Apparatus and method for applying an elongate member to a substrate

A system for applying elongate elastic members to a disposable absorbent article of the type having an absorbent body for absorbing liquid body waste and at least one layer to which the elastic member is secured, the system being adapted for directing the elastic members onto said at least one layer as said at least one layer is moved through the system generally in a flow direction of said at least one layer, said system comprising:

• a first apparatus for guiding a first elastic member onto said at least one layer of the article for securement thereto as said at least one layer is moved in the flow direction of said at least one layer;
• and
• a second apparatus for guiding a second elastic member onto said at least one layer of the article for securement thereto as said at least one layer is moved in the flow direction of said at least one layer;
• each apparatus comprising a guide assembly having a guide adapted for receiving and guiding a respective one of the first and second elastic members onto said at least one layer of the article, each guide assembly being movable generally laterally relative to the flow direction of said at least one layer for guiding the elastic members onto said at least one layer along respective first and second securement paths such that at least a portion of each securement path extends generally oblique to the flow direction of the at least one layer of the article, said apparatus being adapted to move the guide of each apparatus relative to the respective guide assembly of each apparatus for further guiding the elastic members onto said at least one layer of the article generally transversely within the securement path.

A method of applying an elongate member to a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

• moving the substrate in a flow direction thereof;
• feeding the elongate member to a guide capable of guiding the elongate member onto the substrate along a securement path, the guide being supported by a guide assembly for conjoint lateral movement therewith relative to the flow direction of the substrate;
• moving the guide assembly laterally relative to the flow direction of the substrate so that at least a portion of the securement path extends generally oblique to the flow direction of the substrate;
• moving the guide relative to the guide assembly to vary the position of the elongate member transversely within the securement path as the elongate member is guided onto the substrate;
• and
• securing the elongate member to the substrate.