Method and apparatus for applying an elastic member

A method for applying an elastic member to an article web defining a pair of article web side edges, said method comprising:

• i) providing said elastic member, said providing comprising:
• a) providing an elastic material web;
• b) forming a line of weakness in said elastic material web to define a trailing edge of the elastic member;
• c) cutting said elastic material web to define an leading edge of the elastic member;
• and
• d) separating said elastic material web at said line of weakness into discrete elastic members, wherein at least a portion of said elastic member is elongatable in at least a cross machine direction and defines an elastic member width;
• ii) moving said elastic member in a machine direction along an elastic member web path;
• iii) providing a pair of rotatable wheels in said elastic member web path, said pair of wheels defining:
• a) a pair of inboard edges,
• b) a pair of outboard edges opposite said inboard edges,
• c) an elastic member entry location having an elastic member entry location width that is less than said elastic member width, and
• d) an elastic member exit location having an elastic member exit location width that is greater than said elastic member entry width;
• iv) engaging said elastic member with said pair of wheels at said elastic member entry location wherein a portion of said elastic member is located beyond each of said inboard edges of said pair of wheels thereby defining a pair of outboard portions of said elastic member and an inboard portion of said elastic member;
• v) rotating said elastic member with said pair of wheels;
• and
• vi) applying said elastic member to said article web proximate said elastic member exit location wherein said outboard portions of said elastic member extend beyond said article web side edges.