Patent ID: 7322925
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for mechanically forming a pre-fastened absorbent undergarment during initial manufacture of said undergarment, said absorbent undergarment having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a first longitudinal end region, a second longitudinal end region and a central region longitudinally intermediate and interconnecting the first and second end regions, a first fastening portion at said first end region and a second fastening portion at said second end region spaced longitudinally from and engageable with the corresponding first fastening portion to secure the absorbent undergarment in its pre-fastened configuration, said method comprising: partially assembling the absorbent undergarment to have a configuration in which the undergarment is generally unfolded and the first and second fastening portions are unfastened; transporting the absorbent undergarment in a transport direction; folding the absorbent undergarment longitudinally such that the first and second end regions of the undergarment are in generally opposed relationship with each other, said longitudinal folding step being performed while transporting said partially assembled garment in the transport direction; urging the first fastening portion to fold in toward the second fastening portion and toward the working surface of a retention member, this first urging step being performed while transporting said undergarment and said retention member in the transport direction; operating the retention member to draw against and retain thereon the first fastening portion, said operating step being performed while transporting said undergarment and said retention member in the transport direction; and urging the second fastening portion to fold in toward the said first fastening portion retained on the working surface of the retention member for overlapping relationship between said first and second fastening portions to thereby facilitate fastening engagement therebetween while retaining said first fastening portion on the working surface of the retention member, this second urging step being performed while transporting the undergarment and the retention member in the transport direction.