The Procter Gamble Company

Adi Jackels

Uwe Schneider

Christoph Johann Schmitz

An absorbent article may have an edge fold having substantially uniform gathers. The edge fold may form a finished edge cuff. The finished edge cuff may be formed around and/or along a portion of a longitudinal edge. The edge fold may be formed by folding and seaming existing material (i.e., without the addition of a discrete part). The edge fold may be extensible, or elastic. The edge fold may completely encircle the portion of the longitudinal edge that defines the leg opening of a diaper. A method and an apparatus for forming an edge fold are also provided.

Edge fold having substantially uniform gathers for absorbent article and method for making

A method for making an edge fold on an absorbent article having longitudinal edges including the steps of activating a portion of an absorbent article along its longitudinal edges to create substantially uniform gathers, folding a portion of the absorbent article along its longitudinal edges, and bonding a portion of the absorbent article along its longitudinal edges. Said method may include the step of cutting a portion of the absorbent article before the step of folding. Said method may include the step of cutting a portion of the absorbent article after the step of bonding. Said step of activation may include the application of heat to the absorbent article to assist in the activating process, whether before or during activation. Said bonding may be performed by application of adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, compression bonding, thermal bonding, radio frequency bonding, infrared bonding and combinations thereof. Absorbent articles include disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence briefs, and incontinence undergarments. Said step of folding creates an edge fold that substantially covers a portion of a longitudinal edge between a pair of side panels.

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Mechernich, Germany

Adi Jackels