Patent ID: 6436216
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B32B,B65B

Abstract:
A method of making and packaging a prefabricated, laminated elastic web, the method comprising the steps of:operating a laminating machine at a line speed to fabricate a laminated elastic web, the laminating machine applying a positive draw force on the laminated elastic web in the machine direction to maintain said laminated elastic web in an initial stretched condition as the web passes from the laminating machine; transporting the laminated elastic web downstream from the laminating machine at sequentially diminishing speeds that are less than the line speed of the laminating machine so that the laminated elastic web gradually relaxes in stages from its initial stretched condition and becomes gathered to at least 90% of its relaxed condition before packaging, the step of transporting the web downstream including (1) using a conveyor system to gradually allow said laminated elastic web to contract by running said conveyor system at a line speed which is less than the line speed of said laminating machine for a predetermined amount of dwell time to allow said laminated elastic web to relax to a second stretched condition which is less than said initial stretched condition, and thereafter (2) using a packaging system to gradually allow said laminated elastic web to further contract by running said packaging system at a line speed which is less than the line speed of said conveyor system for a predetermined amount of dwell time to allow said laminated elastic web to relax to a third stretched condition which is less than said second stretched condition; and packaging the laminated elastic web.