Method of applying curved leg elastics using rotating disks
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsRobert Eugene Vogt, Shawn A. Quereshi, Joseph D. Coenen, Robert Lee Popp
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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.
Claims36
A method of producing a curved leg elastic, comprising the steps of:
- guiding an elastic ribbon onto at least a portion of a periphery of a disk;
- rotating the disk about a point off-center from a center point of the disk;
- and
- bonding a portion of the elastic ribbon to the substrate.
The method of claim I, wherein the disk is kidney-shaped.
A method of attaching a curved material to a substrate, comprising the steps of:
- guiding a first portion of a strip of material onto at least a portion of a periphery of a cam, such that a second portion of the strip of material folds over a first surface of the cam;
- rotating the cam about a point off-center from a center point of the cam;
- and
- bonding the second portion of the strip of material to the substrate.
A method of attaching a curved material to a substrate, comprising the steps of:
- guiding a strip of material onto at least a portion of a periphery of a cam;
- rotating the cam about a point off-center from a center point of the cam;
- rotating the cam and the strip of material with a rotating device toward the substrate;
- and
- bonding a portion of the strip of material to the substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.