Importance

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Abstract

A method for applying one or more curved composite elastic strips to a gatherable base material to elasticize portions of the base material comprises elongating a first strip of elastic material and joining a second strip of less elongated material to the elongated first strip in a longitudinally extending and laterally off-set relationship thereto to form a tensioned composite strip of elastic material. The second strip of material is sufficiently flexible in the plane of the composite strip and is sufficiently resistant to compression so that, upon release of the tensioning forces, the composite strip will curve laterally, i.e., in its own plane. The tensioned composite strip is adhered to the base material and in one mode of operation the tensioned forces are released only after adhering the composite strip to the base material. In such case, the base material is displaced somewhat by curving of the tensioned composite strip and may be pleated or otherwise rendered more readily displaceable. The resulting article comprises one having curved elasticized strips adhered thereto to elasticize portions thereof.

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First Claim