Method and Apparatus for Applying Elastic Parts Under Tension to an Advancing Carrier

A method for transporting a discrete elastic part to a carrier, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a transfer member comprising a carrier surface, a first elongate aperture in the carrier surface, and a second elongate aperture in the carrier surface, the first and second elongate apertures each comprising a side edge and an end edge, wherein the side edge is longer than the end edge;
• rotating the transfer member about a first axis;
• rotating the carrier surface about a second axis to a first orientation wherein the side edges of the first and second apertures extend generally parallel to the first axis;
• positioning the discrete elastic part in a stretched condition on the carrier surface, wherein the carrier surface is in the first orientation;
• forcing a first portion of the discrete elastic part into the first aperture and a second portion of the discrete elastic part into the second aperture to counteract contraction of the discrete elastic part between the side edge of the first aperture and the side edge of the second aperture;
• rotating the carrier surface of the transfer member and the discrete elastic part about the second axis of rotation about 90 degrees to place the carrier surface in a second orientation;
• and
• sliding the discrete elastic part over the end edges of the first and second apertures in the carrier surface of the transfer member onto a carrier while the carrier surface is in the second orientation.