Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for producing elasticized undergarment products

US5626711A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
12References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 27, 1994
Grant dateMay 6, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 27, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/17
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus and method for producing a product, such as a disposable absorbent garment, from flexible material having elasticized portions tending to contract the product as it moves along a path. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced apart engaging members which grip opposed edge and end margins of the product and a conveyor on which the engaging members are mounted to carry the engaging member and products stretched therebetween along a production path. At various stations along the production path apparatus is provided for retarding forward movement of one of the sets of engaging members to fold a leading edge portion thereof back into a position overlying a trailing end portion thereof, joining, or sealing, apparatus for sealing side edge margins together, and severing mechanism for severing the article from the engaging members. A holding rod extends longitudinally and is received within the garment as it is folded over to hold it in a laterally stretched condition after it is released from the engaging members. A tucking member downstream from the severing mechanisms is operable to tuck in side edge margins to produce a properly folded garment ready for packaging.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.