Method for application of elastic to articles
First Claim
1. A method of applying units of an elastic material to a predetermined area of an article comprising:
- a. providing a continuous source of the elastic material;
b. tensioning the elastic material;
c. grasping the leading end of the elastic material in a first clamping means;
d. grasping the tensioned elastic material in a second clamping means at a predetermined distance from the first clamping means, said distance being greater than the length of the elastic unit applied to the article;
e. severing the portion of elastic held between the clamping means from the main body of elastic material at a location adjacent to the second clamping means;
f. moving the clamping means closer together to a separation which defines the length of the elastic unit applied to the article;
g. bonding the elastic unit to the desired area of at least one component of the article; and
h. releasing the elastic from the clamps after the bond has been established.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is an improved applicator for placing elastic strips on articles such as garments. A continuous of tensioned elastic is gripped sequentially by two clamping means. The elastic unit thus created is severed from the main body of elastic material. One or both clamping means may be movable to adjust the length of the elastic unit and control the position where it is applied to the article. Preferably the elastic is adhesively bonded but it may also be stitched to the article. As soon as bonding is achieved, the clamps are opened in sequence and return to a starting position to repeat the cycle.
The examples disclose a six-module elastic applicator designed to apply elastic to discrete areas adjacent to the leg openings of disposable diapers. This applicator enables more precise placement of the elastic and virtually eliminates waste.
81 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of applying units of an elastic material to a predetermined area of an article comprising:
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a. providing a continuous source of the elastic material; b. tensioning the elastic material; c. grasping the leading end of the elastic material in a first clamping means; d. grasping the tensioned elastic material in a second clamping means at a predetermined distance from the first clamping means, said distance being greater than the length of the elastic unit applied to the article; e. severing the portion of elastic held between the clamping means from the main body of elastic material at a location adjacent to the second clamping means; f. moving the clamping means closer together to a separation which defines the length of the elastic unit applied to the article; g. bonding the elastic unit to the desired area of at least one component of the article; and h. releasing the elastic from the clamps after the bond has been established. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification