Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for stretching a continuously moving elastomeric web in a cross machine direction includes a pair of rotatable, cylindrical rims which are located adjacent the elastomeric web. A supporting mechanism is connected to the cylindrical rims to guide the rims for rotation about their axes. The axes of the cylindrical rims are oriented to position the rims at a close spacing at a first location and a far spacing at a second location. The far spacing is substantially greater than the close spacing relative to the elastic web path. A gripping means is located on the cylindrical rims such that, as the rims are rotated by a driving means, the gripping means receives the elastomeric web and holds the elastomeric web as it is stretched in the cross machine direction. The driving means is connected to the cylindrical rims. In addition, each cylindrical rim may have a center opening therethrough defined by its inner circumferential surface. A facing sheet may be supplied through the center opening and bonded to the stretched elastomeric web to provide a laminated web which is stretchable in the cross machine direction.

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First Claim