Abstract: The method and apparatus for applying elastic bands to a web for disposable products such as diapers includes the use of a rotating drum as a base or working surface to support the elastic bands and web while the bands are under tension and while adhesive is setting. Various arrangements are provided for gripping and holding the elastic bands to the drum surface, and various arrangements are provided for cutting the elastic ribbons in the waistband portions of the diapers to remove portions of the ribbon.

Abstract: A thermoplastic non-woven net fabric and a method of making the same. The fabric includes a plurality of apertures with the apertures surrounded by axially drawn, biaxially drawn and undrawn areas. In one method, the web is perforated and then drawn by one or more pairs of helical rollers. The differential drawing of the perforated web greatly increases the tensile strength, area and drapability of the fabric. The apertures make the fabric suitable for use in garments, pillowcases, sheets, sterile wraps and is a breathable waterproof fabric for use in rain gear and tents. Two layers of the fabric can be used to form a pouch or carrier for conditioning agents such as a fabric softener for a laundry dryer, the softener agent being controllably released through the apertures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making diapers with elastic bands in the leg-contacting zone of the diaper involves forming folds, tucks or festoons in the diaper backing sheet or facing sheet and applying elastic ribbon treated with adhesive over the web and across the gaps of the folds so that the ribbon does not adhere to the web portion in the folds. Hence the elastic ribbon is only adhered to the portions of the web between the folds. The elastic ribbons are cut in the gaps of the folds, with the material in the folds later forming the nonelasticized waistband portion of the diapers. At the ribbon-web assembly station, the facing or backing sheet is supported by spaced plates separated by gaps. Before the ribbon is applied, the folds are formed by tucker bars which successively interfit in the gaps between the support plates and push the web into the gaps.