the rove to elongate when subjected to tension. The reinforcement preform is shaped by deforming the preform into the desired three dimensional shape of the article being manufactured. The shaping can be carried out before, after or simultaneously with impregnation with matrix material. The matrix material may be thermoplastic material incorporated in or with the preform.

Abstract: A trilayer shutdown battery separator is provided having two strength layers sandwiching a shutdown layer that is made by a particle stretch method. The preferred method of making such a trilayer separator comprises: making microporous strength layers; forming a microporous shutdown layer by a particle stretch method; and bonding two microporous strength layers and one microporous shutdown layer into the trilayer battery separator wherein the first and third layers are strength layers, and the second membrane is a microporous shutdown layer made by a particle stretch method.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first batting of high loft, non-woven, fibrous fluid-permeable material with a plurality of openings formed through the thickness thereof across the length and width of the batting. A second layer of high loft, non-woven, fluid-permeable fibrous batting is attached to the first layer and extends across the entire length and width of the first layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are adhered together to form a single integral fluid filter. In the preferred form of the invention, the openings in the first batting have side walls which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the batting, such that fluid flow impacts on the upper surface of the batting, rather than directly impacting on the side walls.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of articles of hygiene such as nappy-pants, of the type comprising an absorbent pad arranged between a liquid-impervious outer sheet and a liquid-permeable inner sheet, characterised in that absorbent pads are deposited at intervals onto a liquid-permeable continuous strip unwound from a reel in that a film of plastic material is extruded and deposited in the state where it has not yet solidified onto the strip and onto the pads, by applying the film against the strip and against the pads to make it adhere thereto and in that, after solidification of the film, a composite strip is cut transversely in the region situated between the absorbent pads, into individual articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacture procedure of vehicle sunshade curtain including:A. Two PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheets in different thickness are used;B. Both sides of the interior and exterior films are electroplated;C. The interior and exterior films are glued together by a melted PE material constituting an inceptive sunshade curtain;D. The inceptive sunshade curtain is folded in two by facing the interior film inside and then curled up from the folding end; andE. The curled inceptive sunshade curtain is heated 40 minutes at about 110.degree. C. to shrink the interior and exterior films. After quick cooling down, the inceptive sunshade curtain is set to a curled finished sunshade curtain.The present invention is to simplify the vehicle sunshade curtain manufacture procedure, lower the manufacture cost, increase the production speed and enhance the sunlight reflecting feature.

Abstract: A structural panel comprises a metal and paper composite in which the metal outer skins have a minimum thickness of 0.005 in. exceeding foils and a maximum thickness of 0.012 in. while the paper core ranges between 0.01 in. and 0.05 in. The panel is a stiff, lightweight substitute for thicker metals and may replace light metal sheets such as aluminum with a composite in which the metal skins comprise sheets from heavier metals such as steel. The paper core is a web which is adhesively bonded to the metal skins and which may have openings to create paths for adhesive bridges between the metal skins to minimize failure caused by buckling.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for attaching and protecting a mechanical fastener on a disposable absorbent article and a disposable absorbent article produced by the same. The process comprises the following steps: (1) providing a disposable absorbent article which includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner; (2) providing a mechanical fastener which includes a first fastening element; (3) attaching the first fastening element of the mechanical fastener to the disposable absorbent article; (4) releasably engaging the first fastening element with the disposable absorbent article to protect the first fastening element; and (5) subsequently packaging the disposable absorbent article for commercial sale. The first fastening element and a portion of the disposable absorbent article may be releasably engaged by constrictively passing them between a pair of rotatable nip rolls.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure; and a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure are described.The multilayered elastic sheetlike structure comprises at least one elastomeric layer of a film, a sheet or a fibrous structure and at least one layer of bonded, inelastic fibrous web connected to the elastomeric layer at permanent connection sites. The inelastic layer of fibrous web, prior to its connection with the elastomeric layer, is initially drawn, so that the fibers of the inelastic layer of fibrous web essentially are aligned in the direction or initial drawing and that the inelastic layer of fibrous web in the initially-drawn state is connected to the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A device for joining ends of material strips of rubber or plastic materials with rubber properties, wherein the ends to be joined have areas of reduced wall thickness and wherein the end cut first is stretched shortly before joining the two ends, includes a plurality of force-transmitting elements positioned adjacent to one another transverse to a longitudinal direction of the material strip at a forward end thereof and acting on one face of the material strip. At least the force-transmitting elements positioned at the areas of reduced wall thickness of the forward end are movable in the longitudinal direction of the material strip for stretching the forward end of the material strip at least within the areas of reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: A method of elastifying a non-woven or plastic jacket of a pants-type article in its unassembled hour-glass form, arranged end-to-end in a longitudinal web, includes the steps of stretching a web length of elastic net, film or elastomeric non-woven material, which is rectilinear in its unstretched state, transversely but not longitudinally at the two end portions (113) which will form the waist, stretching the length of elastic net, film or elastomeric non-woven material longitudinally but not transversely at the intermediate crotch portion (14) therebetween, whereby the net or film will naturally assume the desired hour-glass shape of the jacket to be elastified, then bonding the stretched net or film in its hour-glass shape to the jacket (5).

Abstract: There is provided a cushioned absorbent material which may be used as a bodyside liner for a personal care product which is made from a lofty nonwoven fabric onto which is extruded a film to form a laminate. The laminate is then apertured and has an 8 cc intake rate of at most 20 sec and a rewet of less than 1 gm. Such a liner may be used in personal care products like diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: A panel including a starch foam core which is composed of starch, which is one of resilient foam or hardened foam; and which has a form selected from the group consisting of a plurality of strands which are straight and in essentially parallel alignment with one another, and a plurality of strands which are bent and arranged in an undulating path; and at least one outer layer composed of sheet material and provided directly on a surface of the starch foam core in engaging contact therewith; wherein the panel is prepared in a continuous process.

Abstract: Methods of forming decorative elements such as decorative grass and glitter possessing a unique optical effect from a laminated sheet of optical effect material. The decorative elements have a curl or a crimp set therein to enhance the light-reflecting characteristics of the decorative elements and to provide greater volume of the decorative elements for a given weight of decorative elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bulk-stretched pillowed laminate of two or more layers in which at least one of the layers is stretched before other layers are attached to it. In one execution, a thermoplastic film is stretched until it permanently deforms. Then, while still in a stretched state, a nonwoven web is laminated to the film and the resultant composite is allowed to relax slightly causing the nonwoven layer to gather and pucker, which in turn gives the composite a thicker and bulkier feel and appearance. The material of the present invention, while having a wide variety of uses, is particularly well-suited for use as an outercover for personal care absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for mechanically bonding a polymer to a convex surface of a substrate to provide intimate contact therebetween for improved energy transport between a transducer on one side of the substrate and a chemical bath on the other. The polymer seals the surface of the substrate from the chemical bath and may have a low adhesion to the substrate. A thin film of the polymer is brought under a tensile stress to provide intimate physical contact with most of the area of the convex surface. In one embodiment, the tensile stress is achieved by providing polymer as a liquid on the convex surface and then cooling to take advantage of differential thermal contraction between the polymer and the substrate to achieve the tensile stress in the polymer.

Abstract: A decorative photographic floor tile comprising an enlarged photographic print to create a visual decor for use in commercial settings. The photographic floor tile comprises a lamination of clear vinyl on top of a photographic print with a self-adhesive peel-away backing. A method of using the decorative photographic floor tile to create a visual decor.

Abstract: A web intended to be used as a topsheet or a backsheet defining front and rear sections and a crotch section extending therebetween in a disposable garment is continuously fed in its longitudinal direction, and a width of the web is divided in two halves along a longitudinally extending cutting line describing a curve approximate to a sine curve in and thus two webs are obtained. These two webs are transversely spaced from each other by a predetermined dimension and one of these two webs is longitudinally shifted relatively to the other by 1/2 period. Thereafter, these two webs are joined together in their overlapping regions. The two webs thus joined together is cut for every period with each pair of such overlapping regions lying in a middle of this period. The invention can thereby provide the topsheet or the backsheet without any waste pieces cut therefrom.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises an elastomer having a partially oriented and partially crystallized elastomer component. Articles comprising the pressure-sensitive adhesive on a backing or substrate are also disclosed, as are methods of preparing the adhesive and the articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent garment including a pair of outer containment flaps and a pair of inner containment flaps, said outer and inner containment flaps being formed from a first integral sheet of containment flap material having a length, said inner containment flaps having a length less than the length of said first sheet of containment flap material. Also described is a method of producing the absorbent garments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a three dimensionally texturized liquid resistant laminate having a fibrous nonwoven layer and a liquid resistant layer. The process has the steps of placing the fibrous layer and the liquid resistant layer in juxtaposition to form a laminate, attaching the fibrous layer and the liquid resistant layer at a plurality of spaced-apart bond locations, heating the bonded laminate to a temperature that activates the latent shrinkability of the liquid resistant layer, and allowing the heated laminate to retract such that the liquid resistant layer shrinks and said fibrous layer forms gathers between said bond locations, thereby forming a three dimensional texture and heat annealing the laminate. The invention additionally provides a three dimensionally texturized laminate having a fibrous layer and a nonelastic liquid resistant layer.

Abstract: The invention is a stretchable layered fabric laminate which is air impermeable and waterproof while being permeable to water vapor. The stretchable fabric laminate includes a stretchable composite material layer consisting of a hydrophobic protective layer of a porous polymeric material on each side of a layer of hydrophilic water-vapor-permeable synthetic polymer. The composite material layer is laminated to at least one layer of stretchable fabric. The stretchable layered fabric laminate has excellent stretch and recovery properties in both machine and transverse directions, and is useful for the manufacture of form-fitting articles of protective clothing and other end uses.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprises a liquid-impervious outer sheet (2), defining a narrower crotch region (27) between two wider end or belt regions (28, 29), an absorbent pad (22), fastening members (24) for closing the diapers, and elastic members (4) attached under tension to the impervious sheet (2) on both sides of the absorbent pad (22), substantially over the whole length of the impervious sheet, with a higher tension in the crotch region (27) than in the end regions (28, 29), having, in the two end regions (28, 29), sections (4c) converging in the direction of the transverse edges of the impervious sheet, so that the elastic members (4) form an elastic barrier which practically surrounds the absorbent pad (22) and provide the impervious sheet both with a lengthwise elasticity in the crotch region and a transverse elasticity in the end regions.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment comprises the steps of transporting a two-dimensional web in a substantially flattened position on a transport device, cutting the web along a transverse edge to form a two-dimensional pre-form, gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with a gripping device in four gripping areas, jointly rotating at least the gripping means which hold the gripping areas in the region of the first transverse edge of the pre-form around a first axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form, rotating each gripping device around a respective axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the longitudinal sides of the pre-form to place the sealing areas located along the same longitudinal side in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas in a sealing unit, and releasing the undergarment from the gripping device. The apparatus comprises an umbrella-type mechanism.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment having side seams from a two-dimensional preform comprises the steps of cutting a continuous web along transverse cut lines to form individual preforms; cutting each preform along a leg contour extending along each longitudinal side of the preform in the region of a central section, wherein each leg contour does not touch the respective longitudinal side, thus forming two gripping flaps; gripping the preform at the gripping flaps; pulling the gripping flaps outwardly away from the longitudinal sides such that the preform is doubled over along a transverse centerline and such that sealing areas in the region of back waist sections are placed in a superimposed relationship with sealing areas in the region of front waist sections; mutually connecting the sealing areas.

Abstract: Process for producing an elastic multilayer web of material consisting of a flexible elastic backing film made of a thermoplastic elastomer and a web of nonwoven material bonded in a crepe-like manner to both the top and bottom sides of the backing film, whereby the webs of nonwoven material are welded together and the weld bonds are distributed over the web of material in the form of a grid arrangement of spot welding points and at the same time yield areas of increased air permeability through the web of material.

Abstract: A process for the production of flexible surface filter material for dealing with noxious substances is described, in which a foam layer impregnated with a paste containing active particles is simultaneously joined to a preferably textile carrier layer and heavily compressed during the operation of joining it to the carrier layer. That produces a surface filter material which is highly suitable for use for protective clothing in particular because of its comparatively low level of thermal insulation, while the material is also distinguished in comparison with known materials by activity relative to noxious substances, which is uniform over the entire surface thereof.

Abstract: A zero scrap method for manufacturing side panels for use with absorbent articles including the following steps. First, a web of material having predetermined portions is provided in a machine direction. The predetermined portions are then activated to provide stretch in the side panels. The web is then cut continuously severing the web into a first panel and a second panel, each of the panels having alternating, nested inwardly extending elements defined by the cut and terminating at a distal edge. The inwardly extending elements are offset with respect to each other in the machine direction. The first and second panels are separated and positioned such that the inwardly extending elements of the first panel and the inwardly extending elements of the second panel are aligned in the machine direction. The distal edge of the inwardly extending elements of at least a portion of the first panel is then joined with at least a portion of the distal edge of the inwardly extending elements of the second panel.

Abstract: A composite structure and related fabrication method is provided which has a plurality of composite material layers and at least one embedded shape memory alloy component for providing controlled structural deformation. The shape memory alloy component includes a shape memory alloy tendon having a relaxed shape at temperatures below a predetermined transition temperature and a contracted shape at temperatures above the predetermined transition temperature. The shape memory alloy component also comprises a pair of electrically insulating opposing face sheets adhered to opposite sides of the shape memory alloy tendon to electrically isolate the shape memory alloy tendon from the surrounding composite material layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for installing face seamed stretched carpet, wherein the carpet seam is adhesively bonded to the floor or other substrate after stretching to eliminate peaking and profiling. A flexible, tear resistant release liner is used to isolate the adhesive used for bonding the seam to the floor, to prevent bonding prior to stretching of the seamed carpet. Once seaming is complete, the carpet can be stretched and anchored, and the release liner can be easily pulled out from underneath the stretched carpet to expose the adhesive, and the seam can be bonded to the floor simply by applying pressure to the top surface of the seam area along the entire length of the seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an absorbent article (144), wherein the speed of a part (7b) of a continuously moving web (1) comprising a topsheet (121), backsheet (123), core (120) or any combination thereof, is periodically varied, while maintaining a constant speed of the upstream (3) and downstream (5) parts of the web (1). The method comprises feeding the web (1) past rotating transportation rollers (13, 15) which are oscillated parallel to the web (1) in the direction of transportation (F) and opposite to the direction of transportation (F). Three web sections (7a, 7b, 7c) are during oscillation of the transportation rollers (13, 15) maintained in a mutually parallel relationship. Translation means (77) and rotation balancing means (63, 63') allow the transportation rollers (13, 15) to be driven at high speeds and low variations in torque. The strain exerted on the web (1) remains relatively low and is limited to the inertia forces that act on the web (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an elasticized article includes a delivering mechanism for supplying a substrate web having a longitudinal direction and a lateral cross-direction. A first connecting mechanism attaches an inboard elastic member to said substrate web, and a second connecting mechanism attaches an outboard elastic member to the substrate web, with the outboard elastic member located laterally outboard of the inboard elastic member. A dividing mechanism separates away a portion of the substrate web and a portion of the outboard elastic member to thereby provide a set of elastics which are arranged in a staggered overlapping relation.

Abstract: A multilayered elastic sheetlike structure and a process for producing it are described.The sheetlike structure consists of at least one elastomeric layer of a homogeneous film/sheet and at least one inelastic fibre or filament layer which is connected to the elastomeric layer at mutually spaced-apart connection sites. Between the connection sites the fibre or filament layer is in folds when the elastomeric layer is in an untensioned or partially tensioned state and smooth when the elastomeric layer is in the completely tensioned state. The inelastic fibre or filament layer consists of an originally smooth, undrawn or partially drawn material which has been melted or adhered to the untensioned elastomeric layer at the connection sites and, after conjoint extension therewith, exhibits a persistent extension.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining an elastic band to a continuously moving, partially elastic substrate. The method includes temporarily inhibiting portions of the elastic band or, alternatively, elastically activating portions of a heat-elasticizable band, and then positioning the band on the substrate. The substrate includes elastic and non-elastic segments, and the band is positioned so that an elastic or elastically activated portion of the band is on an elastic segment of the substrate and the temporarily inhibited or non-activated heat-elasticizable portion of the band is on the non-elastic segment of the substrate. The band and substrate are then joined together, and the temporarily inhibited or non-activated heat-elasticizable portion is activated to gather the non-elastic segment.

Abstract: A machine for applying elastic to material is provided that includes a conveyor for carrying material. The conveyor moves the material in one direction along a flow path. An elastic band storage with a plurality of elongate elastic bands is provided for application to the material. An elastic feeder has a feeder head that feeds the plurality of elastic bands directly onto the material while the feeder head moves laterally across the flow path. The lateral movement of the feeder head across the moving conveyor applies the elastic bands to the material in a curved contour. The feeder head is operable to feed the elastic bands onto the material while maintaining a selected spacing between individual elastic bands throughout the curved contour.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rotating base roll for applying at least one stretched strip of a first material to a base web comprising a second material and moving continuously in first direction. The discrete length strip is cut, on the rotating roll, from a continuous ribbon, is rotated on the base roll to a desired orientation, and is stretched to a desired length. The apparatus includes the rotating roll feed apparatus for feeding the continuous ribbon to a circumferential engagement with the rotating roll, a cutter for cutting the discrete-length strips from the continuous ribbon, at least one rotating extensible platen mounted on, and rotating with the rotating roll, and an applicator rotating in concert with the rotating base roll, for applying the cut, rotated, and stretched strips to the base web.