The present invention provides a method of achieving selectively elasticized
zones on nonwoven web substrates, such as may be suitable for the waistbands of
disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the
like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the
elasticized area are provided to be inherently extendable in the transverse, or
lateral, direction of the material web at the time the elastic material is affixed
to the substrate. If the elastic material is affixed in an untensioned state, a
flat waistband without gathering of the substrate may be had for a very efficient
seal against the skin of the wearer. If the elastic material is affixed to the
substrate in a tensioned state, a waist band with gathering of the substrate may
be had to allow for two-stage expansion via the gathers and the expansion of the substrate.
