Abstract: Disposable garments such as disposable diapers are disclosed that possess improved elastic characteristics. At least one garment outer sheet is composed of a drawable fabric, such as melt blown polymeric fibers or melt spun filaments. An elastic element is affixed in the relaxed condition to a web of outer sheet fabric. The elastic web is then stretched, and simultaneously the web in the area of elastic element attachment is drawn to impart a molecular orientation to the web fibers. As a result, the web fibers are permanently elongated. Upon relaxation of the stretched elastic element, shirrs or gathers are formed in the web fibers that permit subsequent stretching of the elastic element when the garment is worn. One of the outside sheet webs need not be drawable or drawn if it is performed with corrugations or pleats in the region of elastic element attachment. The present invention also includes apparatus for manufacturing the garment.

Abstract: To avoid distortion of metal strips flanking the glass fiber resin layers in a system for fabricating circuit board structures in a continuous press, the metal foil webs are bonded to glass fiber webs before the layers are introduced into the mouth of the continuous press and only in the mouth do composite layers meet additional glass fiber and resin layers.

Abstract: A process for producing plastic parts, in particular molded plastic articles that are deep-drawn in a shaping contrivance into molded articles from at least one heated plastic foil, with the molded articles then being separated from the molded article assemblage in the separating contrivance and conveyed with the aid of a transport contrivance to successive processing stations such as a printing unit, or a stacking contrivance or the like. The shaping and detaching of the individual molded articles made of the still warm foil are executed directly after one another at one station, with forming taking place first and detaching then following by means of strip steel cutting, while the form still remains in the closed condition. It is also possible, with the aid of this process, to produce molded articles consisting of two superimposed foils with layers of an absorbent material disposed therebetween.

Abstract: In the manufacture of disposable clothing such as diapers, elastic waistbands are attached to respective longitudinal ends of diapers while stretched in transversely extended condition. The diapers are arranged in end-to-end relation as a continuous of diaper precursors which is fed past a transfer station. A continuous sheet of elastic is coated on one side with adhesive except adjacent longitudinal edges thereof and the leading end is repeatedly severed transversely into successive individual elastic members which are then spaced apart and progressively stretched into extended condition while being fed one-by-one to the transfer station where the coated side is applied by a transfer drum to the web thereby transferring the elastic members at predetermined spacings to the web. The elastic members are then severed into two pieces while also severing through the web in a single cutting action to define adjacent ends of diapers with respective pieces of elastic members attached in extended condition.

Abstract: A moving web is folded at its predetermined length at its opposite side portions so that the opposite side portions are opposed to each other at a predetermined angle with its central portion. Then part of each of the opposite folded portions is outwardly folded. These foldings occur so that a first folding line and a second folding line being opposed to each other at each side of the web include portions in non-parallel relationship. Elastic bands are affixed onto the web along the second opposite folded portions longitudinally and substantially in parallel to each other. When the web is flattened from the folded condition, the paired elastic band affixed onto the web at its opposite sides each has a diagonal orientation symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the web moves.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for making a diaper having one or more elastic margins. The diaper uses for the entire moisture permeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Diapers made using one of these materials as a backing sheet can be conventionally assembled. After assembly, the marginal areas, which may be either or both of the transverse and longitudinal margins, may be heated to a sufficient temperature for shrinkage to occur in the backing sheet. This shrinkage will only occur when the backing sheet is unrestrained. The method provides for the maintenance of longitudinal tension in the central portion of an end-to-end assembly of diaper units while relaxing the edge tension on the units.

Abstract: An elastic ribbon is fed over a vacuum drum. Rotating cutter blades use the drum as an anvil to cut the ribbon into spaced apart segments. A sheet comprising a diaper web runs over a roll that is spaced from the drum. A segment transferring and stretching device is arranged between the drum and roll. One embodiment of the transferring device has grippers rotating together about the axes that are not coaxial but are at opposite acute angles relative to the roll and drum axes. The grippers engage an unstretched elastic segment on the drum when the grippers are close together but as they rotate they spread apart and stretch the segment which is then pressed onto the glue treated sheet. In another embodiment of the elastic segment stretching and transferring device, grippers are mounted to the periphery of a vacuum drum. At least one of the grippers is moved alternately toward and away from the other under the influence of a stationary cam as the drum rotates.

Abstract: A protective web is releasably laminated to an adhesive-coated stretchable web by continuously drawing the webs at differential degrees of tensile strain into laminating contact in the nip formed by a resilient and a non-resilient roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an elastic ribbon in a curved path to a continuously moving web of material. A rotatable roll is moved essentially transversely to the direction of the moving web of material. The movement of the roll is imparted to the elastic ribbon which is then adhered to the continuously moving web of material. The elastic ribbon passes around the roll with a predetermined stretch. The axis of the roll may be disposed essentially transverse to the direction of movement of the moving web or essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving web. The roll may be cylindrical in shape with a uniform radius, it may have a nonuniform radius or it may have a portion of the surface with a larger radius intermediate to the ends of the roll.

Abstract: A diaper in which two strips of liquid-impervious supple sheet material are placed over the entire length of the diaper, over the elastic members secured by adhesive bonding in the stretched state onto the inner face of the liquid-impervious outer sheet on the said face provided with lengthwise lines of adhesive. The inner sheet, permeable to liquids, is coated with adhesive and is supplied, over the absorbent pad, onto the impervious sheet so as to adhere to the latter and to the strips all around the absorbent pad. The application particularly relates to diapers comprising an absorbent pad containing superabsorbent material in granular form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article which includes a backsheet layer which delimits at least one waistband portion of the article. A substantially liquid-permeable topsheet layer is located in facing relation with an inner surface of the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body is located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. An elastic member, which is connected to the waistband portion, is composed of an elastomeric, nonwoven fibrous web material, and is constructed and arranged to shirr the waistband portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the type for applying an elastic ribbon (18) onto the surface of a moving web (12) in curved line path relative to the longitudinal centerline (14) of the web (12) includes a nip roll (16) for directly rolling the elastic ribbon (18) into engagement with the moving web (12) and an oscillating roll (20) adjacent to and spaced from the nip roll (16) for oscillatiang the elastic ribbon (18) in a direction transverse the centerline of the web (12) and applying the elastic ribbon (18) to the nip roll (16) in the curved line path. A guide roll (22) guides the elastic ribbon (18) to wrap around the oscillating roll (20) and tension the elastic ribbon sufficiently for tracking and holding the lateral position of the elastic ribbon (18) on the nip roll (16) to be applied to the moving web (12) in the curved line path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for marking a diaper fabric which comprises applying to the fabric one or more images by means of an ink jet printing technique during the fabrication of the diaper from its component materials. Preferably, the invention is used to apply a fluid indicator fluid to that face of the impervious layer to be in contact with the absorbent layer during the manufacture of the composite diaper fabric, the other face of the absorbent layer being that which is to be directly or indirectly in contact with a wearer of the diaper. It is also preferred that the indicator fluid comprise a water-soluble dyestuff whereby the indicator is rendered mobile upon contact with a fluid.The invention further provides a diaper having an image formed thereon, preferably on that face of the impervious layer in contact with the absorbent layer, which image comprises a series of dots configured to form the desired image, preferably the image is formed from a water-soluble dyestuff.

Abstract: An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous sequence of disposable headdresses in which the edge of the cap fabric has been folded inward around a peripherally extending elastic cord to provide a smooth edge which contacts the wearer, and provides superior adhesion between the elastic cord and the cap fabric by utilizing an elastic cord and fabric which are coated with or made of thermoplastically compatible materials. The elastic cord and fabric are assembled by passing the fabric and the cord through a guide system which turns the fabric side edges down from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane while an edge guide lays the elastic cord under the fabric, and then turns the fabric under the cord to sandwich in the folded edge. Warm air preheaters heat the elastic cord and the fabric before completing the fabric fold around the cord. The folded edges with the cord inside pass between dual heat wheels which physically press the fabric to the cord and also seal the fabric edge to the inside of the crown.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming at least one elasticized flap section on a substantially continuous web comprises a web supplying mechanism for delivering a moving, substantially continuous web having first and second, oppositely-facing major surfaces, and having first and second side edges. An elastic supplying mechanism delivers at least one elastic member into contact with the web, and an attaching mechanism secures the elastic member to the web. A first folding mechanism bends the web along a primary foldline located inboard from the first side edge of the web to define at least one primary panel portion of the web. The folding mechanism operably moves the primary panel portion to overlie the first major web surface with the elastic member located between the primary panel portion and the first major web surface.

Abstract: A method for attaching a composite elastic material to a gatherable article including the steps of stretching a composite elastic material; compressing said stretched composite elastic material to temporarily inhibit recovery of the composite elastic material; and attaching said temporarily inhibited composite elastic material to a gatherable article at least at two locations. Additionally, the temperature of the temporarily inhibited composite elastic material may be increased to facilitate recovery of the composite elastic material to within about 80 percent of its pre-stretched dimensions.

Abstract: A method of producing a waterproof, gas-permeable composite sheet comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a film from a composition comprising 40-70 weight % of an ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer and 30-60 weight % of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; and (b) adhering the film to a woven or nonwoven fabric by hot pressing while causing the heat shrinkage of the film simultaneously, thereby making the film microporous. The composition may further contain linear low-density polyethylene to improve film-forming properties. By subjecting the hot-pressed composite sheet to a plurality of heating-cooling steps, it is provided with high heat resistance. In addition, by foaming the film and hot-pressing it to a stretchable woven or nonwoven fabric and then stretching, the composite sheet is further provided with high stretchability.

Abstract: A hot press device has a pair of hot press rollers for heating and pressing a treatment object therebetween while rotating, and pairs of delivery rollers are arranged before and after the pair of hot press rollers. The treatment object passes back and forth through the pair of hot press rollers, and a controller controls the delivery rollers so that the circumferential speeds of the respective delivery rollers located downstream in the forward or reverse passing direction of the treatment object can be increased.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying an elastic material (14) to a backing material (18) includes an applicator assembly (12) for applying a length of elastic material (14) to a bonding template (16), and a bonding template (16) for supporting the length of elastic material (14) relative to the backing material (18) for a bonding operation. Ultrasonic horns (104,106) bond the length of elastic material (14) to the backing material (18). The applicator assembly (12) includes rolls (32,36) for tensioning the elastic material (14) and a vacuum mechanism for selectively retaining the length of tensioned material (14) and releasing the tensioned elastic material (14) to the bonding template (16). A mechanism is provided for transferring the tensioned elastic material (14) from the applicator assembly (12) to the bonding template (16) while maintaining the elastic material (14) in the tensioned condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article which includes a backsheet layer which delimits at least one waistband portion of the article. A substantially liquid-permeable topsheet layer is located in facing relation with an inner surface of the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body is located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. An elastic member, which is connected to the waistband portion, is composed of an elastomeric, nonwoven fibrous web material, and is constructed and arranged to shirr the waistband portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacture of elastic leg and/or waist disposable diapers. A preferred form of the diaper uses for the entire moisture impermeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Numerous materials of this type are available. Included among them are block copolymers which include a rubbery material as one component, polyurethanes, and irradiated polyethylene. Alternatively, a conventional polyolefin backing sheet may be used with strips of the heat shrinkable elastomeric material bonded in appropriate marginal locations in the waist or leg zones. These marginal zones are then heated to an appropriate temperature and any tension on the sheet relaxed to allow shrinkage and elasticization to take place.

Abstract: The stretchable undergarment comprises a liquid-previous bodyside layer, liquid-impervious outer layer, an absorbent layer, and a stretchable layer. The stretchable layer is stretch-bonded to the other layers and, upon relaxing the stretchable layer forms a plurality of rugosities in the bodyside layer, outer layer, and absorbent medium. The bonded layers are of a generally trapezoidal shape and have a front end portion that diverges toward a rear end portion, wherein the front end portion is from about 20% to about 90% of the width of the rear end portion, and the rear end portion is about 20% to about 60% of the length of the bonded layers.

Abstract: Disposable garments such as disposable diapers are disclosed that possess improved elastic characteristics. At least one garment outer sheet is composed of a drawable fabric, such as melt blown polymeric fibers or melt spun filaments. An elastic element is affixed in the relaxed condition to a web of outer sheet fabric. The elastic web is then stetched, and simultaneously the web in the area of elastic element attachment is drawn to impart a molecular orientation to the web fibers. As a result, the web fibers are permanently elongated. Upon relaxation of the stretched elastic element, shirrs or gathers are formed in the web fibers that permit subsequent stretching of the elastic element when the garment is worn. One of the outside sheet webs need not be drawable or drawn if it is preformed with corrugations or pleats in the region of elastic element attachment. The present invention also includes apparatus for manufacturing the garment.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for making wearable articles such as disposable diapers, disposable diaper covers or the like, more particularly, a method for formation of side flaps provided with elastic members for a desired fitness around the wearer's legs. This method comprises steps of forming a main body of the article having first side flaps extending outwards from opposite sides thereof, forming second side flaps separately of the main body, providing the second side flaps along the respective one side edges with elastic members, and joining the second side flaps along the respective other side edges and longitudinally opposite ends thereof to the top surfaces of the respective first side flaps so that the respective one side edges of the second side flaps along which the respective elastic members are disposed are directed outwards.

Abstract: A web of plastic material presenting filtering properties comprises a porous layer interconnected with a first non woven layer of plastic fibers.The porous layer is formed by heating another nonwoven of plastic fibers, having a lower plasticizing temperature than the fibers of the first non woven, to at least the plasticizing temperature of the fibers of the other non woven but below the plasticizing temperature of the fibers of the first non woven.The first nonwoven consists of polyester fibers and the other nonwoven, e.g., of polypropylene fibers.An apparatus for manufacturing such a web comprises a central roller, and endless felt band partially slung around said central roller, a heating member and a cooling element.

Abstract: Adhesive is intermittently coated onto an elastic strip 4 which then passes over a grooved pulley 9 mounted on a slide or carriage 10 able to move intermittently on a slideway 11. A continuous flexible sheet consisting of a moisture-impermeable heat-sealable material is unreeled over the periphery of a rotary drum 3. The point of contact between the elastic strip 4, and the travelling impermeable sheet 2 is moved periodically in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the sheet 2. This results in laying, along a curved path 4a of, a stretched elastic adhered to sheet 2. It is thus possible to make diaper units comprising crotch elastics edging the curvilinear profile of the leg openings or cut-outs.

Abstract: Process for the production of elastic tapes from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, wherein the thermoplastic is extruded to form a flat or tubular film and is slit in the usual manner, the extruded film being oriented lengthwise at least in the ratio of 1:1.5, cooled and stored until the modulus of elasticity has increased by at least 25%, measured according to DIN 53,455, before the film is slit, and the use of these tapes for the production of elastic seals.

Abstract: A web width control apparatus for controlling the ratio between web width change and web thickness change during a web length varying operation in a web transport system of the type including a moving web of relatively extensible maerial having a series of repeat length portions therealong which are designed to be presented at a web processing station at a preselected constant design length value and in which each said repeat length portion is subject to stretching or shrinking in length depending upon the tension provided in the region of the web in which said repeat length portion is positioned; and further including a first set of nip rolls operable at a selected surface velocity and a second set of nip rolls operable at a selectively variable surface velocity with respect to the surface velocity of said first set of rolls for causing relative length change in a web portion positioned therebetween for adjustably maintaining the respect length portions of the web at said predetermined design length value at

Abstract: An elasticized fabric unit comprising a pair of tape members spacedly provided, and a plurality of elastic strands fixed to the tape members at their opposite ends, and a garment incorporating the elasticized unit, an apparatus for making the elasticized units, a method for incorporating the elasticized units in the garment.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing an absorbent pad for utilization as a diaper or an adult incontinent brief, wherein a pair of continuous bands of adhesive are applied to the backing sheet of the pad, prior to assembly thereof. The nozzles eject adhesive onto a moving web comprising the backing sheet. The nozzles are shifted sideways during their extrusion of adhesive, from a first location to a second location, thus generating a pair of non-linear bands of adhesive on the backing sheet. The nozzles are again shifted from their second location to their original first location upon receipt of proper signals from a control mechanism. The elastic band is not shifted when the nozzles are, thus effectuating securement of the elastic bands only on the portions of the backing sheets where the adhesive was applied at the first location.

Abstract: Continuous process for the manufacture of disposable diapers having an absorbent pad fixed inside a moisture-impermeable envelope. There are front and back transverse margins and a central crotch zone provided with lateral cut-outs to let the legs through. An elastic strand is fixed to the impermeable envelope by adhesion, at least in the crotch zone, and brought into contact with the inner face of the impermeable envelope while continuously driven by a smooth-surfaced rotary drum. The elastic strands are coated with adhesive throughout their length, and the tension exerted on them at the points of contact with the impermeable envelope is made to vary between a value approaching zero, corresponding to the portions of the elastic strands adhered onto the front and back transverse margins, and a maximum value corresponding to the portions of the elastic strands adhered onto the central crotch zone.

Abstract: This machine is intended for bonding stretched pieces of elastic band to a moving sheet so that these pieces extend transversely relative to the direction of movement of this sheet.The pieces are transferred from a cutting station to a stretching station by means of a transfer station.The stretching station comprises several pairs of grippers distributed around an axis about which they are driven in rotation. The grippers of one and the same pair are arranged axially opposite one another and are designed to be successively moved away from, and close to, one another so that, during their rotation, they grip the lateral ends of the pieces subsequently stretching the latter by moving axially away from one another. Once stretched, the pieces are bonded to the sheet entrained about a drum at the moment when the grippers pass opposite this sheet.The invention is used for the production of a composite sheet intended for providing diapers.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite elastic material comprises stretching an elastic web to elongate it, for example, elongating a nonwoven web of meltblown elastomeric fibers, and bonding the elongated web to at least one gatherable web, such as a spunbonded polyester fiber material, under conditions which soften at least a portion of the elastic web to form the bonded composite web of elastic material. The composite material is relaxed immediately after the bonding to prevent the elastic web from losing its ability to contract from the stretched dimensions which it assumed during the bonding step. Such immediate relaxation of the composite material after the bonding step results in the elastic web retaining its ability to contract so that, upon termination of the elongating force, the elastic web contracts to form gathers in the gatherable web.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying leg elastic to an elongated moving web adapted to provide a sequence of diapers wherein adhesive is continuously applied by a first air nozzle and shifted intermittently by means of a second air nozzle angularly related to the first air nozzle.

Abstract: A laminating device for laminating a continuous web of paper material to a continuous web of film material for forming a continuous web of laminated composite material at a laminating nip. Apparatus for dividing the paper web into at least two segregated tension zones upstream of the laminating nip and for dividing the composite web into at least two segregated tension zones downstream of the laminating nip are described. Control systems for monitoring and maintaining the tension in each tension zone at different, preset values, are also described.

Abstract: A laminate which is elastic in at least one direction, includes an elastic sheet having at least one nonelastic nonwoven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The nonelastic web is gathered between the two areas. The sheet is formed from an aromatic polyetherurethane and the nonelastic nonwoven web includes spunlaced hydraulically entangled polyester fibers. The nonelastic nonwoven web may also include rayon or wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: An arcuate shaped body fluid absorbent product is made by a process which employs the steps of delivering onto an arcuate shaped surface a composite comprising a layer of body facing cover material, a layer of absorbent core and a layer of garment facing cover material. The core, sandwiched between the two cover materials, is planar in the relaxed state. The cover materials are sealed together about the periphery of the core while the composite is deformed on the arcuate shaped surface to produce an arcuate shaped product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for bonding an elastic ribbon (51) under tension to a plastics web (10) along a curved path thereon with the aid of an adhesive, in the manufacture of diapers or like articles. The ribbon is introduced into a given cured path on a cylindrical drum (15). Arranged in the given path are suction openings which communicate with a suction source and are effective in holding the ribbon firmly by suction along the whole of its length, therewith preventing the ribbon from sliding relative to the drum and the plastics web and from twisting or tilting on the drum despite the tension in the ribbon. Means (89) are provided for breaking the connection between the suction openings and the suction source as the suction openings pass the end point of a given distance on the drum (15).

Abstract: A method for applying one or more curved composite elastic strips to a gatherable base material to elasticize portions of the base material comprises elongating a first strip of elastic material and joining a second strip of less elongated material to the elongated first strip in a longitudinally extending and laterally off-set relationship thereto to form a tensioned composite strip of elastic material. The second strip of material is sufficiently flexible in the plane of the composite strip and is sufficiently resistant to compression so that, upon release of the tensioning forces, the composite strip will curve laterally, i.e., in its own plane. The tensioned composite strip is adhered to the base material and in one mode of operation the tensioned forces are released only after adhering the composite strip to the base material. In such case, the base material is displaced somewhat by curving of the tensioned composite strip and may be pleated or otherwise rendered more readily displaceable.

Abstract: The starting material consists of a multistrand elastic tape (7) which is fed by the apparatus (11) and then separated by the successive separators (20, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33) into two arrays (35, 36) of four individual elastic strands. Each individual strand passes into a longitudinal groove of an adhesive application unit (37, 38), the strands passing out completely coated with hot melt liquid adhesive at high temperature. Adhesive bonding to the flexible sheet (1) moving in the direction of the arrows (2) is effected as soon as contact is made with the said sheet.A diaper pantie is obtained which on each side of the absorbent pad has a plurality of elastic strands disposed side by side.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite nonwoven elastic web including a nonwoven elastic web joined to a fibrous nonwoven gathered web is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) providing a nonwoven elastic web having a relaxed unbiased length and a stretched, biased length; (b) stretching the nonwoven elastic web to its stretched, biased length; (c) forming a fibrous nonwoven gatherable web directly upon a surface of the nonwoven elastic web while maintaining the nonwoven elastic web at its stretched, biased length; (d) forming a composite nonwoven elastic web by joining the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web to the nonwoven elastic web while continuing to maintain the nonwoven elastic web at its stretched length; and (e) relaxing the nonwoven elastic web to its relaxed length to gather the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web.

Abstract: A process for producing a gathered nonwoven web having elastic characteristics is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) providing an extendable and retractable or contractable forming surface; (b) extending the forming surface to its extended length; (c) forming a fibrous nonwoven gatherable web directly upon a surface of the forming surface while maintaining the forming surface at its extended length to separably join the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web to the forming surface while continuing to maintain the forming surface at its extended length; (d) contracting the forming surface to its contracted length to gather the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web and (e) separating the gathered fibrous nonwoven web from the forming surface. The gathered fibrous nonwoven web formed by the disclosed process is also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying discrete strips of material to both longitudinally opposite segments of a longitudinally extending web, comprising: longitudinally moving the web along a travel path including a helically looped portion having a center axis and passing opposite longitudinal edges of the web in lapping proximity to one another in a lapping zone of the looped portion; applying at least one continuous strip of material to the web by transversely oscillating the strip across the opposite longitudinal edges in the lapping zone of the travel path; and severing the applied strip between the edges in the lapping zone. The method and apparatus of the present invention have utility in forming elastic gathers on fibrous web materials, such as may subsequently be processed for end-use applications such as disposable diapers, panty-type garments and the like.

Abstract: Uniform lengths of elastic tape are secured to a continuously advancing mrial web, for example, to make baby diapers. First an intermittently advancing tape is repeatedly gathered, for example, by laying tape sections into a depression of defined dimensions, to relieve the tape sections of any stretching. This assures tape sections of uniform length which are then stretched, cut and applied to the material web, for example, by an adhesive bonding. The apparatus used for performing these steps has several cooperating rollers of which the first has the depressions in its surface and is rotated intermittently while the second roller is rotated continuously. The spacings between neighboring tape sections bonded to the web preferably have a uniform length.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method and apparatus for applying linear segments of elastic to a base material transverse to the direction the base material is moving in a production line. This object is obtained by providing an apparatus with means for sequentially and repeatedly gripping an elastic strip, pulling that elastic strip across the base material, and then releasing the elastic strip. At about the same time the elastic strip is released, it is cut to size. Also at this same time, the elastic strip is brought into contact with the base material. Preferably, the elastic strip is brought into contact with the base material by virtue of rotation of the gripping, pulling and releasing means.

Abstract: Stretched elastic strands and a continuous sheet are fed concurrently toward a diaper assembly station on the way to which quick setting adhesive is applied periodically to zones in one and slower setting adhesive is applied alternately periodically zones in the other. Diapers assembled as a continuous web at the station are ultimately severed at which time the quick setting adhesive zones are set already and impart elasticity to the crotch region of the diapers. The zones on the strands that are tentatively adhered to the sheet with slow setting adhesive contract gradually into the diaper along the straight adhesive lines and then they set.

Abstract: A method of making a cloth-like composite laminate is provided. The method includes: inserting a scrim coated with a thermoplastic binder between two nonwoven layers, each of the nonwoven layers being formed of cellulosic fibers bound with a latex adhesive and heating the scrim and the two nonwoven layers to a temperature sufficient to activate the thermoplastic binder, the heating being performed without pressing the scrim and the nonwoven layers together so as to form a cloth-like composite laminate having a nonwoven layer of cellulosic fibers continuously bound to opposite sides of the scrim. The surface of each nonwoven layer is planar and uninterrupted by the scrim. The nonwoven layer is initially formed by forming two separate layers of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers, applying to each layer of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers a latex adhesive; and drying the latex adhesive to form two separate nonwoven layers of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A disposable diaper provided with elastic members respectively comprising a plurality of rubber strings in respective side flaps of the diaper so that these elastic members provide a plurality of longitudinally extending elastic lines in said side flaps to provide a good fit of said side flaps around infant's thighs.

Abstract: In the manufacture of plastic bags having interlocking profiled extrusions for the closure, the extruded plastic profiles are applied to a moving web of film immediately after extrusion of the profiles. The profiles are fused to the web on a first section of a fusing/cooling arcuate plate-like support member. Thereafter, the web is moved to a second cooled section of the arcuate plate-like support which is maintained at a temperature to allow the profiles to freeze to the web. The moving web of film is maintained under tension so that contraction of the film upon release compensates for the contraction of the locking profile as it cools to prevent puckering of the web. The locking profiles are applied to the web in an in-line process, which includes folding and heat sealing the moving web of film to form plastic bags.