Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article imparting superior comfort during wearing without inhibiting an absorbent property of an absorbent body, and a manufacturing method thereof. In the stretchable non-woven fabrics composed of a stretchable thermoplastic fiber and a heat-adhesive fiber having a lower melting point than that of the thermoplastic fiber which is arranged on a skin non-contacting side of a chassis, a low-stretchability portion is formed, in which the stretchability of the stretchable non-woven fabrics is lowered, at least in a portion thereof which overlaps an absorbent body in a thickness direction. The low-stretchability portion is formed by heating and pressurizing the portion of an elasticized non-woven fabric being extended.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nonlinear laying of components such as elastics on a continuous web is provided. In an apparatus embodiment, the apparatus comprises a diverter and a combining roll. The apparatus can be configured to vary an elastic profile of the elastic member on a continuous web by oscillating a rotation of the diverter. The method and apparatus can be used for making absorbent articles such as diapers and training pants.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs comprise fibers of uniform diameter that vary in morphology along their length. The variation provides longitudinal segments that exhibit distinctive softening characteristics during a bonding operation. Some segments soften under the conditions of the bonding operation and bond to other fibers of the web, and other segments are passive during the bonding operation. Webs as described can be formed by a method that comprises a) extruding filaments of fiber-forming material; b) directing the filaments through a processing chamber in which the filaments are subjected to longitudinal stress; c) subjecting the filaments to turbulent flow conditions after they exit the processing chamber; and d) collecting the processed filaments; the temperature of the filaments being controlled so that at least some of the filaments solidify while in the turbulent field.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a curved beam from fiber composite material. A flat fiber composite laminate including a plurality of layers and at least two different fiber directions is formed. The fiber composite laminate is disposed in contact with a male tool includes a first flange, a second flange and an intermediate web. The male tool is curved in its longitudinal direction with a radius of curvature in such a way that the first flange has a shorter longitudinal extent than the second flange. The fiber composite laminate is brought into contact with and secured to the first flange of the male tool. The male tool and the fiber composite laminate are then rotated relative to one another so that the fiber composite laminate is brought into contact with the intermediate web of the male tool in a first rotational movement, and brought into contact with the second flange of the male tool in a second rotational movement.

Abstract: Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of -forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner,—forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer—consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated into a sinusoidal path forming a generally “C” shaped bridge between adjacent warp yarns which results in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension to warp yarns having opposite twists during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate surgical repair product comprising a cable of which bending stiffness can be lowered, which fibrous member is a heat-set cable comprising at least 50 mass % of high-performance polyethylene yarn. The product shows very high tenacity, combined with a relatively high initial bending stiffness that is significantly reduced upon bending or flexing the member, without significant dimensional change; and allows both easy and well-controlled handling and good knot tying characteristics. The invention also relates to a method of making said clongate product.

Abstract: The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated into a sinusoidal path forming a generally “C” shaped bridge between adjacent warp yarns which results in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension to warp yarns having opposite twists during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns, for example.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from a multi-layered, elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity is imparted to the composite through the use of at least one base layer that contains a thermoplastic elastomer and at least one skin layer that contains a propylene/?-olefin copolymer. During formation, the film is stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the propylene/?-olefin copolymer. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated at or above the softening point of the copolymer) to soften the crystalline domains and allow the chains to return to their unoriented state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type wrinkled band used for healing a hernia of intervertebral disk or protection the intervertebral disk. In particular, the expansion and contraction by air-injection can be achieved, without using a rubber tube for the contraction and expansion.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. More specifically, latent elasticity may be imparted by blending a thermoplastic elastomer with a polyolefin that is capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains, and then forming a film from the blend. The film is then stretched in one or more directions to orient the amorphous elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the amorphous chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline olefin domains. Subsequently, the stretched film may be activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the film and provide it with “latent” stretchability. For instance, the stretched film may be heated at or above the softening temperature of the polyolefin to soften the crystalline domains and allow the amorphous chains to return to their unoriented state.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic film through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic film may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic film and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 contains inelastic fibers having a varied thickness along the length and elastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric 10 preferably includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and a substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layer 2 on at least one side of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fibers with a varied thickness along the length are contained in the inelastic fiber layer 2. The nonwoven fabric 10 is conveniently produced by (a) superposing a web containing low-drawn, inelastic fibers having an elongation of 80% to 800% on at least one side of a web containing elastic fibers, (b) subjecting the webs, while in a non-united state, to through-air technique to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together by thermal bonding the fibers at their intersections, and (c) stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction to draw the low-drawn inelastic fibers, followed by releasing the sheet from the stretch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an object, curved in one or more directions, from a package of at least one stacked ply containing polymeric fibres by the deforming thereof at elevated temperature, the process comprising imposing on the fibres a tensile stress at a temperature lying between the melting point of the fibres at the imposed tensile stress and 20° C. below the melting point, which tensile stress is high enough for the fibres to be drawn. This process allows objects, curved in one or more directions, to be produced from flat fibre plies without appreciable wrinkling using even fibre plies with low internal and/or mutual deformability and without material being drawn into the die in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to an object, curved in one or more directions, obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastic strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastic strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for Incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-strand elastic laminate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a multi-strand elastic feed (1); (b) feeding the multi-strand elastic via a feed nip roll (2) for further processing; (c) imparting a tension to the multi-strand elastic feed; (d) separating the multi-strand elastic feed into strands (4) separated in the cross-direction; (e) applying a hot melt adhesive to both surfaces of each strand separated in the cross-direction to give adhesive coated separated strands (6); and (f) sandwiching the adhesive coated separated strands between two further layers of material (7) whereby the further layers of material are adhered to either side of the adhesive coated elastic strands.

Abstract: A method for producing a worn article of the present invention comprises the steps of successively placing portions of webs W1, W2 on a plurality of pads 3i ; slacking off the webs W1, W2 between the pads 3i by shortening an interval between the pads 3i; placing an elastic member on the webs W1, W2 placed on the pads 3i so that the elastic member extends across a slack portion Wa of each of the webs W1, W2 which is slacked off; placing an absorbent body on a non-slack portion Wp of the webs W1, W2 on the pads 3i which is not slacked off; removing the slack of the webs W1, W2 by increasing the interval between the pads; and placing a sheet S1, S2 of a predetermined length on the webs W1, W2, the slack of which is removed.

Abstract: A method of making a standing gather-forming member having a basal wall and first and second overhangs on both sides of the basal wall. Elastic members are disposed in their stretched state on the inner surface of a middle portion of a continuously running strip-shaped sheet. One of side portions extending on both longitudinal sides of the middle portion is Z-folded to cover a part of the width of the middle portion thereby to form the first overhang. The other side portion is then folded inward along the longitudinal direction to cover the part of the middle portion that remains uncovered with the first-mentioned side portion and to overlay the Z-folded portion of the first-mentioned side portion thereby to form the second overhang and the basal wall.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided including a liner forming a cavity and having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a composite wrap including a plurality of composite layers disposed adjacent to the outer surface. The composite wrap has a desired strain modulus gradient across a thickness of the composite wrap. Also provided is a method for producing the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously producing a flexible elastic web material having two outer material webs or layers (20, 32), of which at least one is made of a textile material, and between which a pretensioned elastic intermediate ply is inserted that, when relieved from tension, causes the web material to shorten, and when tension is exerted thereupon, enables the web material to be elastically lengthened again. In order to produce the web material, the first material web or layer (20) is shaped to form a tube, and a contract adhesive (24) is applied thereto. Afterwards, a pattern (26, 28) of elastic threads or stands are, while pretensioned, progressively placed onto the outer side of this tube in a continuous manner in the longitudinal direction of the tube. A second material web or layer (13) is then placed onto the first tubular material web or layer provided with the pretensioned elastic threads, and is progressively joined in an adhering manner to the first material web or layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite web includes supplying two or more webs to an activation mechanism, where the webs are in an unbonded state relative to each other. The method further entails simultaneously activating the webs while they are in a face to face relationship and in an unbonded state, and then bonding the webs to form a composite web.

Abstract: A method of making mutually-reinforced elastic strand/film composites and laminates in which film breakage, strand breakage, and strand alignment problems are minimized or avoided. The method includes casting an elastomeric adhesive film onto a chill roll, extruding elastic strands onto the film while the film is on a chill roll, and stretching the film and strand composite. The stretched composite may be laminated between two facing sheets. Additionally, tension in the composite may be controlled through film composition, strand composition, add-on rate, stretching the composite, and combinations of any of these approaches.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B bilateral morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an article having an elastic member, comprises: a stretcher for receiving the elastic member at a low velocity VL and outputting the elastic member at a medium velocity VM; a carrier including a first pad and a second pad for picking up the elastic member from the stretcher, and a cutter for cutting off the elastic member while carrying the elastic member; and a station for carrying a web at a high velocity Vh and disposing the cut-off elastic member from a pad onto the web. When the elastic member striding over the first pad and the second pad is cut off, an interval between the first pad and the second pad is shortened so as to reduce a shrinking force of a portion of the elastic member between the first pad and the second pad.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first rotary disc, a plurality of folding plates arranged at regular intervals along a peripheral zone of the first rotary disc, a plurality of positive motion cams arranged at regular intervals along the peripheral zone of the first rotary disc so as to be interposed between the first rotary disc and the folding plates, a second rotary disc located on the opposite side of the first rotary disc and a plurality of auxiliary plates arranged at regular intervals along a peripheral zone of the second rotary disc. One of the folding plates and one of the auxiliary plates synchronously move into the inside of a contiguous diaper structure and simultaneously the guide arms move into a clearance between the guide blades so that the opposite side edge zones of the crotch region may be held between the guide arms and the guide blades and thereby the crotch region may be tucked into the contiguous diaper structure.

Abstract: A method for making absorbent pads for various absorbent articles is provided. A strip of the absorbent web material is conveyed along a machine direction, the absorbent web material having a generally first constant cross-direction width and generally first uniform basis weight. Longitudinally defined portions of the web material are stretched in the cross direction so as to define longitudinal sections having a wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight alternately spaced between longitudinally extending sections of the web material having a lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight. The web is released eventually cut in a cross direction into individual absorbent pads such that each pad has a crotch section corresponding to the longitudinal section having the lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight and at least one of a front section and back section corresponding to the wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight.

Abstract: A method for applying an elastic member on an elastic web of material includes providing an elastic web of material running in a traveling direction; applying adhesive in a predetermined adhesive pattern on the web of material; applying a continuous elastic member in an elastic pattern on the adhesive, wherein the elastic member is applied in a direction of extension which deviates from the traveling direction at least within portions of the elastic member; applying a non-elastic web of material over the elastic web of material, wherein the non-elastic web of material is brought to cover the adhesive pattern, whereby the elastic member is locked between the elastic web of material and the non-elastic web of material in the applied position on the adhesive pattern. The non-elastic web of material is given a band shape with a first non-linear edge and a second non-linear edge, wherein the shape of the non-elastic web of material is brought to generally coincide with the shape of the adhesive pattern.

Abstract: A process includes feeding first and second webs and waist elastic members in a machine direction; joining the elastic members to the first and second webs and joining the webs to each other; joining to the first web; coating the first and second adhesive zones with adhesives; joining the second web folded inward in a cross direction to the first web and the panel in vicinities of transversely opposite side edges; successively cutting away transversely middle zones of the composite web along first cutting lines and folding the composite web together with the panel inward in the cross direction; and bonding respective halves of the composite web thus folded to each other in vicinities of second cutting lines and cutting the composite web together with the elastic members along the second cutting lines to make a plurality of the diapers.

Abstract: A placement device, comprising: a guide section for guiding an elastic member; a first nip roll and a second nip roll for pressing together the elastic member and a web; a transfer section capable of transferring the guide section across the web; and an indicating section for indicating a position, wherein when the guide section comes close to the position while moving in a first direction, the transfer section can stop transferring the guide section in response to a signal from the indicating section.

Abstract: A three-dimensional spacer fabric resin interlaminar infusion medium and reinforcing composite lamina for use in the vacuum-induced manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer composites is described. This use of the three-dimensional spacer fabric as a composite interlaminar component improves both the vacuum-induced resin infusion flow rate and laminate quality control and aids in the achievement of enhanced resin uniformity distribution throughout the laminate.

Abstract: In the invention, a method is provided for producing a composite nonwoven fabric. A polymer is extruded into heated continuous filaments, possibly elastic, from the die head to a first chilled roller, wherein the extruder is configured to provide the continuous filaments to the chilled roller in a canted direction that is at a tangent or angle to the surface of the first chilled roller. The filaments are conveyed in a downward direction by way of chilled rollers to a nip. In a next step, the nonwoven web is sprayed with an adhesive and is laminated on the continuous filaments in the nip to form a composite nonwoven fabric. The continuous filaments move vertically downward approximately in line with the lamination process, facilitating automatic re-threading of filaments when they are broken or interrupted in their travel downward onto the chilled rolls.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are proved. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic strand to a flat substrate or sheet of material moving the elastic strand and the sheet in a converging manner from a first position in which the elastic strand is spaced from the sheet to a second position in which the elastic strand contacts one surface of the sheet. A filament of adhesive is dispensed onto the strand in a pattern configured with adhesive masses coupled by thinner filament sections. The adhesive masses are contacted with the strand when the strand is in the first position. The strand is bonded to the substrate with at least the adhesive masses.

Abstract: A process for placement of indicator elements in a disposable wearing article includes a step in which indication sheets each having the pair of indicator elements are placed on an outer web, a step in which the indication sheets are joined to the outer web, a step in which the outer web is cut together with the indication sheet to obtain first and second outer webs, a step in which the first and second outer webs are separated from each other, a step in which an inner web is placed upon and joined to the first and second outer webs to obtain a composite web, a step in which a liquid-absorbent panels are joined onto the inner web and a step in which the composite web and the panel are cut together to obtain individual articles.

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: 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: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an absorbent article includes continuously feeding a first web (1) along a travelling path, said first web(1) including a first and a second opposing strip (9, 10) extending in the longitudinal direction and a first panel portion (11) located therebetween, continuously feeding a second web (2) along a travelling path, said second web (2) including a third and a fourth opposing strip (25, 26) and a second panel portion (20) located therebetween, cutting the first panel portion (11) into a number of first panels (14, 15), cutting the second panel portion (20) into a number of second panels (25, 26), forming a joint web (3) by placing the second web (2) over the first web (1), cutting the joint web (3) along attachment lines thereby forming the absorbent articles (4).

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: High strength polyethylene yarns useful in ballistic-resistant, cut-resistant and other applications, fabrics produced from these yarns and the methods by which the yarns and fabrics are made. An untwisted yarn of the invention comprises a plurality of filaments in essentially parallel array and from about 0.5 to 5 weight percent of a water-dispersible binder material covering less than half the surfaces of the filaments.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material is provided having at least one low tension zone with first filaments having a first basis weight and at least one high tension zone having second filaments with a second basis weight greater than the first basis weight. The second basis weight is greater due to increased average thickness of the second filaments and/or increased frequency of second filaments relative to the first filaments. Methods and modifications of those methods are provided to produce a targeted elastic laminate material according to the preferred embodiments of this invention.

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: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves varying the number and position of feed nips and idler rolls and optimizing the tension between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable tension. More particularly, higher tension is provided in the areas of the garment where greater gasketing pressure is required, while lower tension is provided in areas where greater comfort is desired and high gasketing pressure is not needed. Furthermore, each elastic member may vary in degrees of tension from the other elastic members. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.

Abstract: A printer provided with a unit for forming an image and an endless intermediate belt trained under tension around rollers in such manner that the belt can rotate over the rollers, the intermediate belt being operatively connected to the said unit for transfer of the image from the unit to a receiving material, wherein the belt comprises a fabric of threads as a support, the threads of the fabric being so positioned that when the intermediate belt rotates, a deviation of said belt axially is substantially independent of the tension.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are proved. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.