Abstract: Continuous strips of a first material, e.g., elastic strips, are continuously supplied to flexible strip supports in a supply zone while the strip supports are in a linear configuration. The strip supports are carried on respective transfer members which are mounted on a rotatable support so that individual transfer members follow a closed (orbital) path upon rotation of the support. The continuous strips are cut into discrete strips adhered to respective flexible strip supports whose configuration, and that of the discrete strips adhered thereto, is then changed to a desired curvilinear configuration. The transfer members are then brought into transfer contact in a transfer zone with a moving web of second material, which may comprise the backing sheet of a disposable diaper construction, and the curvilinear strips are transferred to the web.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a hot melt adhesive to a web of heat sensitive material in which the adhesive is heated and extruded in a continuous flat bead having a substantially rectangular cross-section onto a rotating chill roll, cooled, contacted by a web of heat sensitive material and thereafter pressed together so that the adhesive conforms to the web material and bonds thereto, and the bonded adhesive and web stripped from the chill roll.

Abstract: An apparatus including a revolving roll for applying to a sheet of a first material continuously moving in a first direction at least one discrete length of a second material with the length of the discrete length at an angle to the first direction. The discrete length is cut from a continuous ribbon on the revolving roll, rotated by the revolving roll to a desired orientation and transferred from the revolving roll to the sheet. The apparatus includes the revolving roll, at least one rotatable platen on, and revolvable with the revolvable roll, a feeding apparatus for feeding the continuous ribbon to circumferential engagement with the revolving roll, a cutting roll and an applicator roll revolving in synchronizm with the revolving roll. The cutting roll has at least one cutting blade which cuts the ribbon at a cutting surface or anvil on the rotatable platen.

Abstract: A bulked web composite comprises a differentially tensioned reticulated web of elastic material bonded to at least one gatherable web whereby, upon release of the tensioning forces, the gatherable web or webs are gathered by the reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas due to the different tension levels of the reticulated web. Also disclosed is a method of making a bulked web composite by the steps of: forming a reticulated web of elastic material and elongating at least portions of the web by differentially tensioning it, and bonding the differentially tensioned web to at least one gatherable web to form a composite. The composite is then relaxed whereby portions of the gatherable web are gathered by the contracted reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas. Bulked web composites of such type may be employed to form disposable swim wear, towels, wash cloths, and the like.

Abstract: A method of pressure bonding composite material comprises passing a pair of strips through a nip defined between a pair of abutting rolls. At least one of a composite material which is pressure bonded as a result of passage through the nip and one of the strips which are to be introduced into the nip is wrapped around an associated roll. While the composite material or the strip is so disposed, the pair of rolls are driven at differential peripheral speeds, thereby controlling the draft of each strip.

Abstract: Disposable fitted sheets and method for making them. The sheets are formed without necessitating prior cutting by folding edges of the material and attaching the folded-over edges along diagonal lines associated with each corner. Elastic bands cooperate with each pocket to maintain the fit on the corners of the mattress. The bands are fastened in a stretched condition to the folded-over edges while the sheet is in a flat state. The process of the invention is particularly adapted to continuously forming such sheets which may be formed from a variety of inexpensive materials. Sheets of the invention are particularly useful in hospitals and nursing homes where frequent bedding changes may be needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foamed polyurethane cushion. The cushion may be a separate cushion for carpeting or other fabric, or may be bonded to carpeting. Components for forming a foamed polyurethane are cooled, and dispensed into a puddle on a moving sheet. The puddle is leveled by an air knife into a uniform coating; then, the moving sheet is passed around a roller and placed coated side down against a fabric. The resulting sandwich is held, and moved across a steam box. The steam causes the components to react and form a blown polyurethane. After the blowing is complete and before the foam is cured beyond its plastic state, the thickness of the foam is adjusted by pressing with a roller. The sheet, which is a thermoplastic, is heated to cause the sheet to blend into the completed foam.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a disposable article and a disposable article for absorbing liquids.This method consists in cutting an impermeable foil (35) so as to form two strips (35a) and (35b) in the median zone of said foil along a tracing of a sequence of equal straight-line segments parallel to the longitudinal axis of the foil and staggered alternatingly on either side of said axis. The strip (35a) is laterally shifted by a distance slightly less than the distance between the segments located on either side of the axis XX'. The strip (35b) follows a path which is longer than that of the strip (35a) by the repeat of the cut-out. The strips (35a) and (35b) then are deposited on the absorbing portions (34) in such a manner that the permeable zone is located in the central region of said portion.The obtained sheath is cut into individual articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing elastic disposable diapers employing an oscillating fork means to V-fold longitudinally spaced portions of an adhesive equipped ribbon on itself to immobilize the adhesive in the spaced portions.

Abstract: Continuous strips of a first material, e.g., elastic strips, are continuously supplied to flexible strip supports in a supply zone while the strip supports are in a linear configuration. The strip supports are carried on respective transfer members which are mounted on a rotatable support so that individual transfer members follow a closed (orbital) path upon rotation of the support. The continuous strips are cut into discrete strips adhered to respective flexible strip supports whose configuration, and that of the discrete strips adhered thereto, is then changed to a desired curvilinear configuration. The transfer members are then brought into transfer contact in a transfer zone with a moving web of second material, which may comprise the backing sheet of a disposable diaper construction, and the curvilinear strips are transferred to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring and applying discrete lengths of material to a moving web is disclosed. The material is supplied to a plurality of applicator units (41). Each applicator unit (41) has a first applicator segment (42) and a second applicator segment (43). The applicator units (41) are rotated around a drum axis (35a). The web supply section (11) feeds the web (21) to a fluted corrugating roll (22). The first applicator segment (42) is rotated about a first axis and the second applicator segment (43) is rotated about a second axis, wherein the first and second applicator segments (42) and (43) are linearly aligned when passing under an extruder (27). Then the first and second applicator segments (42) and (43) rotate around the first and second axis to place the first and second applicator segments in space relationship when the material (33) is bonded to peaks (21a) of the web (21).

Abstract: A supply source of continuous elastic web and a support for the fixing of elastic elements are provided. On the support, which is normally constituted by a rotary drum, there are located at least one clamping element fixed to the support itself and a further clamping element which is movable relative to the fixed element between first and second positions. The distance between the fixed element and the movable element in the second position is less than the distance between the two elements in the first position and is substantially equal to the length of the tensioned elastic elements which it is desired to form. The free end of the continuous elastic web is clamped in the movable clamping element when this element is in its first position.

Abstract: A method for applying self-adhering elastic strips to a flexible base material includes adhering a tensioned first strip of the self-adhering elastic material to a flexible base material by sandwiching a less-or untensioned strip of the self-adhering elastic material between the tensioned strip and the base material. Tensioning the first strip in order to impart a sufficiently high degree of elasticization to the base material reduces the inherent strength of adhesion of the strip to the base material. Accordingly, the less-or untensioned intermediate strip insures good adhesion strength of the composite of the two (or more) strips to the base material. The resulting article comprises one having elasticized portions formed by adherence of the tensioned composite strip of self-adhering elastic material thereto.

Abstract: A welding and separating device for stacked plastic films has a heated welding and separating strip and a cooperating resilient counterpressure element which are moved together. The strip has a wedge-shaped separating knife with a comparatively small wedge angle and two welding members, one on either side thereof. Each welding member is formed to have a cross sectionally round surface. The welding members and the knife have comparatively deep V-shaped recesses therebetween. The counterpressure element is round in cross section and is aligned opposite the center of the separating knife. Separate spaced support bars press against the counterpressure element to deform the element and tension the films so that the surface of the resilient element is reduced as the knife and welding members press against the element. A process for welding employs support bars and a welding bar.

Abstract: A continuous elastic ribbon is fed to a diaper assembly station in a stretched condition while, at the same time, an adhesive is continuously applied to the elastic ribbon. Simultaneously, absorbent batts, as well as webs of moisture-impervious batt sheet material and moisture-impervious top-sheet material are fed to the diaper assembly station. Further, and simultaneously, while the webs are traveling to the assembly station, the quantity of the adhesive applied to the elastic ribbon is changed so that there is substantially less adhesive in pre-determined isolated portions of the stretched elastic ribbon. At the assembly station, a stretched elastic ribbon is adhered to the moisture-impervious backsheet web along portions of the elastic ribbon which intervene the selected areas of the web while lesser quantities of the adhesive are located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for laminating two webs of corrugating medium to produce a composite corrugating medium for the manufacture of corrugated fiberboard. The method essentially consists of the steps of (a) applying a coat of a water-soluble adhesive onto one side of at least one web of a first and second corrugating medium; (b) conveying the first and second corrugating medium over the surface of a first heating cylinder such that the water-soluble adhesive is between the first and second corrugating medium to join them together into a loosely bound composite corrugating medium, wherein heat is applied to one surface of said composite corrugating medium through the first heating cylinder; and (c) passing the opposite surface of the composite corrugating medium to a second heating cylinder to subject the composite to a second heating step. The present invention contemplates an apparatus for carrying out this invention.

Abstract: A purpose of the disclosed method is to impart gathers and elasticity to a relatively inelastic film, membrane, or web substrate, through elastic banding with a viscoelastic hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). Typically, the resulting elastic-banded substrate product (e.g. 40) will be cut into discrete units and formed in to garments or body-encircling members such as disposable diapers. One step of the preferred method involves extruding a ribbon or band (13 or 113) comprising a viscoelastic hot melt PSA, which PSA has unusually high cohesion, stretchiness, and elasticity without excessive loss of adhesive bonding strength. (The viscoelastic behavior of the PSA is believed to be determined, at least in part, by the relative size of its crystalline domains and its rubbery domains and the glass transition temperatures and softening point of its components.

Abstract: A method for producing elastic disposable diapers, apparatus therefor and product therefrom which includes applying a continuous stripe of adhesive to stretched elastic ribbon, V-folding longitudinally spaced portions of the ribbon to immobilize the adhesive in the spaced portion, applying the intermediate flat portions of the stretched ribbon with exposed adhesive to a substrate, to form discrete diapers which have contractable portions therein.

Abstract: Here is disclosed method for attaching elastic band to sanitary articles such as disposable diapers. The elastic band is cut into predetermined lengths which are then intermittently attached by adhesive to a web forming said articles. Said elastic band is severed on a surface of a rotary suction drum so that the respective lengths thus severed and isolated may be intermittently attached to said web. Said elastic band may comprise a plurality of relatively narrow or fine rubber strands. Particularly in such a case, said elastic band is attached to a support tape wider than said elastic band and having high flexibility before cutting so that these rubber strands may be reliably held on the surface of said suction drum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying stretched elastic segments to a web as for a diaper waistband and the like which include advancing a stretched continuous elastic ribbon, gripping the ribbon at two pairs of points, severing the ribbon between the gripped pairs to provide a stretched segment and advancing the ribbon segment in planetary fashion to unite the same to a continuous web.

Abstract: A laminating machine includes a heated laminating roller (22) and a back-up roller (26) that are driven at different speeds to produce a controlled reduction in the peripheral surface speed of the back-up roller in relation to the peripheral surface speed of the laminating roller through a brake (90) to control curling in the laminated product. The laminating machine also includes pull rollers (100 and 102) that are driven by the back-up roller and are angularly adjustable to control the path of movement of the product along with dewrinkling mechanisms (44) for removing wrinkles from the film as it enters the laminating stations.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for rendering discrete portions of a moving web with an elasticized character while preserving the inelastic character of the remaining portions of the substantially inelastic web. The method is especially suitable for use in the manufacture of disposable diaper components and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of blocks of macromolecular material displaying piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties and provides a production process consisting in drawing a thin strip of a film of macromolecular material from a feed reel, electrically polarizing the said film and coating it with adhesive by means of a solution based on a polymeric binder before the forming on a mandrel of a roll of which the turns form, after drying, a monolithic structure which may be split into blocks.The invention finds particular use in the production of electromechanical transducers for applications connected with electroacoustics and underwater acoustics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for attaching a continuously moving elastic ribbon to a continuously moving web such that only selected discrete areas of a finished conformable garment fabricated from the web are elasticized. The web is moved into engagement with a continuously moving first conveyor means having a plurality of spaced apart gaps in its surface and the first conveyor means travels along an inclined guide means toward a second conveyor means traveling opposite to and in the same direction as the first conveyor means. The second conveyor means carries a plurality of spaced apart web tucking means which are moved by the second conveyor means into registry with the gaps in the first conveyor means. As each of the web tuck means move in registry with the gaps, the web tuck means are inserted into the gaps to form tucks in the web due to the movement of the first conveyor means toward the second conveyor means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for laminating two webs of corrugating medium to produce a composite corrugating medium for the manufacture of corrugated fiberboard. The method essentially consists of the steps of (a) applying a coat of a water-soluble adhesive onto one side of at least one web of a first and second corrugating medium; (b) conveying the first and second corrugating medium over the surface of a first heating cylinder such that the water-soluble adhesive is between the first and second corrugating medium to join them together into a loosely bound composite corrugating medium, wherein heat is applied to one surface of said composite corrugating medium through the first heating cylinder; and (c) passing the opposite surface of the composite corrugating medium to a second heating cylinder to subject the composite to a second heating step. The present invention contemplates an apparatus for carrying out this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the continuous or intermittent securing of a moving elastic member or band to a moving web or webs of disposable diaper components and the like, wherein at least one component is provided with an alternating sequence of stretchable or elastic portions and non-stretchable, inelastic portions along its length.

Abstract: A method for splicing the trailing end portion of an advancing web of packing material to the leading end portion of an initially stationary second web of the same packing material such that after splicing marks provided on each of the webs in an equally spaced relation continue as an uninterrupted regular row, in particular in a packing machine. The articles to be packed are advanced spaced apart as a continuous flow into a web of packing material folded to a tube and are carried and advanced along sealing stations by the advancing tube for producing a longitudinal sealing seam and transverse sealing seams in the packing material between the articles. The transverse seams are cut thereafter and the discrete packed articles are discharged on a coveyor, in which the first web runs over a roller and the leading end portion provided with an adhesive of the second web is placed over a second roller opposite to the first roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the continuous or intermittent securing of a moving elastic member or band to a moving web or webs of disposable diaper components and the like, wherein at least one component is provided with an alternating sequence of stretchable or elastic portions and non-stretchable, inelastic portions along its length.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having improved fit about the legs and/or waist of the wearer and having reinforced corners for enhanced securement of the diaper about the wearer is disclosed. Improved fit and reinforcement are obtained by an elongated, inherently elastic ribbon member positioned along at least one margin of the diaper. The ribbon member is secured to the diaper so as to provide an elastic region at a central portion of the margin and a unitary, relatively inelastic reinforced region in a corner portion of the diaper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elasticizing the leg areas of disposable diapers is disclosed. Portions of a continuously moving elastic ribbon are attached to a continuously moving web at spaced apart locations along the length of the web corresponding to the leg areas of a finished diapers. The web is moved over at least one arcuate surface and the portions of the ribbon that are not attached to the web are drawn through a slot in the surface so that the unattached ribbon portions separate from the web and travel a shorter path than the web. While the unattached portions of the ribbon are passing through the slot, they are clamped intermediate their ends by clamping means. While the unattached ribbon portions are held clamped, they are cut at their ends by cutting means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elasticizing the leg areas of a conformable garment is disclosed in which a continuous length of web material is continuously fed onto a moving support surface. As the web is fed onto the support surface, oscillating means moves the web in alternating directions in the direction of movement of and opposite to the direction of movement of the web as a whole to form spaced apart relatively flat folds in the web. Continuous, moving elastic ribbon is applied and adhered to the web in a tensioned condition across the folds, the folds are at least partially opened and the elastic is severed opposite the partially opened folds to provide discrete elastic strips attached at desired locations to the web.

Abstract: In the manufacture of plastic bags having interlocking profiled extrusions for the closure, the extruded plastic profile is applied to the moving web of film immediately after extrusion of the profile. The temperature of the moving web is maintained such that the profile adheres to the moving web upon contact and thereafter cools to set the thermoplastic in the desired profile. 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 profile is applied to the web in an in-line process which includes folding and heat sealing the moving web of film to form plastic bags.

Abstract: A method of diaper manufacture whereby adhesive is applied directly to the moisture impervious web for attachment thereto of elastic ribbons to make a shirred diaper.

Abstract: A self-adhering elastic comprises a block copolymer having glassy endblocks and an amorphous midblock, a midblock resin and an endblock resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for attaching a continuously moving elastic ribbon to a continuously moving web such that only selected discrete areas of a finished conformable garment fabricated from the web are elasticized. A continuously moving belt formed of plate members hinged together and engaging the continuously moving web is guided by cam means to cause adjacent plate members to fold and thereby form folds in the web. After folding of the web, the continuously moving elastic ribbon is moved into contact with areas of the web between the folds and is adhered to the web at these areas. The elastic is cut opposite the folded areas of the web corresponding to areas in the finished diaper in which it is desired not to provide elasticization. The belt means is then guided so that the plate members unfold to thereby unfold the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elasticizing the leg areas of disposable diapers is disclosed. A continuously moving elastic ribbon is attached to a continuously moving web at spaced apart locations along the length of the web corresponding to the leg areas of a finished diaper. The web is moved over an arcuate surface and the portion of the ribbon that is not attached to the web is drawn through a gap in the surface so that the unattached ribbon portion separates from the web and travels a shorter path than the web. While the web and unattached ribbon portion are separated, the unattached ribbon portion is cut so that only the ribbon portion attached to the web will have an elasticization effect on the finished diapers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously attaching an elastic member to discrete portions of a moving web to impart an elasticized character to predetermined portions of the web while preserving the inelastic character of the other portions of the web.

Abstract: An improved elastic leg disposable diaper and process for manufacturing same; wherein the diaper includes elastic strips extending and being secured to the diaper continuously along the full length of the outside longitudinal edges of the diaper and wherein the elastic strips are secured in the crotch area in stretched elastically-contractible condition forming gathered and extendible side portions in the crotch area for elastic compliance of such side portions to the legs of the wearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding together a plurality of juxtaposed webs which are subject to being ultrasonically bonded together to form a laminate as the webs are being driven forward at a relatively high velocity. The regions of the webs to be bonded are subjected to progressively increasing compressive forces while simultaneously being subjected to ultrasonic energy as they traverse an elongate portion of a predetermined path at a predetermined velocity. After the regions are ultrasonically bonded they may be subjected to another compression prior to the bonds becoming fully set upon cooling. The method may be practiced in an apparatus which includes an ultrasonic horn and an anvil which are configured and disposed to define a bonding passageway having an elongate convergent portion; and the apparatus may include a pressure roll biased towards the anvil adjacent the downstream end of the passageway.

Abstract: Molten thermoplastic, such as polyethylene, and a hot melt adhesive are coextruded through a channel shaped profile die. While still molten, the channel shaped strip, having adhesive between the ribs thereof, is brought into contact with a moving web of a thermoplastic, e.g. polyethylene film, which is backed up by a roll at a controlled temperature. The temperature differential between the roll and the molten thermoplastic is maintained so that the thermoplastic adheres to the moving web upon contact and thereafter cools to set the thermoplastic in the channel shaped profile. The web is under tension so that contraction of the film upon release compensates for the contraction of the channel shaped strip as it cools.

Abstract: A structural laminate comprises at least one planar facing sheet with a rigid foam attached to one surface of the facing sheet. The rigid foam may be any polymeric material which is capable of being foamed. Distributed substantially evenly throughout the foam is a mat of long glass fibers arranged in layers substantially parallel to the facing sheet. The process for producing this structural laminate comprises the steps of contacting a thin, substantially incompressible yet expansible mat of long glass fibers with a foam-forming mixture, positioning a facing sheet on each face of the mat, and passing the facing sheets having the mat and the foam-forming mixture therebetween through means for metering the amount of foam-forming mixture and causing it to fully penetrate between the fibers of said glass mat.

Abstract: A heat treating roll for heating selected spaced areas of stretched thermoplastic elastomeric material so as to "kill" the elastic properties of the heat treated areas wherein insulated arcuate shoes are disposed in grooves in the roll with an air space between the shoes and the bottoms of the grooves and with the outer surface of the shoes disposed radially outward from the ungrooved surface of the roll so that the insulated shoes are pressed by companion chill roll while the heated surfaces of the roll are not and the elastic material is transferred from the nip between the heated roll and the chill roll to stabilize the elastic/inelastic properties of the heat treated elastomeric ribbons.

Abstract: A method for mounting elastic strips onto a web of material for making dirs or the like, includes the steps of gathering-up the web of material, i.e., it is shortened by forming a multiplicity of fine transverse folds thereon, and mounting unstretched elastic strips in discrete sections onto the edge areas of the gathered-up web of material. A device for carrying out the method is also provided which includes a drum having a toothed gear-like surface, an embossing roller having a toothed gear-like surface which is in camming engagement with the drum, a device for holding and guiding the gathered-up web of material on the drum and a station for mounting elastic strips in discrete sections onto the edge areas of the web of material which is held and guided on the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of objects from water-hardened materials, reinforced with one or more reticulate webs, one over the other, which webs have been obtained by stretching, fibrillating and spreading of a film of organic polymeric material, by continuously supplying one or more reticulate webs, contacting them with a water-hardening material and water, thus forming a composite material, and shaping and hardening this material. This is obtained according the invention in that:a. one or more reticulate webs, one on top of the other, are continuously supplied and laid on a carrier;b. the reticulate webs are folded zig-zag on this carrier;c. the folded network is continuously transported in a direction virtually normal to the direction in which the reticulate webs are supplied;d. subsequently, the folded network is contacted, directly or indirectly, with a water-hardening material and water.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting elastic strips into elastic leg diapers wherein elastic strips are adhesively secured continuously along the crotch area and in relaxed condition along the waist areas including a mechanism for feeding a continuous strip of elastic at a constant rate, a mechanism for feeding a continuous sheet of diaper material at a constant rate, and an oscillating arm for guiding the sheet of diaper material and inducing periodic variations in the velocity or distance of the diaper material with respect to the elastic feeding mechanism, thereby alternately stretching and relaxing predetermined lengths of continuous elastic strips as they are adhesively secured to the diaper material.

Abstract: A method of continuously making a composite tape transducer consisting of the steps of electrically charging dielectric layers on opposite sides of a conductive inner strip to form electrets, applying wider outer laminates symmetrically to opposite sides of the electret-covered inner strip and sealing together the marginal edge portions of the outer laminates to enclose the electret-covered inner strip.

Abstract: To make diapers having elasticized regions, unstretched segments of elastic ribbon are deposited on a first rotating roll which has vacuum holes in its periphery for attracting the body of a segment and a mechanical element for temporarily securing one end. The first roll rotates segments successively to a place adjacent a second roll which has a larger radius and, hence, higher peripheral velocity than the first roll. The second roll has grippers spaced apart by an amount substantially equal to the desired stretched length of the segments. The leading end of each segment on the first roll is engaged by a gripper on the second higher speed roll so the segment stretches after which a lifter on the first roll releases the trailing end for it to be engaged by a gripper to hold the stretched segment on the second roll. Quick setting glue is applied to the stretched segments and the top porous sheet material comprising the diaper is run in contact with the segments to pick them up.

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: In this invention, a continuous elastic ribbon is fed to a diaper assembly station in a stretched condition while, at the same time, an adhesive is continuously applied to the elastic ribbon. Simultaneously, absorbent batts, as well as webs of moisture-impervious backsheet material and moisture-pervious top-sheet material are fed to the diaper assembly station. Further, and simultaneously, while the webs are traveling to the assembly station, a release medium is applied to one of the said webs in selected areas thereof in a manner so as to overlie pre-determined, isolated portions of said stretched, elastic ribbon. At the assembly station, the stretched elastic ribbon is adhered to the moisture-impervious backsheet web along portions of the elastic ribbon which intervene the selected areas of the web where the release medium is located.

Abstract: A laminated structure having a marginal area with gathered and ungathered portions which provide an improved fit about a portion of the human body, said laminated structure comprising an elastic member disposed between first and second substrates of flexible gatherable material, said elastic member comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending elastic elements with the elements transversely connected over a portion of their length to define apertures and an end portion of the member comprising only longitudinally extending elements and the first and second substrates of said laminated structure being secured together through at least some of said apertures.