APPARATUS AND METHOD OF APPLYING AN ELASTIC MATERIAL TO A FLEXIBLE BACKING

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed for securing elastic to a flexible backing for use in catamenial pads. The apparatus includes means for feeding the backing sheet (20) onto a first drum (14) having a plurality of surface grooves (38) formed therein. The backing sheet is pulled into each of the grooves such as by a vacuum. A strip of elastic (24) is then placed across each of the grooves and anchored at its respective ends. The backing sheet is then drawn off of the drum and extended so that the elastic is stretched to overlay the backing sheet. The apparatus further includes means for adhering portions of the elastic intermediate the anchored ends to the backing sheet while the elastic is in its extended position. The method for applying the elastic material to the backing sheet uses the apparatus discussed above.