Method and apparatus for applying a curved elastic to a moving web

A method and apparatus for applying an elastic member (42) onto a moving substrate (44) along a selected curvilinear location includes a transporting mechanism for moving the substrate (44) along a selected substrate path (54). A rotatable nip roll (56) contacts the elastic member (42) to place the elastic member (42) onto the substrate (44) along the curvilinear location. A guiding mechanism delivers the elastic member across a free-span distance (60) directly onto the nip roll (56) while selectively changing a lateral positioning of the elastic member (42) relative to a cross direction of the invention. A conveying mechanism directs the elastic member (42) along a selected elastic path (66) into the guiding mechanism, and an elastic supplying mechanism provides the elastic member (42) to the conveying mechanism. In one aspect of the invention, a bonding mechanism provides an adhesive in an arrangement which secures the elastic member (42) to the substrate (44) along the curvilinear location. The adhesive arrangement is configured to substantially avoid contact with the nip roll (56).