Method and apparatus for the relaxation of laminated elastic webs before packaging

摘要

Laminated elastic webs are manufactured in a pre-stretched condition using a laminating machine. A conveyor system located downstream of the laminating machine conveys the laminated elastic webs to packaging machines (e.g. reject splicers and festooners). The conveyor system operates at speeds proportionally less than the line speed of the laminating machine so that the laminated elastic web relaxes from its stretched condition, and becomes fully or almost fully relaxed and gathered before packaging. Sufficient relaxation is important before packaging so that the laminated elastic web does not set in stretched form while packaged, or alternatively relax further while packaged to create dead space within the packaging container. The conveyor system preferably includes an inclined conveyor belt followed by a multi-lane air conveyor. Each lane of the air conveyor gently transports one of several laminated elastic webs from the belt conveyor to the respective packaging machine.