Abstract:
Apparatus and process for successively fabricating disposable diapers including devices for and the steps of, generally as follows. The components of the diapers are moved in a generally longitudinal path of travel through the apparatus during fabrication of the diapers. Multi-layer interior absorbent pads are produced by fiberizing a first wet-pressed cellulosic fiber sheet and air-laying the fiberized fibers into a bottom layer and fiberizing a second wet-pressed cellulosic fiber sheet and air-laying the fiberized fibers into a top layer in superimposed relation on the bottom layer as the pads are being moved in their longitudinal path of travel. A top cover sheet and a bottom cover sheet are positioned on either side of the multi-layer pad and are secured to each other along longitudinal and transverse edges to form interconnected diapers which are subsequently severed to complete fabrication of the diapers. Preferably, the apparatus forms a diaper of generally hour-glass configuration with elasticized side portions in which strips of elastic are attached to the longitudinal edges at least in the crotch area.
Abstract:
An apparatus and process for attaching elastic strips in elastic leg disposable diapers having gathered and extendible side portions in the crotch area during manufacture of such diapers in an assembly machine including mechanisms for alternately stretching and relaxing predetermined lengths of the elastic strips for adhesive attachment of the stretched lengths to the crotch area and the more relaxed lengths to the outer waist areas continuously along the edges of the diaper. These mechanisms include devices for feeding elastic strips at a predetermined constant rate for adhesive attachment in the diaper, nipping mechanisms engaging the elastic strips and defining a predetermined distance of travel of the elastic strips therebetween, movable devices for engaging the elastic strips and for alternately moving to other positions to vary the distance of travel of the elastic strips for alternately stretching and relaxing the elastic strips and compensating mechanisms for maintaining the stretching and the relaxing, respectively, during feeding of the stretched and relaxed lengths.