Abstract: Hot-melt adhesive compositions of atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are particularly suitable for bonding non-woven elastic composites. A selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of conventional hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: A method of making a prefolded diaper or other undergarment includes the steps of forming a web of diaper material, placing a fastening system divided between front and back waist sections onto each diaper section of the web and cutting the web to define individual diapers. The diapers are then folded in half at the crotch section and are then microwaved in a high power resonant cavity microwave device to activate the latent elastic portions which are buried within the folded diaper. Where desired, the refastenable fastening system of the diaper, or the front and back waist sections or the diaper, may be registered in a fastening alignment and fastened together when the diaper is folded to create diapers which are useful upon removal from the point of sale container as pull on training pants.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating absorbent articles. In a method of the invention, a bodyside liner, an absorbent core, and an outer cover are joined to form an absorbent article web sausage. Leg cut-outs are cut on opposing sides of the web sausage, and a waist opening is cut in a central region of the web sausage. Adhesive is applied to one of (i) a waist piece material and (ii) the web sausage about the waist opening; and also to one of (iii) extensible leg cuff material and (iv) the web sausage adjacent the leg cut-outs. A waist piece is severed from waist piece material, and is placed. over the waist opening and secured to the web sausage. Leg cuffs are severed from the leg cuff material, and are placed over the leg cutouts and secured to the web sausage. The waist piece and leg cut-outs are preferably stretched to a dimension representing about 5% to about 95% of stretch-to-stop dimensions when bonded to the web sausage.

Abstract: A method of applying curved leg elastics to absorbent garments involves stretching and wrapping a pair of elastic ribbons about a first curved surface of a pair of disks. A portion of each of the elastic ribbons folds onto a second surface of each of the disks. The disks are rotated about a point off-center from a center point of the disks. The portions of the elastic ribbons on the second surfaces of the disks are rotated onto a substrate and bonded to the substrate in their stretched positions on the disks, thereby forming finished seams. The resulting absorbent garments have gasket-like leg openings with improved comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: Laminated elastic webs are manufactured in a pre-stretched condition using a laminating machine. A conveyor system located downstream of the laminating machine conveys the laminated elastic webs to packaging machines (e.g. reject splicers and festooners). The conveyor system operates at speeds proportionally less than the line speed of the laminating machine so that the laminated elastic web relaxes from its stretched condition, and becomes fully or almost fully relaxed and gathered before packaging. Sufficient relaxation is important before packaging so that the laminated elastic web does not set in stretched form while packaged, or alternatively relax further while packaged to create dead space within the packaging container. The conveyor system preferably includes an inclined conveyor belt followed by a multi-lane air conveyor. Each lane of the air conveyor gently transports one of several laminated elastic webs from the belt conveyor to the respective packaging machine.

Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in a cross direction. Each of the refastenable side seams includes a lap side seam and a standing butt seam. The lap side seam puts the seams under shearing strain during use, as opposed to peel forces.

Abstract: An additive device which improves the function of a computer mouse. More specifically one that appends to the form of a round, or otherwise characteristically non-axial computer mouse, such that the user is afforded the axial tactile registration (between hand, mouse, and by extension, on-screen cursor) associated with the more commonly produced elongated-type mouse. A thin shell, flexible plastic (or other) material is cast into a generally elongated form, and is at least partially hollow on the underside so as to clip snugly over and onto the body of the circular mouse. The shell is held in place by friction and/or by the use of tapes, either adhesive or hook & eye type. The button(s) of the host circular mouse remain accessible to the hand of the user, either directly or through the provision of extensions built into the additive shell.

Abstract: A method for applying elastic, preferably thread elastic, to a travelling web (1) of material in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the feed direction (20) of the web (1). An applicator (9) is moveable generally perpendicular to the web (1) and includes a thread guide (6) which is moveable between two outer positions, the thread guide (6) being adapted to apply elastic (5a-b) to the web (1). The thread guide (6) delivers the elastic (5a-b) to a stopper (16) as it passes the stopper (16) while moving to its outer position and the thread guide (6) again picks up the elastic (5a-b) as it passes the stopper on the way to the other position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving both adhesion between substrate and polymer layers and the durability of such composite structures; while maintaining the malleability and preferred characteristics of the original substrate. Quite unexpectedly, the application of a layer or film upon an uncured, encapsulated base substrate which has been encapsulated by the shear thinning methods of the present invention, results in superior adhesion of multiple layers when compared to conventional layering, coating or composite manufacturing methods. Moreover, the uncured or at most, semi-cured, polymer composition applied to the base substrate ensures that the substrate maintains maximum flexibility for subsequent shaping into composite articles prior to curing. The methods described herein produce multiple layer composite articles that are lighter, stronger, more flexible and utilize less material, than composite articles produced by conventional techniques.

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

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body which includes a backsheet formed of a liquid impermeable sheet, a topsheet formed of a liquid permeable sheet, an absorbent core interposed between the backsheet and the topsheet, and leg gathers disposed along leg holes. Two sets of elastic members are, in a stretched state, bonded to a non-woven fabric along the leg holes. Each set of elastic members is not bonded to the non-woven fabric in a region which traverses a crotch region to extend from one of the leg holes to the other, and is cut in the non-bonded region so that the elastic members snap back toward crossing points where the two sets of the elastic members meet to form tails.

Abstract: A laminate having a layer structure of A/C/B/C/D, which is obtained by coextruding a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (B) and an adhesive resin (C) on one side of a polypropylene film (A) oriented at least uniaxially, to give a laminate having a layer structure of A/C/B/C, stretching this laminate in the transverse direction, and laminating a heat sealing layer (D) on a surface of the adhesive resin (C) of the laminate, and a production method thereof. The laminate of the present invention is superior in gas barrier property, moisture proof, aromatic proof and the like under particularly high humidity, and particularly when formed into a packaging bag, the packing bag shows superior sealing performance and appearance. Hence, the laminate of the present invention is useful for various packaging applications and as a packaging bag and the like for food and pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: A method of laminating at least two gas permeable sheet materials includes: (1) providing at least a first gas permeable sheet material, wherein at least a portion of at least a surface region of the first sheet material is thermoplastic material; (2) providing at least a second gas permeable sheet material of polytetrafluoroethylene; (3) superposing the sheet materials; and (4) contacting the sheet materials with a heating means to heat the thermoplastic material to a temperature from 140° to 230° C., so as to melt the thermoplastic material and laminate the sheet materials to one another, without the application of direct pressure in the thickness direction of the sheet materials during the contacting step so as to form a gas permeable laminate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, oscillates the oscillation unit in a path generally transverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus and methods are provided for laminating fabric such as for a disposable garment. The apparatus preferably includes a frame having upper and lower frame regions, a first roll of fabric mounted to the upper frame region so as to provide a first web of fabric when unwound from the first fabric roll, and a second roll of fabric mounted to the lower frame region and positioned adjacent the first fabric roll so as to provide a second web of fabric when unwound from the second fabric roll. A fabric dance controller is preferably positioned downstream from the first and second fabric rolls and positioned to receive the first and second webs of fabric therefrom for dancingly controlling the tension of the first and second webs of fabric being received from the first and second fabric rolls.

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

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion in a punctiform and/or linear bonding pattern.

Abstract: Polymeric carpet and a method of making and recycling such carpet, the carpet having fibers, backing and extruded adhesive all of completely recyclable materials, the recycling being accomplished in one melting step, without a separation step.

Abstract: Described is a multi-layer composite film comprising, (a) a biaxially oriented polypropylene film as a base film; (b) at least one polyolefin film superposed over said biaxially oriented polypropylene film; and (c) a colorant deposited on the polyolefin film. The colorant is interposed between the biaxially oriented polypropylene film and at least one of the superposed polyolefin films, and the thickness of the multi-layer composite film ranges between 8 &mgr;m and 26 &mgr;m. Also described are a method of producing the multi-layer composite film, and a method of using the multi-layer composite film as a packaging material.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.

Abstract: 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: A ruffling slide for making articles with stretchable portions includes a tubular sleeve for containing at least one resiliently elastic yarn element connecting the portions transversely provided on the sleeve and space apart in such a way that they define tubular ruffling sections. The connecting portions also form narrowed portions for locally clamping the elastic yarn elements. The yarn element inserts into the sleeve and is clamped at the narrowed portions in such a way that it extends freely through each tubular section and is movable therein between two positions, i.e., an inoperative position and an operative position in which said element is shorter than the section in question, whereby it may subsequently impart a ruffle thereto in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, the pivoting being about a pivot axis parallel to the substrate path, oscillates the oscillation unit first roll such that the first roll pivot axis oscillates in a plane generally traverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, oscillates the oscillation unit in a path generally transverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming and attaching tabs to an absorbent article worn in the perineal portion of the body, such as sanitary napkins. A strip of tab material is cut into two tab strips by making an approximately sinusoidal shaped longitudinal cut using a rotary die. The tab strips are then inverted so the tabs face outward and aligned so that the tabs are in-line. The tab strips are then cut into tab pairs and attached to a strip of absorbent article using an adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, the tab pairs are first attached to a layer of material which is then attached to a second layer of material on which an absorbent core is disposed, thereby enclosing the absorbent core. An absorbent article made by the aforementioned method and apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: A resin laminated metallic sheet having excellent adhesion during forming, corrosion resistance, and impact resistance is continuously manufactured at high speed with consistent properties is constantly kept at a selected and variable traveling speed of the metallic sheet by controlling the orientation of resin film after lamination, heating the continuously traveling metallic sheet, laminating resin films on both sides of the heated metal sheet using laminating rolls, and thereafter deflecting the traveling direction of the resin laminated metallic sheet using a deflector roll disposed movably in a direction perpendicular to the direction at a right angle from traveling direction of the metallic sheet, and further, differentiating a contacting period of time in which each surface of the resin laminated metallic sheet is contacting each of the laminating rolls, or differentiating an amount of the heat of each surface portion of the resin laminated metallic sheet lost by the cooling effect due to the contact o

Abstract: A machine and process are disclosed for bonding an elastic member to a moving substrate web while the elastic member is in an un-stretched condition. The machine provides for upwardly folding a moving substrate web along a longitudinal centerline while maintaining the side edge regions of the web in a flat un-folded or un-gather condition. An elastic member is applied to the moving web while the elastic member is un-stretched, applying the first and second end regions of the elastic member to the respective first and second side edge regions of the moving web. The end regions of the elastic member are next bonded to the side edges of the web, leaving the remainder of the elastic member un-bonded to the web. The web is then un-folded or un-gathered to its first normal width, stretching the bonded elastic member. At least a portion of the remainder of the elastic member previously un-bonded to the web is then bonded to the web, and the stretched elastic member is allowed to relax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of strips starting from a single sheet (1) of elastic film, wherein said single sheet (1) is fed in a longitudinal forward direction (X) up to a severing zone (b), in which the sheet is severed longitudinally into a plurality of strips (2-6), said plurality of strips then being fed further in the forward direction, while simultaneously being stretched in said longitudinal direction to thereby reduce their width (e) and thickness. The invention also relates to an absorbent product which makes use of a plurality of strips which are flat, thin and rectangular in one or more elasticated areas of said product to provide good and uniform breathing ability along said elasticated area(s).

Abstract: Breathable barriers, comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least 30% by weight filler, are stretched in one direction in multiple discrete steps wherein the strain rate of each discrete stretching step is less than about 100,000%/minute and wherein the line speed of the last stretching step is in excess of 500 feet per minute. The resulting films may be stretched, as a result of the cumulative discrete stretching operations, from about 2 to 7 times its original length in order to create a breathable barrier having a WVTR in excess of 800 g/m2/day and a hydrohead of at least 60 cm.

Abstract: A method for making an absorbent article having a transverse partition including the following steps: a) providing a first web of barrier leg cuff material having a generally uniform width in a machine direction; b) providing a second webs of barrier leg cuff material in a machine direction generally parallel to the first web of barrier leg cuff material; c) activating at least a portion of said first webs so as to provide an activated region which is extensible in at least said lateral direction; d) providing a transverse partition having a proximal edge and a distal edge; e) joining at least a portion of the transverse partition adjacent the distal edge to the first webs of barrier leg cuff material adjacent to the activated region of the first web of barrier leg cuff material; f) providing a third web of topsheet material; g) joining at least a portion of each of the first and second webs of leg cuff material to the third web of topsheet material; h) providing a fourth web including an absorbent material d

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of articles of hygiene such as nappy-pants, of the type comprising an absorbent pad arranged between a liquid-impervious outer sheet and a liquid-permeable inner sheet, characterised in that absorbent pads are deposited at intervals onto a liquid-permeable continuous strip unwound from a reel in that a film of plastic material is extruded and deposited in the state where it has not yet solidified onto the strip and onto the pads, by applying the film against the strip and against the pads to make it adhere thereto and in that, after solidification of the film, a composite strip is cut transversely in the region situated between the absorbent pads, into individual articles.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: A method for laminating a porous sheet 1 and a coarse mesh reinforcing material 2 which includes an adhesive layer and is reinforced by drawing, by heat pressing with that adhesive layer in between, in which, (1) the heating temperature during heat pressing is equal to or above the melting point of the adhesive layer and equal to or below the melting point of the porous sheet, (2) a specific relationship is maintained among the difference between the heating temperature and the melting point of the adhesive layer, the difference between the heating temperature and the softening point of the porous sheet, and the heating time, and (3) the unrolling tension of the porous sheet is maintained at 200 to 550 g/mm.sup.2.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles which include an outer cover, an absorbent chassis and a stretch band and methods of making the same are described. The stretch band is incorporated into the article by providing a waist panel which includes a pair of primary fasteners attached to a first surface on opposed side margins of the waist panel. The stretch band is attached to the second surface of the waist panel. The stretch band includes a pair of secondary fasteners on opposite end portions of the stretch band which are releasably engaged with the second surface of the waist panel. The second surface of the waist panel may then be attached to an inner surface of the outer cover such that the stretch band is slidably contained between the outer cover and the waist panel.

Abstract: A method of applying leg cuffs to a web including a bodyside, a cover, and an absorbent core therebetween including cutting leg cut-outs on opposite sides of the web, applying adhesive to the web adjacent the cut-outs or to a leg cuff material, placing the leg cuff material on a leg cuff applicator, cutting the leg cuffs material to make the leg cuffs, extending the length of the leg cuffs to be longer than the longitudinal length of the cut-outs, placing the extended leg cuffs over the cut-outs, and securing the leg cuffs to an outer surface of the web.

Abstract: Method and device for stretching a web (8) of material in the manufacture of a liquid-absorbent article, having an absorption body (4) and a cover enclosing the same. The article is made from the web (8) of material being fed in its longitudinal direction, on which web one or more elongated elastic members (11-14) are fastened. The members extend at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the web and thereby subject the web to forces which are directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web. The web (8) of material is kept stretched in its longitudinal direction as well as in its transverse direction by mechanical restraint of the web of material adjacent to its longitudinal edge-portions (19,20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making an elastomeric web. Generally stated, the process includes moving a first web (26) along an appointed machine-direction (28) of the process, and delivering a plurality of elastomeric strands (30) moving along the machine-direction. The elastomeric strands (30) have been elastomerically stretch to an elongation of at least about 50 percent, and the plurality of elastomeric strands (30) have been laterally distributed along an appointed cross-direction (32) of the process. The elastomeric strands (30) are positioned at a spaced distance (34) from the first web (26), and an adhesive is applied to the elastomeric strands (30) and the first web (26) while the elastomeric strands are at the spaced distance (34) from the first web (26). A second web (36) is laminated to the first web (26) with the elastomeric strands (30) sandwiched between the first and second webs to provide an elastomeric laminate, composite web (24) attached together with the adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for attaching and protecting a mechanical fastener on a disposable absorbent article and a disposable absorbent article produced by the same. The process comprises the following steps: (1) providing a disposable absorbent article which includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner; (2) providing a mechanical fastener which includes a first fastening element; (3) attaching the first fastening element of the mechanical fastener to the disposable absorbent article; (4) releasably engaging the first fastening element with the disposable absorbent article to protect the first fastening element; and (5) subsequently packaging the disposable absorbent article for commercial sale. The first fastening element and a portion of the disposable absorbent article may be releasably engaged by constrictively passing them between a pair of rotatable nip rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed and uniform manufacture and assembly of acoustical diaphragms having electrical conductor circuits applied thereto to frame components used with acoustic transducers wherein a web of diaphragm material having a plurality of spaced circuit carrying diaphragm sections applied thereto is moved relative to an applicator station wherein each section of the web of diaphragm material is placed under a predetermined tension and a frame component is bonded to the tensioned section, afterwhich the section of diaphragm material is severed from the web of diaphragm material.

Abstract: The method for joining a metal foil with a synthetic material foil comprises unwinding both materials from a supply roll each, and subjecting the synthetics foil, prior to the application of an adhesive, to a corona discharge on a narrow border region. The metal foil and the synthetic material foil are then pressed together and irradiated by ultraviolet radiation causing polymerization of the adhesive. The composite foil material thus obtained is transferred to a further processing station. There the dental matrix can be punched out of such a composite sheet material, having a high tensile strength, whose metal portion can easily be inserted between two adjacent teeth whereas the transparent synthetic material part allows light curing of the dental filling material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foil laminate with a defined curvature is provided. The method includes providing an encapsulating device having a transporting assembly for carrying a carrier foil through the device, a first supply device for supplying to the carrier foil a first skin laminate such that the glue layer forming part thereof is brought into contact with the first surface of the carrier foil, a second supply device for supplying to the other side of the carrier foil a second skin laminate such that the glue layer forming part thereof is brought into contact with the second surface of the carrier foil, and a pressing device having a pinch for exerting a pressure force on the stack passing through and including the first skin laminate, the carrier foil and the second skin laminate.

Abstract: A house wrap film product includes a laminated poly film with a first poly film ply and a second poly film ply and micropuncture formed in the laminated poly film to allow vapor transmission from a first side of the laminated poly film to a second side of the laminated poly film. Each of the poly plies is formed of a spiral cut film having a first ply with a first orientation and a second ply having a second orientation, the first orientation being at an angle with respect to an edge of said film and said second orientation being at an angle with respect to an edge of said film, said first ply and said second ply being laminated together cross oriented such that said first orientation extends in a different direction from said second orientation. The micropuncture provides a deformed region of said film, surrounding said hole. A method is provided for forming the house wrap product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bulk-stretched pillowed laminate of two or more layers in which at least one of the layers is stretched before other layers are attached to it. In one execution, a thermoplastic film is stretched until it permanently deforms. Then, while still in a stretched state, a nonwoven web is laminated to the film and the resultant composite is allowed to relax slightly causing the nonwoven layer to gather and pucker, which in turn gives the composite a thicker and bulkier feel and appearance. The material of the present invention, while having a wide variety of uses, is particularly well-suited for use as an outercover for personal care absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: A web intended to be used as a topsheet or a backsheet defining front and rear sections and a crotch section extending therebetween in a disposable garment is continuously fed in its longitudinal direction, and a width of the web is divided in two halves along a longitudinally extending cutting line describing a curve approximate to a sine curve in and thus two webs are obtained. These two webs are transversely spaced from each other by a predetermined dimension and one of these two webs is longitudinally shifted relatively to the other by 1/2 period. Thereafter, these two webs are joined together in their overlapping regions. The two webs thus joined together is cut for every period with each pair of such overlapping regions lying in a middle of this period. The invention can thereby provide the topsheet or the backsheet without any waste pieces cut therefrom.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for manufacturing individual disposable underpants provided around a waist line and a pair of leg-holes with elastic members from two continuous webs and a plurality of continuous elastic members, characterized by that the webs are applied on predetermined locations with adhesive so that the elastic members can be reliably held on the webs although the elastic members must be forcibly curved when the elastic members are bonded between the webs with use of adhesive.