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 method of achieving selectively elasticized zones on nonwoven web substrates, such as may be suitable for the waistbands of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be inherently extendable in the transverse, or lateral, direction of the material web at the time the elastic material is affixed to the substrate. If the elastic material is affixed in an untensioned state, a flat waistband without gathering of the substrate may be had for a very efficient seal against the skin of the wearer. If the elastic material is affixed to the substrate in a tensioned state, a waist band with gathering of the substrate may be had to allow for two-stage expansion via the gathers and the expansion of the substrate.

Abstract: Strand coating methods having an applicator head pivotally mounted adjacent a substrate, a coating material dispenser mounted on the applicator head, a strand guide mounted on the applicator head, wherein the strand guide and the coating material dispenser are adjustably positionable in unison relative to the substrate by pivoting the applicator head to vary the spacing of the strands relative to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving low tension, highly conformable elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be very light weight and flexible and provide the minimal amount of substrate to which an elastomeric liquid barrier material is affixed. The absorbent, or liquid retention, section of an absorbent garment article made according to the present invention will have its own barrier layer facing the backsheet, in order that the backsheet may be composed of a light and conformable material.

Abstract: A process for making a prefastened and refastenable pant includes providing a plurality of discrete articles having side panels and waist regions including an activatable retractive material. The side panels can be folded parallel to a longitudinal centerline to overlap at least portions of first and second fastening components. The fastening components are then engaged to form a prefastened and refastenable pant. The retractive material can be activated subsequent to engagement of the fastening components, or subsequent to obtaining position control of the side panels, to provide the pant with a waistband-to-hip circumference ratio of about 95 percent or less. The prefastened and refastenable pant and apparatus for its manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic laminate of a necked, or otherwise inherently stretchable, and perforated nonwoven web layer and an unperforated elastic film layer and methods of making the laminate are disclosed. An elastic laminate according to the present invention may utilize both the stretch gained from the necking, as well as providing increased ability of the necked nonwoven to stretch due to the perforations, cumulatively resulting in high stretch of the elastic laminate in one or more directions.

Abstract: A process for making a pants-type diaper without generation of waste material. The pants-type diaper is composed of a body fluid absorbent pad member curved in a U-shape, a front waist member and a rear waist member extending around front and rear waist-halves, respectively. The front and rear waist members are obtained by feeding first and second elastic members in parallel to each other in a machine direction so as to describe substantially sinusoidal curves, respectively, securing these elastic members to one surface of a web fed in the machine direction and then transversely bisecting the web between the first and second elastic members. The first and second elastic members are symmetric to each other about a center line bisecting the web but phase-shifted with respect to each other in the machine direction by half a cycle of the substantially sinusoidal curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for heat treatment of non-woven composite elastic material including a non-woven elastic layer; a non-woven gatherable layer. The process includes stretching the material, heating the material and cooling the material. The material has a softer more cloth-like feel.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: An arrangement for applying elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) to a continuous material web (7) includes a first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) for advancing the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) in series and at a first predetermined speed (v1) and a second roll device (6; 11, 12) for advancing the material web (7) at a second predetermined speed (v2). The second speed (v2) exceeds the first speed (v1) and the arrangement includes an abutment surface (6; 10a) arranged at a distance (d) from the first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) which is less than the combined thickness of the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) and the material web (7), an elongation of the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) in their longitudinal direction being realized as they pass between the first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) and the said abutment surface (6; 10a).

Abstract: A web speed metering device to which a moving web is fed at a constant web infeed speed and from which the web periodically exits at a different speed that is correlated with the timing of a downstream operation performed on the moving web. The metering device is a rotatable member that is non-axisymmetric and that has a cross-sectional shape having a centroid that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member to change the web output speed as the web exits from the metering device. The metering device allows a web to be fed to a downstream cutting device and enables the web output speed to be regulated so that the web as it leaves the metering device can be cut transversely by a non-instantaneous cut that takes place over a predetermined machine-direction distance, such as a chevron-shaped cut.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a single-use, disposable absorbent laminate containing one or more layers of hydrophilic meltspun material bonded to a breathable film. The meltspun fabric layer may include at least one spunbonded fabric, meltblown fabric or other nonwoven fabric that is made hydrophilic prior to bonding to the film. The filaments or microfibers of the spunbonded or meltblown fabrics may contain a hydrophilic additive in or on the filaments or microfibers. The film of the surgical drape remains breathable while enabling the laminate to resist penetration by liquids and viruses.

Abstract: An extensible laminate having improved set and hysteresis is disclosed. The extensible laminate includes an extensible nonwoven web laminated to an elastomeric sheet that have been mechanically stretched in the cross direction after lamination. A method for making the extensible laminate includes laminating an extensible nonwoven web to an elastomeric sheet to form a laminate and mechanically stretching the laminate in a cross direction by at least about 50 percent.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable disposable wearing article has a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region. This wearing article is formed with a first elastic zone, a second elastic zone and third elastic zones respectively exhibiting stretch stress adjusted to be decreased in this order. An elastically stretchable web is continuously fed in a machine direction, formed with pairs of slits in desired patterns so that two slits constituting each of the pairs may be symmetrically laid about a transversely middle zone of the web and then folded in a cross direction orthogonal to the machine direction so that the web may be alternately overlapped on itself about the transversely middle zone to form the wearing article.

Abstract: A material is provided that is particularly suited for use in absorbent articles. The material has a base layer of a generally non-elastic material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-extensible and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The invention includes methods for making the material, as well as absorbent articles incorporating the materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid permeable surface layer, a backing sheet, and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface layer and the backing sheet. The surface layer includes a liquid permeable base and a layer of continuous filaments extending substantially in one direction and disposed on the surface of the base. The continuous filament layer is fixed to the base at a plurality of fixing portions which are spaced apart in the filament extending direction by a given pitch, to thereby form loop portions of the continuous filaments between adjacent fixing portions. The loop portions are raised toward the surface side.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of continuously feeding out a long, extensible, continuous member (5) from a predetermined position, cutting the continuous member (5) into lengths (P1) each equivalent to a length of one sheet of the absorbent article at a predetermined position, and fixedly arranging the cut continuous member at a predetermined position of the absorbent article, wherein a predetermined pattern is preliminarily printed on the continuous member (5) at a printing pitch shorter than the cutting length (P1) of the continuous member, and the speed for feeding out is controlled such that the predetermined pattern is located at a predetermined part of the cut continuous member, thereby obtaining the absorbent article in which the predetermined pattern is arranged at a predetermined position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembly of extensible composite webs and web sausages, and personal care articles manufactured from such webs. The invention comprises fabricating a resiliently extensible web by bringing together and securing to each other as discrete elements, intervening web substrate elements between resiliently stretchable elastic elements. Securement between elastic elements and web substrate elements is defined by alternating zones of securement and non-securement along a length of the web substrate. The invention comprises deactivating elastic elements in the non-securement zones thereby to retract elastic strands in the non-securement zones without retracting the corresponding web or webs in such non-securement zones, and correspondingly, to distinguish the securement zones as relatively more resiliently stretchable and the non-securement zones as relatively less resiliently stretchable.

Abstract: A process for making an elastically stretchable composite sheet that includes an elastically stretchable web and inelastically stretchable web that are bonded together at a plurality of bonding spots. This stock web is stretched in a Y-direction and succeedingly contracted to obtain a composite sheet. The bonding spots are arranged so that each pair of the bonding spots lying adjacent to each other in a Y-direction at least partially overlap each other as one of these adjacent bonding spots is translated in the Y-direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative laminate structure having at least two sheets of polycarbonate and at least one decorative image layer there-between two sheets of polycarbonate, and a method of making the decorative laminate structure. Through heat and pressure the sheet layers and the decorative image layer are bonded together resulting in a decorative laminate structure of this invention. This product is intended for use primarily to produce decorative articles which include counter tops, table tops, cabinet doors, game boards, toys, panels for shower stalls, hot tubs, markerboards, indoor and outdoor signs, seamless vanity tops including sink, soap dish, back splash, flooring and others.

Abstract: Starting from an elastic material web and an absorbent product web, the method includes removing a first material piece from the elastic material web to provide a second material piece with an aperture and applying the first piece to a first portion of the absorbent product web. The second piece is supplied to a second application station and a section of the second piece is stretched and applied to a second portion of the absorbent product web. In this way an absorbent product with elastic waist portions is manufactured efficiently and with a minimum of waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying discrete portions (10) of a web material onto a receiving web (7) comprising: a primary axis of rotation and an attachment zone to an average radial distance, R1, from the primary axis of rotation; transfer elements (6) rotatable about the axis, the transfer elements receiving a second web (2) at a radial distance, R2, from the primary axis wherein the radial distance R1, is greater than the radial distance R2; a means for displacing the transfer elements (6) so that the second web (2) is moved immediately adjacent to the attachment zone; and an attachment surface (10) rotatable about the primary axis and through the attachment zone, for transporting the receiving web (7) about the primary axis, whereby discrete portions (10) of the second web (2) are attached to the receiving web (7) in the attachment zone, forming a composite web comprising the receiving web (7) and discrete portions (10) of the second web (2).

Abstract: To provide an epoxy resin composition suitable as a matrix resin for fiber reinforcement, and a yarn prepreg suitable in unwindability, excellent in higher processability due to drapability, high in the tensile strength of the epoxy resin composition after curing, and high in efficiency of the strength of reinforcing fibers. A yarn prepreg, satisfying the following formulae (1) to (3): 50≦Wf≦80  (1) 20,000≦F≦100,000  (2) F/8,000≦d≦F/2,400  (3) where Wf is the content by weight of the fiber bundle (%), F is the number of filaments in the fiber bundle and d is the width of the prepreg (mm).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for registering a plurality of discrete components to a continuously moving first layer of material produces a disposable absorbent garment with improved alignment of the components on the first layer of material. The first layer has a plurality of reference marks positioned thereon. Various devices are used to compare distances between the reference marks to distances between corresponding components and synchronize a feed rate of the components to a feed rate of the first layer. After adhering the components to the first layer, the positions of the components relative to the reference marks are once again checked and, if necessary, the setpoint for the feed rate of the components is adjusted.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs comprises the steps of: stretching a first sheet of elastic material in a first direction; applying a second and a third sheet of material onto respective opposite sides of the first sheet; fastening the three material sheets together in at least two mutually separated zones that extend parallel with each other in one direction perpendicular to the first direction; dividing the first sheet in each region between two zones along a line that lies between the zones, whereby the first sheet in each region between the zones contracts to a non-stretched state, and thereafter fastening the sheets together in each region between the zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material ensheathed in a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one layer of parallel cords bonded to at least one layer of a rigidified web material selected from the group consisting of paper and cloth. Suitable core materials include polyurethane foam, optionally filled with granulated rubber and/or expandable polymer beads. The parallel cords preferably are supplied in the form of a strip of polyester cloth, as the warp cords thereof. The web material preferably is kraft paper that is rigidified with an epoxy resin.

Abstract: Multi-ply tissue product is bonded by an adhesive spray whose position is controlled so that the web path distance between the spray application and the location where the webs are forced together permits sprayed adhesive to partially but not completely set during travel over that web path distance at operating web speeds. Typically, the web path distance between the nozzle and the location is more than 140 inches. The webs are positioned one in back of the other and each is unwound onto its own carrier roll, with the spray positioned between the carrier rolls.

Abstract: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves optimizing the spacing between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable spacing along the length of the leg opening. More particularly, narrower spacing is provided in the crotch area, thereby providing higher gasketing pressure, while wider spacing is provided in areas outside the crotch area for lower gasketing pressure and greater comfort. Alternatively, narrower spacing can be applied to the back portion of the leg, with medium spacing in the crotch area and wider spacing in the front portion or the leg, or conversely, wider spacing in the back portion with medium spacing in the crotch area and narrower spacing in the front portion, depending on the wearer's needs. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of an air-permeable laminate film with a textile surface and elastic and non-elastic regions. At least one film strip that is elastic in the crosswise direction is introduced, as an elastic insert, between two material webs of fiber non-woven fabric having a web width greater than the width of the film strip. The segments of the material webs made of fiber non-woven fabric that are in direct contact next to the insert are connected, forming a non-elastic region of the laminate film. Subsequently, the laminate passes through an ultrasound bonding station, in which the elastic insert is melted by means of point-shaped bonds, while maintaining the substance of the fiber non-woven fabric, thereby connecting the elastic insert with the fiber non-woven fabric cover layers at discrete points and forming air-permeable structures.

Abstract: The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of means for forming web loops (101), each means for forming web loops being positioned between adjacent web support plates (20), wherein each of the web support surfaces lies in an arc, the arcs lying around the circumference of a circular path, and wherein the web support surfaces and means for forming web loops (101) are rotatably mounted about the axis of the circular path. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the means for forming web loops (101) is provided by rotatably driving the web support plates (20) around the circular path with a circumferential velocity, wherein the circumferential velocity is varied between a minimum circumferential velocity and a maximum circumferential velocity so that the distance between adjacent web support plates (20) varies between a minimum distance and a maximum distance.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal laminate for a circuit board includes a first step of press-bonding a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 1 having a segment orientation ratio SOR within a range not smaller than 0.90 and smaller than 1.15 along the longitudinal direction of the film, to a metal sheet 3 between hot rolls while the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 1 is in a tense or non-tense state; and a second step of heating the laminate obtained in the first step to a temperature not lower than the melting point of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional garment. The process is carried out by loading an insert onto an expandable/retractable process loop fixture. A waist elastic member can be bonded to a waist area of the insert. A garment shell can be applied over the insert and the waist elastic member. A waist area of the garment shell can be attached to the waist elastic member and to the waist area of the insert.

Abstract: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves optimizing the spacing between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable spacing along the length of the leg opening. More particularly, narrower spacing is provided in the crotch area, thereby providing higher gasketing pressure, while wider spacing is provided in areas outside the crotch area for lower gasketing pressure and greater comfort. Alternatively, narrower spacing can be applied to the back portion of the leg, with medium spacing in the crotch area and wider spacing in the front portion or the leg, or conversely, wider spacing in the back portion with medium spacing in the crotch area and narrower spacing in the front portion, depending on the wearer's needs. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving low tension, highly conformable elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be very light weight and flexible and provide the minimal amount of substrate to which an elastomeric liquid barrier material is affixed. The absorbent, or liquid retention, section of an absorbent garment article made according to the present invention will have its own barrier layer facing the backsheet, in order that the backsheet may be composed of a light and conformable material.

Abstract: A method of producing a creep resistant composite elastic material wherein an elastic fibrous web is bonded to at least one gatherable layer to form a composite elastic material is provided. By passing the composite elastic material into a nip formed between an anvil calender roller and a point un-bonded calender roller, wherein the point un-bonded calender roller has recessed areas in the surface of said roller, a material which is creep resistant, dimensionally stable, and has inherent latency, is formed.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band having an elastic and a meltable material film to an article includes the steps of extending the article on a workbench, positioning the elastic band on the article, activating the meltable material layer, pressing the elastic band on the article, and cutting the article along with an edge of the elastic band. The method preferably further includes the step of heat-pressing the secured elastic band. An apparatus for performing the method includes an axis, a roller mounted on the axis, a cutter having a blade, and a pipe supplying a hot air toward an area of the article on which the elastic band is positioned. The roller and the cutter are freely rotational with respect to the axis. When the article is in contact with the roller, a movement of the appratus or the article makes the roller and the cutter rotate. With this configuration, it is possible to more efficiently secure the elastic band to the article, and the cutting and the securing are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: Thermoplastic film, microporous film, and laminates thereof, are made at high speeds on the order of about 500 fpm to about 1200 fpm. Bond strengths of film and nonwoven laminates are effectively controlled by air cooling devices which cause the air to flow substantially parallel to the extruded web during drawdown and provide a plurality of cooling air vortices to effectively cool the web. Film gauge control is also achieved by the method.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric includes a stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric in which filaments composed of a thermoplastic resin are unidirectionally aligned and stretched and a dry nonwoven fabric that is provided on one side of the stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric and that includes thermal-bonding fibers as a chief component. The filaments of the stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric and the dry nonwoven fabric are intertwined by a needlepunch process, following which the two fabrics are unified by a thermal calendering process to produce the composite nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: An absorbent article having both outwardly extending and upwardly extending side cuffs is disclosed. The article has a perimeter defined at least in part by a pair of oppositely disposed ends and oppositely disposed sides that extend substantially between the ends. A pair of side flanges extends from a proximal portion adjacent an absorbent structure to a distal portion proximate one of the article sides. Each side flange has a base element, an outer zone disposed adjacent the perimeter and an inner zone disposed between the outer zone and the absorbent structure. There is an elastically extensible element having a width sufficient to span at least the inner zone and a portion of the outer zone, a thickness, and a length. Each elastically extensible element is laminated to the cover material to form a cuff laminate. Each cuff laminate is attached to the base element of the side flange in the outer zone, but each is unattached to the base layer in the inner zone.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing wearing articles includes: a pair of nip rolls for nipping a first web and a first elastic member; a first moving section movable in a direction crossing the first web; and a first guide head provided on the first moving section for feeding the first elastic member at a position upstream of a position at which the first web is nipped, wherein the radius of at least one of the pair of nip rolls is about 15 mm to about 35 mm, and a distance D between a plane including axes of the pair of nip rolls and a point at which the first guide head releases the first elastic member is about 30 mm or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a diaper having a pocket structure which includes a breakage-resistant hydrophobic topsheet and an apertured portion of proper size which is surrounded by a strengthened inner periphery and provides an improved leakage protection effect. The present invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing such diaper which enables economical and simplified process operation. A diaper is,provided wherein an absorbent body is interposed between a liquid impermeable backsheet and an apertured hydrophobic topsheet to form side, front and rear end portions of the diaper. The hydrophobic topsheet includes two separate sheets each having alternating concave portion and convex portions defined by a wavy side edge. The two sheets are arranged to face to each,other so that the convex portions thereof partially overlay each other at front and rear end portions of the diaper to form pocket portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a laminated, gathered, elastic web. The method includes the steps of feeding a first substrate in a machine direction, feeding a second substrate aligned with the first substrate in the machine direction, and feeding an array of elastomeric strand material between the first and second substrates in such a manner that the elastomeric strand material is stretched in the machine direction and aligned with the first and second substrates. A hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, such as a styrene-isoprene-styrene based adhesive, is applied to one substrate, and a curable adhesive, such as a polyurethane based adhesive, is applied to the other substrate. Thereafter, the two substrates and the elastomeric strand material are compressed to form a laminate elastic web while maintaining the elastomeric strand material in its stretched state. Machine direction tension is maintained on the laminate until the hot melt adhesive cools and bonds the layers together.

Abstract: In a lamination process, a method for changing the withdrawal of a top layer to be applied to a base material at a belt type press by feeding of the forward end of the top layer from a second roller to the rearward end of the top layer from a first roller. The top layer from the first roller is then cut off in coordination with the arrival of the forward end of the top layer arriving from the second roller, so that the ends of both top layers are positioned on the base material flush with one another with a slight separating line or in an overlapping manner.

Abstract: The process according to the present invention provides to perform, initially, on the surface of a stretchable film (F) to be reinforced, a plurality of microdamaging (ML) and to join thereafter the microdamaged film (F) with longitudinal reinforcing strips (S), pre-stretched and edged; said edgings are formed by folding inwardly the strip edges, causing thus a further stretching of the strips and a consequent increase of their mechanical resistance.

Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent garment and a method for making an absorbent garment. An absorbent garment is provided comprising elastic side belts attached at an angle to the main body of the garment to provide a better fit to the user. Adjustment strips preferably are affixed to the elastic side belts and to the main body of the garment to allow the user to repeatedly adjust the garment while the garment is being worn. A method for making the absorbent garment also is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a pants-type diaper without generation of waste material. The pants-type diaper is composed of a body fluid absorbent pad member curved in a U-shape, a front waist member and a rear waist member extending around front and rear waist-halves, respectively. The front and rear waist members are obtained by feeding first and second elastic members in parallel to each other in a machine direction so as to describe substantially sinusoidal curves, respectively, securing these elastic members to one surface of a web fed in the machine direction and then transversely bisecting the web between the first and second elastic members. The first and second elastic members are symmetric to each other about a center line bisecting the web but phase-shifted with respect to each other in the machine direction by half a cycle of the substantially sinusoidal curve.

Abstract: Adhesive tape having a tapelike backing of nonwoven material, which is coated on at least one side with an adhesive, the nonwoven web being a staple fiber web which is mechanically consolidated or wet-laid, between 2% and 50% of the fibers of the web being fusible fibers.