BR112019012074B1 - ABSORBENT ARTICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to one or a combination of a chassis, inner leg braces, outer leg braces, flap panels, side panels, waist straps, and waistband of an absorbent article which may comprise one or more plurality of closely spaced (less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, and less than 1 mm) and/or very fine (less than 300, less than 200, less than 100 dtex) and/or of low stretch (less than 300%, less than 200%, less than 100%) to provide low pressure less than 1 psi (according to the conditions defined by the Wire Pressure Method above) under the elastics, while providing adequate modules of (between about 2 gf/mm and 15 gf/mm) to make the article easy to apply and comfortably hold the article in place on the wearer, even with a loaded core (containing at least 50 ml of liquid), to provide the advantages described above.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, more particularly to disposable absorbent articles comprising elastic laminates configured to be used in various components of disposable absorbent articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure details elastomeric laminates comprising a greater number of elastic threads having greater fineness and closer spacing than has previously been disclosed or practiced in disposable absorbent articles. Additionally, the present disclosure details combinations of these elastic elements in arrays, including arrays with traditional elastics (eg, yarns, films, extruded yarns, scrims, elastomeric nonwovens, etc.) that have not been previously disclosed.

[0003] These improved elastomeric laminates can be used as components of disposable absorbent articles (for example, diapers with tape, pants, pads, and liners) for adjustment and sealing at the waist, legs, region between the thighs ("hook") and the wearer's sides to generally provide the highest level of extensibility, the most comfortable wearing conditions, improved leak protection and a better fit.

[0004] More particularly, these improved elastomeric laminates offer several advantages, including improved textures and less pressure of the elastic elements on the user's skin at a given modulus compared to the traditional elastomeric laminates known today. These improvements result in enhanced application (eg making pant-like items easier to open for donning/putting on), fit, comfort and reduced marking of the wearer's skin. The inventive elastomeric laminates disclosed in this application perform better than traditional wire and film versions of laminates known today.

[0005] Prior art elastic laminates have numerous disadvantages for the consumer that vary based on the laminate structure. For example, the traditional yarn laminates used in currently known absorbent articles typically comprise elastic elements of relatively high decitex (also referred to in the present invention as "Dtex") and relatively large elastic spacing which, when combined, result in the high pressure imparted by each elastic over the skin and large uncontrolled roughness in the laminate which result in skin marks, reduced comfort and an ungarment-like appearance. Traditional yarn laminates typically comprise elements spaced at least 4mm apart, primarily due to manufacturing limitations and the handling of individual elastic strands through separate material feeds. With regard to extruded yarns and/or extruded scrim materials, they are similar to many elastomeric films in that they typically comprise thermoplastic materials that undergo significant stress relaxation over time and thus do not maintain adequate forces at the waist. and legs to provide proper initial and sustained fit and seal throughout the entire period of use.

[0006] Compared to elastic film laminates, they are significantly more occlusive (that is, less breathable, with very little or no air permeability), resulting in greater skin hydration and, as a result, significantly reduced comfort and increased skin tags associated with the susceptibility of hydrated skin to tags. Additionally, film-based stretch laminates in general tend to have a higher modulus compared to yarn-based stretch laminates, therefore being more difficult to apply to a wearer (making it difficult to open for wear/put on) , therefore requiring more sizes to cover a certain fit range of users. It is also very difficult to create a force profile through stretch film laminate or scrim based stretch laminate since they are typically formed through webs with relatively uniform properties.

[0007] There is therefore a long unmet consumer need to create a product that provides very low pressure on the skin, a high level of breathability, adequate strength for sustained fit, low modulus, high extensibility and a smooth uniform texture . Such an absorbent article would provide better skin condition, skin tags, skin hydration, ease of application, ease of removal, improved supportive fit, improved sealing, as well as better body conformability and wearer comfort.

[0008] In order to meet all unmet consumer needs, a complete structural redesign of the elastomeric laminates used in the absorbent article is required. The balance between elastic decitex, elastic thread spacing, number of elastics, and elastic pre-stretch (pre-strain) necessary to provide such a unique combination of properties requires very low elastic decitex, well below those known in the prior art, arranged in the spacing between elastics that are also very low, also well below the prior art, which, in turn, requires a greater number of elastics well above that known in the prior art, and elastic stretches (deformations) that are also low and well below almost all known in the prior art. In addition to the very specific combinations of decitex, spacing, number of elastics and pre-stretch required to meet the range of unmet consumer needs, an additional factor of nonwoven choice, basis weight, composition, etc. it is also critical to creating the desired overall structure.

[0009] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have greater body contact and improved textures compared to the prior art, as demonstrated by the Surface Topography Method, and less pressure of the elastic elements on the user's skin in a certain modulus and reduced skin marks of wearer performance over currently known traditional elastic laminates, as demonstrated by the Pressure Under Thread method. These improvements result in improved application (e.g., making pant-type items easier to open for donning/putting on), fit, comfort, as evidenced by the Product Measurement Test. These inventive elastomeric laminates also provide a very high level of breathability as evidenced by the WVTR method and the Air Permeability method. The inventive elastomeric laminates disclosed in this application perform better than traditional yarn and film versions of known laminates at the moment.

[0010] The specific set of criteria needed to meet all the aforementioned unmet consumer needs with a single product requires not only laminate elastomeric structures, but also a new elastic bundle process (a plurality of elastics formed into a bundle and released from a bundle or coil), for applying large numbers of low decitex elastics, at low pre-stretch and low spacing to achieve the right balance of laminate properties. This approach, as far as we know, has never been disclosed or attempted in the field of absorbent articles; hygiene items, tape diapers, diaper pants, adult incontinence items, menstruation products, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In a disclosed example, the absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an elastic laminate. The chassis may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core may be disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The elastic laminate may comprise a first plurality of elastics between inner and outer nonwovens. The elastic laminate may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet, a flap panel, a waistband, a waistband, an inner leg brace, an outer leg brace, and a transverse barrier. The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm. The Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics can be from about 10 to about 500. The Thread Pressure of the first plurality of elastics can be from about 0.1 to about 1 psi.

[0012] The elastic laminate can form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet and a flap panel, and the first plurality of elastics can comprise of about 40 to about 1,000 elastic strands.

[0013] The elastic laminate can form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band, a waist brace, an inner leg brace, an outer leg brace and a transverse barrier, and the first plurality of elastics may comprise from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands.

[0014] The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm; wherein the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics can be from about 30 to about 400; wherein the Wire Pressure of the first plurality of elastics may be from about 0.2 to about 0.8 psi.

[0015] The elastic laminate may have a Wire Pressure of about 0.2 to about 0.9 psi, and the elastic laminate may have an open area of about 80% to about 90%.

[0016] In another disclosed example, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis, a back waistband, a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. The chassis may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core may be disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may comprise a front belt region and a rear belt region. The back waistband may be arranged in the back waistband region that overlaps and extends out of the back waistband region of the chassis. The back waistband may comprise a first plurality of elastics comprising more than about 40 elastic strands. The posterior waistband can be divided into 4 equal sections, with Section 4 comprising a proximal end edge of the posterior waistband. Section 1 may comprise a distal end edge of the posterior waistband. Section 2 may be adjacent to Section 1 and Section 3 may be adjacent to Section 4, with at least two of the sections each having more than 10 elastic strands. The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of less than 4 mm.

[0017] A front waistband can be arranged in the front waistband region overlapping and extending out of the front waistband region of the chassis. The anterior waistband can be divided into 4 equal sections, with Section 4 comprising a proximal end edge of the anterior waistband. Section 1 may comprise a distal end edge of the anterior waistband. Section 2 may be adjacent to Section 1 and Section 3 may be adjacent to Section 4, with at least one of the sections having more than 10 elastic strands. The front waistband may comprise a second plurality of elastics comprising more than about 40 elastic strands.

[0018]At least three of the back waistband sections each have greater than 10 elastic threads. And at least two of the front waistband sections each have greater than 10 stretch threads.

[0019] At least one of the sections of the first plurality of elastics and at least one of the sections of the second plurality of elastics have a different Section Module. And, a back waistband area may comprise the first plurality of elastics which may have an open area greater than about 75%.

[0020] The back waistband may have a greater longitudinal distance than the front waistband along the longitudinal axis. The front and back waistband can be substantially coterminal in opening to the waist, and the back waistband can comprise one or more sections having a sectional modulus of between about 4 gf/mm and 10 gf/mm.

[0021] In another disclosed example, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The side edges of the first and second panels may be joined to opposing side edges of the chassis at a rear waist region of the absorbent article. The longitudinal axis can extend from a midpoint on the front girdle edge to a midpoint on the back girdle edge. A lateral geometry axis can extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the midpoint of the longitudinal axis. The first panel may comprise a first plurality of elastics comprising more than about 20 elastic strands. The second panel may comprise a second plurality of elastics comprising more than about 20 elastic strands. The first panel may be divided into 4 equal sections, with Section 4 comprising a proximal end edge of the first panel. Section 1 may comprise a distal end edge of the first panel. Section 2 may be adjacent to Section 1, and Section 3 may be adjacent to Section 4, with at least two of the sections each having more than 5 elastic strands.

[0022] The second panel can be divided into 4 equal sections, with Section 4 comprising a proximal end edge of the first panel. Section 1 may comprise a distal end edge of the second panel, Section 2 may be adjacent to Section 1, and Section 3 may be adjacent to Section 4, at least two of the sections each having 5 or more elastic threads. The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of less than 4mm. The second plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of less than 4mm.

[0023] A waist band may be disposed between the first and second panels, and the waist band may comprise a third plurality of elastics comprising more than about 10 elastic threads having an average spacing between elastic threads of less than 4 mm, and each of the first and second panels comprises one or more sections having a section modulus of less than about 12 gf/mm.

[0024] The third and fourth panels can be joined to opposite side edges of the chassis in a front waist region of the absorbent article, and the third and fourth panels can be joined to the first and second panels to form leg openings and an opening to the waist to form a closed form absorbent article.

[0025] In another disclosed example, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an elastic laminate. The chassis may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core may be disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The elastic laminate is joined to or forms a portion of the chassis. The elastic laminate may comprise a first plurality of elastics between inner and outer nonwovens. The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of less than about 3 mm. The Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics can be less than about 600, and the Average Pre-Stretch of the yarns of the first plurality of elastics can be less than about 350%.

[0026] The first plurality of elastics may comprise from about 125 to about 625 elastic strands, and the Average Prestretch of the first plurality of elastics may be less than about 150%.

[0027] The first plurality of elastics may have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.375 mm to about 2.7 mm.

[0028] The Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics can be from about 20 to about 350, and the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics can be less than about 155.

[0029] The Average Pre-Stretch of the first plurality of elastics can be from about 75% to about 300%, and the elastic laminate can have a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi.

[0030] The elastic laminate can form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a side panel, a top layer, a back layer and a flap panel having a first plurality of elastics comprising more than about 40 elastic strands, where the elastic laminate may have an open area greater than about 75%.

[0031] The elastic laminate can form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band, a waist brace, an inner leg brace, an outer leg brace and a transverse barrier, and may have the first plurality of elastics comprising more than about 10 elastic strands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a side view of a trouser comprising side panels with reclosable side seams.

[0033] Figure 2 is a plan view of a trouser comprising side panels with reclosable seams.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a reclosable joint seen along line 3-3 of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a pants comprising openings fitted to a user.

[0036] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a pants comprising openings fitted to a user.

[0037] Figure 5A is a front view of a pants comprising a texture fitted to a user.

[0038] Figure 5B is a front view of a pants comprising a texture fitted to a user.

[0039] Figure 6A is a front view of a pants comprising concentrated zones of elastics, the pants fitted to a user.

[0040] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a pants comprising concentrated zones of elastics, the pants fitted to a user.

[0041] Figure 7 is a plan view of pants comprising integral side panels.

[0042] Figure 8A is a perspective front view of pants with multiple beam zones.

[0043] Figure 8B is a perspective rear view of pants with multiple beam zones.

[0044] Figure 9 is a plan view of a pants with multiple beam zones arranged in the user's low movement zones.

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective front view of a waistband pants comprising separate waistbands having continuous and discontinuous elastics.

[0046] Figure 11 is a plan view of the pants with waistband in Figure 10.

[0047] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the pants with waistband of Figure 11, seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing the different waistbands longitudinally opposed.

[0048] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct longitudinally opposed waistbands.

[0049] Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct, longitudinally opposed inner waistband layers 432 and a common outer waistband layer 434.

[0050] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct longitudinally opposed waistbands.

[0051] Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing a common inner waistband layer 432 and a common outer waistband layer 434.

[0052] Figure 15A is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42.

[0053] Figure 15B is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an outer waistband layer 434 that extends to surround an upper layer 124 of the chassis 200.

[0054] Figure 15C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42.

[0055] Figure 16A is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer of intermediate waistband 433 therebetween.

[0056] Figure 16B is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer of intermediate waistband 433 therebetween.

[0057] Figure 16C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer intermediate waistband layer 433 therebetween, and showing a portion of elastics 316a disposed immediately between the outer waistband layer 434.

[0058] Figure 16D is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a first and a second intermediate layers 433 and 433' disposed therebetween.

[0059] Figure 16E is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer waistband layer 433 therebetween, and showing a portion of elastics 316a disposed immediately between the outer waistband layer 434, and showing tighter spacing between the elastics 316a disposed between the outer waistband layer 434 and the intermediate waistband layer 433 than the spacing of the elastics 316a between the middle waistband layer 433 and the inner waistband layer 432 and also tighter than the elastics 316b.

[0060] Figure 16F is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and first, second and third intermediate layers 433, 433', and 433" disposed therebetween.

[0061] Figure 16G is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and first, second, third and fourth intermediate layers 433, 433', 433'' and 433''', respectively, wherein the outer waistband layer 433a is longitudinally separated from the outer waistband layer 433b and the intermediate waistband layer 433a is longitudinally separated of the intermediate waistband layer 433b.

[0062] Figure 16H is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer of intermediate waistband 433 therebetween.

[0063] Figure 16I is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer waistband layer 433 therebetween, showing elastics 316b between outer waistband layer 434 and inner waistband layer 432.

[0064] Figure 16J is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer waistband layer 433 therebetween, showing elastics 316b between outer waistband layer 434 and inner waistband layer 432.

[0065] Figure 16K is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 11 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and a layer waistband layer 433 therebetween, showing a tighter spacing between the elastics 316a disposed between the inner waistband layer 432 and the intermediate waistband layer 433 than the spacing of the elastics 316b between the intermediate waistband layer 433 and the intermediate waistband layer 433. outer waistband 434.

[0066] Figure 17 is a side view of a pants worn on a user showing anchoring zones of the low movement zone 61a and 61b.

[0067] Figure 18 is a partial side view of a trouser showing low movement zone anchorage zones 61a and 61b.

[0068] Figure 19 is a perspective front view of pants with multiple beam zones arranged in the low movement zones of a potential user, showing the elastics responsible for the anchoring forces 61a and b.

[0069] Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the pants in Figure 19, showing multiple beam zones arranged in the low movement zones of a potential user, showing the elastics responsible for the anchoring forces 61a and b.

[0070] Figure 21A is a partial cross-sectional view of the front waistband 430f of the pants in Figure 19 seen along line 21A-21A in Figure 19.

[0071] Figure 21B is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear waistband 430b of the pants of Figure 20 seen along line 21B-21B of Figure 20.

[0072] Figure 22 is a perspective front view of a trouser comprising a reclosable side seam 174.

[0073] Figure 23 is a plan view of a pair of pants in Figure 22.

[0074] Figure 24 is a cross section of a pair of pants with waistband being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable seams of a first pair of pants (to the left of cut line 191) and a second pair of pants (to the right of cut line 191 ).

[0075] Figure 25 is a cross section of a pair of pants with waistband being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable seams of a first pair of pants (to the left of cut line 191) and a second pair of pants (to the right of cut line 191 ).

[0076] Figure 26 is a cross section of a pair of pants with waistband being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable seams of a first pants (to the left of the cut line 191) and a second pants (to the right of the cut line 191).

[0077] Figure 27 is a cross section of a pair of pants being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable joints of a first pair of pants (to the left of cut line 191) and a second pair of pants (to the right of cut line 191) .

[0078] Figure 28 is a cross section of a pair of pants being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable joints of a first pair of pants (to the left of cut line 191) and a second pair of pants (to the right of cut line 191) .

[0079] Figure 29 is a cross section of a pair of pants being produced, showing a configuration of reclosable joints of a first pair of pants (to the left of cut line 191) and a second pair of pants (to the right of cut line 191) .

[0080] Figure 30A is a simplified view of the apparatus for measuring the circular force of the waistband.

[0081] Figure 30B is a simplified view of the apparatus of Figure 30A with a pair of pants placed on the apparatus.

[0082] Figure 31 is a plan view of the pants with waistband in Figure 32.

[0083] Figure 32 is a perspective side view of a waistband pants showing different longitudinal lengths of a front waistband and a rear waistband at a side seam 172.

[0084] Figure 33 is a perspective front view of a waistband trouser showing a concentration of elastic gathers at the waist and leg openings.

[0085] Figure 34 is a plan view of a continuous web of waistband trousers comprising front and rear waistbands formed into the leg openings 192.

[0086] Figure 35 is a perspective side view of a waistband pants showing an outer waistband layer 434 and an intermediate waistband layer 433.

[0087] Figure 36 is a plan view of a waistband pants comprising a non-rectangular, shaped rear waistband.

[0088] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the waistband pants in Figure 36.

[0089] Figure 38 is a plan view of a tape diaper, comprising a rectangular chassis, a pair of shaped distinct elastomeric flap panels 530 and a pair of shaped distinct non-elastomeric flap panels 540.

[0090] Figure 39 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a rectangular chassis, a pair of distinct shaped elastomeric flap panels 530 and a pair of distinct shaped non-elastomeric flap panels 540.

[0091] Figure 40 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a rectangular chassis, a pair of distinct shaped elastomeric flap panels 530 and a pair of distinct shaped non-elastomeric flap panels 540.

[0092] Figure 41 is a plan view of a diaper with tape.

[0093] Figure 42 is a perspective front view of a tape diaper comprising a waistband disposed in the rear waist region 38 and attached to the front waist region 36, and showing an elasticized chassis.

[0094] Figure 43 is a plan view of a diaper with tape comprising a non-rectangular, shaped waistband in the posterior waist region 38.

[0095] Figure 44 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a pair of separate elastomeric flap panels 530 and a rectangular chassis 200.

[0096] Figure 45 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a pair of separate elastomeric flap panels in the front and back waist regions, showing the waist bands overlying the elastics of the elastomeric flap panels.

[0097] Figure 46 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a pair of separate elastomeric flap panels and a pair of non-elastomeric flap panels and a shaped chassis.

[0098] Figure 47 is a plan view of a tape diaper comprising a pair of integral elastomeric flap panels in the rear waist region and a pair of integral elastomeric flap panels in the front waist region.

[0099] Figure 48 is a perspective view of a pants-style absorbent article.

[0100] Figure 49A is a schematic side view of a second configuration of a converter apparatus that joins elastic threads between a first substrate and a second substrate, whereby the elastic threads extracted from different bundles are extended to have different elongations.

[0101] Figure 49B is a view of the converter apparatus of Figure 49A, seen along the line 49B-49B.

[0102] Figure 50A is a schematic side view of a converting apparatus adapted to manufacture an elastomeric laminate that includes a first plurality of elastic strands positioned between a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0103] Figure 50B is a view of the converter apparatus of Figure 50A, seen along the line 50B-50B.

[0104] Figure 50C is a view of the converter apparatus of Figure 50A, seen along the line 50C-50C.

[0105] Figure 51 is a schematic side view of an alternative configuration of a converter apparatus adapted to manufacture an elastomeric laminate.

[0106] Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of an inner leg brace structure 150 and outer leg brace 140 formed by a folded non-woven mat.

[0107] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article comprising a pair of opposing inner leg cuff and outer leg cuff structures attached to a topsheet layer 124.

[0108] Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of the pants in the Figure; 55 comprising a pair of opposing inner leg cuff and outer leg cuff structures, and showing channels 129 through absorbent core 129.

[0109] Figure 55 is a plan view of a waistband pants comprising an absorbent core comprising longitudinally extending core channels.

[0110] Figure 56 is a plan view of a waistband pant comprising an absorbent core comprising laterally extending core channels and longitudinally extending core channels.

[0111] Figure 57A is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core comprising a capture layer 130 and a storage layer comprising core channels.

[0112] Figure 57B is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 56 seen along the transverse axis, illustrating the elasticized top layer (showing a plurality of elastics 316 oriented in parallel with the longitudinal axis 42) and the layer elasticized lower part (showing a plurality of elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42).

[0113] Figure 57C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pants of Figure 56 seen along the transverse geometric axis, with the core wrap completely surrounding the core 128, with a plurality of elastics 316 being oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between core wrap 74 and backsheet 125 and oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between core wrap 74 and topsheet 124, and wherein core 128 comprises AMG (absorbent gelling material) 51 mixed with pulp 53.

[0114] Figure 57D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pants in Figure 55 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct longitudinally opposed waistbands, with the elastics 316 being oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 between core wrap 74 and topsheet 124 and oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between backsheet film 126 and backsheet nonwoven 127.

[0115] Figure 57E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 55 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct, longitudinally opposed inner waistband layers 432 and a common outer waistband layer 434, and showing elastic threads 316 extending continuously through the core.

[0116] Figure 57F is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pants of Figure 55 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, showing a longitudinally continuous elastomeric laminate comprising longitudinally opposed waistband portions and a portion between the thighs ( "hook") elasticized between the waistband portions, wherein the elastics 316 are oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 between the inner waistband layer 432 and the outer waistband layer 434 and the elastics extending laterally across the core.

[0117] Figure 57G is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pants of Figure 55 seen along the longitudinal axis 42, forming a body-worn article that has a longitudinally continuous elastomeric laminate comprising longitudinally opposed waistband portions, and an elasticized mid-thigh portion between the waistband portions, wherein the elastics 316 are oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 between the inner waistband layer 432 and the outer waistband layer 434.

[0118] Figure 58 is a plan view of a pants comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and rear waistband 430F and B and longitudinally extending elastics 316 on the chassis 200 extending to the proximal waistband edges of the waistband.

[0119] Figure 59A is a cross-sectional view of the pants in Figure 58 along line 59-59.

[0120] Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view of the pants in Figure 58 along line 60-60, showing an additional nonwoven 800, arranged between the elastics of the chassis against the nonwoven of the lower layer 127.

[0121] Figure 61A is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and rear waistband 430F and B and longitudinally extending elastics 316 on the chassis 200 extending to the edges of the chassis, but without overlapping the waistband elastics.

[0122] Figure 61B is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 61A along the line 61B-61B, showing the chassis elastics arranged between the bottom layer film 126 and the bottom layer nonwoven 127.

[0123] Figure 62A is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 in the front and rear waistband 430F and B and longitudinally extending elastics 316 in the chassis 200 ending before the proximal edges of the waistband.

[0124] Figure 62B is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 62A along the line 62B-62B, showing the chassis elastics sandwiched between the bottom layer film 126 and an additional nonwoven 800.

[0125] Figure 63A is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and rear waistband 430F and B and transversely extending elastics 316 on the chassis 200.

[0126] Figure 63B is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 63A along the line 63B-63B, showing the chassis elastics arranged between the bottom layer film 126 and the bottom layer nonwoven 127.

[0127] Figure 64 is a plan view of a trouser comprising elastics that extend transversely 316 in the front and rear waistband 430F and B and elastics that extend transversely 316'' in the chassis 200, as well as elastics that extend longitudinally 316' on the chassis that overlap with transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and back waistband.

[0128] Figure 65A is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and rear waistband 430F and B and transversely extending elastics 316'' on the chassis 200, as well as longitudinally extending elastics 316' on the chassis that extend to the proximal edges of the front and back waistband and do not overlap the transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and back waistband.

[0129] Figure 65B is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on the front and rear waistband 430F and B and transversely extending elastics 316'' on the chassis 200, as well as adjacent elastic free zones to the proximal edges of the anterior and posterior waistbands.

[0130] Figure 66A is a plan view of a pair of pants comprising transversely extending elastics 316 in the anterior and posterior waist regions 36 and 38 and longitudinally extending elastics 316 in the region between the thighs ("hook") 37 , which do not overlap with the transversely extending elastics 316 in the front and back waist regions.

[0131] Figure 66B is a plan view of a trouser comprising transversely extending elastics 316 in the front and back waist regions 36 and 38 and in the mid-thigh region 37.

[0132] Figure 66C is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 66B along the longitudinal axis 42 including a chassis 200 comprising a topsheet 124, backsheet film 126 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the bottom layer film 126.

[0133] Figure 66D is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 66B along the longitudinal axis 42 forming an article to be worn next to the body without a chassis 200 attached thereto.

[0134] Figure 67 is a plan view of a pant comprising transversely extending elastics 316 in the front and rear side panels 330 in the front and rear waist regions and longitudinally extending elastics 316 in the chassis 200.

[0135] Figure 68 is a plan view of a pants comprising transversely extending elastics 316 on elastomeric flap panels 530 and longitudinally extending elastics 316 on chassis 200.

[0136] Figure 69 is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Figure 65B along line 69-69, showing the chassis elastics arranged between the bottom layer film 126 and the additional nonwoven 800.

[0137] Figure 70A is a side view of a comparative absorbent article mounted on a manikin, the absorbent article comprising a distinct comparative side panel 330. The distinct side panel 330 of Figure 70A shows lines of tension indicative of greater elastic tension and less uniform which will result in higher pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to the distinct side panel 330 of Figure 70B).

[0138] Figure 70B is a side view of an absorbent article of the invention mounted on a manikin, the absorbent article comprising a separate side panel 330 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. Texture zone 318 of the invention of distinct side panel 330 in Figure 70B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of distinct side panel 330 in Figure 70A.

[0139] Figure 71A is a side view of a comparative absorbent article mounted on a manikin, the absorbent article comprising a distinct comparative side panel 330. The distinct side panel 330 of Figure 71A shows lines of tension indicative of greater elastic tension and less uniform which will result in higher pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to the distinct side panel 330 of Figure 71B).

[0140] Figure 71B is a side view of an absorbent article of the invention mounted on a manikin, the absorbent article comprising a separate side panel 330 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. Texture zone 318 of the invention of distinct side panel 330 in Figure 71B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of distinct side panel 330 in Figure 71A.

[0141] Figure 72A is a side view of a comparative absorbent article mounted on a dummy, the absorbent article comprising a comparative waistband 430 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarn. Waistband 430 of Figure 72A shows clusters of large, uncontrolled puckering indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result in greater pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to waistband 430 of Figure 72B).

[0142] Figure 72B is a side view of an absorbent article of the invention mounted on a mannequin, the absorbent article comprising a waistband 430 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. Invention texture zone 318 of waistband 430 in Figure 72B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of waistband 430 in Figure 72A.

[0143] Figure 73A is a side view of a comparative absorbent article mounted on a dummy, the absorbent article comprising a comparative waistband 430 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarn. Waistband 430 of Figure 73A shows oversized clusters of large, uncontrolled puckers indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result in higher pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to waistband 430 of Figure 73B).

[0144] Figure 73B is a side view of an absorbent article of the invention mounted on a mannequin, the absorbent article comprising a waistband 430 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. Invention texture zone 318 of waistband 430 in Figure 73B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of waistband 430 in Figure 73A.

[0145] Figure 74A is a front view of a comparative waist band 122 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarns showing a cluster of large and uncontrolled irregular crimps indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result in higher pressure in the wearer's skin (compared to elastic waistband 122 of Figure 74B).

[0146] Figure 74B is a front view of an inventive waist band 122 comprising an inventive elastomeric laminate 302. The inventive texture zone 318 of waistband 122 in Figure 74B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of waistband 122 in Figure 74A.

[0147] Figure 75A is a front view of a comparative waist band 122 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarns showing a cluster of large, uncontrolled irregular crimps indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result in higher pressure in the wearer's skin (compared to waist band 122 of Fig. 75B).

[0148] Figure 75B is a front view of a waist band 122 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. The texture zone 318 of the invention of the waistband 122 in Figure 75B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of the waistband 122 in Figure 75A.

[0149] Figure 76A is a perspective side view of a comparative external leg brace 140 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarn showing a cluster of large, uncontrolled irregular crimps indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result at higher pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to the outer leg cuff of Figure 76B).

[0150] Figure 76B is a perspective side view of an external leg brace 140 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. The texture zone 318 of the outer leg brace invention in Figure 76B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of the outer leg brace in Figure 76A.

[0151] Figure 77A is a perspective side view of a comparative outer leg brace 140 comprising an existing elastic profile of yarns showing a cluster of large and uncontrolled irregular crimps indicative of greater and less uniform elastic tension that will result in higher pressure on the wearer's skin (compared to the outer leg cuff of Figure 77B).

[0152] Figure 77B is a perspective side view of an external leg brace 140 of the invention comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention. The texture zone 318 of the outer leg brace invention in Figure 77B is intended to be directly compared to the same areas of the outer leg brace in Figure 77A.

[0153] Figure 78 is a plan view of the exterior of an article for feminine hygiene 801, specifically a lining.

[0154] Figure 79 is a plan view of the interior of the article for feminine hygiene 801 of Figure 78 illustrating the leg clamps 52.

[0155] Figure 80 is a cross-sectional view of the feminine hygiene article 801, along line 80-80 of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 78.

[0156] Figure 81 is an interior plan view of an article for feminine hygiene 801, specifically a pillow, illustrating elasticized wings 802.

[0157] Figure 82 is an external plan view of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 81 illustrating elasticized wings 802.

[0158] Figure 83A is a cross-sectional view of the feminine hygiene article 801, along line 83A/B 83A/B of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 81, illustrating threads between the layers that make up the wings.

[0159] Figure 83B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the feminine hygiene article 801, along line 83A/B 83A/B of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 81, illustrating threads between the layers that form the wings, as well as yarns underlying or forming a portion of the topsheet 124.

[0160] Figure 84 is a top perspective view of an interior of a tape article comprising a transverse barrier.

[0161] Figure 85 illustrates the Item Dress/Placement Ratio.

[0162] Figure 86 shows a front perspective view of a pants product in closed form in its extended, relaxed and unfolded state.

[0163]Figure 87 is a graph showing the relationship between a user's waist circumference and hip circumference, and that hip circumference is the larger of the two in more than 90% of all users.

[0164]Figure 88 is a graph showing the relationship between body weight and waist circumference of a user, and that the average weight as a function of waist can be reasonably predicted, especially for larger users.

[0165]Figure 89 is a graph showing the relationship between hip circumference and body weight of a user, and that the average hip circumference as a function of weight can be reasonably predicted.

[0166] Figure 90 shows a flat, unfolded, closed shape pants.

[0167] Figure 91A is a graph showing the relationship between the yarn spacing, the modulus and the Wear/Placement Ratio for a waistband with yarn having a constant circular force and a constant yarn decitex.

[0168] Figure 91B is a graph showing the relationship between the spacing between threads, the modulus and Pressure Under Yarn of a waistband with yarn having a constant circular force and a constant yarn decitex.

[0169] Figure 92 illustrates the Wire Pressure.

[0170] Figure 93 illustrates the Section Module.

[0171] Figure 94 shows the Hook Length and Waist Width in relation to the body shape.

[0172]Figure 95 is a graph showing how the Body Hook-Waist Ratio and the Body Hook-Waist Ratio, Mean change as body weight increases.

[0173] Figure 96 is a graph showing examples of existing product layouts and how their Product Hook-Waist Ratios compare to the Body Hook-Waist Ratios for the weight range that each product needs to fit.

[0174] Figure 97 shows the Product's Hip-Waist Ratio and Product's Waist-Hook Ratio.

[0175] Figure 98 is a graph showing how the Body Hip-Waist Ratio and the Average Body Hip-Waist Ratio change as body weight increases.

[0176] Figure 99 is a graph showing examples of existing product layouts and how their Product Hip-Waist Ratios compare to the Body Hip-Waist Ratios for the weight range that each product needs to fit.

[0177] Figure 100 is an image of the elastomeric laminate of the invention 150 of the present disclosure showing the contact area obtained using the Surface Topography Method.

[0178] Figure 100A is an image of the elastomeric laminate of the invention 120 of the present disclosure showing the contact area obtained using the Surface Topography Method.

[0179] Figure 101 is an image of the product currently on the market 6 of the present disclosure that shows the contact area obtained from the Surface Topography Method.

[0180] Figure 101A is an image of the current market product 7 of the present disclosure that shows the contact area obtained from the Surface Topography Method.

[0181] Figure 102 is an exterior view of an article in an extended state, the article comprising an elastomeric laminate of the invention 302 forming a waistband 430 with the scratched line (1001 (extended)) for the graphical distortion test.

[0182] Figure 102A is an exterior view of the article of Figure 102 in a contracted state, the article comprising an elastomeric laminate of the invention 302 forming a waistband 430 with the scored line (1001' (contracted)) for the test of graphic distortion.

[0183] Figure 103 is an exterior view of an article in an extended state, the article comprising a comparative elastic waistband (not of the invention) of the prior art with the scratched line (1002 (extended)) for the distortion test print shop.

[0184] Figure 103A is an exterior view of the article of Figure 103 in a contracted state, the article comprising a prior art elastic waistband with the scratched line (1002' (contracted)) for the graphical distortion test.

[0185] Figure 104 is a graph showing the relaxation of force over time for various elastomeric laminates.

[0186] Figure 105 illustrates packaged items with a size marking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0187] The explanations of the following terms may be useful for understanding this description:

[0188] The term "disposable", with regard to absorbent articles, means that they are generally not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (that is, they are intended to be discarded after single use and preferably to be recycled, decomposed or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner). Disposable absorbent articles often comprise an adhesive between the layers and/or elements for joining the article (e.g., flap panels, side panels, and seams are joined to the chassis via adhesive and the layers of the flap panels, side panels, waistband, and chassis are joined together using adhesive). Alternatively, heat bonding and/or pressure bonding are used with or in place of the adhesive. In such cases, portions of the material layers may become partially fused and pressed together so that after cooling they are physically bonded to one another. Non-woven adhesives (including, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) (including, for example, styrenic block copolymers (for example, SIS, SBS)), and absorbent gelling material (MGA 51, see Figures 57A to C) constitute greater than 50%, greater than 75%, and often greater than 90% of the weight of the disposable absorbent article. And, a core comprising the MGA 51 is often held within the chassis in a manner that could cause the other layers of the chassis (eg, top layer, bottom layer, core shell, etc.) to tear or tear apart to remove it. under normal conditions. Such disposable absorbent articles typically have an absorbent capacity greater than about 100 mL of fluid and can have capacities of up to about 500 mL of fluid or more. Seams (including the use of sewing thread) and/or woven materials are typically not used to produce a disposable absorbent article. If seams and woven materials are used, they make up an extremely small percentage of the disposable absorbent article. Some contact zones of disposable absorbent articles for closures may comprise a woven material, but no other part of a disposable absorbent article typically comprises woven materials.

[0189] "Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and confine body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or close to the user's body to absorb and confine the various exudates discharged by the body. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training diapers, pull-on panty type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a waist opening and pre-formed leg openings, as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,120,487). , reclosable diapers or panty-type diapers, incontinence briefs and underwear, diaper supports and liners, feminine hygiene items such as panty liners, removable absorbent liners, menstrual pads, and the like.

[0190] The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer, respectively, to the location of an element relatively closer or farther from the longitudinal or lateral centerline of a structure (for example, the proximal edge of an element that extends longitudinally is situated closer to the longitudinal axis than the distal edge of the same element, relative to the same longitudinal axis).

[0191] The terms "facing the user's body" and "facing the garment" refer, respectively, to the relative location of an element, or of a surface of an element or group of elements. The term "facing the user's body" means that the element or surface is closer to the user during use than some other element or surface. The term "facing the garment" means that the element or surface is further away from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is close to the wearer's clothing that may be worn on the disposable absorbent article).

[0192] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending substantially perpendicularly from a waist edge to an opposite waist edge of the article, and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered "longitudinal".

[0193] "Lateral" refers to a direction that runs from a lateral edge that extends longitudinally to an opposite lateral edge that extends longitudinally of the article and generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of the lateral direction are considered "lateral".

[0194] The term "disposed" refers to an element that is situated in a particular place or position.

[0195] The term "joined" covers configurations by which an element is directly attached to another by the direct joining between them, as well as configurations by which the element is indirectly attached to another by the joining of the first to intermediate member(s) ) which, in turn, is/are attached to the other element.

[0196] The terms "water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of intended use for disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term "water permeable" refers to a layer or layered structure having interconnecting pores, openings and/or voids that allow liquid water, urine or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of forcing pressure. On the other hand, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or layered structure through whose thickness liquid water, urine or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (other than natural forces, such as gravity). A layer or layered structure that is impermeable to water, according to this definition, may be water vapor permeable, i.e., may be "vapor permeable".

[0197] "Elastic", "elastomer" or "elastomeric" refers to materials that have elastic properties, which include any material that, upon application of force, its initial relaxed length may extend or lengthen to a length elongated by more than 10% of its initial length and which substantially returns to its initial length upon release of the applied force. Elastomeric materials can include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, tapes, yarns, and other sheet-like structures.

[0198] "Pre-stretching" refers to the stretching imposed on an elastic or elastomeric material before its combination with another element of the elastomeric laminate or absorbent article. Prestretch is determined by the following equation: prestretch = ((elastic relaxed elastic length extended length)/elastic relaxed length)*100.

[0199] "Decitex", also known as Dtex is a measurement used in the textile industry used to measure yarns or filaments. 1 Decitex=1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a wire or filament weighs 500 grams, this wire or filament would have a decitex of 500.

[0200] The term "substrate" is used in the present invention to describe a material that is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1/10 or less) compared to its length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers of fibrous, non-woven materials, films and sheets such as polymeric films or metallic foils. These materials can be used alone or can comprise two or more layers laminated together. In this way, a blanket is a substrate.

[0201] The term "nonwoven" refers, in the present invention, to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) through processes such as continuous spinning, spinning via blowing, carding and the like. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0202] The term "machine direction" (DM) is used, in the present invention, to refer to the direction of material flow through a process. Furthermore, the relative location and movement of material can be described as flowing in the machine direction through a process from an upstream point in the process to a downstream point in the process.

[0203] The term "transverse direction" (DT) is used in the present invention to refer to a direction that is, in general, perpendicular to the direction of the machine.

[0204] The term "tape diaper" (also called an "open diaper") refers to disposable absorbent articles that have an initial front waist region and an initial rear waist region that are not closed, pre-closed, or closed. connected to each other when packaged, before being placed on the user. A tape diaper may be folded about the lateral centerline with the inside of one waist region in contact between surfaces with the inside of the opposite waist region without attaching or joining the waist regions. Examples of tape diapers are disclosed in various suitable configurations in US Patent Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118 041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, 6,426,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393 and 6,861,571; and US Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887; 2013/0211356 A1; and 2013/0306226 A1.

[0205] The term "pants" (also called "training diaper", "pre-closed diaper", "pants with diaper", "pant-type diaper" and "dressing diaper") refers in the present invention to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant may be configured with a continuous or closed opening for the waist, and at least one continuous and closed opening for the legs before the article is applied to the wearer. A trouser may be pre-formed or pre-sealed by a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, joining portions of the article using any permanent and/or resealable closure member (e.g., seams, hot seams, pressure, adhesives, cohesive unions, mechanical seals, etc.). A trouser may be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waist region (eg, with a side closure or seam, with a front waist closure or seam, with a back waist closure or seam). Examples of pant-type diapers in various configurations are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 7,569,039 and US Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0233082 A1; 2005/0107764 A1, 2012/0061016 A1, 2012/0061015 A1; 2013/0255861 A1; 2013/0255862 A1; 2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0206] "Closed form" means that opposing waist regions are joined as packaged, permanently or reclosable to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0207] "Open form" means that opposing waist regions are not joined initially to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings but comprise a closure means, such as a fastening system, to join the waist regions to forming the waist and leg openings prior to or during application to a wearer of the article.

[0208] The term "channel", as used herein, is a region or zone in an absorbent material layer that has a substantially lower basis weight (e.g., less than 50%, less than 70%, less than 90% ) than the surrounding material in the material layer. The channel can be a region in a layer of material that is substantially free of material (eg, 90% free of absorbent material, 95% free of absorbent material, or 99% free of absorbent material or completely free of material). A channel may extend through one or more layers of absorbent material. Canals generally have a lower flexural modulus than surrounding regions of the absorbent material layer, allowing the material layer to flex more easily and/or rapidly deliver more body exudates within the canal than to surrounding areas. of the absorbent material layer. In this way, a channel is not merely an indentation in the material layer that does not create a reduced weight in the material layer in the area of the channel.

ABSORBENT ARTICLES

[0209] Products comprising elastomeric laminates 302 of the present disclosure may comprise absorbent articles 100 of different structure and/or shape that are generally designed and configured to manage bodily exudates, such as urine, menstruation and/or feces, such as diapers and pants with disposable tape, including disposable baby and adult sanitary pads and menstrual pads.

[0210] As shown in Figures 2, 9, 11, 31, 38 to 41, 43 to 47 and 55 to 56, the absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a chassis 200 comprising an upper layer 124, a lower layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed at least partially between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The chassis 200 may further comprise an inner leg brace 150 and an outer leg brace 140 (braces are generically called 52) . Various chassis embodiments are shown in the figures, including Figures 7, 11, 39, 41, 43, 46 and 47.

[0211] Figure 2 is a simplified plan view of the mat precursor structure shown in Figure 1. With reference to Figure 2, an end portion of the absorbent article 100 can be configured as a front waist region 36 and a portion The longitudinally opposite end piece may be configured as a rear waist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 100 extending longitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38 may be configured as a crotch region ( "hook") 37. Although not illustrated as such, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may be about 1/3 of the length of the absorbent article 100, for example (see, for example, Figures 39, 44 and 46). Alternatively, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions (e.g., defined by the dimensions of the waistband or flap panel or panel). side - see for example Figures 2, 7, and 11). The absorbent article 100 may have a laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposite laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist region 38.

[0212] With further reference to Figure 2, a chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100 may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 237a and a second longitudinally extending and laterally opposite side edge 237b. Both side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge 136 and the rear waist end edge 138. The chassis 200 may form a laterally extending front waist end edge portion 136 in the region of the front girdle 36 and a longitudinally opposite and laterally extending end edge portion of the back girdle 138 in the rear girdle region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 200 may comprise an inner chassis surface 202, an outer chassis surface 204 (see 8A), a longitudinal axis 42, and a lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpoint of the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the rear waist end edge 136 138, while the side shaft 44 may extend through a midpoint of the first side edge 237a and through a midpoint of the second side edge 237b.

[0213] With reference to Figure 11, the chassis 200 may have a length measured along the longitudinal axis 42 that is less than the length of the absorbent article 100. Both side edges 237 of the chassis 200 may not extend longitudinally at one or both of the front waist end edge 136 and the rear waist end edge 138. The chassis 200 may not form a portion of one or both of the laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the waist region front 36 and the laterally extending and longitudinally opposite end edge of the rear girdle 138 in the rear girdle region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 200 may comprise an inner chassis surface 202, an outer chassis surface 204, an axle longitudinal geometry 42, and a lateral axis 44.

[0214] Referring to Figure 55, often, as with absorbent articles, the chassis 200 may have a length measured along the longitudinal axis 42 that is less than the length of the absorbent article 100. Both side edges 237 of the chassis 200 may not extend longitudinally to one or both of the front waist end edge 136 and the rear waist end edge 138. The chassis 200 may not form a portion of one or both of the front waist end edge laterally extending edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and the opposite longitudinally extending laterally extending edge of the back waist 138 in the back waist region 38.

[0215] With reference to Figure 57B, the chassis 200 may comprise elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the nonwoven of the lower layer 127 and the film of the lower layer 126. Figure 57C shows an alternative embodiment of Figure 57B, in which the chassis 200 has elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the core wrap 74 and the backsheet 125. Still further, Figure 57D shows a further alternative embodiment in which the chassis 200 comprises elastics 316 oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 between the backsheet film 126 and the nonwoven backsheet 127. Figure 57B also shows the elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between a first topsheet 124a and a second topsheet 124b, while Figure 57C shows an alternative embodiment in which the elastics 316 are between the topsheet 124 and the core wrap 74. Still further, Figure 57D shows the elastics 316 oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 between the topsheet 124 and the core wrap 74.

[0216] Specifically with regard to the waistband 430, as shown in Figure 57E, the inner waistband layer 432 and/or the outer waistband layer 434 of the first and second elastomeric waistband 430 can be formed by a common waistband layer as shown in Figure 57E. When the first and second elastomeric waistband 430 have a common waistband layer, the common waistband layer may extend from a first waist edge in a first waist region to a longitudinally opposite second waist edge in a second waist region , that is, from the front waist edge 136 to the back waist edge 138. Referring to Figures 57F and 57G, the plurality of elastics 316 oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44 may extend continuously from a first waist edge in a first waist region to a second longitudinally opposite waist edge in a second waist region, i.e., from the front waist edge 136 to the back waist edge 138. Figure 57G shows an ancillary article or an article of the type a wearable that may be used in conjunction with an absorbent insert, pad or absorbent liner - it does not comprise a chassis 200 nor does it comprise an absorbent core 128. It is anticipated that the article shown in Figure 57G may be washed and/or dried several times before being discarded.

[0217] Still in relation to an elasticized chassis 200, Figures 81, 82, 83A and 83B show an elasticized chassis 200, in which the elastics 316 are arranged between the layers of the wings 120. Figure 81 shows elastics 316 oriented about of 45 degrees with respect to longitudinal axis 42 and lateral axis 44. Figure 82 is an alternative embodiment of Figure 81, showing wing elastics 316 oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42. Figure 83A shows two layers of elastics 316 on wings 120, both oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42, the bottom layer of elastics 316 being spaced with gaps between arrays, and separated by a nonwoven wing layer 121. Figure 83B is an alternative embodiment of Figure 83A , in which there is only one layer of elastics and no nonwoven wing layer 121. Figure 83B also shows elastics 316 oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between topsheet 124 and secondary topsheet 124' (which may alternatively be oriented parallel to the lateral axis 44, not shown), and elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127 (which may alternatively be oriented parallel to the side axis 44, not shown).

[0218] A portion or all of the absorbent article 100 may be made to be laterally elastically extensible. The extensibility of the absorbent article 100 may be desirable to allow the absorbent article 100 to conform to a wearer's body during movement by the wearer. Extensibility may also be desirable, for example, to allow the caregiver to stretch the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, the crotch region 37, and/or the chassis 200 to provide additional body coverage for wearers. of different sizes, i.e., to tailor the fit of the absorbent article 100 to the individual user and to help facilitate application. Such an extension can provide the absorbent article 100 with a generally hourglass shape, provided that the crotch ("hook") region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions 36 and/or 38. a fitted appearance to the absorbent article 100 during use.

[0219] The chassis 200 can be substantially rectangular and can have discontinuous side panels 330, extensible flap panels 530 and/or non-extensible flap panels 540 joined to the chassis 200 at or adjacent to the side edges of the chassis 237 in a or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 10, 19, 32, 33, 38, 42 and 47, the texture of portions of one or both surfaces of the side panels 330, extensible flap panels 530, waistband 430 and/or non-extensible flap panels 540 may visibly substantially match the texture of one or both surfaces of one or more of the center frame 200, the inner leg brace 150, outer leg cuff 140, bottom layer 125, top layer 124, waist band 122. Portions of one or more of the chassis side edges 237, the leading end edge 236 of the chassis, and the edge of the rear end 238 of the chassis may be arched or curved convexly or concavely as shown in Figure 47. When the chassis 200 is non-rectangular, shaped, the chassis 200 may comprise integral side panels 330, integral extensible flap panels 530, integral waistband 430 or integral non-extensible flap panels 540 formed of one or more of an outer covering nonwoven fabric, backsheet film, leg cuff material, topsheet, or core wrap disposed in one or both of the front waist regions and later (see, for example, Figure 7). Alternatively, the chassis 200 may comprise separate side panels 330, separate extensible flap panels 530, separate non-extensible flap panels 540, or separate waistbands 430 (see Figures 2, 11, 36, 38-40, 44-46, etc.). The chassis may be shaped or non-rectangular in one waist region and substantially rectangular in the opposite waist region. Alternatively, the chassis may be substantially rectangular in one or both of the waist regions and non-rectangular in the region between the thighs.

[0220] As shown in Figure 66B, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, the elastic elements being present in a first region of the waist, in the region between the thighs and in the second region opposite waist, and provided that the maximum displacement between any pair of adjacent, laterally extending elastics measured parallel to the longitudinal axis may be less than 75 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, alternatively less than 4 mm and may be less than 3 mm.

[0221] A body-worn article of the present disclosure may comprise one or more elastomeric laminates 302 having a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, the one or more elastomeric laminates 302 may be present in a first region of the waist, mid-thigh region 37 and/or opposite second waist region and wherein the elastomeric laminate 302 disposed in one or both of the first and second waist regions may comprise a first plurality of elastics 316 having one or more of a greater Average Dtex, a greater Average Pre-Stretch, and a smaller Average Thread Spacing than the second plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 disposed in the region between the thighs ("hook") 37. body may comprise one or more elastomeric laminates 302 having a first plurality of elastics 316, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising from about 100 to about 1500 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%, and a first substrate 306 and/or second substrate 308, being that one or both of the first and second substrates have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter.

[0222] An absorbent article of the present disclosure may have an elastomeric laminate 302 forming at least a portion of one or more of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a flap panel 530, a chassis 200, a topsheet 124 and a backsheet 125. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having a specific Medium Dtex, nonwoven type, nonwoven basis weight, Medium Thread Spacing, and Medium Pre-Stretch, and the article further comprises an internal clamp for the legs 150 and/or an outer leg brace 140 comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 having one or more identical or substantially identical laminate elements, e.g. Medium Dtex, Non-woven Type, Non-woven basis weight, Medium Yarn Spacing and Pre-Stretch Medium as one or more of a waistband 430, side panel 630, elastomeric tab 530, chassis 200, top layer 124 and bottom layer 125.

[0223] When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125, and a flap panel 530 and comprises a first plurality of elastics 316, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%, and a first substrate layer 306 and/or second substrate layer 308, being that one or both of the first and second substrate layers have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter.

[0224] It should also be considered that one or more of the components of the absorbent article including a waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, waistband 122, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and backsheet 125 may comprise a laminate elastomeric 302 formed from multiple bundles of elastic. For example, a bundle can form a first portion of one or more components of the absorbent article that includes a waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, waistband 122, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and backsheet 125, and a second bundle may form a second portion of one or more of an absorbent article component that includes a waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124, and backsheet 125, the separate bundles may comprising a different number of elastics 316, wherein the bundles may have elastics having different Mean Dtexes, wherein the elastics 316 of the two bundles may be arranged at different Mean Thread Spacing, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics 316 having different Pre -Medium Stretch and/or the different bundles can provide elastic having different orientations on the product, e.g. arched, angled lining, etc. The resulting portions of waistband 430, side panel 630, elastomeric tab 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and/or backsheet 125 created from such a multi-beam approach can have different texture, fabric-like appearance, breathability, Section Modulus and /or different strength.

[0225] Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 forming one or more of a waistband 430, side panel 330, elastomeric flap 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and/or backsheet 125 may comprise from about 50 to about 825 elastic strands. In another embodiment, the first plurality of elastics 316 or elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise from about 100 to about 650 elastic strands. In yet another embodiment, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise from about 150 to about 475 elastic strands.

[0226] In certain embodiments, the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 forming one or more of a waistband 430, side panel 330, elastomeric flap 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and/or backsheet 125 may have a Wire Spacing Medium from about 0.5mm to about 3.5mm. In alternative embodiments, the first plurality of elastics of the elastomeric laminate 302 may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0227] In one embodiment, the elastomeric laminate 302 forming one or more of a waistband 430, side panel 330, elastomeric flap 530, chassis 200, top layer 124 and/or bottom layer 125 may have a Medium Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 from about 30 to about 400. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have an Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 from about 50 to about 250.

[0228] In some embodiments, the elastomeric laminate 302 forming one or more of a waistband 430, side panel 330, elastomeric flap 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and/or backsheet 125 may comprise elastics 316 having a Medium Prestretch which can be from about 75% to about 300%. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise elastics 316 with an Average Pre-Stretch of from about 100% to about 250%.

[0229] When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components consisting of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and a transverse barrier 165 and comprises a first plurality of elastics 316, the first plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%, and a first substrate layer 306 and/or second substrate layer 308, each being a first and second substrate layers have a basis weight of about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter.

[0230] It should also be considered that one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or a transverse barrier 165 can be formed from multiples bundles of elastic, for example, a bundle may form a first portion of one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or a transverse barrier 165 and a second bundle may form a second portion of one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140, and/or a transverse barrier 165, wherein the separate bundles may comprise a different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics having different pre-stretch and/or different bundles can supply elastics having different orientations on the product, for example, lining, angled bow, etc. The resulting portions of the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or transverse barrier 165 created from such a multi-bundle approach can have different textured, cloth-like appearance , Section Modulus and/or different strength.

[0231] Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 forming one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or a barrier cross section 165 may comprise from about 15 to about 300 elastic strands. In another embodiment, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 20 to about 225 elastic strands. In yet another embodiment, the first plurality of elastics 316 or elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise from about 25 to about 150 elastic strands.

[0232] In certain embodiments, the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 forming one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or or crossbar 165 may have an Average Wire Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. In alternative embodiments, the first plurality of elastics 316 or the elastomeric laminate 302 can have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0233] In one embodiment, the elastomeric laminate 302 forming one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or transverse barrier 165 may have a Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 from about 30 to about 400. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have an Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 from about 50 to about 250.

[0234] In some embodiments, the elastomeric laminate 302 forming one or more of a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and/or a transverse barrier 165 may comprise elastics having an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300%. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate may comprise elastic elements with an Average Prestretch of between 100% and 250%.

[0235] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an underwire pressure of from about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi, or about from 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0236] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising an air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or or an air permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight extent) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an air permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extent) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute.

[0237] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate greater than 2000 g/m2/24 hrs, greater than 4000 g/m2/24 hrs, or greater than 6000 g/m2/24 hrs .

[0238] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate having a 0 gf/mm (unstretched) Gauge of from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm and/or a value of Gauge Retention at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch) of about 60% to about 95% and/or a Gauge Retention at 7 gf/mm (moderate stretch) of about 40% to about 90%.

[0239] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Cantilever Flex of less than about 40 mm, alternatively less than about 35 mm.

[0240] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Percent Contact Area greater than about 13% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 27% at 200 µm and/or greater than about 39% at 300 µm and/or 2% at 98% of a Height Value < 1.6 mm. Alternatively, any of waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124, backsheet 125, waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace the legs 150, the outer leg brace 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Percent Contact Area greater than about 10% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 20% at 200 µm and /or greater than about 30% at 300 µm and/or 2% at 98% of a Height Value < 2.2 mm.

[0241] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 1 mm -1 and a Roughness Wavelength from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0242] It should also be considered that any of the waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, top layer 124, bottom layer 125, waist band 122, armband The waist cuff 123, the inner leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising one or more of the parametric values and ranges mentioned in the present invention above.

[0243] The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise an apertured elastomeric film material, elastic yarns, elastomeric scrim materials, elastomeric nonwovens, elastic tapes, foams, and combinations thereof. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 which may be the same color as one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 so that the elastic material may be more concealed, i.e., masked. or it can be a different color so that the elastic material is visible in the elastomeric laminate 302. Additionally, the elastic 316 can be transparent or translucent so that it is virtually invisible. The transparency or translucency combined with the very low decitex of the elastic 316 can render the elastic 316 visibly and tactilely inconspicuous by users of absorbent articles comprising the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising such elastics 316.

[0244] The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 and may be formed from a single bundle. The plurality of elastics 316 may have uniform spacing between elastic strands or, alternatively, may have variable spacing between elastic strands throughout the entire elastomeric laminate 302. The plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate may also comprise major gaps between one or more pairs of elastics, where the spans are 2X the Average Thread Spacing of the plurality of elastics 316. The spans can be 4X, 10X or even 20X the Average Thread Spacing of the plurality of elastics 316. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 and may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic. A first bundle comprising a first plurality of elastics 316a and a second bundle comprising a second plurality of elastics 316b may both be disposed between the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. One or both of the first The plurality of elastics 316a and second plurality of elastics 316b may have uniform elastic cord spacing or, alternatively, may have variable elastic cord spacing throughout. One or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b may comprise major gaps between one or more pairs of elastics, the gaps in the first plurality of elastics 316a being 2X the Mean Thread Spacing of the first plurality of elastics. elastics 316a. The spans can be 4X, 10X or even 20X the Average Thread Spacing of the first plurality of elastics 316a. In addition, the second plurality of elastics 316b may comprise major gaps between one or more pairs of elastics, the gaps in the second plurality of elastics 316b being 2X the Average Thread Spacing of the second plurality of elastics 316b. The spans can be 4X, 10X or even 20X the Average Thread Spacing of the first plurality of elastics 316b. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a plurality of elastics 316 formed from multiple bundles of elastic may have a first plurality of elastics 316a from a first bundle disposed in a partially overlapping orientation with a second plurality of elastics 316b from a second bundle. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a plurality of elastics 316 formed from multiple bundles of elastic may have a first plurality of elastics 316a from a first bundle disposed in an orientation offset from a second plurality of elastics 316b from a second bundle, the displacement creates a gap between the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b. The gap between the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b can be 5X, 10X or even 20X the Average Thread Spacing of one of the first plurality of elastics 316a or the second plurality of elastics 316b.

[0245] Any or all portions of the absorbent article 100 may comprise a bacteriophage composition as described in US Serial No. 61/931,229, entitled Disposable Absorbent Articles Comprising Bacteriophages and Related Methods, and filed on January 24, 2014.

CLOSED PANTS TYPE ARTICLE

[0246] Absorbent articles in closed form, pants type, are generally disclosed in Figures 1, 2, 4A to 11, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 31 to 33, 35 to 37, 48, 55, 56, 58, 61A to 67, and are designed to be packaged in closed form having a waist opening and two leg openings, and designed to be worn or placed on the wearer as a pair of durable undergarments. As shown in Figure 2, the pants may comprise separate elastomeric side panels 330 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38. The elastomeric side panels 330 may be formed (joined and positioned) in a particular location or position and may be structurally unitary with other elements of the article, or as distinct, separate elements joined to another element of the article. When the absorbent article comprises front and rear elastomeric side panels 330, the front and rear side panels 330 on one side of the article may be permanently or reclosably joined together and the front and rear side panels 330 on the opposite side of the article may be permanently or reclosably joined together to create a waist opening 190 and a pair of leg openings 192. The elastomeric side panels 330 provide an elastically extensible feature that provides a more snug fit and unadjusted contouring, initially conforming the article 100 to the wearer 70 and sustaining this fit over time long after the pants have been loaded with exudates, as the elastomeric side panels 330 allow the sides of the pants to expand and contract together with user movement. Additionally, the elastomeric side panels 330 provide ease of application and develop and maintain wear forces and stresses to keep the article 100 in the wearer and improve the fit. The elastomeric side panels 330 allow for ease of application by allowing the pants to be conformably pulled over the wearer's hips and positioned at the waist where the side panels 330 conform to the body and provide sufficient tension to maintain the position of the articles on the wearer. The tension created by the side panels 330 is transmitted from the elastic side panels 330 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg opening 192. Typically, the chassis 200 is disposed between the side panels 330 and extends to form a waist edge portion 136 and/or 138 of the pants comprising side panels 300. In other words, a waist edge portion 136 and/or 138 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38 may be formed in part by the side panels 330 and in part by the chassis 200. The side panels 330 can be integral with a portion of the chassis 200 or they can be separate elements that overlay a portion of the chassis 200 and are joined together. The side panels 330 may be formed, in part, with an elastomeric film layer 317 (which may have apertures) which provides a film side panel portion (or film portion of a side panel - see, for example, Figures 16D, 16F, 16G, 16I, 16K) having a first Section Module or may be formed, in part, with elastics 316 providing a wired side panel portion having a second Section Module, the Section Module of the portion of the film side panel portion is larger than the Section Module of the wired side panel portion.

[0247] The pants comprising side panels 300 can be formed into a pants in various ways. Distinct elastomeric side panels 330 may be disposed in either or both waist regions. Note that side panels 330 (see, for example, Figure 31) can refer generically to a portion of a waistband 430 that extends beyond side edges 237 of chassis 200, while separate side panels attached to a chassis can be calls from 330 (see, for example, Figure 2). The trouser comprising side panels 300 may also comprise a pair of opposite side reclosable seams 174 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The reclosable side seam 174 may be formed by reclosably joining an inner surface of a portion of the article, for example a side panel 330, to an outer surface of another portion of the article 100, for example a longitudinally opposed side panel 330 or the chassis 200 to form reclosable side seam 174. Figure 3 illustrates a front side panel 330f comprising a clasp 175 comprising hooks facing away from a wearer (the clasp 175 disposed on an outer surface of the front side panel 330f reclosably attaches to a corresponding clasp 178 (loops or a suitable nonwoven in Figure 3), being that the matching zipper 178 is disposed on an inner surface of the rear side panel 330b. Note that Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, since the pants of Figures 1 and 2 do not comprise a matching zipper 178, in instead, fastener 175 in Figures 1 and 2 can reclosably join directly to rear side panels 330.

[0248] The reclosable joints 174 may comprise a fastening system 179 comprising a main fastener 175, for example a mechanical fastener, fasteners such as velcro, hooks, etc., or corresponding fastener 178, for example a non-woven or loop material intended to mate with a hook fastener disposed over one or more of the separate elastomeric side panels 330, for example, a first portion of a fastening system 179 may be disposed over a separate first elastomeric side panel 330 and a second portion of the fastening system 179 may be disposed over a separate second elastomeric side panel 330. Various options for reclosable seams are illustrated in Figures 24 to 29. Alternatively, the pants comprising side panels 300 may also comprise a permanent first side seam 172 and a second seam laterally opposed permanent side seam 172 as illustrated, for example, in Figures 8A, 8B and 10. The permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an inner surface of a portion of the article 100, e.g., a side panel 330, to a outer surface of another portion of the article 100, for example, a longitudinally opposed side panel 330 or chassis 200 to form the permanent side seam 172. Alternatively, the permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an inner surface of a portion of the article 100, for example, a side panel 330, to an inner surface of another portion of the article 100, for example, a longitudinally opposed side panel 330 to form the permanent side seam 172. Any of the configurations of side panels 300 comprising the pants described above may comprise a waistband 122, with at least a portion of the waistband 122 (as illustrated in Figure 2) disposed at or immediately adjacent to the edge of the waistband 136 and/or 138 and overlapping a portion of the center frame 200. The waistband 122 may extend laterally to overlap portions of the inner leg braces 150 and/or portions of the elastomeric side panels 330. The waistband 122 may be disposed over the inner surface 202 of the chassis 200 or, alternatively, between the layer top layer 124 and bottom layer 125.

[0249] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the waistband pants 400, article in closed form, can comprise elastomeric waistbands 430 both in the anterior waist region 36 and in the posterior waist region 38. The elastomeric waistband 430 can be formed ( joined together and positioned) in a particular location or position and may be structurally unitary with other elements of the article 100 or as distinct, separate elements joined to another element of the article 100. When the absorbent article comprises front and back elastomeric waistbands 430, the waistband 430 in one waist region of the article may be permanently or reclosably joined to waistband 430 in the opposite waist region of the article to create a waist opening 190 and a pair of leg openings 192. The elastomeric waistband 430 provides an elastically extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contoured fit by initially conformally fitting the article 100 to the wearer 70 and sustaining this fit over time of use well after the article has been loaded with exudates, as it the elastic waistbands 430 allow the waistband and sides of the diaper to expand and contract with the movement of the wearer 70. Additionally, the elastic waistbands 430 provide ease of application and develop and maintain forces and wear stresses to keep the article 100 in place. user and improve fit. Elastomeric waistband 430 allows for ease of application by allowing the pants to be snugly pulled over the wearer's hips and positioned at the waist where waistband 430 conforms to the body and provides sufficient tension to maintain the position of the items on the wearer. The tension created by the waistband 430 is transmitted from the elasticized side panels 430 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg opening 192. The elastomeric waistband 430 may be formed, in part, with elastic yarns providing a corded waistband having a waistband Section Modulus, the waistband Section Modulus of the corded waistband being less than the Section Modulus of a film side panel 330 described herein. This difference in Section Modulus allows the extension of the elastomeric waistband 430 at a force less than that of a film elastomeric side panel 330, thereby making application of the waistband pant 400 (with an elastomeric yarn waistband 430) by a wearer is easier than a pants comprising side panels 300 (with an elastomeric film side panel 330) allowing the wearer to develop skills important to his physiological and psychological development.

[0250]As disclosed in USSN 11/999,229, the pants may comprise graphics. For example, one or both of the elastomeric waistbands 430 can comprise one or more of an array of waistband graphics covering more than about 30% of the surface area of the waistband 430 and/or an array of waistband graphics when viewed from the outside appear comprising at least three colors and/or an array of waistband graphics that are disposed about 30 mm from a waistband edge 438 of waistband 430 and/or an array of waistband graphics that are disposed about 10 mm from a waistband edge 438 leg 436 (front leg edge 436F or back leg edge 436B) of waistband 430 as illustrated in Figures 20 and 72B. One or both of the elastomeric waistbands 430 may comprise one or more of a waistband graphic 499 and/or a colored nonwoven and/or a dyed nonwoven.

[0251] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, 13A and 14A, the first and second elastomeric waistband 430 can be distinct and longitudinally opposed, with the first elastomeric waistband 430 being arranged in a first region of the waist and the second elastomeric waistband 430 is disposed in a second waist region. The longitudinally opposed waistbands 430 may be joined along the side edges 437 of the waistbands 430 by permanent seams 172. The permanent seam 172 may be formed by joining an inner surface of a portion of the article 100, for example, a waistband 430, to an outer surface of another portion of the article 100, for example, a longitudinally opposing waistband 430 or chassis 200 to form the permanent seam 172. Alternatively, the permanent seam 172 may be formed by joining an inner surface of a portion of the article 100, for example, a waistband 430, to an inner surface of another portion of the article 100, for example, a longitudinally opposing waistband 430 to form permanent seam 172. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 22 to 29, the longitudinally opposing waistbands 430 may be joined at or adjacent to the side edges 437 of waistbands 430 by reclosable seams 174. Figures 24 through 29 show cross sections of multiple acceptable alternative embodiments of reclosable seam 174. Reclosable seam 174 may be formed by joining reclosable manner from an inner surface of a portion of the article 100, for example, a waistband 430, to an outer surface of another portion of the article 100, for example, a longitudinally opposing waistband 430 or chassis 200 to form reclosable seam 174 Alternatively, as disclosed in USSN 13/929,970, the reclosable joint 174 may comprise an intermediate member that can be permanently or reclosably joined to one of the waistbands 430 and the intermediate member is reclosable joined to one of the inner surfaces or the outer surface of a portion of the article 100, for example, the opposing waistband 430 or the chassis 200 to form the reclosable seam 174. Alternatively, one or both of the first and second elastomeric waistbands 430 may comprise an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434. The inner waistband layer 432 and/or the outer waistband layer 434 of the first and second elastomeric waistbands 430 may be formed from a common waistband layer as shown in Figures 13B and 14B. When the first and second elastomeric waistband 430 have a common waistband layer, the common waistband layer may extend from a first waist edge in a first waist region to a longitudinally opposite second waist edge in a second waist region , that is, from the front waistband edge 136 to the back waistband edge 138. The waistband pants 400 may have a first elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in a first waist region having a first longitudinal length and a second elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in a second waist region having a second lengthwise length, the lengthwise length of the first waistband being greater than the lengthwise length of the second waistband along the side edge of the waistband at or adjacent to the side seam as illustrated in Figures 11, 31 , 32, 37, and 55. This difference in length helps provide coverage for the buttocks at the back of the pants providing a more undergarment-like appearance.

[0252] The waistband pants 400 may comprise waistband 430 having nonwovens provided with openings (comprising openings 160 - see Figures 4A and 4B) forming one or both of the inner waistband layer 432 and the outer waistband layer 434, as well such as through any intermediate non-woven or elastic layers (eg 131). The vented non-woven waistband layers provide increased breathability and significant air permeability, as well as increased softness and a more fabric-like feel. The waistband layers, the outer waistband layer 434 and/or the inner waistband layer 432 (first substrate layer 306 and second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302) may be provided with apertures prior to the formation of the elastomeric waistband 430 or of the elastomeric laminate 302. Alternatively, the waistband 430 comprising the outer waistband layer 434 and the inner waistband layer 432 with a plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the outer and inner waistband layers may be provided with apertures after the elastomeric waistband is formed. Likewise, the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first substrate layer 306, a second substrate layer 308 and a plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers can be provided with apertures after the elastomeric laminate 302 is formed. . Other article components may also have similar openings in the inner and/or outer layers or elastomeric laminate 302, including the core frame 200, top layer 124, waistband 122, waist brace 123, flap panels 530, the side panels 330, the outer covering nonwoven and the outer leg braces 140. The openings can come in a variety of shapes and sizes including, but not limited to, round holes, elongated holes, slots, slits , grooves or arched slots, etc.

[0253] Figure 23 is a simplified plan view of the precursor structure (in the sense of not being formed in a pants having a waist opening and two leg openings) of the pants-type absorbent article 100 shown in Figure 1, shown prior to joining the front and back waist regions 36, 38 along their respective side edges 437. To form the pant-like absorbent article 100, the precursor structure can be folded along the lateral axis 44 to join the front waist regions and back 36, 38 such that their sides can be joined at or adjacent to side edges 437 along reclosable seams 174 (as shown in Figure 1). The embodiment shown in Figure 23 comprises a fastening system 179 having a clasp 175 and a corresponding clasp 178 which are resealable together. Particularly, the clasp 175 can be formed with hook elements which mate with the corresponding clasp 178 which can be formed with loop elements. Closure elements 175 may be disposed on an outer surface of absorbent article 100, but they may also be disposed on an inner surface of absorbent article 100. The corresponding fastener elements 178 may be a member distinct from the loop elements, or they may be an area of loop elements that is part of a nonwoven sheet lining the inside (as shown in Figure 2) or outside of the absorbent article 100.

[0254] It is understood that when the fasteners 175 and 178 match the inner surface with the inner surface of the absorbent article 100, a flange joint is formed. But when the fasteners 175 and 178 mate the inner surface with the outer surface of the absorbent article 100, an overlapping joint is formed, as illustrated in Figure 1. The fasteners 175 and 178 can be fastened during the fastening process. manufacture and/or attached to the packaging prior to use by the wearer or caregiver (i.e. the pants may be sold in "closed form"). Alternatively, the pants may be sold in "open form", in which case fasteners 175 and 178 are present but not joined together in the package.

[0255] Referring to Figures 12 and 34, one or both of the front and back waist regions 36, 38 may include an elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure forming at least a portion of one or both of the front and back waist end edges and back 136, 138 and at least a portion of the leg opening 192. As suggested in Figure 23, one or a plurality of elastic members forming a portion of the elastomeric laminate 302 at or adjacent the waist may be arranged in a substantially straight lateral orientation, and one or a plurality of elastic leg members forming a portion of the elastomeric laminate 302 at or adjacent to the leg opening 192 may be disposed along the curvilinear paths to provide elastic extension in the direction of the hoop around the leg openings 192.

[0256] The elastic members that form the elastomeric laminate 302 may be in the form of a film (for example, 317), or sections or strips thereof, strips, tapes, bands, etamines, elastic nonwovens, elastic fibers or yarns with circular or any other cross section, or combinations thereof formed in any configuration of any elastomeric material, as described, for example, in copending US Application Serial Nos. 11/478,386 and 13/331,695, and US Patent No. 6,626. 879. A suitable example is LYCRA HYFIT yarns, a product of Invista, Wichita, Kansas, USA. Some yarns, for example the aforementioned LYCRA HYFIT yarns, may comprise several individual fibers wound together to form the yarn. With regard to elastic yarns formed from several individual fibers, it has been found that the individual fibers can move relative to each other changing the cross-sectional shape of the yarn as well as becoming loose, which can lead to poor yarn control. as well as unsatisfactory binding/adhesion/union of the elastic threads to one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. To minimize the negative aspects with respect to the threads comprising a plurality of fibers it would be advantageous to minimize the number of fibers in a given yarn. It would therefore be desirable to have less than about 40 fibers per yarn, less than about 30 fibers per yarn, less than about 20 fibers per yarn, less than about 10 fibers per yarn, less than about 5 fibers per yarn and 1 fiber forming the yarn. In the event that a single fiber forms the yarn that can provide performance comparable to prior art multi-fiber yarns, it would be desirable for the fiber to have a fiber decitex of about 22 to about 300 and a fiber diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 185 micrometers.

[0257] Figures 15A to 16K are examples of potential longitudinal cross-sections seen along the longitudinal axis 42 through the posterior waist region 38 of the elasticized waistband and the posterior region of the pants, as shown in Figure 20, which represent possible configurations . It will be appreciated that, in each of these specific examples, the cross-section may substantially correspond to a cross-section viewed through the front waist region 36 of the elasticized waistband 430 and the front region 36 of the pants 100.

[0258] Still referring to Figures 15A to 16K, the chassis 200 may have a liquid-permeable top layer 124 forming at least a portion of its user-facing, internal surface. The topsheet 124 may be formed from a nonwoven batting material, which is preferably soft and compatible with sensitive skin, and may be formed from and have any of the features of the topsheets used in disposable diapers. , training diapers, and inserts, including those described, for example, in copending US Application Serial No. 12/841,553. Chassis 200 may also have an outward facing bottom layer 125 which may be liquid impermeable. The backsheet 125 may be formed from and have any of the features of the backsheets used in disposable diapers and training diapers, including those described, for example, in the co-pending US patent application cited directly above. The chassis 200 may also have an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The absorbent core 128 may include one or more absorbent capture, delivery, and storage layers and/or components; it may be formed from and have any of the features of absorbent cores used in disposable diapers and "trainer diapers".

[0259] As suggested in Figures 15A to 16K, the chassis 200 can be attached to an elastomeric laminate 302, to the inner side facing the user thereof, or alternatively, to the outer surface facing the garment thereof. Chassis 200 may be bonded to elastomeric laminate 302 by adhesive, heat bonding/sealing, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. Elastomeric laminate 302, in the form of waistband 430, for example, may comprise an elastomeric nonwoven, stretch films, tapes, etamines, yarns or combinations thereof, see Figure 16G which illustrates a waistband 430 comprising a layer of film 317 in combination with wires 316a and 316b. The elastomeric laminate 302 can be pre-stretched before joining the elastomeric laminate 302 to the other layers of the article, or it can be joined in a relaxed state and subsequently mechanically stretched; in such an embodiment, the one or more elastic waist members and the one or more elastic leg members of the elastomeric laminate may be disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308.

[0260] It should be understood that the elastomeric laminates 302 can be formed, in part, in accordance with Figures 15A to 16K, as previously disclosed in this document, as well as in accordance with the disclosure of US 61/646,999, filed on 15 May 2012. Other fabrication methods and the resulting texture, as disclosed by US Document Serial Nos. 61/647061, 61/647071, and 61/647078, each filed May 15, 2012, may equally be used. And, portions of the elastomeric laminates 302 can incorporate the tension, stretch (strain) and spacing of the elastics as disclosed in US Serial No. 61/598,012, filed Feb. 13, 2012. Texture zones 318 can be disposed along the waist edges and leg edges as illustrated in Figure 5A or along a central area of the article as shown in Figure 5B.

[0261] One or more of the absorbent articles described above may comprise zones of texture 318 disposed on the chassis 200, as well as on one or each of the side panels 330, elastomeric flap panels 530, waistband 430, inner leg braces 150, outer leg braces 140, waist straps 122, waist braces 123, chassis 200, topsheet 124 and backsheet 125 such that the texture zones are substantially aligned with one another or they collectively form a large textured zone or have a unified textural appearance. A total textural appearance is desired to provide a holistic fabric-like look and feel. It is beneficial, therefore, that two or more of the aforementioned absorbent article structures (frame 200, side panels 330, elastomeric flap panels 530, non-elastomeric flap panel 540, waistband 430, inner leg braces 150, outer leg braces legs 140, waistbands 122, waistbands 123, topsheet 124 and backsheet 125) comprise materials having one or more identical or substantially identical s elements selected from the Medium Dtex group of between 10 decitex and 500 decitex (within a range of +/- 50), Average Thread Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 5.0 mm (within a range of +/- 1 mm), Average Pre-Stretch from about 50% to about 5.0 mm about 400% (within a range of +/- 50%), a substrate basis weight of about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter (within a range of +/- 5 grams per square meter) and substrate texture, e.g. non-woven layer.

[0262] One or more of the absorbent articles described above may comprise a chassis 200 comprising one or more chassis graphics 299 (see Figure 20) disposed on or in an overlapping orientation with the chassis 200 and/or an underlayer film colored and/or a dyed bottom layer film and/or a colored nonwoven and/or a dyed nonwoven. One or more of the absorbent articles described above may also comprise a chassis 200 comprising one or more chassis graphics 299 disposed on or in an overlapping orientation with the chassis 200 and/or a colored nonwoven and/or a dyed nonwoven and a or more graphics from the group consisting of 399 side panel graphics (see Figure 67), 599 brim graphics (see Figure 68), 499 waistband graphics (see Figure 20), 699 waistband graphics (see Figure 40), and/or external leg brace graphics 799 (see Figure 35), with the one or more chassis graphics on chassis 200 and the one or more graphics disposed on side panel 330, panel tabs 530, waistband 430, flap panel 540, waistband 122, and/or outer leg brace 140 are substantially aligned with one another or they collectively form unified graphical elements or an overall graphical experience.

DRESS (placement)

[0263] The wearability benefit of the present disclosure is made possible by elastomeric laminates comprising a greater number of elastic threads having a greater fineness (e.g., a smaller decitex) and a closer spacing than previously disclosed or practiced in absorbent articles disposable. These improved laminates can be used as components of disposable absorbent articles (e.g., baby and adult tape diapers, baby and adult pants, feminine pads and feminine liners) to achieve a variety of benefits in conjunction with and beyond placement. , including fit and seal at the wearer's waist, legs, crotch ("hook") and sides to generally provide the highest level of extensibility, the most comfortable wearing conditions, best skin condition (i.e., reduced marking skin), better leak protection and better fit.

Dress ratio (Placement)

[0264] The ease of dressing/placement can be evaluated by a Dress/Placement Ratio, as shown in Figure 85. A Dress/Placement Ratio less than 1 indicates that the consumer's hip width is smaller than the Waist Width Product relaxed. Wearing/Placement ratios less than 1 are not desirable as the width of the contracted products is greater than the wearer's hip width, and thus would provide insufficient pressure against the body to sustain the fit. A Wear/Placement Ratio greater than 1 indicates that the consumer's hip width is greater than the Product's Relaxed Waist Width. Wearing/Placement ratios approaching, without falling below 1, while also providing sufficient pressure of fit, are desirable for ease of donning, wearer comfort, skin pressure, etc. Wear/Placement Ratios greater than 2 or even 3 are within the scope of the present disclosure, but require a unique balance of elastic decitex, elastic thread spacing, number of elastics, and elastic pre-stretch to provide such a blend. properties exclusive. The unique set of properties calls for elastic decitex that are very low, well below those of the prior art, arranged in elastic to elastic spacing that is also very low, also well below the prior art, which in turn requires a greater number of elastics well above what is known in the prior art, and elastic stretches (deformations) which are also low and well below almost all known prior art. The specific set of criteria needed to meet all of the previously mentioned unmet consumer needs with a single product requires not only laminate elastomeric structures, but also a new elastic bundle process (a plurality of elastics formed into a bundle and released at from a bundle or coil), for applying large numbers of low decitex elastics, at low pre-stretch and low spacing to achieve the right balance of laminate properties. These unique properties enable a higher wear/donning ratio while providing low skin force, underwire pressure, ease of application, comfort, fit, etc. This approach, to our knowledge, has never been disclosed or attempted in the field of absorbent articles; hygiene items, tape diapers, diaper pants, adult incontinence items, menstruation products, etc.

[0265] The Dress/Placement Ratio is calculated as: Dress/Placement Ratio = Target Hip / [2 * Product's Relaxed Waist Width] Dress/Placement Ratio = Target Hip / [2 * Relaxed Waist Width of product]

[0266] The Dress/Placement Ratio is dimensionless. Both the Target Hip and the Relaxed Waist Width of the Product are in mm.

[0267] Figure 87 shows that for more than 90% of consumers, their hip circumference is greater than their waist circumference. Therefore, when the closed form pants are put on, pulling the pants up represents the widest region of the body that the pants need to stretch.

[0268] A product size range is communicated to consumers by a weight range and/or a waist band printed on the package. For products recommended by weight range, a Target Weight is the average of the minimum and maximum recommended weights.

[0269]For many adult incontinence products, only a waistline recommendation is provided. For these products, a Target Weight can still be determined by calculating the Average Weight at the minimum and maximum recommended waistlines. Figure 88 shows this relationship and calculation. Average Weight (kg) = 6.8142163 * Waist (mm) A0.5 - 130.72567

[0270] Once the Target Weight is determined for a product, its corresponding Target Hip is determined as shown in Figure 89. Target Hip (mm) = 102.48574 + 108.62219 * weight (kg) A 0.5

[0271] The tables below show examples of wired products, in closed form, currently marketed. The Wear/Placement Ratios of all products are greater than 1.5 with some being as high as 3.0. The tables below illustrate some examples of the invention using the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The Wearing/Donning Ratios as disclosed herein will make the wearing/putting of the product easier for consumers and caregivers. Examples of Dress Ratio for products with existing yarns

[0272] Figures 91A and 91B illustrate the interdependence between: the yarn decitex; the spacing between wires; the Section Module; the Wear/Down Ratio and Pressure Under Thread, and how the unique properties made possible by the elastomeric conductors of the present invention are able to provide low skin pressure, comfortable fit and ease of donning while providing sufficient lacing force of 7 gf/mm providing sustained fit and article seal. Although this specific example uses an Average Dtex of 150 and a body loop pressure of 7 gf/mm, the relative relationships between the various metrics remain consistent. Figure 91A shows that as the wire spacing decreases, the Wear Ratio decreases (making placement easier) due to the lower pre-stretch required needed to deliver 7 gf/mm, thus allowing for improved placement while maintaining forces necessary for adjustment and sealing. Figure 91B shows that as wire spacing decreases, the corresponding Wire Pressure decreases while maintaining a body loop pressure of 7 gf/mm, thus maximizing overall comfort and skin health while maintaining forces required for fitting and sealing the article.

ARTICLE WITH RIBBON IN OPEN FORM

[0273] The open form, tape style absorbent articles are generally disclosed in Figures 38 to 47 and 84. The tape diaper 500, tape open form article, may comprise elastomeric flap panels 530 on one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. The elastomeric flap panels 530 may be formed (joined and/or positioned) in a particular location or position and may be structurally unitary with other elements of the article 100 or as an element attached to another element of the article 100. The elastomeric flap panels 530 provide an elastically extensible feature that provides a more comfortable, contoured fit by initially conformally fitting the article 100 to the wearer and sustaining that fit throughout the time in use, well after the tape diaper 500 has been loaded with exudates, since the elastomeric flap panels 530 allow the diaper to expand and contract to fit the wearer 70 and compensate for the wearer's movements 70. Additionally, elastomeric flap panels 530 develop and maintain wear forces (strains) and enhance stresses developed and maintained by fastening system 179, main fasteners 175, to hold article 100 in wearer and improve fit. Elastomeric flap panels 530 especially assist in maintaining the primary line of tension formed by the fastening system 179 by allowing the diaper to conformably fit over the wearer's hips where there is dynamic movement, and initially pre-tension the waist opening 190 and the leg opening 192, since the diaper wearer typically stretches the elastomeric flap panels 530 when donning the strappy diaper 500, so that when the elastomeric flap panels 530 contract, tension is transmitted from the panels Elastomeric flap panels 530 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg opening 192. The elastomeric flap panels 530 can provide even more effective application of the diaper because even if the wearer/ caregiver pull one elastomeric flap panel more than the other during application (asymmetrically), the diaper will adjust itself during use. While the open form article of the present disclosure may have elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in the back waist region 38, alternatively, the tape diaper 500 may be provided with elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in the front waist region 36 or at both the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. The open-form article may also have elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in a first waist region and elastomeric flap panels 530 or non-elastomeric flap panels 540 disposed in a second region of the waist.

[0274] As shown in Figures 38 to 40 and 45 to 47, the tape diaper 500, in open form, may comprise first and second elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in a first waist region. The tape diaper may also comprise an elastomeric waistband 122 disposed at one or both waist regions. The tape diaper may also comprise a substantially rectangular chassis 200.

[0275] In addition to a pair of laterally opposed elastomeric flap panels 530 in a first waist region, the tape diaper 500 may comprise a pair of laterally opposed distinct non-elastomeric flap panels 540 disposed in a second region, wherein one or both of the flap panels 530 and the flap panels 540 are non-rectangular as shown in Figure 38. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 39, the tape diaper may comprise a pair of laterally opposed elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in a first waist region and a pair of laterally opposed integral non-elastomeric flap panels 540 formed, in part, by a portion of one or more of the backsheet 125, the topsheet 124, the outer leg cuffs 140, or contact zone and arranged in a second region of the waist.

[0276] The tape diaper 500 may comprise first and second non-elastomeric flap panels 540 disposed in a first waist region and an elastomeric waist band 122 disposed in a first waist region as illustrated in Figure 39.

[0277] The elastomeric waistband 122 may have a side width that is >60% of a side width of the center frame 200, and the center frame may comprise a pair of laterally opposed fasteners 175 disposed in the same waist region as the waist band. waistband 122. The tape diaper 500 may have a waistband 122 that may overlap two or more portions of an absorbent core 128 and/or a topsheet 124 and/or inner leg cuffs 150 as shown in Figure 41.

[0278] The tape diaper 500 may comprise a pair of laterally opposed front flap panels 540 joined to the chassis 200 in the front waist region 36 and a pair of laterally opposed elastomeric flap panels 530 joined to the chassis 200 in the rear waist region 38. The chassis 200 of the tape diaper 500 may be substantially rectangular as shown in Figures 38 and 45. Alternatively, the chassis 200 may be non-rectangular, for example, a portion of the laterally opposite side edges 237 or a portion of the end edges longitudinally opposed sides 136 and 138 of the chassis may be notched or curved convexly or concavely, as shown in Figure 39 and Figure 47.

[0279] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 42 and 43, absorbent articles in open form, tape style can comprise an elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in one of the waist regions. Elastomeric waistband 430 may be formed (joined and/or positioned) in a particular location or position and may be structurally unitary with other article elements 100 or as a separate element joined to another article element 100. Elastomeric waistband 430 provides an elastically extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contoured fit by initially conformally fitting the article 100 to the wearer and sustaining this fit over time long after the tape diaper 500 has been loaded with exudates. In a preferred embodiment of a tape and waistband diaper, the elastomeric waistband 430 is disposed in the rear waistband region 38. The elastomeric waistband 430 may have fasteners disposed at or adjacent the laterally opposite ends of the waistband. The fasteners 175, disposed on the inner surface of the waistband 430, are designed to engage a corresponding fastener component 178 or with the outer surface 204 of the article to secure the article to the wearer.

UPPER LAYERS

[0280] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a topsheet 124. The topsheet 124 is the part of the absorbent article 100 that is in contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet 124 may be bonded to portions of the backsheet 125, the absorbent core 128, the leg cuffs 52, and/or any other layers as known to those skilled in the art. The topsheet 124 can be pliable, soft to the touch and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of, or all of, the top layer may be liquid permeable, allowing liquid body exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as porous foams, reticulated foams, plastic films with apertures, woven materials, non-woven materials, woven or non-woven materials made from natural fibers (e.g. wood or cotton), filaments or synthetic fibers (for example PE/PP or polyester or polypropylene bicomponent fibers or mixtures thereof), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The top layer can have one or more layers. The topsheet can be provided with apertures, can have any suitable three-dimensional features, and/or can have a plurality of embossing (e.g., a binding pattern). The upper layer can be provided with openings by overconsolidating a material and then breaking the overconsolidations through ring cylinder crimping, as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,628,097, to Benson et al., issued in 13 May 1997 and disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0136014 by Arora et al. Any portion of the topsheet can be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant and/or other beneficial agents. The top layer may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, typically openings will be present so that body exudates can pass through the topsheet.

[0281]Typical absorbent article topsheets have a basis weight of from about 5 g/m2 to about 50 g/m2, from about 10 to about 35 g/m2, or from about 12 to about 30 g /m2, but other basis weights are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0282] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise three-dimensional, liquid-permeable substrates that form a portion or all of the topsheet 124 as described in US Serial Nos. 14/656,820; 14/680,394; and 14/680,426. Such substrates may also comprise openings. The texture of the three-dimensional substrates that form the topsheet can be identical or substantially identical to that of the substrates that form one or both surfaces of one or more of the chassis 200, the side panels 330, the elastomeric flap panels 530, the non-elastomeric tab 540, waistband 430, inner leg braces 150, outer leg braces 140, waist bands 122, waist braces 123 and backsheet 125.

[0283] The top layer 124 may also comprise top layer graphics disposed on one or both surfaces of the top layer 124. The top layer graphics may be coordinated with graphics on other components of the article 100, for example, chassis 200, panel side 330, flap panel 530, waistband 430, waistband 122, and backsheet 125. In addition, graphics may be disposed on the outside of the article 100 that coordinate with the topsheet graphics to make the absorbent article 100 have the appearance of underwear, with the inside of the article having a pattern, color, etc. similar to the outside of the article 100. The graphics can also highlight various structural elements within the article, for example the channels in the absorbent core.

[0284] A portion or all of the top layer may comprise a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web of material. which is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308, as previously described. In some topsheet configurations, the elastic material forming the topsheet may be an elastomeric laminate 302 and may comprise a plurality of elastic strands 316. The topsheet may further comprise one or more large openings to allow exudates to pass through. corporeal objects pass easily through them.

BOTTOM LAYERS

[0285] The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a backsheet 125. The backsheet 125 is generally the portion of the absorbent article 100 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 128. bottom 125 may be joined to portions of topsheet 124, absorbent core 128, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article by any fastening methods known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet film 126 prevents, or at least inhibits, body exudates absorbed and confined in the absorbent core 128 from soiling articles such as bed sheets, underwear, and/or garments. The backsheet is typically liquid impermeable, or at least substantially liquid impermeable. The backsheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film, having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials can include breathable materials, which allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, the passage of bodily exudates through the backsheet.

[0286] Part or all of the backsheet 125 may be formed of an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and an elastic material, for example, elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web of material that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308, as previously described. In some embodiments, the backsheet film 126 of the backsheet 125 may form the first layer of the substrate 306 and the nonwoven of the backsheet 127 may form the second layer of the substrate 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. In an alternative embodiment, one of the waistband layers, the inner waistband layer 432 or the outer waistband layer 434, may form one of the first or second substrate layers 306 and 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302 overlapping and forming a portion of the backsheet 125 in the region between the waistband layers. thighs 37 of the absorbent article 100.

BRACKETS FOR THE LEGS

[0287] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise leg braces 52, which include inner leg braces 150 and outer leg braces 140. The inner leg braces 150 may be positioned laterally next to the outer leg braces to the legs 140. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may be formed from a piece of material that is bonded to the absorbent article 100 so that it can extend upwardly from a user-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 and provide improved containment of body exudates approximately at the junction between the user's torso and legs. The inner feather clamps 150 are bounded by a proximal edge attached directly or indirectly to the top and/or bottom layer and a free terminal edge which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The inner leg cuffs 150 may extend at least partially between the leading end edge 136 and the trailing end edge 138 of the absorbent article 100 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 42 and may be at least present in the region between the thighs ("hook") 37. Each inner leg brace 150 may comprise one or more elastics 316 (e.g., elastic threads or straps) near or at the free end edge. These elastics 3316 cause the inner leg cuffs 150 to help form a seal around a wearer's legs and torso. The outer leg braces 140 extend at least partially between the front end edge 136 and the rear end edge 138. The outer leg braces 140 essentially bring portions of the absorbent article 100 closer to the side edges of the chassis 237a and 237b to help form a seal around the user's legs. The outer leg braces 140 may extend at least the region between the thighs 37.

[0288] The absorbent article 100 may comprise an outer leg cuff 140 formed of a film, for example, the backsheet film 126, a nonwoven, and an elastic material disposed between the backsheet film 126 and the nonwoven fabric. woven on or adjacent to the side edge 237 of the chassis 200. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 52 through 54, the absorbent article 100 may comprise an inner leg cuff 150 and/or an outer leg cuff 140, one or more of which both of the inner leg cuff 150 and the outer leg cuff 140 may be formed from a folded nonwoven batt and comprise inner cuff elastics 154 and outer leg cuff elastics 144 disposed between layers of the nonwoven batt. folded fabric. A first fold in the folded nonwoven batt forms the proximal edge 152 of the inner leg cuff 150 and a second fold in the folded nonwoven batt forms a distal edge 142 of the outer leg cuff 140. The distal edge 142 of the outer leg brace 140 may extend beyond the side edges of the backsheet and form a side edge portion 237 of the chassis 200 as illustrated in Figures 39 and 46. A portion of the outer leg brace 140 may be formed by a folded nonwoven batt with elastic elements 316 disposed between the folded nonwoven layers and may extend out from the side edges of the bottom layer 125 which form a portion of the side edge 237 of the chassis 200 providing a more brace cloth like finish outerwear, thus providing a more underwear-like appearance.

[0289] The material blanket forming at least a portion of the inner and outer leg braces 150 and 140 can be folded laterally inward to form the folded edge of the outer brace, that is, the distal brace edge 142, the first layer of substrate 306 and/or the second layer of the second substrate 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302 forming the outer brace, and the web of material may be folded laterally outward to form the folded edge of the inner brace, i.e., the brace edge proximal 152, the first substrate layer 306 and/or second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302 forming the inner cuff, and the mat of material may extend from the front waist end edge 136 to the waist end edge back 138 of the chassis 200 and may be joined to the top layer 124 and/or bottom layer 125 between the folded edge of the inner clamp, proximal clamp edge 152, and the folded edge of the outer clamp, distal clamp edge 142, in the region between the thighs ("hook") 37. Elastic members, e.g., elastic cords 316, are disposed between the first and second substrate layers, 306 and 308, of the outer leg cuff 140 to form an outer leg cuff 140 and elasticized members, for example elastic cords 316, are disposed between the first and second layers of substrate 306 and 308 of the inner leg cuff 150 to form an elasticized inner leg cuff 150.

[0290] The elastic members that form the inner leg brace 150 and the outer leg brace 140 can be distanced from each other differently, that is, one has greater spacing between the elastic elements than the other, so that the outer leg cuff 140 and the inner leg cuff 150 have different tactile and aesthetic characteristics that create different garment appearance, level of shrinkage, and/or variation in amplitude and frequency of texture formed in the first and second layers of substrate 306 and 308. The elastic members forming the inner leg brace 150 and/or the outer leg brace 140 can be uniformly or irregularly spaced to create contracted regions of uniform amplitude and frequency or altered in the outer brace to the legs 140 and the inner leg brace 150 so that a variety of fabric-like preferences are achieved.

[0291] As shown in Figures 7, 31, 39, 41, 45, and 46, the glued length (length in which the elastic is glued to the cuff blanket) of the elastic 154 that forms the inner cuff for the legs can be longer longer than the glued length of elastic 144 forming the outer leg cuff. Alternatively, the glued length (length at which the elastic is glued to the cuff web) of the elastic 154 forming the inner leg cuff may be shorter than the glued length of the elastic 144 forming the outer leg cuff. In still other embodiments, the glued length (length at which the elastic is glued to the cuff web) of the elastic 154 forming the inner leg cuff can be more identical or substantially identical to the glued length of the elastic 144 forming the outer cuff. for the legs. In some embodiments, the elastic 154 forming the inner leg cuff and/or the elastic 144 forming the outer leg cuff may comprise curved segments.

[0292] One or more of the Medium Dtex, the Medium Yarn Spacing, the Medium Pre-Stretch, the basis weight of the nonwoven and/or the texture of the nonwoven of one or both of the inner brace for the legs 150 and the outer leg braces 140 may be identical or substantially identical to one or more of the chassis 200, side panels 330, elastomeric flap panels 530, non-elastomeric flap panels 540, waistband 430, waist bands 122, the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125.

[0293] One or both of the inner leg cuff 150 and the outer leg cuff 140 may be formed of an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and an elastic material, for example, elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web of material that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308, as described above. In some configurations of the outer leg braces 140, one or both of the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 may be formed in part or wholly by one or more of the nonwoven bottom layer 127 and the film. of the lower layer 126.

[0294] The inner and outer leg cuffs 150 and 140 can be formed from multiple bundles of elastic, for example one bundle can form the inner leg cuff 150 and a second bundle can form the outer leg cuff 140, wherein the separate bundles may comprise a different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics with different pre-stretch. The resulting inner and/or outer leg braces 150 and 140 created from such a multi-beam approach may have different texture, garment appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength.

WAIST STRAPS/WAIST STRAPS

[0295] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise one or more elastic waistbands 122. The elastic waistbands 122 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface or the wearer-facing surface or may be formed between the same. For example, a first elastic waist band 122 may be present in the front waist region 36 near the edge of the front waist 136, and a second elastic waist band 122 may be present in the back waist region 38 near the edge of the waist. rear waistband 138. Elastic waistbands 122 can assist in sealing the absorbent article 100 around a wearer's waist and at least inhibit bodily exudates from escaping the absorbent article 100 through the circumference of the waist opening. In some instances, an elastic waistband may completely surround the waist opening 190 of the absorbent article 100. A waist cuff 123 may be formed by an extension of the waistband 122 and may remain unattached to the underlying structure at the waist cuff 123 to allow body exudates flowing along the topsheet 124 to become trapped between the topsheet 124 and the underside of the waistband 123. In other words, the waistband 123 can be joined to the underlying structure, for example, the center frame 200 of the absorbent article 100 along the longitudinally distal edge of the waist brace 123 and/or along the laterally opposite side edges of the waist brace 123.

[0296] The elastomeric waist band 122 especially assists in maintaining the primary line of tension formed by the main fastening system 179 and/or flap panels/flaps/panels allowing the article to conformably fit around the user's waist where there is dynamic movement, and initially pre-tensioning the waist, as the article is typically stretched at the waist when the article 100 is placed on the wearer so when the waist band 122 contracts, tension is transmitted from the waist band 122 along waist opening 190. While some of the articles of the present disclosure may have elastomeric flap waist bands 122 disposed in the rear waist region 38, alternatively, articles 100 may be provided with elastomeric waist bands 122 disposed in the waist region. front waist region 36 or both the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. In order for the waist band 122 to receive and maintain the tension created by the fastening components, when present, it may be desirable for a portion of the waistband 122 is longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the fastening system 179. In other words, a laterally extending line drawn through the fastener 175 and parallel to the lateral centerline will extend through at least a portion of the waistband. Elastomeric waistband 122.

[0297] When the elastomeric waist band 122 is present in only one waist region, for example in the back waist region 38, it may be desirable for the waist band 122 to be disposed laterally inwards from the edge of the waist end , for example, a rear waistband end edge 138, of article 100; alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the distal end edge 738 of the waistband 122 may be substantially coterminal with the rear waistband end edge 138. Additionally, a proximal end edge 736 may be disposed longitudinally more distally than an edge of a distal end flap or edge panel 536 (see Figure 40) of a distal end flap or edge panel 636, as illustrated at least in Figures 2, 40, 45, and 46. Whether the waist band 122 is disposed in both waist regions , the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38, it may be desirable for the waist band 122 to be disposed at or immediately adjacent the front and rear waist end edges 136 and 138 of article 100. The waist band 122 may have a longitudinal length, as measured parallel to longitudinal axis 42. Waistband 122 may be spaced laterally inwardly from the waist end edge, for example, the rear waist end edge 138, by a distance that is less than the longitudinal length of waistband 122. Alternatively, waistband 122 may be disposed at or adjacent to the end edge of waistband 236 or 238 of chassis 200. Waistband 122 may be disposed between the flap panels/panels or may overlap a portion of the flap panels/panels to ensure transmission of tensioning forces generated by the closure and/or the flap panels/panels.

[0298] The waist band 122 can be arranged between the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125 of the chassis 200 or can be arranged on the inner surface 202 of the chassis 200. The waist band 122 can be arranged in the same region of the waist as two elastomeric flap panels/panels or, alternatively, may be disposed in the same waist region as two non-elastomeric flap panels 540. When the absorbent article comprises an elastomeric waistband 122 and non-elastomeric flap panels 540, the waist belt 122 can provide the main tension along the waist region of the article. The waistband 122 can be disposed entirely between the non-elastomeric flap panels 540 of the article, as illustrated in Figure 41, or a portion of the waistband 122 can be disposed in an overlapping relationship with the non-elastomeric flap panels 540. The elasticized waistband 122 can be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those described in US Patent Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092.

[0299] A tape diaper may comprise a separate waist band 122 disposed in at least one of the front and rear waist regions 36 and 38, the waist band 122 being spaced longitudinally inwardly from the respective end edges of the front and back waistband 136 and 138 of the article 100 by at least about 10 mm or at least about 20 mm. The distance that the waistband 122 is spaced from the edge of the front and/or back waistband 136 and 138 of the article 100 may be less than the longitudinal length of the waistband 122.

[0300] In any of the forms of the above article, a portion of the elastomeric waist band 122 can be disposed on an interior surface of one or more of the central chassis 200, the top layer 124, the absorbent core 128 and internal clamps for the legs 150 in one or both waist regions of the absorbent article 100. In addition, a portion of the elastomeric waist band 122 may be disposed in an overlapping configuration with at least a portion of one or both of the laterally opposed panels/flaps, for example for example, elastomeric side panels 330, elastomeric flap panels 530, and non-elastomeric flap panels 540. Alternatively, a waistband portion 122 may be disposed between topsheet 124 and backsheet 125 on one or both sides. waist regions.

[0301] The waist band 122 can be substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the waistband 122 can have one or more edges that are arched, as shown in Figure 47. The waistband 122 can take on a variety of different sizes, shapes, configurations, and materials. For example, the waistband may comprise a plurality of elastic members, for example elastic cords 316, disposed between a first substrate layer 306 forming at least a portion of the inner surface of the waistband 122 and a second substrate layer 308 forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the waistband 122 and can be of different widths, lengths, thicknesses, shapes, textures, Medium Yarn Spacing, Medium Dtex, Medium Pre-Stretch, etc.

[0302] The waistband 122 can be the same width as the centerframe 200 or it can be wider or narrower than the centerframe 200. When the absorbent article comprises multiple waistbands, the waistband 122 in a first the waist region, e.g. the front waist region 36, may have a different shape, width, length, thickness, texture or elastic configuration of the waist band 122 in a second waist region, e.g. the back waist region 38.

[0303] The waistband 122 may extend longitudinally along one or both of the longitudinally opposite end edges 26 and 28 of the absorbent core 128 to form an elasticized waistband 123. Such an elasticized waistband 123 may be formed by an extension of the waist band 122 and may remain unattached to the underlying structure at the center portion of the waist band 123 to allow body exudates flowing along the topsheet 124 to become trapped between the topsheet 124 and the side bottom of the waist brace 123. In other words, the waist brace 123 may be attached to the underlying structure, for example, the central chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100 along the longitudinally distal edge of the waist brace 123 and/or or along the laterally opposite side edges of the waist band 123.

[0304] The elasticized waist band 122 or the elasticized waist band 123 may be formed from an elastomeric laminate comprising a first layer of substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example, elastic strands 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. In some configurations of the waistband 122 or waistband 123, the elastic material disposed in waist band 122 or waist cuff 123 may comprise a plurality of elastic strands 316.

[0305] The absorbent article may include a waistband 122 disposed in both the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. In such embodiments, the waistband 122 in the front waist region 36 and the waistband 122 in the back waist region 38 may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic, for example one bundle may form the waist band 122 in the front waist region 36 and a second bundle may form the waist band 122 in the back waist region 38, whereby the separate bundles may comprise a different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics with different pre-stretch. The resulting waistbands 122 in front and back waist regions 36 and 38 created from such a multi-bundle approach may have different texture, cloth-like appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength. It should also be understood that the two waistbands may be distinct from one another or may be produced from a common web of material but have distinctly different physical properties.

[0306] One or more of the Medium Dtex, Medium Yarn Spacing, Medium Pre-Stretch, nonwoven basis weight and/or nonwoven texture of one or both of the front and back waist bands may be identical or substantially identical to one or more of the chassis 200, side panels 330, elastomeric flap panels 530, non-elastomeric flap panels 540, waistband 430, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace the legs 140, the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125.

SIDE PANELS

[0307] The side panels 330 can be separate from or integral with the chassis 200. A separate side panel is formed as a separate element that is joined to the chassis 200. In some embodiments, this includes a plurality of side panels, for example 2 or 4, which are joined to side edges 237 of chassis 200 at front and/or back waist regions 36 and 38. The discrete side panels may be formed of one or more layers. A waistband 122 may be placed through a portion of the chassis 200 and may overlap a portion of the side panels 330 to create a continuous, multi-piece, waistband-like structure.

[0308] Alternatively, the absorbent article 100 may comprise a pair of separate elastomeric side panels 330 disposed in a first waist region and a pair of separate non-elastomeric flap panels 540 disposed in a second waist region.

[0309] Alternatively, the article may comprise a pair of separate elastomeric side panels 330 arranged in a first waist region and a pair of integral non-elastomeric flap panels 540 in a second waist region, the non-elastomeric flap panels 540 integrals may be formed, in part, by one or more of the nonwoven backsheet 127, the backsheet film 126, the cuff material, the nip material, and the topsheet 124.

[0310] The different elastomeric side panels 330 can overlap the side edges 237 of the chassis 200 and can be arranged on the innermost surface 202 of the chassis 200 or, alternatively, on the outermost surface 204 of the chassis 200. Alternatively, the elastomeric side panels 330 may overlap a portion of the chassis 200 and may be disposed between layers of the chassis 200, for example between the bottom layer 125 and the outer leg brace 140, or between the bottom layer 125 and the top layer 124. sides 330 may be bonded to chassis 200 adhesively, mechanically, thermally or by combinations thereof.

[0311] The elastomeric side panels 330 may comprise an apertured elastomeric film material, elastic threads, elastomeric scrim materials, elastomeric nonwovens, elastic tapes, foams, and combinations thereof. The side panel elastomeric material 330 can be the same color as the side panel nonwoven 330 or it can be a different color so that the elastomeric material is visible on the elastomeric side panel 330.

[0312] The side panels 330 can be substantially rectangular or can be shaped, that is, the side panels 330 are substantially non-rectangular. In addition to the shape, the side panels 330 can also comprise two or more visually distinct textural regions disposed over the side panel 330. Lastly, one or more of the side panels 330 of the pants comprising the side panels 300 can comprise a side panel graphic 399 and the chassis graphic 200 may comprise a chassis graphic 299, wherein portions of the side panel graphic and portions of the chassis graphics are substantially aligned and/or when combined form a composite graphic element.

[0313] The side panels 330 can be separate elements attached to the chassis 200 at or adjacent to the side edges 237 of the chassis 200. Alternatively, the side panels 330 can be integral to the chassis 200, that is, formed in part by one or more of the backsheet nonwoven 127, the backsheet film 126, the outer cuff material, topsheet 124, and core wrap.

[0314] The absorbent article may comprise side panels 330 disposed in the front waist region 36 and in the back waist region 38. In such embodiments, the side panels 330 in the front waist region 36 and the side panels 330 in the back waist region 38 may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic, for example one bundle may form at least a portion of the side panels 330 in the front waist region 36 and a second bundle may form at least a portion of the side panels 330 in the back waist region 38 wherein the separate bundles may comprise a different composition of elastic, different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics having different pre-stretching. The resulting side panels 330 in the front and back waist regions 36 and 38 created from such a multi-bundle approach may have different texture, cloth-like appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength.

[0315] The side panel 330 can also be provided with differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when extended in the lateral direction. As used in the present invention, the term "differential extensibility" refers to a non-uniform degree of elastic extension properties, as measured in the direction of stretch at various points along an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of stretch. Differential extensibility can be achieved in several different ways. The elasticized side panel 330 can comprise a variety of elastomeric materials, multiple configurations of the elastomeric materials (elastic spacing), or the stretch (pre-stretch) properties of the elastomeric material or other materials that form the elasticized waistband, such as the first layer of substrate 306 and/or the second substrate layer 308, may be non-uniform. For example, differential extensibility can be achieved in selected adjacent portions of elasticized side panel 330 using elastomeric materials that have different strengths of extension or contraction, Modulus of Section, or other inherent properties such that a more or less (variable) extensibility ) side is achieved in one portion of the elasticized side panel 330 than in the adjacent portion. Elastomeric materials can also have different lengths, sizes, shapes that provide differential extensibility. Other ways of modifying the properties of the materials that form the elasticized side panel 330, as are known in the art, can also be used. Differential extensibility can be achieved by making use of multiple elastic bundles to supply elastics having different types of material, decitex, stretch, spacing, etc.

[0316] The elasticized side panel 330 may be formed of an elastomeric laminate comprising a first layer of substrate 306 and a layer of second substrate 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from one single batt that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. In some side panel 330 configurations, the elastic material disposed in the waistband 330 may comprise a plurality of elastic strands 316.

[0317] The absorbent article may comprise side panels 330 disposed in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. In such embodiments, the side panels 330 in the front waist region 36 and the side panels 330 in the rear waist region 38 may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic, for example one bundle may form the side panels 330 in the front waist region 36 and a second bundle may form the side panels 330 in the rear waist region 38, whereby the separate bundles may comprise a different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics having different pre-stretch. The resulting side panels 330 in the front and back waist regions 36 and 38 created from such a multi-bundle approach can have different texture, cloth-like appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength.

[0318] One or more of the Average Dtex, the Average Yarn Spacing, the Average Pre-Stretch, the basis weight of the nonwoven and/or the texture of the nonwoven of the side panels 330 can be identical or substantially identical to one or more more of chassis 200, waist straps 122, non-elastomeric flap panel 540, inner leg brace, outer leg brace, top layer 124 and bottom layer 125.

WAISTBAND

[0319] The waistband 430 (front waistband 430F and back waistband 430B) disposed over a waistband pants 400 may comprise an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434 and an elastomeric material disposed therebetween. The inner and outer nonwoven layers 432 and 434 may be joined together using adhesives, heat bonds, press fit or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable waistband configurations can be found in US Publication No. 2013-0211363.

[0320] A waistband pants 400 may comprise a first elastomeric waistband 430 that extends out of a first end edge, for example rear end edge 238, of the chassis 200 and a longitudinally opposite elastomeric waistband 430 that extends to outside a second longitudinally opposite end edge, for example, front end edge 236 of chassis 200. The longitudinally distal edge of the first elastomeric waistband and the longitudinally distal edge of the second elastomeric waistband may form a portion of a waist opening 190 (for example, 438 illustrated in Figures 12 to 14).

[0321] The absorbent article 100 may comprise a first waistband 430 disposed in a first waist region, for example the anterior waist region 36, and a second waistband 430 disposed in a second longitudinally opposite waist region, for example the hip region. rear waistband 38, one waistband having a longitudinally greater length than the longitudinally opposite waistband as measured along side edge 437 of waistband 430 at or adjacent to side seam 170.

[0322] A pants with an absorbent waistband 400 may comprise a first elastomeric waistband 430 and a second elastomeric waistband 430 that are distinct from one another. Each waistband may comprise an inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434, the inner waistband layer 432 in the first waistband 430 being separated by a gap from the inner waistband layer 432 in the second waistband 430 and the outer waistband layer 434 on the first waistband 430 is separated by a gap from the outer waistband layer 434 on the second waistband 430 (see Figures 11, 12 and 13A).

[0323] Alternatively, a pants with an absorbent waistband 400 may comprise a first elastomeric waistband 430 in a first waist region and a second elastomeric waistband 430 in a second waist region, each of the waistbands 430 may comprise a layer of waistband inner waistband layer 432 and an outer waistband layer 434, one or both of the inner waistband layer 432 and outer waistband layer 434 forming(s) a common waistband layer extending from a first waist region to a second waist region forming a portion of the first waistband 430 and a portion of the second waistband 430 (see Figures 13B and 14B.). The common layer may extend from a first waist edge, for example the front waist edge 136 to a second longitudinally opposite waist edge, for example the back waist edge 138 of the article 100.

[0324] Waistband 430 may include slits, holes, slits or perforations that provide increased breathability and air permeability, softness and garment-like texture (see Figures 4A and 4B) - these slits, holes, slits or perforations may also extend through one or more layers of waistband 430. The undergarment-like appearance can be improved by substantially lining up the waist edge, i.e., the longitudinally distal edge 438 (which may be a tucked edge) and/or leg edge, i.e., the longitudinally proximal edge 436 (which may be a folded or cut edge) of the first and second waistband 430 of the pant with waistband 400 providing a smooth waist opening 190 and smooth leg openings 192 as illustrated in Figure 35.

[0325] One or both of the waistband 430 on the waistband pants 400 may comprise waistband graphics 499. The waistband graphics 499 can extend substantially around the entire circumference of the pants with waistband 400. The waistband graphics 499 can extend around the circumference at least about 180 degrees or at least about 225 degrees or at least about of 270 degrees. The waistband (or color scheme) graphics 499 on the waistband 430 may be substantially aligned with chassis graphics 299 disposed on chassis 200 and/or may form a composite graphic element or graphic experience.

[0326] In some embodiments, the absorbent article 100 may have a first elasticized waistband 430 and/or a second elasticized waistband 430 that may comprise curved contours. For example, the laterally extending inner edges, the leg edge 436, of the first and/or second elasticated waistband 430 may include non-linear or curved portions (see Figure 9). Such curved contours can help define desired shapes for the leg opening 192, such as relatively rounded leg openings. In addition to having curved contours, the elasticized waistband 430 can include elastic cords 316 that extend along non-linear or curved paths that can correspond with the curved contours of the leg edge 436.

[0327] The elasticized waistband 430 may comprise a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 can be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 can be formed from a single batt that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. In some configurations of the waistband 430, the elastic material disposed in the waistband 430 may comprise a plurality of elastic strands 316.

[0328] The absorbent article may comprise waistband 430 disposed in both the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. In such embodiments, the waistband 430 in the front waist region 36 and the waistband 430 in the back waist region 38 may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic, for example one bundle may form at least a portion of the waistband 430 in the front waist region 36 and a second bundle may form at least a portion of the waistband 430 in the back waist region 38, with the separate bundles may comprise a different composition of elastic, different number of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles may be arranged at different spacings and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics having different pre-stretch. The resulting waistband 430 in front and back waist regions 36 and 38 created from such a multi-bundle approach may have different texture, fabric-like appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength.

[0329] The waistband 430 can also be provided with differential extensibility along the longitudinal geometric axis when extended in the lateral direction. As used in the present invention, the term "differential extensibility" refers to a non-uniform degree of elastic extension properties, as measured in the direction of stretch at various points along an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of stretch. This may, for example, include varying the elastic type, elastic spacing, elastic modulus or prestretching of the elastomeric material. Differential extensibility is preferably designed into the elasticized waistband 430 such that the lateral extensibility varies longitudinally through at least a portion of the elasticized waistband 430. Differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis, when extended in the lateral direction, is believed to allow the elasticized waistband 430 to differentially stretch and conform to the wearer's waist during wear while providing a secure anchor (illustrated by areas or zones of anterior anchoring force 61A and posterior anchoring force 61B in Figures 17 to 19 and 21A and B), around the wearer's hip in order to promote a supportive fit and reduce leakage at the waist and legs. Such a configuration may allow for more "expansion" in the hip area to accommodate changes in the wearer's body size as the wearer moves and changes positions (standing, sitting, lying down). Alternatively, a reduced degree of lateral extensibility in the portion of the elasticized waistband 430 adjacent to the end edge of the diaper requires more of the full extent to be assumed by the elasticized waistband 430, thereby resulting in more localized stretching of the elasticized waistband 430 and more pliable abdominal fit . The waistbands having elastic as described in this section above allow for greater zones of anchorage of Section Module 61A and 61B than was previously possible due to the significantly lower pressure on the skin made possible by the low decitex stretch materials, low pre-stretch and tight elastic spacing of the elastomeric laminate of the invention 302. Concentrated zones of elastics (relative adjacent areas) are also illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, 8 and 9. It should also be noted that a portion or all of the elastics disposed within the waistband 430 may extend continuously from a first side edge 437 of the waistband to the laterally opposite side edge 437 of the waistband 430, while other elastics disposed on the waistband 430 may be arranged discontinuously, with elastic portions disposed laterally outward from the chassis 200 between the edge of the chassis 237 and the side edge 437 of the waistband, but without substantially overlapping the chassis 200.

[0330] Differential extensibility can be achieved in several different ways. The elasticized waistband 430 can comprise a variety of elastomeric materials, multiple configurations of the elastomeric materials (elastic spacing), or the extension (pre-stretch) properties of the elastomeric material or other materials that form the elasticized waistband, such as the first substrate layer 306 and/or the second substrate layer 308, may be non-uniform. For example, differential extensibility can be achieved in selected adjacent portions of the elasticized waistband 430 using elastomeric materials that have varying extension or contraction strengths, Modulus of Section, or other inherent properties such that a more or less (variable) extensibility side is achieved in one portion of the elasticized waistband 430 than in the adjacent portion. Elastomeric materials can also have different lengths, sizes, shapes that provide differential extensibility. Other ways of varying the properties of the materials that form the elasticized waistband 430 as are known in the art can also be used. Differential extensibility can be achieved by making use of multiple elastic bundles to supply elastics having different types of material, decitex, stretch, spacing, etc.

[0331] One or more of the Average Dtex, the Average Yarn Spacing, the Average Pre-Stretch, the basis weight of the nonwoven and/or the texture of the nonwoven of the waistband 430 can be identical or substantially identical to one or more among the chassis 200, the waist straps 122, the inner leg brace 150, the outer leg brace 140, the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125.

[0332] As shown in Figure 9, the absorbent article 100 may comprise waistband 430F and B comprising a first plurality of elastics 316a adjacent waist end edges 136 and 138, a third plurality of elastics 316c adjacent leg edges 436F and B, and a second plurality of elastics between the first and third elastics 316a and c. It may be desirable to bend the plurality of elastics 316 a, b, and/or c. Figure 9 illustrates the third plurality of elastics of each of the front and rear waistband 430F and B. The waistband 430 may also comprise a fourth plurality of elastic elements (eg, 316d disposed on the front waistband 430F).

FLIP PANELS

[0333] The tape-taped absorbent articles 500 may comprise a first elastomeric flap panel 530 extending outward from a first side edge 237 of the chassis 200 and a second laterally opposite elastomeric flap panel 530 extending outward from a from a laterally opposite second side edge 237 of the chassis 200. The tape diaper 500 may comprise a chassis 200 having a longitudinally distal edge, e.g. rear end edge 238, disposed in a first waist region, e.g. rear waistband 38. The longitudinally distal edge of the chassis 200 and the longitudinally distal end edges 538 of the laterally opposite first elastomeric flap panel 530 and the second elastomeric flap panel 530 form a portion of a waistband edge, e.g., the waist edge. of the back waistband 138 of the taped diaper 500. The proximal longitudinal end edges 536 of the laterally opposed elastomeric flap panels 530 will form portions of the leg openings when the article is closed around the wearer.

[0334] The tape diaper 500 may also comprise non-elastomeric flap panels 540 that may be combined with an elastomeric waist band 122 to create an elasticized waist opening 190. The non-elastomeric flap panels 540 may be rectangular or may be rectangular. be shaped, substantially non-rectangular. Flap panels can be in one or both waist regions and can be separate and attached to chassis 200 along side edges 237 or, alternatively, can be integral and formed, in part, by a portion of one or more of the bottom layer 125, top layer 124, leg cuff 140, or contact zone. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric flap panels 530 or the non-elastomeric flap panels 540 of the tape diaper 500 may comprise one or more distinct visually textured zones.

[0335] One or more of the elastomeric flap panels 530 of the tape diaper 500 may comprise a flap graphic 599 disposed thereover. One or more of the elastomeric tab panels 530 comprises a tab graphic 599 and the chassis 200 comprises a chassis graphic 299. In certain embodiments, the tab graphic 599 disposed over the elastomeric tab panel 530 and the chassis graphic 299 disposed on chassis 200 may be substantially aligned and/or may form a composite graphic element.

[0336] The elastomeric flap panels 530 can overlap a portion of the chassis 200 and can be arranged between layers of the chassis 200, for example, between the bottom layer 125 and the outer leg brace 140, or between the bottom layer 125 and topsheet 124 or may be disposed on inner surface 202 or outer surface 204 of chassis 200. Elastomeric flap panels 530 may be bonded to chassis 200 adhesively, mechanically, thermally, or by combinations thereof.

[0337] The elastomeric flap panels 530 can be separate elements attached to the chassis 200 at or adjacent to the side edges 237 of the chassis 200. Alternatively, the elastomeric flap panels 530 can be integral to the chassis 200, that is, formed in part , by one or more of the backsheet nonwoven, backsheet film, outer cuff material, topsheet and core wrap. The flap panels can be elastomeric or they can be non-elastomeric.

[0338] The elasticized flap panels 530 may comprise a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, arranged between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web of material that is folded to form first substrate layer 306 and second substrate layer 308. In some configurations of elastomeric flap panels 530, the elastic material disposed in flap panels 530 may comprise a plurality of elastic strands 316.

[0339] The elasticized flap panels 530 can also be provided with differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis 42 when extended in the lateral direction. As used in the present invention, the term "differential extensibility" refers to a non-uniform degree of elastic extension properties, as measured in the direction of stretch at various points along an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of stretch. This may, for example, include varying the elastic type, elastic spacing, elastic modulus or prestretching of the elastomeric material. Differential extensibility is preferably designed into the elasticized flap panel 530 such that the lateral extensibility varies longitudinally across at least a portion of the elasticized flap.

[0340] Differential extensibility can be achieved in several different ways. The elasticized flap panel 530 can comprise a variety of elastomeric materials, multiple configurations of the elastomeric materials (elastic spacing), or the stretch (pre-stretch) properties of the elastomeric material or other materials that make up the elasticized flap panel 530, such as the first substrate layer 306 and/or the second substrate layer 308 may be non-uniform. For example, differential extensibility can be achieved in selected adjacent portions of elasticized flap panel 530 using elastomeric materials that have different strengths of extension or contraction, Modulus of Section, or other inherent properties such that a more or less extensibility ( variable) side is achieved in one portion of the elasticized flap panel 530 than in the adjacent portion. Elastomeric materials can also have different lengths, sizes, shapes that provide differential extensibility. Other ways of modifying the properties of the materials that form the elasticized flap panels 530, as are known in the art, can also be used. Differential extensibility can be achieved by making use of multiple elastic bundles to supply elastics having different types of material, decitex, stretch, spacing, etc.

[0341] One or more of the Average Dtex, the Average Yarn Spacing, the Average Pre-Stretch, the basis weight of the nonwoven and/or the texture of the nonwoven of the elasticized flap panels 530 can be identical or substantially identical to one or more of the chassis 200, waist straps 122, non-elastomeric flap panels 540, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140, topsheet 124, and backsheet 125.

[0342] As illustrated in Figures 8A and B, 9 and 19, one or more of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the elastomeric flap panel 530, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, and the chassis 200 can comprising a plurality of elastic regions, wherein a first elastic region may comprise a first plurality of elastics 316a disposed relative to one another at a first Medium Yarn Spacing, and a second elastic region comprising a second plurality of elastics 316b disposed one at a time. to each other in a second Medium Yarn Spacing, with the second Medium Yarn Spacing being at least 2 times greater than the first Medium Yarn Spacing, at least 6 times greater and, in certain embodiments, at least 12 times greater. In some embodiments, the first elastic region and the second elastic region may be disposed in an adjacent side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, the first elastic region and the second elastic region may be arranged in an overlapping relationship, with at least a portion of one region overlapping the other region. In other embodiments, the first region and the second region may be separated by an unstretched region, the unstretched region having a width, as measured from the last elastic of the first region to the first elastic of the second region, of at least at least about 5 times the first Medium Wire Spacing, at least 10 times the first Medium Wire Spacing and, in some embodiments, at least 20 times the first Medium Wire Spacing.

CHASSIS

[0343]Reference to chassis 200 is generically made above. It should be further understood that the chassis 200 may be elasticized 200, so that the chassis comprises a first layer of substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308 and may also comprise an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and the second substrate layers 306 and 308. For example, a plurality of elastics 316 can be disposed on the chassis 200 out of the bottom layer film 126, laterally and/or longitudinally as illustrated in Figures 58 to 69, for example between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127. The first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web that is folded to form the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. In some chassis 200 configurations, the elastic material disposed on the chassis may comprise a plurality of elastics 316.

[0344] More specifically, the chassis 200 may comprise elastics 316 that do not overlap the elastics 316 of the flap panels 530, side panels 330 or waistband 430 (see Figures 61A, 63, 65, 67 and 68). Alternatively, the elastics 316 of the chassis can overlap the elastics 316 of the waistband, as shown in Figure 64. The elastics 316 of the chassis 200 can be formed from multiple bundles of elastics, for example, one bundle can form at least a portion of the elastics 316 of the chassis and a second bundle may form at least one further portion of the elastics 316 of the chassis, the separate bundles may comprise a different elastic composition, different numbers of elastics, the bundles may have elastics having different decitex, the elastics of the two bundles can be arranged at different spacings and/or the separate bundles can provide elastics having different pre-stretch (pre-strains). The resulting portion of chassis elastics created from such a multi-bundle approach may have different texture, garment-like appearance, Section Modulus and/or different strength. For example, the chassis elastics may be longitudinally oriented (316') on either end of the laterally oriented elastics (316") illustrated by Figure 64 may be formed of different bundles.

[0345] The laterally oriented chassis elastics (316'') illustrated in Figures 63, 64, and 65 can be formed between an additional nonwoven 800 adhered to the side facing the garment of the lower layer nonwoven 127 (see Figures 60, 62B, and 69). It may be desirable to minimize the overlap of the additional nonwoven 800 with the waistband nonwovens such that the overlap is no greater than 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm on each end edge of the additional nonwoven 800. Alternatively, the longitudinally oriented chassis elastics 316 illustrated in Figures 58, 60 and 61 may be disposed between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127.

[0346] The chassis can be formatted or non-rectangular in a waist region and substantially rectangular in the opposite waist region. Alternatively, the chassis may be substantially rectangular in one or both of the waist regions and non-rectangular in the region between the thighs.

[0347] As shown in Figure 66B, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, the elastic elements being present in a first region of the waist, in the region between the thighs and in the second region opposite waist, and provided that the maximum displacement between any pair of adjacent, laterally extending elastics measured parallel to the longitudinal axis may be less than 75 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm and less than 3 mm.

[0348] A body-worn article of the present disclosure may comprise one or more elastomeric laminates 302 having a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, the one or more elastomeric laminates 302 may be present in a first region of the waist, mid-thigh region 37 and/or opposite second waist region and wherein the elastomeric laminate 302 disposed in one or both of the first and second waist regions may comprise a first plurality of elastics 316 having one or more of a greater Average Dtex, a greater Average Pre-Stretch, and a smaller Average Thread Spacing than the second plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 disposed in the region between the thighs ("hook") 37. body may comprise one or more elastomeric laminates 302 having a first plurality of elastics 316, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 comprising from about 100 to about 1500 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%, and a first substrate 306 and/or second substrate 308, being that one or both of the first and second substrates have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter.

[0349] In an alternative embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125, the backsheet 125 comprises a film backsheet 126 and a nonwoven backsheet 127. The backsheet is formed at least in part of an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second layer of substrate 308. The first plurality of elastics 316 comprise more than about 10 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of about 0.5 to about 5 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, and a Pre -Average Stretch from 75% to about 350% and being disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42. The backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127 may form one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second layer. second substrate layer 308. In other words, the first plurality of elastics 316 may be disposed between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127. The absorbent article 100 also comprises at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a flap panel 530, a side panel 330, a waistband 122, an inner leg brace 150 and an outer leg brace 140 joined to the chassis 200. The waistband 430, the flap panel 530, side panel 330 and waistband 122, when present, may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a second plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and being disposed substantially parallel to the axis side geometry 44. The second plurality of elastics 316 may comprise more than 40 elastics with an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 4mm and an Average Prestretch of 75% to about 300%. In embodiments in which the chassis comprises laterally opposing inner leg braces 150 and/or outer leg braces 140, each of the braces may comprise at least 6 elastic strands disposed substantially parallel to the first plurality of elastics 316 and having a spacing between them. Average Yarn less than about 3 mm and an Average Pre-Stretch of between about 75% and 300%. In certain embodiments, a portion of the first plurality of elastics 316a may overlap a portion of the second plurality of elastics 316b. The first plurality of elastics 316a may have one or more of: a) an Average Thread Spacing that is greater than the second plurality of elastics, b) an Average Dtex that is less than the second plurality of elastics 316b, c) a Pre- Average Stretch that is less than the second plurality of elastics 316b and d) a number of elastics that is less than the second plurality of elastics. A portion of the first plurality of elastics 316a may be arranged in an arcuate shape or may be arranged at an angle to one or both of the longitudinal axis 42 and the lateral axis 44. A portion of the second plurality of elastics 316b may be arranged in an arched shape or may be arranged at an angle to one or both of the longitudinal axis 42 and the lateral axis 44.

[0350] In yet another embodiment, an extensible article may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 formed by a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and a first plurality of elastics 316a, a second plurality of elastics 316b and a third a plurality of elastics 316c disposed between the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. The first plurality of elastics 316a may be disposed in a first waist region, the second plurality of elastics 316b may be disposed in a second waist region. waist and a third plurality of elastics 316c may be disposed in a region between the thighs ("hook"). The first plurality of elastics 316a can comprise more than about 40 elastic strands, the second plurality of elastics 316b can comprise more than about 40 elastic strands, and the third plurality of elastics 316c can comprise more than about 10 elastic strands. One or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b, and the third plurality of elastics 316c may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm. The Average Dtex of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 10 to about 500. The Average Prestretch of one or more of the first the plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 75% to about 300%. The elastic strands of each of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b, and the third plurality of elastics 316c are disposed substantially parallel to a lateral axis 44. The Thread Pressure of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 0.1 to about 1.0 psi. One or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 can have a basis weight of between about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The third plurality of elastics 316c may have one or more of: a) an Average Thread Spacing that is greater than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, b) an Average Dtex that is less than that one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, c) an Average Pre-Stretch that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, and d) a number of elastics that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b.

[0351] In an alternative embodiment, an extensible article may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 formed by a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and a first plurality of elastics 316a, a second plurality of elastics 316b and a third plurality of elastics 316c disposed between the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. The first plurality of elastics 316a may be disposed in a first waist region, the second plurality of elastics 316b may be disposed in a second waist region and a third plurality of elastics 316c may be disposed in a region between the thighs ("hook"). The first plurality of elastics 316a can comprise from about 100 to about 600 elastic strands, the second plurality of elastics 316b can comprise from about 100 to about 600 elastic strands, and the third plurality of elastics 316c can comprise from about 20 to about 200 elastic threads. One or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b, and the third plurality of elastics 316c may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. The Average Dtex of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 30 to about 250. The Average Prestretch of one or more of the first the plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 75% to about 300%. The elastic strands of each of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b, and the third plurality of elastics 316c are disposed substantially parallel to a lateral axis 44. In an alternative embodiment, the third plurality of elastics 316c may be disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42. The Wire Pressure of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 0.2 to about 0 .8 psi. One or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 can have a basis weight of between about 6 grams per square meter to about 25 grams per square meter. The third plurality of elastics 316c may have one or more of: a) an Average Thread Spacing that is greater than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, b) an Average Dtex that is less than that one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, c) an Average Pre-Stretch that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, and d) a number of elastics that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b.

[0352] In yet another embodiment, an extensible article may comprise one or more elastomeric laminates 302 formed by a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and a first plurality of elastics 316a, a second plurality of elastics 316b and a third plurality of elastics 316c disposed between the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308. The first plurality of elastics 316a may be disposed in a first waist region, the second plurality of elastics 316b may be disposed in a second waist region and a third plurality of elastics 316c may be disposed in a region between the thighs ("hook"). The first plurality of elastics form a back waistband 430B, the second plurality of elastics form a front waistband 430F, and the third plurality of elastics form an extensible crotch region. The first plurality of elastics 316a can comprise more than about 40 elastic strands, the second plurality of elastics 316b can comprise more than about 40 elastic strands, and the third plurality of elastics 316c can comprise more than about 10 elastic strands. One or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b, and the third plurality of elastics 316c may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm. The Average Dtex of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 10 to about 500. The Average Prestretch of one or more of the first the plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 75% to about 300%. The elastic threads of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, second plurality of elastics 316b, and third plurality of elastics 316c are disposed substantially parallel to a lateral axis 44. The Thread Pressure of one or more of the first plurality of elastics 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b and the third plurality of elastics 316c is from about 0.1 to about 1.0 psi. One or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 can have a basis weight of between about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The third plurality of elastics 316c may have one or more of: a) an Average Thread Spacing that is greater than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, b) an Average Dtex that is less than that one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, c) an Average Pre-Stretch that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b, and d) a number of elastics that is less than one or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b.

HOOK-WAIST RATIO

[0353]A key benefit of the Product's Hook-Waist Ratio being closer to the Body's Hook-Waist Ratio and being designed to change according to body weight is that the product itself better matches the body shape. In this way, the product is deformed to a significantly lesser extent during application than a product generically designed to fit a greater diversity, as illustrated by current marketed products. It also results in a product fit that is more tailored to the body shape, providing a more effective seal and less unwanted material on the horse. Additionally, product designs that mimic the general body shape convey to consumers a better, more personalized fit, as Product Hook-to-Waist Ratios are more similar to consumers' Body Hook-to-Waist Ratios. The designs enabled by the present disclosure are more design driven and consequently provide a higher level of fit, seal, comfort and discretion.

[0354] Desirably, an absorbent article should be designed and sized to maintain contact and conform as closely as possible to a user's body. Such a body-conforming design can increase the effectiveness of the absorbent article for adults by reducing the possibility that urine, or the like, will spread or travel through the wearer's body and leak out, rather than being absorbed by the absorbent article. However, current bundled absorbent articles on the market do not adequately address body shape or product shape and therefore do not adequately fit a wide range of wearers or provide the desired level of fit.

[0355] It may be desirable to link the Hook-Waist Ratio of the Product to the Hook-Waist Ratio of the target consumers' Body in order to obtain a better fit, better conformation and better sealing of the product. This can increase user comfort for each consumer while reducing leakage.

[0356] In order to provide enough pressure on the body, which is necessary for a good fit, closed-fit pant products currently on the market that comprise elastic threads for the waistband tend to have a narrower Product Relaxed Waist Width . This is due to their yarn spacing and yarn decitex, which results in a relatively low modulus which therefore requires more stretch to provide the required pressure. To achieve this stretch in greater use through greater stretching, which results in their relaxed waists being significantly smaller than the user's body.

[0357] An important benefit of the present disclosure is that the elastic laminates provide sufficient wear pressure necessary for a good fit without the amount of pre-stretch required in the bundled, closed-form pant-type articles currently marketed. This results in closed-fit pant-type articles that have a Product Relaxed Waist Width that is closer to the Body Waist Width.

[0358] Figure 96 shows how the Product Hook-Waist Ratio of these products compares to the Body Hook-Waist Ratio. It can be seen that for these comparative products, their Product Hook-Waist Ratios do not match those of their target consumers. The result of this disparity is that products provide a lower level of fit, comfort, coverage and seal across the consumer population than products that are designed in line with anthropometric measurements across the same population.

[0359] The table below illustrates products with bundles of the invention, whose Product Hook-Waist Ratios correspond to the trends of consumers for whom they are directed, thus providing better fit and comfort and reduced risk of leakage. These products of the invention are provided simply as non-limiting examples.

[0360]"Waist Width" is defined as the width of the body measured horizontally in front of the body at the center of the umbilicus (center of the navel). See Figure 94.

[0361]"Hook Length" means the vertical distance from the navel to the maximum depth of the horse, determined by the maximum depth of the horse within the sagittal plane. See Figure 94.

[0362]"Body Hook-Waist Ratio" means Hook Length (mm) divided by Waist Width (mm). See Figure 94.

[0363] "Product Relaxed Hook" means the longitudinal distance between the most distal longitudinal point in the region between the thighs and the most distal longitudinal point along the edge of the anterior waist. The longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product. See Figure 86.

[0364]"Product Relaxed Waist Width" means the lateral distance from the most distal point on the right side of the front waist edge to the most distal point on the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. See Figure 86.

[0365] "Product Hook-Waist Ratio" means the Product Relaxed Hook Length (600) (mm) divided by the Product Relaxed Hip Width (601) (mm). See Figure 86.

[0366] A product size range is communicated to consumers by a weight range and/or a waist band printed on the package. For products recommended by weight range, a Target Weight is the average of the minimum and maximum recommended weights.

[0367]For many adult incontinence products, only a waistline recommendation is provided. For these products, a Target Weight can still be determined by calculating the Average Weight at the minimum and maximum recommended waistlines. Figure 88 shows this relationship and calculation.

[0368]Figure 95 shows how the Body Hook-Waist Ratio changes with weight. For newborns, even when they start to walk, they tend to have bigger waists. This results in a higher Body Hook-Waist Ratio. As babies begin to walk, and grow through childhood and adulthood, their waists, on average, do not grow as fast as their body lengths, resulting in increased Body Hook-Waist Ratios. In adulthood and as consumers age, their waist ratios again increase without a corresponding increase in hook height, thus decreasing Body Hook-to-Waist Ratios. At each stage of development, the Product's Hook-to-Waist Ratio would need to be different to accommodate different body shapes.

[0369]A Target Body Hook-Waist Ratio can be approximated, as shown in Figure 95, by fitting the curve of the population's Body Hook-Waist Ratio as a function of body weight. This approximation is: Body Hook-Waist Ratio, Target = a + b*w +c/w +d*wA2 +e/wA2 + f*wA3 + g/wA3 Where: w=weight in kg a = 1.401979E+ 00 b = -9.012608E-03 c = -1.086641E+01 d = 7.314561E-06 e = 5.678403E+01 f = 6.589002E-08 g = -9.152613E+01

[0370] The closer the Product's Hook-Waist Ratio is to the Body's Hook-Waist Ratio, the better the fit and sealing of this product will be. Product hook-to-waist ratio examples for products with existing bundles Examples of length/waist ratio of products of the invention

HIP-WAIST RATIO

[0371] One of the key benefits of having Product Relaxed Waist Width, Product Relaxed Hip Width, and Product Relaxed Crop Width (defined below) relatively equal to each other is that they combine to create a more rectangular packaging, more uniform and therefore more stable. Absorbent articles are generally distributed to consumers in packs of multiple stacked articles, as illustrated in Figure 105. The more dimensionally rectangular the articles (see Figure 97), particularly at the distal lateral and longitudinal edges, the greater the uniformity and stability of the package . Package stability is further enhanced if the distal side edges are approximately parallel to each other and the longitudinal side edges are approximately parallel to each other. This creates a generally rectangular shape, allowing for better package stability, which allows for greater ease of transport and storage (for example, on trucks and on store shelves). For adult incontinence pads, due to their larger overall dimensions, the Product Waist-to-Hook Ratio can be from about 0.8 to about 2.8. This even facilitates stable rectangular packaging without the need for a Product Relaxed Hook Width that is too large relative to the user's size.

[0372] In various embodiments, the absorbent article 100 comprises a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The absorbent article 100 also comprises a waistband rear waistband region 430B joined to the rear waistband region 38 of the frame 200 and extending outwardly from the back waistband region 38 of the frame 200. The article also comprises a front waistband 430F joined to the front waistband region 36 of the frame 200 and extending outward from the front waistband region 36 of the chassis 200. The front waistband 430F may be joined to the back waistband 430B at or adjacent the edges of the laterally opposing side waistbands 437 to form leg openings 192 and a waist opening 190 to form a closed form pants 400. The back waistband 430B having a first plurality of elastics 316a comprises more than about 40 elastic strands and the front waistband 430F having a second plurality of elastics 316b comprises more than about 40 elastic strands. The first plurality of elastics 316a have an Average Thread Spacing of less than about 4 mm. The second plurality of elastics 316b have an Average Thread Spacing of less than about 4 mm. One or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and second plurality of elastics 316b have an overlying portion of the absorbent core 128. The absorbent article 100 has a Product Hip-to-Waist Ratio of about 0.8 to about 1, 1, alternatively from about 0.9 to about 1.0. The absorbent article 100 may have a Product Waist-to-Hook Ratio that is from about 0.8 to about 2.0, alternatively, from about 0.9 to about 1.5, in another embodiment the Waist-to-Hook Ratio. Product Hook can be from about 1.2 to about 1.35. The absorbent article may also have a Product Relaxed Waist Width of from about 80mm to about 270mm, alternatively from about 170mm to about 270mm and in other embodiments from about 80mm to about 180mm in. The absorbent article may also have a Product Relaxed Hip Width of from about 80 mm to about 300 mm, alternatively from about 80 mm to about 200 mm. The absorbent article may also have a Relaxed Product Hook Length of from about 200 mm to about 300 mm.

[0373] The posterior waistband 430B can be divided into 4 equal sections, the first section, Section 1, including the most distal elastic, the fourth section, Section 4, including the most proximal elastic, the second section, Section 2, is arranged adjacent to the first section, and the third section, Section 3, is arranged between the second section and the fourth section, Section 4. The front waistband 430F can also be divided into 4 equal sections, the first section, Section 1, including the most distal elastic, the fourth section, Section 4, including the most proximal elastic, the second section, Section 2, is placed adjacent to the first section, and the third section, Section 3, is placed between the second section and the fourth section, Section 4. One or more of the sections forming the 430F front waistband may have a different Section Modulus than the remaining sections of the 430F front waistband. One or more of the sections forming the back waistband 430B may have a different Section Module than the remaining sections of the front waistband 430B. Alternatively, one or more of the sections forming front waistband 430F may have a different Section Modulus than one or more of the sections forming back waistband 430B

[0374] The back waistband 430B and the front waistband 430F can both be formed at least in part by an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first layer of substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308 and a plurality of elastics disposed between the first and the second substrate layers 306 and 308. One or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the back waistband 430B and one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the front waistband 43F are separated and spaced from each other. Alternatively, one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the back waistband 430B and one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the front waistband 43F are continuous and extend from the first waist edge to the opposite longitudinally second waist edge. The elastomeric laminate may also comprise an adhesive bonding the first substrate layer 306 and/or the second substrate layer 308 to the plurality of elastics 316. The adhesive may be selected from the group consisting of styrenic, polyolefin, ethylene block copolymers -vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, polyolefin block polymers, polyolefin homopolymers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, cyanoacrylics, acrylics, butyl rubber and combinations thereof.

[0375] In certain embodiments, one of the sections in the front waistband 430F may comprise more elastics than one or more of the remaining sections of the front waistband 430F and one of the sections in the back waistband 430B may comprise more elastics than one or more of the remaining sections of the waistband rear 430B. The front waistband 430F can have at least one section comprising more than 10 elastics and the elastic back waistband 430B can have at least two sections comprising more than 10 elastics. The front waistband 430F can have at least two sections having an Average Wire Spacing less than about 3 mm and the back waistband 430B can have at least three sections having an Average Wire Spacing less than about 3 mm.

[0376] In another example of an absorbent article 100, the absorbent article comprises a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The article The absorbent 100 also comprises a back waistband 430B joined to the back waistband region 38 of the chassis 200 and extending outwardly from the back waistband region 38 of the chassis 200. The article also comprises a front waistband region 430F joined to the front waistband region 36 of the chassis 200. chassis 200 and extending outwardly from the front waistband region 36 of the chassis 200. The front waistband 430F may be joined to the back waistband 430B at or adjacent the edges of the laterally opposing side waistbands 437 to form leg openings 192 and an opening to the waist 190 to form a closed-fit pant 400. The back waistband 430B having a first plurality of elastics 316a comprises more than about 40 elastic strands and the front waistband 430F having a second plurality of elastics 316b comprises more than about 40 elastic threads. The first plurality of elastics 316a have an Average Thread Spacing of less than about 4 mm. The second plurality of elastics 316b have an Average Thread Spacing of less than about 4 mm. One or both of the first plurality of elastics 316a and second plurality of elastics 316b have an overlying portion of the absorbent core 128. The absorbent article 100 has a Product Hip-to-Waist Ratio of about 0.8 to about 1, 1, alternatively from about 0.9 to about 1.1. The absorbent article 100 can have a Product Waist-to-Hook Ratio that is from about 0.8 to about 2.8, alternatively, from about 0.8 to about 2.5, in another embodiment the Waist-to-Hook Ratio. Product Hook can be from about 0.8 to about 2.0. The absorbent article may also have a Product Relaxed Waist Width of from about 200 mm to about 400 mm, and alternatively from about 225 mm to about 375 mm and in other embodiments from about 250 mm to about 350 mm. . The absorbent article may also have a Product Relaxed Hip Width of from about 200 mm to about 450 mm, and alternatively from about 225 mm to about 425 mm, and in other embodiments the Product Relaxed Hip Width may be from about 250mm to about 400mm. The absorbent article may also have a Relaxed Product Length of from about 250mm to about 450mm, alternatively from about 275mm to about 425mm, in yet another embodiment the Relaxed Product Length can be from about 300mm to about 450mm. about 400 mm.

[0377] The posterior waistband 430B can be divided into 4 equal sections, the first section, Section 1, including the most distal elastic, the fourth section, Section 4, including the most proximal elastic, the second section, Section 2, is arranged adjacent to the first section, and the third section, Section 3, is arranged between the second section and the fourth section, Section 4. The front waistband 430F can also be divided into 4 equal sections, the first section, Section 1, including the most distal elastic, the fourth section, Section 4, including the most proximal elastic, the second section, Section 2, is placed adjacent to the first section, and the third section, Section 3, is placed between the second section and the fourth section, Section 4. One or more of the sections forming the 430F front waistband may have a different Section Modulus than the remaining sections of the 430F front waistband. One or more of the sections forming the back waistband 430B may have a different Section Module than the remaining sections of the front waistband 430B. Alternatively, one or more of the sections forming front waistband 430F may have a different Section Modulus than one or more of the sections forming back waistband 430B

[0378] The back waistband 430B and the front waistband 430F can both be formed at least in part by an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first layer of substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308 and a plurality of elastics disposed between the first and the second substrate layers 306 and 308. One or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the back waistband 430B and one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the front waistband 43F are separated and spaced from each other. Alternatively, one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the back waistband 430B and one or both of the first and second substrates 306 and 308 forming at least a portion of the front waistband 43F are continuous and extend from the first waist edge to the opposite longitudinally second waist edge. The elastomeric laminate may also comprise an adhesive bonding the first substrate layer 306 and/or the second substrate layer 308 to the plurality of elastics 316. The adhesive may be selected from the group consisting of styrenic, polyolefin, ethylene block copolymers -vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, polyolefin block polymers, polyolefin homopolymers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, cyanoacrylics, acrylics, butyl rubber and combinations thereof.

[0379] In certain embodiments, one of the sections in the front waistband 430F may comprise more elastics than one or more of the remaining sections of the front waistband 430F and one of the sections in the back waistband 430B may comprise more elastics than one or more of the remaining sections of the waistband rear 430B. The front waistband 430F can have at least one section comprising more than 20 elastics, alternatively more than 40, and the back waistband 430B can have at least two sections comprising more than 20 elastics, alternatively more than 40 elastics. The front waistband 430F can have at least two sections having an Average Wire Spacing less than about 3 mm and the back waistband 430B can have at least three sections having an Average Wire Spacing less than about 3 mm. Product hip-to-waist and product waist-to-crotch examples for products with existing bundles

FIXING SYSTEMS

[0380] The absorbent article 100 may also include a fastening system 179. When closed, the fastening system 179 interconnects the anterior waist region 36 and the posterior waist region 38, resulting in a waist circumference that can surround the user during diaper wear 100. This may be accomplished by connecting side panels 330 in one waist region with side panels 330 in the longitudinally opposite waist region (e.g., a reclosable seam in a pant comprising side panels 300) or connecting elastomeric flap panels 530 in one waist region with chassis 200 in the longitudinally opposite waist region (e.g., a closure on a diaper tape 500). The fastening system 179 may comprise a fastener 175 such as tape tabs, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners such as flaps and slits, buckles, buttons, snap fasteners and/or hermaphrodite fasteners, although any other attachment means known in the art are generally acceptable. Referring to Figure 3, the fastening system may comprise an elastomeric layer 131 formed of elastic yarns, elastic etamines, elastic films, elastic tapes and/or elastic nonwovens or combinations thereof. Latches 175 are releasably engageable with a corresponding latch 178, which may be a woven or non-woven substrate. The fastening system 179 may comprise a fastener 175 joined to a fastener tab which, in turn, may be bonded to the elastomeric side panel 330 or elastomeric flap panel 530. Alternatively, the fastener 175 may be bonded directly to the elastomeric side panel 330 or elastomeric flap panel 530 of article 100. Each elastomeric side panel 330 may be attached to a portion of the chassis 200 by a main fastener 175 disposed on the elastomeric side panel 330 or on an attachment tab connected to the elastomeric side panel 330 and by a corresponding latch 178 disposed on frame 200 designed to engage latch 175 with elastomeric side panel 330. Latch 175 and attachment tab may be substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the lock 175 and/or attachment tab may be shaped or rounded. Some examples of surface attachment systems 179 are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274. An exemplary snap-on fastening system is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 179 including a disposal tape can also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration, as disclosed in US Patent No. 4,963,140. Fastening system 179 may also include main locks 175 and corresponding locks 178, as disclosed in US Patent No. 4,699,622. The fastening system 179 can be constructed to reduce displacement of overlapping portions or improve fit, as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

[0381] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 22 to 29, the waistband pants 400 may comprise a fastening system 179 having a main zipper 175, a fastening tab 176 and a corresponding fastener 178. In Figure 24, the system fastener 179 is disposed between front and back waistband 430. Matching fastener 178 forms at least a portion of the body facing surface of waistband 430, and primary fastener 175 is disposed over fastener tab 176. Primary fastener 175 engages the corresponding fastener 178 forming a portion of the inner surface of the waistband 430. The fastening system 179 forms double reclosable seams 174, a reclosable seam 174 disposed in the front waist region 36 and a reclosable seam 174 in the rear waist region 38. fastening tabs are joined together by a permanent seam 172 to complete the waist opening 190. The resealable seam is opened by disengaging the main fastener 175 from the corresponding fastener 178 at one or both of the front and back waist regions 36 and 38. The reclosable joint can be closed again by re-engaging the main lock 175 and the corresponding lock 178.

[0382] In Figure 25, the fastening system 179 is disposed between the front and rear waistband 430. The corresponding fastener 178 forms a body-facing portion of the front waistband 430F and the main fastener 175 is disposed in an engaged manner with the surface facing the body of the front waistband 430. The fastening system 179 also comprises a fastening tab 176 that is permanently attached to the back waistband 430B at or adjacent to the side edge 437. The fastener 175 and the fastening tab 176 are joined together by means of an adhesive, cohesive, or other means known in the art to complete the waist opening 190. The reclosable joint can be opened by disengaging the main zipper 175 from the corresponding zipper 178. The reclosable seam can be closed again by re-engaging the main lock 175 and the corresponding lock 178.

[0383] In Figure 26, the fastening system 179 is arranged between the front and back waistband 430. The main closure 175 is permanently attached to the front waistband 430F adjacent to the side edge 437 of the waistband 430. The corresponding closure 178 forms at least one fastener tab portion 176. The fastener tab 176 is permanently joined to the back waistband 430B at or adjacent to the side edge 437. The fastener 175 disposed over the front waistband 430F is reclosably engaged with the fastener tab 176 to complete the fastener tab 176. waist opening 190. The reclosable joint is opened by disengaging the main fastener 175 from the fastening tab 176 which is formed at least in part by the corresponding fastener 178. The reclosable joint can be closed again by re-engaging the main fastener 175 and the attachment tab 176.

[0384] In Figure 27, the fastening system 179 is arranged on the outer surface of the front waistband 430. The main closure 175 is permanently attached to the front waistband 430F adjacent to the side edge 437 of the waistband 430. The corresponding closure 178 forms at least a portion of the fastening tab 176. The fastening tab 176 is permanently joined to the back waistband 430B at or adjacent to the side edge 437. The fastener 175 disposed over the front waistband 430F is reclosably engaged with the fastening tab 176 to complete the waist opening 190. The reclosable joint is opened by disengaging the main fastener 175 from the fastening tab 176 which is formed at least in part by the corresponding fastener 178. The reclosable joint can be closed again by re-engaging the main fastener 175 and the attachment tab 176.

[0385] In Figure 28, the fastening system 179 is arranged on the outer surface of the front waistband 430. The primary fastener 175 is permanently attached to the fastening tab 176. The corresponding fastener 178 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the waistband front waistband 430. Fastening tab 176 is permanently joined to front waistband 430F and back waistband 430B at or adjacent to side edge 437. A perforation is disposed between primary fastener 175 and permanent side seam 172. Fastener 175 disposed over front waistband 430. fastener tab 176 is resealably connected with mating fastener 178 to complete waist opening 190. Resealable joint is opened by disengaging main fastener 175 from mating fastener 178 which subsequently forms at least a portion of front waistband 430F breaking the perforation disposed adjacent the permanent side seam 172 and the pant opening. The reclosable seam is resealable by engaging the main zipper 175 and the outer surface of the front waistband 430.

[0386] In Figure 29, the fastening system 179 is disposed between the front and rear waistband 430. The corresponding fastener 178 forms a portion of the surface facing the body of the front waistband 430F and the main fastener 175 is disposed on a flap fastener 176. Fastener tab 176 is permanently joined to back waistband 430B at or adjacent to side edge 437. Main fastener 175 is reclosably engaged with the body-facing surface of the front waistband, i.e., the corresponding fastener adjacent side edge 437 of waistband 430 to complete the waist opening 190. The reclosable seam can be opened by disengaging the main zipper 175 from the corresponding zipper 178. The reclosable seam can be closed again by re-engaging the main zipper 175 and the corresponding lock 178.

[0387] For reclosable waistband executions, references to the front waistband 430F and the back waistband 430B should be considered interchangeable so that a fastener 175 that is described above in the front waistband region 36 can be arranged in the waistband region posterior 38 in a similar structural configuration.

IDENTICAL OR SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL CHASSIS

[0388] As disclosed in US Publication No. 2013/0211355, it may be desirable to offer a variety of packages to fit users who have different needs, but comprising identical or substantially identical chassis 200. For example, an assortment may comprise a first A package comprising a first absorbent article 100 and a second package may comprise a second absorbent article 100, the first and second packages comprising articles having identical or substantially identical chassis 200, as described in US Publication No. 2013/0211355. More particularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis 200 and the second package may comprise a second chassis 200, each of the first and second chassis comprising the same dimensions of one or more of: core width on axis side 44, core width at an anterior or posterior core edge 26 and 28 a distance between a distal edge of the left outer clamp 142 and a distal edge of the right outer clamp 142, a distance between a proximal edge of the left inner clamp 152 and a proximal edge of the right inner clamp 142, a distance between a proximal edge of the left inner clamp 152 and a distal edge of the left outer clamp 152, a distance between the proximal edge of the left inner clamp 152 and the distal edge of the left outer clamp 142 , an inner clamp headroom, inner clamp flange bending width, inner clamp elastic length, outer clamp elastic length, core length, chassis length, and bottom layer width.

[0389] Additionally, each of the first and second chassis 200 may comprise chemical compositions identical to one or more of a topsheet 124, a backsheet film 126, backsheet nonwoven 127, superabsorbent core polymers, core pulp, core nonwoven, core fabric, leg cuff film, nonwoven leg cuff, super absorbent polymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive, leg cuff elastic adhesive, and bottom layer film/non-woven adhesive.

[0390] And, each of the first and second chassis 200 may comprise the same basis weight of one or more of the top layer 124, bottom layer film 126, back layer nonwoven 127, super absorbent core polymers, pulp core, non-woven leg cuff, leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg cuff adhesive, and non-woven bottom layer film/non-woven adhesive/adhesive film.

[0391] And, each of the first and second chassis 200 may comprise compositionally identical core superabsorbent polymers. The first and second frames 200 may have identical component order and arrangement in cross-section in at least one of the front waist region 36, the rear waist region 38, and the crotch region 37. The inner leg braces 150 of the first and second chassis 200 may be composed of compositionally identical materials.

[0392] Additionally, the inner braces for the legs 150 of the first and second chassis 200 may have identical component order and arrangement in cross-section in at least one of the front waist region 36, the rear waist region 38 and the region between the thighs 37. The distance from the distal edge of the left outer cuff 142 to the distal edge of the right outer cuff 142 may be the same. The distance from the proximal edge of left inner clamp 152 to the distal edge of left outer clamp 142 may be the same. The distance from the proximal edge of the left inner clamp 152 to the proximal edge of the right inner clamp 152 is the same. The lengths of inner and outer clamps 150 and 140 are the same.

[0393] In addition, one or more of the chassis 200, the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the waist band 122, the inner leg brace 150, the outer leg brace 140, the topsheet 124 and backsheet 125 of a first absorbent article and one or more of the chassis 200, the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the waistband 122, the inner leg cuff 150 , the outer leg cuff 140, topsheet 124, and backsheet 125 of a second absorbent article are identical or substantially identical to one another with respect to one or more of Average Dtex, Average Yarn Spacing, Average Prestretch, basis weight of non-woven and/or non-textured non-woven.

[0394] Different product offerings in an arrangement can have identical or substantially identical chassis 200 since side panels 330, flap panels 530 or waistbands 430 can be used to distinguish absorbent article shapes from one another. For example, the first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, transversely), but the first article 100 may have a different length due to the arrangement of the waistbands. As a second example, the first and second absorbent articles 100 can have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, transversely), but the first article can have a different length and/or width due to the size of the waistbands.

[0395] The first and second absorbent articles 100 may have identical chassis from a compositional point of view, but not dimensionally, and not in cross section. The first and second absorbent articles 100 may have identical chassis from a dimensional point of view, but not from a compositional point of view, and not in cross section. The first and second absorbent articles 100 may have identical chassis cross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not compositionally. Alternatively, the first and second absorbent articles may have two, but not three identical chassis from a (1) compositional, (2) dimensional, and (3) cross-sectional point of view.

[0396] It should be noted that for all the above statements relating to identical or substantially identical chassis, a third package comprising a third article 100 can be added. It should also be noted that the structure and/or shape of the first article 100, the second article 100 and the third article 100, when present, may all be different, in other words the first article 100 may be an open form tape diaper 500, the second article may be a resealable form-fitting side panel pant 300, and the third article 100 may be a form-fitting waistband pant 400.

GRAPHICS

[0397] There is a desire to produce disposable absorbent articles 100 that look more like underwear. This desire is triggered by the desire to meet the user's psychological and emotional development needs, especially in infants and children. There are several factors that can determine whether an absorbent article 100 is perceived as an undergarment-like article. These factors include, but are not limited to, the observability of seams 170, the existence of graphics on a greater percentage of the visible surfaces of the absorbent article 100, the appearance of waist and leg features and graphics flowing from or along of two or more components of the absorbent article.

[0398] There are, however, many obstacles to the design and execution of an absorbent article 100 that is similar to underwear. One is that absorbent articles are a compilation of separate article components and as new disposable absorbent article technologies are developed, they may result in the need to incorporate additional separate article components. Due to the way the components of the absorbent article are incorporated, even the visible surfaces of the article may have seams or areas of overlap or connection. As such, it is a challenge to place graphics over these individual components and align them in such a way that the multi-component construction appears to be an integrated structure where joints are de-emphasized and process variations are masked.

[0399] In addition, depending on the type of construction of the article, it is a challenge to maintain the uniform appearance of graphics that can be printed on more than one component. For example, a component with a particular graphic printed on it may possibly be embedded in the article at a different depth than an adjacent component that also has a graphic printed on it. Depending on whether particular portions of a graphic are printed over an outermost layer, for example, or, if not, how permeable the layers' opacity can be in which the various portions of the graphic can be seen, can have an impact on a entire article graphic that is intended to appear uniform and consistent as the various portions may have measurable differences in appearance when printed on different components or at different depths from the outside surface. For these and other reasons, it is a challenge to create an absorbent article that comprises current technologies and also that comprises graphics on various components of the absorbent article, such that the graphics flow from one component of the absorbent article to another component of the article, so that de-emphasizes transitions from one component to another and creates a holistic underwear-like look.

[0400] It is a desire of the present disclosure to provide absorbent articles 100 that resemble undergarments, while at the same time incorporating various components of absorbent articles that offer the benefits and functionality of the latest technologies (e.g., high stretch components integrated with low/no stretch components, highly breathable components, high air permeability components). More specifically, it is a desire of the present disclosure to provide absorbent articles 100 that comprise graphics disposed over or encompassing various visible components of the absorbent article creating a uniform appearance.

[0401] The disposable absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may have 2 or 4 elastomeric flap panels 530 or side panels 330 that overlap a portion of the chassis 200 or an elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in one or both waist regions that meet overlay a portion of chassis 200. Flap panels 530 or side panels 330 may comprise a first graphic element and chassis 200 may comprise a second graphic element, the graphic elements being designed to work in conjunction with one another to create a composite of the graphic element. A first elastomeric flap panel 530 or side panel 330 may comprise a first graphic extending from a side edge of the flap or side panel 537 and 337 respectively, towards the longitudinal axis 42, a second elastomeric flap panel 530 or side panel 330 comprises a second graphic extending from a lateral edge of the flap or side panel 537 or 337, respectively, towards the longitudinal axis graphic 42 and the center chassis 200 comprises a third graphic extending from a first side edge 237 of the chassis to opposite side edge 237 of the chassis, wherein the first, second, and third graphics are substantially aligned. In general, a composite graph is formed when two or more separate graphs are substantially aligned to form a larger continuous graph.

[0402] As disclosed in USSN 15/479,407, disposable absorbent articles comprising one or more waistband 430, a first graphic can be printed on a surface of one of the layers of one of the first waistband or second waistband 430, a second graphic can be printed on a surface of a group consisting of a first waistband nonwoven layer 430 or second waistband 430, a chassis layer 200, a backsheet 125, and an outer covering, e.g., bottom layer nonwoven 127 Additional graphics may be printed on top of other layers of the article, for example any of the layers of the waistband 430, the elastic material, the chassis 200, or the back layer 125 or outer shell. A first elastomeric waistband 430 may comprise a first graphic element and the chassis 200 comprises a second graphic element, wherein the first and second graphic elements are substantially aligned.

[0403] When the absorbent article comprises a waistband 430, it is desirable for the graphic element arrangement to cover more than about 30% of the surface area of the waistband 430 or greater than about 40% or greater than about 50%. Graphics may cover greater than 75% of the surface area of waistband 430. Additionally, the layout of graphics may, when viewed from the outside, appear to comprise at least 3 colors or at least 5 colors or greater than 7 colors. To provide an undergarment-like appearance, the arrangement of the graphics can be arranged within 30 mm of the edge of the waistband 136 and 138 in one or both waist regions, or within 20 mm or within 10 mm of the edge of the waistband. leg opening. The graphics may be disposed at or immediately adjacent the waist edge of one or both of the waistbands 430. In addition, it may be desirable that the arrangement of the graphics may also be disposed within about 10 mm of an edge of the leg of the waistband. waistband 430.

[0404] When the absorbent article comprises discrete side panels 330 or flap panels 530, it is desirable that the layout of the graphic elements cover more than about 10% of the surface area of the side panel 330 or flap panel 530 or more than about of 25% or more than about 50%. The graphic elements may cover more than 75% of the surface area of the separate side panel 330 or flap panel 530. Additionally, the layout of the graphics may, when viewed from the outside, appear to comprise at least 3 colors or at least 5 colors or greater than 7 colors. To provide an underwear-like appearance, the layout of the graphics can be arranged within 30 mm of the edge of the waistband in one or both waist regions, or within 20 mm or within 10 mm of the edge of the opening for the legs. The graphics may be disposed at or immediately adjacent the waist edge of the side panels 330 or flap panels 530. In addition, it may be desirable that the arrangement of the graphics also be disposed within about 10 mm of an edge of the opening for side panel legs 330 or flap panel 530.

[0405] For graphics intended to be viewed from the outside of the absorbent article, it may be desirable to print on a layer that is away from the center of the elastic layer, including away from the center (between the elastic layer and the outside) of the elastic threads a since the elastic layer can occlude the visibility of any graphics printed near the center (between the elastic layer and the user). As such, the inner surface of the outermost nonwoven layer of the waistband, elastomeric flap panels, side panels, and chassis can be ideal for graphics printing when combined with elastic layers as disclosed in the present invention.

[0406] For graphics intended to be viewed from within the absorbent article, it may be desirable to print on a layer that is closer to the center of the elastic layer, including closer to the center (between the elastic layer and the user) of the threads elastics as the elastic layer can occlude the visibility of any off-center printed graphics (between the elastic layer and the outside). Thus the outer surface of the innermost nonwoven layer of the waistband, elastomeric flap panels, side panels, and chassis can be ideal for graphics printing when combined with elastic layers as disclosed in the present invention.

ABSORBENT CORE

[0407] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 128 refers to the component of the absorbent article 100 which has the maximum absorbent capacity and which comprises an absorbent material. Referring to Figures 57A through C, in some instances, the absorbent material (eg, 51) may be positioned within a core pouch or a core wrap 74. The absorbent material may be profiled or unprofiled, depending on the article. specific absorbent. The absorbent core 128 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, an absorbent material, and glue enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material can comprise superabsorbent polymers, a blend of superabsorbent polymers and aerated felt, aerated felt alone, and/or a high internal phase emulsion foam. The absorbent core may comprise an absorbent material comprising at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% or up to 100% superabsorbent polymers by weight of the absorbent material. In such cases, the absorbent material may be free of aerated felt, or at least predominantly free of aerated felt. The periphery of the absorbent core, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may be of any suitable shape, such as a rectangular, "T", "Y", "hourglass" or "dog bone" shape, for example. A periphery of the absorbent core having a generally "dog bone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width towards the crotch region ("hook") 37 of the absorbent article 100.

[0408] With reference to Figures 57A, 57B and 57C, the absorbent core 128 may have areas that have little or no absorbent material, where a surface facing the user of the core pouch 74 can be joined to a surface facing the core pouch garment 74. These areas which have little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels" 129 as shown in Figures 55 and 56. These channels may incorporate any suitable shapes and any suitable number of channels may be provided . In other cases, the absorbent core can be embossed to create the impression of channels. The absorbent core in Figure 57A is merely an example of an absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0409] As used in the present invention, a filled absorbent core is one that contains (or is capable of containing) a filler of at least 50, 100 or 200 milliliters (mls) for diapers, pants and adult incontinence articles. The disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure comprising an absorbent core are designed to adjust the wearer to an empty absorbent core (i.e., one that is not charged) as well as being able to adjust to wear for an appreciable amount of time (2 or more hours) even when the core is loaded.

CORE WRAPS

[0410] The core wrap can be made of a single substrate, material or non-woven fabric folded around the absorbent material or it can comprise two (or more) substrates, materials or non-woven fabrics that are fixed together. Typical fasteners are so-called C-wraps and/or sandwich wraps. In a C-shaped wrap, the longitudinal and/or transverse edges of one of the substrates may be folded over the other substrate to form flaps. These tabs are then bonded to the outer surface of the other substrate, typically by gluing. Other techniques can be used to form a core wrap. For example, the longitudinal and/or transverse edges of substrates can be joined together and then tucked under the absorbent core 128 and joined in that position, as illustrated in Figure 54.

[0411] The core wrap can be sealed at least partially adjacent on all its sides to the absorbent core 128 so that substantially no absorbent material leaks out of the core. By "substantially no absorbent material" is meant that less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1% or about 0% by weight of absorbent material escapes the core wrap. The term "fencing" should be understood in a broad sense. The seal need not be continuous along the entire periphery of the core shell, but may be discontinuous along part or all of it, for example formed by a series of sealing points spaced in a row. A seal can be formed by gluing and/or heat sealing.

[0412] The core wrap can also be formed through a single substrate that can surround, as in a partial wrap, the absorbent material and be sealed along the front side and the back side of the core and a longitudinal seal. The core wrap may comprise one or more nonwoven layers formed of a coformed material having a pulp fiber to synthetic fiber ratio of 1:3 to 3:1, i.e. 25%:75% pulp fiber :75% synthetic fiber: 25% pulp fiber:synthetic fiber.

CHANNELS

[0413] As illustrated in Figures 55 to 57C, the absorbent core 128 may comprise at least one channel 129, which is at least partially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 100 (i.e., has a longitudinal vector component). Other channels can be at least partially oriented in the lateral direction (that is, have a lateral vector component) or in any other direction. In the following, the plural form "channels" will be used to mean "at least one channel". Channels 129 can be circular, oblong, or shaped like a variety of other closed polygons. Channels 129 can be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the channels 129 may be zoned formed within the absorbent core 128 and may be substantially free, or free, of absorbent material, in particular SAP. Additionally or alternatively, the channels 129 can also be formed by continuously and discontinuously connecting the top side of the core shell to the bottom side of the core shell through the absorbent core in the area of the channels. Channels 129 can be continuous or intermittent. The liquid management system, which may comprise a capture layer, distribution layer, or both, or another layer of the absorbent article 100, may also comprise channels 129, which may or may not correspond to the channels 129 of the absorbent core, as described in more detail below.

[0414] The absorbent core 128 may comprise more than two channels, for example, at least 3, at least 4, etc. Shorter channels may also be present, for example, in the back waist region or front waist region of the core, as represented by the pair of channels 129 towards the front of the absorbent article 100. The channels 129 may comprise one or more pairs of channels arranged symmetrically or arranged differently with respect to the longitudinal axis 42 or the lateral axis 44.

[0415] At least part or all of the channels 129 can be permanent channels, which means that their integrity is maintained, at least partially, both in the dry state and in the wet state. Permanent channels can be obtained by providing one or more adhesive materials, for example, a fibrous layer of adhesive material or a construction glue, which aid in the adhesion of a substrate with an absorbent material within the walls of the channel. Permanent channels can also be formed by joining the top and bottom sides of the core wrap and/or top layer 124 to the back layer 125 through the channels. Typically, an adhesive can be used to bond both sides of the core wrap or topsheet and backsheet through the channels, but it is possible to bond through other known methods such as pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or combinations thereof. The core wrap or topsheet 124 and backsheet 125 may be continuously bonded or intermittently bonded along channels 129. Channels 129 may advantageously remain or become visible at least through the topsheet 124 and/or the backsheet 125 when absorbent article 100 is fully charged with a fluid. This can be achieved by making the channels substantially free of SAP, so that they do not swell, and large enough so that they do not close when wet. Furthermore, bonding the core shell to itself or the topsheet 124 to the backsheet 125 in the area of the channels can be advantageous.

[0416] Absorbent cores and/or liquid control systems without any channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such cores can include aerated felt free cores, SAP/pulp cores, pulp cores or other cores known to those skilled in the art.

CAPTURE LAYERS

[0417] One or more capture materials (for example, 130) may be present at least partially between the top layer 124 and the absorbent core 128. The capture materials are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant absorption by capillary effect of body exudates . These materials can remove water from the topsheet 124 and rapidly move body exudates into the absorbent core 128. The capture materials 38 can comprise one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, crosslinked cellulosic materials, cellulosic nonwoven materials produced by air laying, continuous spinning materials, or combinations thereof, for example. In some cases, portions of the capture materials may extend across portions of the topsheet 124, portions of the topsheet 124 may extend across portions of the capture materials, and/or the topsheet 124 may be nested with the capture materials. catch. Typically, a capture material or layer can have a width and length that are less than the width and length of the topsheet 124. The capture material can be a secondary topsheet in the context of the feminine sanitary napkin. The capture material may have one or more channels as described in the absorbent core section 128 (including the embossed version). The channels in the capture material can align or misalign with the channels in the absorbent core 128. In one example, a first capture material can comprise a nonwoven material and a second capture material can comprise a crosslinked cellulosic material.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE PACKAGING AND MARKINGS ON THE PACKAGE

[0418] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure can be placed in packages 610 (shown in Figure 105 as dotted lines so that the absorbent articles 100 can be seen). Packages may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics and/or lettering 1000 relating to the properties of absorbent articles may be formed onto, printed onto, positioned onto and/or placed onto outer portions of packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles 100. The absorbent articles 100 may be compression packed in order to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. Packaging the absorbent articles under compression allows caregivers to easily handle and store the packages 610, while also providing distribution savings for manufacturers due to the size of the package. Accordingly, the packages 610 of the absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure can have a stack height in the pouch, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0052088, issued to Weisman, entitled ABSORBENT PRODUCTS HAVING IMPROVED PACKAGING EFFICIENCY.

[0419] Desirably, the package 610 has parallel sides and a top of the package that is parallel to the bottom of the package, making the package ideal for stacking on a shelf for storage or for display in a store for purchase by consumers. Typically, packages 610 of absorbent articles 100 are labeled with a user-recommended weight range (typically for newborns, infants, and toddlers) and/or by waist circumference (typically for adult absorbent article products) that the packaging article is intended to fit. As a result, weight and/or waist circumference information is often placed on package 610 as part of markings 1000 to identify the proper size item needed by the consumer.

[0420] Additionally, 1000 tags can illustrate the user using the article and/or a separate inscription can illustrate the component or feature of the article. With respect to absorbent articles for babies, descriptions of marking the appropriate developmental stages and methods of presenting packages comprising absorbent articles can be found in US Patent No. 7,222,732 to Ronn entitled MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE CONFIGURATIONS FOR WEARERS.

CHEMISTRY (SPANDEX vs. EXTRUDED YARN) AND STRUCTURE

[0421] Bundle elastics use Spandex fibers. One type of Spandex fiber is "urea-polyurethane" or "high segment" polyurethane, which needs to be formed into fibers using a solution (solvent) spinning process (rather than being processable in the molten state). The urea linkages in the polyurethane-urea provide strong mutual chemical interactions important for "anchoring" that enables adequate stress relaxation performance at temperatures close to body temperature, on timescales that correspond to diaper use, including one day To the other. This type of anchoring allows for better force relaxation (i.e., less force decay over time when held in an extended condition at body temperature) of many thermoplastic polyurethanes (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200 °C) or styrenic thermoplastic block copolymers.

[0422] In contrast, extruded wires and scrims are typically produced from styrenic block copolymers or thermoplastic elastomers that can be formed in the molten state through conventional extrusion processes. Thermoplastic elastomers include compositions such as polyolefin elastomers, polyurethane (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200 °C), etc. Because these thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200°C) can be melt/remelted, and extruded, this makes them more susceptible to increased stress relaxation in use, which is a major downside. . The styrenic block copolymers used in extruded strands comprise a comparatively long rubbery intermediate block situated between comparatively short end blocks. End blocks short enough to allow smooth flow of conventional extrusion processes are often more likely to stress relax and undergo force relaxation over time, see Figure 104.

[0423] The binding of urea present in Sandex requires that it be done through the spinning process. Spandex cannot be cast/remelted or extruded like styrenic block copolymers. The Spandex prepolymer is combined with solvent and additives, and the solution is centrifuged to produce solid Spandex fiber. Multiple fibers are then formed together to form a spandex yarn. Spandex yarn can be surface finished to avoid blocking and spooling. A spandex fiber can have a decitex of about 15, so a 500 dtex yarn can have nominally 33 fibers wound together to make a yarn. Depending on the decitex we use for the bundle approach, we can have 15 fibers (or filaments), 8 fibers, 5 fibers, 3 fibers, or even as low as 2 fibers. Spandex fiber can be monocomponent or bicomponent (as disclosed in WO201045637A2).

[0424] Still related to the chemistry of bundled elastics, it may be desirable to coat the bundled elastics with an oil, such as a silicone oil, including about 10%, about 7%, about 5%, about 3% , or about 1% silicone oil. Treating bundled elastics with silicone oil helps to prevent blocking (crosslinking) when yarns are wound onto a bobbin or bundle and also lowers the COF of the yarn on textile machines (for weaving, knitting and warping processes).

[0425] Commercially available Spandex yarns may also be known as Lycra, Creora, Roica or Dorlastan. Spandex is often called spandex fiber or polyurethane fiber.

[0426] LYCRA HYFIT yarns, a product of Invista, Wichita, Kansas, USA, are suitable for producing the yarns that make up the plurality of elastics 316 that form the elastomeric laminate 302. Some yarns, for example, LYCRA HYFIT yarns mentioned above, may comprise a number of individual fibers wound together to form the yarn. With regard to elastic yarns formed from several individual fibers, it has been found that the individual fibers can move relative to each other changing the cross-sectional shape of the yarn as well as becoming loose, which can lead to poor yarn control. as well as unsatisfactory binding/adhesion/union of the elastic threads to one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. To minimize the negative aspects with respect to threads comprising a plurality of fibers it would be advantageous to minimize the number of fibers in a given yarn. It would therefore be desirable to have less than about 40 fibers per yarn, less than about 30 fibers per yarn, less than about 20 fibers per yarn, less than about 10 fibers per yarn, less than about 5 fibers per yarn and 1 fiber forming the yarn. In the event that a single fiber forms the yarn that can provide performance comparable to prior art multi-fiber yarns, it would be desirable for the fiber to have a fiber decitex of about 22 to about 300 and a fiber diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 185 micrometers.

SENSORS

[0427] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise a sensor system for monitoring changes within the absorbent article 100. The sensor system may be distinct from or integral with the absorbent article 100. The absorbent article 100 may comprise sensors that detect various aspects of the absorbent article 100 associated with emissions of body exudates such as urine and/or feces (for example, the sensor system can detect variations in temperature, humidity, presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of exudates (urine and feces) , changes in moisture vapor transmission through the garment-facing layer of absorbent articles, changes in translucency of the garment-facing layer, color changes across the garment-facing layer, etc.). Additionally, the sensor system can detect urine components such as ammonia or urea and/or by-products that result from the reactions of these components with the absorbent article 100. The sensor system can detect by-products that are produced when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article 100 (e.g., patches, MGA, etc.). The components or by-products being detected may be present as vapors that may pass through the garment facing layer. It may also be desirable to place reagents in the diaper that change state (eg, color, temperature, etc.) or create a measurable by-product when mixed with urine or faeces. The sensor system can also detect changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, a chemical marker or a biological marker, or combinations thereof.

[0428] The sensor system or portions thereof can be integrated into the absorbent article 100 with hook and loop closures, adhesives, thermal bonds, matching closures such as snaps or buttons, or can be arranged in pockets, recesses or voids constructed within the absorbent article 100, or combinations thereof. Many such integration means make it possible to remove the sensor system or portions thereof from the absorbent article or attach the sensor system by portions thereof to the absorbent article 100. The absorbent article 100 may further comprise graphics for the purpose of properly locating the sensor system or portions thereof. Furthermore, in cases where an auxiliary article is present, the auxiliary article can be joined to the absorbent article 100 via similar integrations. With respect to pockets, it may be desirable to form a pocket with or adjacent to the wearer-facing layer or the garment-facing layer. A pocket may be formed by bonding additional material (eg, a nonwoven strip) to the outer or inner surface of the garment facing layer. When joined to the inner surface of the garment facing layer, it may be desirable to position an open edge (to be the pocket opening) of the layer to be abutting or adjacent to an edge of the waist opening 190 so that there is no need to make a cut in the garment facing layer to insert the sensor system 700 or portions thereof into the pocket opening.

[0429] As used in this application, the term "sensor system" does not only refer to the elements responsible for detecting a stimulus and/or change in the status of the article and signaling this detection, but may also include the carcass or support layer for the substrate around such elements. A "sensor system" may include a backing layer with multiple elements capable of detecting one or more stimuli; and, the multiple elements can create multiple sites capable of detecting one or more stimuli. The sensor systems of the present disclosure can be formed from multiple components capable of monitoring urine and/or fecal insults. The sensor system can take on a variety of configurations which are determined by the medium in which the presence of urine and/or feces is detected. Upon detection of urine and/or faeces, the sensor system can provide information to a caregiver and/or child by generating a notification. The notification can be an auditory signal, an olfactory signal, a tactile signal or a visual signal. It is understood that the sensor system may comprise a device for sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver which may in turn result in an auditory signal, visual signal, tactile signal or other sensory signal and/or combinations thereof. .

[0430] Various sensors can be used as part of the sensor system, including inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, optical, humidity, humidity (for example, MVTR), pH, biological, chemical, mechanical, temperature, electromagnetic and combinations thereof, as described and illustrated in publications Nos. 2012/0310190 and 2012/0310191.

[0431] The sensor system may include one or more transmitters. A transmitter is a device that sends out electromagnetic waves carrying messages or signals, for example one or more of the sensing elements may comprise a transmitter. Alternatively, a transmitter may be releasably attached to the absorbent article 100 or auxiliary article so that it is in contact with or in communication with the sensing elements.

FEMALE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

[0432] The female absorbent article 801 shown in Figures 78 to 83 may include any top layer 124 known or otherwise effective as one that is pliable, soft to the touch and non-irritating to the user's skin. Materials suitable for use in the topsheet include a liquid-permeable material that is oriented towards and in contact with the wearer's body, allowing bodily discharges to rapidly penetrate therethrough without allowing fluid to return through the topsheet to the skin. of user. The topsheet 124, while capable of allowing the rapid passage of fluids, also provides for the transfer or migration of the lotion composition to an external or internal portion of the wearer's skin. A suitable top layer can be made from various materials such as woven and non-woven materials; apertured film materials including apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and fiber woven apertured films; hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; thermoplastic etamines; or combinations thereof.

[0433] Film materials with openings suitable for use as a top layer 124, as shown in Figure 81, include films with openings that are non-absorbent and permeable to body exudates, and that allow a return flow of fluids through the minimal or null top layer. Non-limiting examples of other suitable formed films, including formed films with or without apertures, are more fully described in US Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; US Patent No. 4,324,246 issued to Kline et al. on April 13, 1982; US Patent No. 4,342,314 issued to Kline et al. on August 3, 1982; US Patent No. 4,463,045 issued to Kline et al. on July 31, 1984; US Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Ashton on April 9, 1991; US Patent No. 4,609,518 issued to Kline et al. on September 2, 1986; US Patent No. 4,629,643 issued to Kline et al. on December 16, 1986. Commercially available film-formed topsheets include the topsheet materials sold by The Procter & Gamble Company (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA) under the tradename DRI-WEAVE®.

[0434] Non-limiting examples of woven and non-woven materials suitable for use as a top layer 124 include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, modified natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations of these materials. Such fibrous materials can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, but it is preferred that the topsheet be hydrophobic or modified to be hydrophobic. Optionally, parts of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic using any known method for producing topsheets containing hydrophilic components. One such method is to treat an apertured film component in an apertured/nonwoven thermoplastic formed film top layer with a surfactant, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, issued to Osborn on Aug. 1990. Other suitable methods describing a process for treating the topsheet with a surfactant are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,988,344 and 4,988,345, both issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991. The topsheet 124 can have hydrophilic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0435] When the top layer 124 contains a non-woven fibrous material in the form of a non-woven mat, this can be produced by any known procedure for manufacturing non-woven mats, some non-limiting examples of these procedures include the processes of continuous spinning, carding, wet-laid (wet laying), airlaid (air laying), meltblown (by hot air blowing), needling, mechanical interlacing, thermomechanical interlacing and hydroentangled. A specific example of a suitable meltblown process is shown in US Patent No. 3,978,185, to Buntin et al., issued August 31, 1976. The nonwoven can be compression resistant as described in US Patent No. 7,785,690 entitled "Compression Resistant Nonwovens" issued August 31, 2010. The nonwoven web may have loops as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,838,099 entitled "Looped Nonwoven Web" issued November 23, 2010.

[0436] Other suitable nonwoven materials include low basis weight nonwovens, that is, nonwovens with a basis weight of about 18 g/m2 to about 25 g/m2. An example of this type of nonwoven material is commercially available under the trade name P-8 from Veratec Incorporation, a division of the International Paper Company (Walpole, Massachusetts, USA). Other nonwovens are described in US Patent No. 5,792,404 and US Patent No. 5,665,452.

[0437] The topsheet 124 may comprise tufts as described in US Patent No. 8,728,049 entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Tufted Topsheet" issued May 20, 2014, US Patent No. 7,553,532 entitled "Tufted Fibrous Web" issued May 30 June 2009, US Patent No. 7,172,801 entitled "Tufted Laminate Web" issued February 6, 2007, or US Patent No. 8,440,286 entitled "Capped Tufted Laminate Web" issued May 14, 2013. The top layer may have a reverse textured web as described in US Patent No. 7,648,752 entitled "Inverse Textured Web" issued January 19, 2010. Tufts are also described in US Patent No. 7,410,683 entitled "Tufted Laminate Web", issued August 12, 2008.

[0438] The topsheet 124 may comprise one or more structurally modified zones, as described in US patent No. 8,614,365 entitled "Absorbent Article" granted on December 24, 2013. The topsheet may have one or more deformations outside the topsheet 124 can have a masking composition as described in US Patent No. 6,025,535 entitled "Topsheet For Absorbent Articles Exhibiting Improved Mask Properties" granted on February 15, 2000.

[0439] The absorbent core 128 can be any absorbent medium capable of absorbing or retaining liquids (for example, menses and/or urine). The absorbent core 128 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.) and from a wide variety of commonly used liquid absorbent materials. in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, which is often referred to as aerated felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cellulose crimped batting; polymers produced by extrusion in blocks with the passage of hot air at high speed (meltblown), including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue, including tissue paper wrappers and laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combination of materials, or mixtures thereof. The absorbent core 128 can have more than one layer, each layer can be identical to or distinct in one or more properties or composition from another layer. A particularly preferred absorbent core 128 is produced from airlaid material having less than 50 percent synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are preferred because of the ease with which they fuse to join the core and topsheet as described below. A particularly preferred synthetic fiber is a bicomponent material having a polyethylene sheath and a polypropylene core.

[0440] The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 128 can also be varied (for example, the absorbent core can have different thickness zones (for example, profiled to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, super-absorbent gradients or capture zones of lower density and lower average basis weight; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core must, however, be commensurate with the design load and intended use of the sanitary napkin. Additionally, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 128 can be varied to accommodate different uses, such as incontinence pads, day pads, regular sanitary napkins, or overnight sanitary napkins.

[0441] The fluid absorbent material can be constructed from any of a variety of materials commonly used in disposable absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include crimped cellulose batting, cotton fluff, and citric acid cross-linked cellulose pulp disclosed in US Patent Nos: 5,190,563, issued March 2, 1993; 5,183,707, issued February 2, 1993; and 5,137,537, issued August 11, 1992, all issued to Herron et al.; the synthetic fibers disclosed in US Patent No. 4,578,414, to Sawyer, issued March 25, 1986; absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent composites, superabsorbent foam, and superabsorbent polymers. A preferred fluid absorbent material is produced by air-laying ground wood pulp fibers and commonly referred to as absorbent fluff. An absorbent fluff having a density of from about 0.05g to about 0.175g per cm 3 is generally acceptable.

[0442] The absorbent core structure may comprise a substrate and a superabsorbent polymer layer such as those described in US patent No. 8,124,827, filed on December 2, 2008 (Tamburro); US Application No. 12/718,244, issued September 9, 2010; US Application No. 12/754,935, issued October 14, 2010; or US Patent No. 8,674,169, issued March 18, 2014.

[0443] The backsheet 125 acts as a barrier to any absorbed bodily fluids that may pass through the absorbent core to the surface of the garment thereof with a resultant reduction in the risk of staining undergarments or other garments. Additionally, the barrier properties of the backsheet 125 allow manual removal, if a user so desires, of the interlabial absorbent article with reduced risk of soiling the hand. A preferred material is a soft, smooth, pliable, liquid, vapor-permeable material that provides softness and pliability for comfort, and produces little noise so that the user's movements do not cause unwanted sounds.

[0444] The lower layer 125 may comprise a fibrous assembly produced by wet deposition having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, as described in US patent No. 5,885,265 (Osborn, IL, USA) granted on 23 March 1999. The backsheet 125 may further be coated with a water-resistant resinous material that makes the backsheet 125 impermeable to body fluids without impairing the spread of adhesive materials thereon.

[0445] Another suitable backsheet material is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). The backsheet 125 may also be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more fabric-like appearance. Additionally, the backsheet 125 can allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 42 (ie, the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing body fluids from passing through the backsheet 125. A preferred microporous polyethylene film is available from Tredegar Corporation , Virginia, USA, under Code No. XBF-1 12W.

[0446] Breathable underlays suitable for use in the present invention include all breathable underlays known in the art. In principle, there are two types of breathable underlays, single-ply breathable underlays that are breathable and liquid-impermeable, and underlays that have at least two layers, which in combination provide both breathability and liquid-impermeability. Single sheet breathable backsheets suitable for use in the present invention include those described, for example, in GB A 2184 389, GB A 2184 390, GB A 2184 391, US Pat. No. 4,591,523, US Pat. US No. 3,156,242 and WO 97/24097.

[0447] The bottom layer 125 may have two layers: a first layer comprising a formed film layer with gas permeable aperture and a second layer comprising a breathable microporous film layer, as described in US Patent No. 6,462,251 (Cimini) granted on October 8, 2002. Dual or multilayer breathable underlays for use in the present invention include those exemplified in US Patent No. 3,881,489, US Patent No. 4,341,216, US Patent No. 4,713,068, US Patent No. 4,818,600, EP 203 821, EP 710 471, EP 710 472 and EP 793 952.

[0448] The bottom layer 125 can be vapor permeable, as described in US Patent No. 6,623,464 (Bewick-Sonntag) granted on September 23, or US Patent No. 6,664,439 (Arndt) granted on December 16, 2003 The backsheet 125 may be formed of any vapor permeable material known in the art. The backsheet 125 may comprise a microporous film, an apertured formed film, or other polymer film which is vapor permeable, or has been rendered vapor permeable, as is known in the art.

[0449] The backsheet 125 may typically be positioned adjacent the outward facing surface of the absorbent core and may be joined thereto by any suitable fastening device known in the art. For example, the backsheet 125 can be secured to the absorbent core by means of a continuous, uniform layer of adhesive, a shaped layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive.

[0450] The absorbent article may also include such other suitable resources as are known in the art including, but not limited to, reclosable fastening system, lotion, capture layers, distribution layers, moisture indicators, sensors, elasticized belts and other similar and similar additional elastic elements, belts and the like, webbing features, confinement and aesthetic features and combinations thereof.

WINGS/TABS

[0451] Sanitary napkins may have flaps 802 as shown in Figures 81 to 83 that extend outward from the longitudinal side margins as are well known in the art. For example, US Patent No. 4,589,876 issued May 20, 1986 to Van Tilburg and US Patent No. 4,687,478 issued August 18, 1987 to Van Tilburg disclose preferred sanitary napkins with tabs 802 and are incorporated herein by way of reference to illustrate constructions of sanitary napkins with particularly preferred tabs.

[0452] Sanitary napkins provided with flaps of various types are disclosed in US patent No. 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", granted to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, in US Patent No. 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Hygienic Napkin", issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986 and in US Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility", issued to Lavash et al. on February 14, 1995.

[0453] Flaps 802 extend laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, from its proximal edges to its distal edges (or "free ends"). Flaps 802 extend outwardly from at least the central region of the main body portion. The transverse centerline of the flap may coincide with the major transverse centerline of the absorbent article, but this is not absolutely necessary.

[0454] The tabs 802 can be joined to the main body portion in any suitable way. The term "joined to", as used here, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by attaching the element to an intermediate member (or members) which are in turn attached to the other element, and configurations in which an element is integral to another element, i.e., one element is essentially part of another element.

[0455] The flaps 802 may comprise one or more separate components that are joined to the garment-facing side of the main body portion. Preferably, in such a case, each flap comprises a separate component which is joined to the garment facing side of the main body portion. In such alternative embodiments, the flaps are preferably otherwise not attached to the garment-facing side of the main body portion of the absorbent article between the points where they are attached to the main body portion and the longitudinal side edges. of the main body portion. The flaps 802 in these latter embodiments may be attached to the garment facing side of the main body portion via any suitable fastening mechanism. Suitable fastening mechanisms include, but are not limited to, adhesives and the like.

[0456] The locations or regions on the absorbent article where the flaps 802 are joined to (or extend from) the main body portion are called "junctions" in the present invention. These regions will typically be oriented longitudinally (or "longitudinally"), like seam lines. These regions can be any of a number of curved or straight lines, but are not limited to lines. Therefore, these regions can include flanges, strips, flashing lines, and the like.

[0457] Flaps 802 may have zones of extensibility (or "zones of differential extensibility") on the front half and on the back half of each flap. The stretch zones relieve tensions that are created in the flaps by folding the flaps around the hook of the wearer's undergarment. The extensibility zones therefore help to eliminate the puckering of the flaps caused by said tensions. The zones of extensibility may comprise pre-corrugated or "gussetted" regions of the flaps in which the corrugations define ridges and valleys that are oriented at an angle to the main longitudinal centerline. Suitable structures for providing the flaps with zones of extensibility are described in more detail in US Patent No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash, et al.

[0458] The flaps 802 can be transparent as described in US patent No. 8,491,554, "Transparent Absorbent Article" granted on July 23, 2013.

[0459] The tabs 802 can be apart tabs associated with the main body portion as described in US patent No. 8,178,748 entitled Absorbent Article" filed under the name of John Lee Hammons, granted on May 15, 2012. The article may have more than one set of flaps extending from the main body as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,375,645 entitled "Absorbent Article Wrapper Comprising A Side Flap Fastener Cover" issued April 23, 2002.

[0460] Each tab 802 can have an adhesive plaster. Preferably, such adhesive is associated with the face of the flap that comes into contact with the wearer's underwear. Also, the central portion of the absorbent article intermediate the flaps can have adhesive associated with the area of the central portion of the absorbent article that comes into contact with the wearer's undergarment. Preferably, such adhesive is bonded to the outward facing face of the backsheet 125.

[0461] A feminine absorbent article 801 may comprise flaps 802 and/or clamps 150 formed at least in part by an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers. Such an elastomeric laminate 302 may have a first plurality of elastics 316 comprising from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands having Average Thread Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm and an Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 from about 10 to about 600.

[0462] In alternative embodiments of the elastomeric laminate 302, the first plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 15 to about 300 elastic strands. In other embodiments, the first plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 20 to about 225 elastic strands. In yet other alternative embodiments, the first plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 25 to about 150 elastic strands.

[0463] In certain embodiments, the first plurality of elastics 316 may have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 3.0 mm. In other embodiments, the first plurality of elastics 316 have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0464] In some embodiments, the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 can be from about 30 to about 400, and in alternative embodiments, the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics 316 can be from about 50 to about 250.

[0465] In certain embodiments, the female absorbent article 801 may comprise leg cuff-like structures disposed at or adjacent to the side edges of the article as shown in Figures 79 and 80. The leg cuffs 150 may be formed of a laminate elastomeric 302 comprising a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 and an elastic material, for example elastic threads 316, disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. second substrate layer 308 may be separate and distinct layers or, alternatively, first substrate layer 306 and second substrate layer 308 may be formed from a single web of material which is folded to form first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308, as shown in Figure 80. In some configurations of the leg braces 150, one or both of the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 may be formed in part or in whole by one or more both between the bottom layer 125 and the top layer 124.

[0466] The absorbent article may have one or more graphic elements as shown in Figure 81. The graphics may be on the top layer or visible through the top layer as described in US patent No. 8,629,315 entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Graphic Visible Through Body Contacting Surface" issued January 14, 2014. Two or more color regions can be produced on the absorbent article using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 8,691,041 entitled "Method of Producing a Composite Multi- Layered Printed Absorbent Article" issued April 8, 2014. Graphics can be on different layers as described in US Patent No. 8,292,864 entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Multilayer Visual Signal" issued October 23, 2012. may have a multi-component visual signal as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,262,633 entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Multi Component Visual Signal", issued September 11, 2012.

PROCESS

[0467] With reference to Figures 49A to 51, the absorbent articles 100 comprising elastomeric laminates 302 that can be used in a variety of components of the absorbent articles100. The elastomeric laminates 302 can include a first substrate 306, a second substrate 308 and an elastic material located between the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308. During the manufacturing process of the elastomeric laminate 302, the elastic material can be advanced and stretched in a machine direction, and may be bonded with one or both of the first and second substrates, 306 and/or 308 and substrate advancing in the machine direction.

[0468] The elastomeric laminates 302 produced according to the processes and apparatus 301 discussed herein can be used to construct various types of components used in the manufacture of different types of absorbent articles 100, such as diaper pants and tape diapers. To help better contextualize the subsequent discussion of absorbent article embodiments, there follows an overview of absorbent articles 100 in the form of diapers and/or pants that include components comprising the elastomeric laminates 302 disclosed herein.

[0469] In some assembly processes, extended elastic threads 316 can be advanced in one machine direction and can be adhered between two moving substrates, with the extended elastic threads 316 being spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction. Some assembly processes are also configured with multiple elastic strands 316 that are very closely spaced from one another in the transverse direction. In some configurations, closing the spacing in the transverse direction between the elastic threads 316 can be achieved by stretching the elastic threads 316 from windings that have been stacked in the transverse direction on a bundle 314 (eg, a warp bundle). For example, many textile manufacturers may utilize bundle elastics and associated handling equipment, such as those available from Karl Mayer Corporation. It may be desirable to treat the elastic yarns of the bundles with silicone oil because this prevents blocking (crosslinking) when the yarns are wound onto a bobbin or a bundle and also because it lowers the COF for the yarn on textile machines (in weaving processes , knitting and warping).

[0470] As illustrated in the present invention, the apparatus 301 and processes can be configured so that the elastic threads 316 can be advanced from the bundles 314 and directly into the assembly process without having to touch additional machine components, such as example, guide rollers or rollers. It should also be appreciated that in some configurations, the elastic strands 316 may be advanced from the bundles 314 and may be redirected and/or otherwise touched by and/or redirected prior to advancing to the assembly process. For example, the process may have a first beam 314a with an axis of rotation in a first transverse direction DT1. As the first bundle 314a rotates, the first plurality of elastic yarns 316a advance from the first bundle 314a in a first machine direction DM1 with the first elastic yarns 316a being spaced apart from one another in the first transverse direction DT1. The elastic threads 316 can then be redirected by rollers from the first machine direction DM1 to a second machine direction DM2, whereby the elastic threads 316 can remain separated from each other in a second transverse direction DT2. From the rollers, the elastic strands 316 can advance in the second direction of the DM2 machine to be combined with the first and second substrates, 306, 308 to form the elastomeric laminate 302. It is to be understood that for processes comprising multiple bundles, the first and/or second beams 314a, 314b may be arranged and/or oriented such that the axis of rotation 346 of the beam may be parallel, perpendicular, or otherwise angularly offset with respect to the feed in the machine direction of the elastomeric laminate 302 and/or the first and/or second substrates 306, 308. It should also be noted that the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise more than one first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308, i.e., a third substrate and/or a fourth substrate. In such embodiments, a first set of elastic threads 316a of a first bundle 314a may be disposed between a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308, and a second set of elastic threads 316b of a second bundle 314b may be disposed between a second substrate 308 and a third substrate providing an elastomeric laminate 302 with elastic strands 316 disposed in multiple separate layers of the laminate.

[0471] It should be noted that apparatus 301 of the present invention can be configured in various ways with various features described herein to assemble elastomeric laminates 302 having different stretch characteristics. For example, Figures 49A and 49B illustrate apparatus 301 configured to assemble elastomeric laminates 302 with elastic strands 316 unwound from more than one bundle 314. In particular, apparatus 301 may include a first bundle 314a with first elastic strands 316a wound together thereon and a second bundle 314b with second elastic threads 316b wound thereon. The first beam 314a is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 346a beam, and the second beam 314b is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 346b. During operation, as the first bundle 314a rotates, the first elastic threads 316a are advanced towards the MD machine of the first bundle 314a at a speed S2 with the first elastic threads 316a being spaced from each other in the transverse direction DT. From the first bundle 314a, the first elastic strands 316a advance towards the DM machine and are joined to the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308. Similarly, as the second bundle 314b rotates, the second elastic strands 316b advance in the DM machine direction of the second bundle 314b at a speed S3 with the second elastic strands 316b being spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction DT. From the second bundle 314b, the second elastic strands 316b are advanced towards the DM machine and are joined to the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308. It should also be understood that the configuration of the apparatus shown in Figures 49A and 49B can also include the binding applicator 348 arranged to apply bindings 322. Binding applicator 348 is generally represented by a dotted rectangle in Figure 49A.

[0472] Still referring to Figures 49A and 49B, the elastic threads 316a, 316b can be joined with the first and second substrates 306, 308 so that the elastomeric laminate 302 can have different stretch characteristics in different regions along the transverse direction DT. For example, when the elastomeric laminate 302 is elongated, the first elastic strand 316a may exert contraction forces in the DM machine direction that are different from the contraction forces exerted by the second elastic strand 316b. Such differential stretch characteristics can be obtained by stretching the first elastic strands 316a more or less than the second elastic strands 316b prior to joining the elastic strands 316a, 316b with the first and second substrates 306, 308. For example, as discussed above , the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 can each advance at a speed S1. In some configurations, the first elastic strands 316a may advance from the first bundle 314a at a speed S2 that is less than the speed S1, and the second elastic strands 316b may advance from the second bundle 314b at a speed S3 that is less than the speed S1. S1 speed. As such, the first elastic yarns 316a and the second elastic yarns 316b are drawn in the MD machine direction when combined with the first and second substrates 306, 308. Furthermore, the speed S2 may be less or greater than the different speed S3 . In this way, the first elastic threads 316a can be stretched more or less than the second elastic threads 316b when combined with the first and second substrates 306, 308. It is also understood that the first and second elastic threads 316a, 316b can have various different material constructions and/or different decitex values to create elastomeric laminates 302 with different stretch characteristics. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the elastic strands 316 may be provided in the bundle 314 in an extended state and, as such, may not require additional stretching (or may require relatively less additional stretching) before being combined with the first substrate 306 and/or the second substrate 308. Thus, in some configurations, the first elastic yarn 316a may be provided over the first bundle 314a in a first tension, and the second elastic yarn 316b may be provided over the second bundle 314b in a second voltage, where the first voltage is not equal to the second voltage.

[0473] As illustrated in the present invention, the apparatus and processes can be configured so that the elastic threads can be advanced from the bundles and directly to the assembly process without having to touch additional machine components, such as rollers or guide cylinders. It should also be appreciated that in some configurations, the elastic strands can be advanced from the bundles and can be redirected and/or otherwise touched by and/or redirected prior to advancing to the assembly process. For example, Figure 51 shows a configuration in which the axis of rotation of beam 346 can extend in a first transverse direction DT1. As the bundle 314 rotates, the elastic threads 316 advance from the bundle 314 in a first machine direction DM1 with the elastic threads 316 being spaced apart from each other in the first transverse direction DT1. The elastic threads 316 can then be redirected by rollers 323 from the first machine direction DM1 to a second machine direction DM2, whereby the elastic threads 316 can remain separated from each other in a second transverse direction DT2. From the rollers 323, the elastic strands 316 can advance in the second direction of the DM2 machine to be combined with the first and second substrates, 306, 308 to form the elastomeric laminate 302. In this way, it should be understood that the bundle 314 can be disposed and/or oriented such that the axis of rotation 346 of the bundle may be parallel, perpendicular, or otherwise angularly offset with respect to the feed in the machine direction of the elastomeric laminate 302 and/or the substrates 306, 308 .

[0474] As shown in Figures 50A and 50B, a converter apparatus 301 for producing an elastomeric laminate 302 can include a first measuring device 310, a second measuring device 312 and a third measuring device 313. The first measuring device can be configured as a first bundle 314a with a first plurality of elastic threads 316a wrapped around it, and the third metering device is configured as a second bundle 314b with a second plurality of elastics 316b wrapped around it. It should be noted that bundles of various sizes and technical specifications can be used according to the methods and apparatus of the present invention, such as, for example, bundles that are available from ALUCOLOR Textilmaschinen, GmbH. During operation, the first plurality of elastics 316a advances in the direction of the DM machine from the first beam 314a to the second metering device 312. Furthermore, the first plurality of elastics 316a may be extended along the MD machine direction between the first beam 314a and the second metering device 312. The first drawn elastic strands 316a are also spliced with a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308 in the second metering device 312 to produce an elastomeric laminate 302. As discussed in more detail below, once the first bundle 314a is empty or nearly exhausted of the first elastic strands 316a, the second plurality of elastics 316b can be introduced into the assembly operation as replacements for the first plurality of elastics 316a without having to interrupt the assembly operation.

[0475] As shown in Figure 50A, the second measuring device 312 includes a first cylinder 324 having an outer circumferential surface 326 and rotating around a first axis of rotation 328 and a second cylinder 331 having an outer circumferential surface 332 and rotates about a second axis of rotation 334. The first cylinder 324 and the second cylinder 331 rotate in opposite directions, and the first cylinder 324 is adjacent to the second cylinder 331 to define a line of contact 336 between the first cylinder 324 and the second cylinder 331. The first cylinder 324 rotates so that the outer circumferential surface 326 has a surface velocity V1, and the second cylinder 331 can rotate so that the outer circumferential surface 332 has the same, or substantially the same , surface velocity V1.

[0476] As shown in Figures 50A to 50C, the first substrate 306 includes a first surface 338 and an opposing second surface 340, and the first substrate 306 advances to the first cylinder 324. In particular, the first substrate 306 advances at a speed V1 for the first roller 324, with the first substrate 306 partially wrapping around the outer circumferential surface 326 of the first roller 324 and advancing across the nip 336. As such, the first surface 338 of the first substrate 306 travels therein. direction that is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 326 of the first cylinder 324. Furthermore, the second substrate 308 includes a first surface 342 and an opposing second surface 344, and the second substrate 308 advances to the second cylinder 331. In particular, the second substrate 308 advances at speed V1 to the second roller 331, the second substrate 308 partially surrounding the outer circumferential surface 332 of the second roller 331 and advancing through the nip 336. As such, the second surface 344 of the second substrate 308 travels in the same direction as and in contact with the outer circumferential surface 332 of the second cylinder 331.

[0477] Still referring to Figures 50A and 50B, the first bundle 314a includes the first plurality of elastics 316a wound thereon, and the first bundle 314a is rotatable around a first axis of rotation 346 of the bundle. In some configurations, the first beam axis of rotation 346 may extend in the transverse direction DT. As the first bundle 314a rotates, the first plurality of elastics 316a advance from the first bundle 314a at a speed V2 with the first elastics 316a being spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction DT. From the first bundle 314a, the first plurality of elastics 316a advance towards the DM machine to the nip 336. In some configurations, the speed V2 is less than the speed V1, and as such, the first plurality of elastics 316a is drawn towards the DM machine. In turn, the first extended elastics 316a are advanced across the contact line 336 between the first and second substrates 306, 308 so that the first elastics 316a are joined with the second surface 340 of the first substrate 306 and the first surface 342 of the second substrate 308 to produce a continuous length of elastomeric laminate 302. The first substrate 306 may advance past an adhesive applicator device 349 that applies adhesive 350 to the second surface 340 of the first substrate 306 before advancing to nip 336. It must It will be appreciated that the adhesive 350 may be applied to the first substrate 306 upstream of the first roller 324 and/or while the first substrate 306 is partially wrapped around the outer circumferential surface 326 of the first roller 324. may be applied to the first elastics 316a before and/or while being bonded to the first substrate 306 and to the second substrate 308. Furthermore, it should be noted that the adhesive may be applied to the first surface 342 of the second substrate 308 before or while being joined together. being joined to the first elastics 316a and the first substrate 306.

[0478] As previously discussed, the apparatus 301 includes the second plurality of elastic strands 316b configured to replace the first plurality of elastics 316a when the first bundle 314a is completely exhausted or nearly exhausted from the first elastics 316a. As shown in Figures 50A and 50B, the second bundle 320 includes the second plurality of elastics 316b wrapped around it, and the second bundle 314b is rotatable about a second bundle axis of rotation 352. In some configurations, the second axis of rotation 352 beam may extend in the transverse direction DT. As the second bundle 314b rotates, the second plurality of elastic threads 316b advance from the second bundle 314b at a speed B2 with the second elastic threads 316b being spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction DT. When the second elastic strands 316b are introduced in the assembly operation, the second plurality of elastic strands 316b may first be connected with a joining member 354. As shown in Figure 50B, the joining member 354 may be connected to adjacent front ends 356 of the second elastics 316b. In turn, the joining element 354 and the second elastics 316b can be connected with the first plurality of elastics 316a that are advancing from the first bundle 314a to the contact line 336.

[0479] As mentioned above, the elastomeric laminate 302 may also be subject to additional conversion processes. Such additional conversion processes can incorporate the elastomeric laminate 302 into separate absorbent articles 100. As such, an inspection system can be configured to detect and/or track a defective length of elastomeric laminate 302. A defective length of elastomeric laminate 302 can be defined by a length of elastomeric laminate 302 that includes both first elastic strands 316a and second elastic strands 316b positioned together between first and second substrates 306, 308. A defective length of elastomeric laminate 302 may also be defined by a laminate length elastomeric 302 that includes joining member 354, front ends 356 of second elastic 316b, and/or end ends 358 of first elastic 316a. The inspection system can also correlate inspection results and measurements from the defective length of elastomeric laminate 302 with absorbent articles 100 made therefrom. In turn, the inspection system can be used to control a reject system in an absorbent article converting process, whereby absorbent articles manufactured with defective length portions of elastomeric laminate 302 are rejected. In some configurations, defective articles may be subject to the reject system and removed from the assembly process. Absorbent articles 100 that are not considered defective may be subject to additional processing steps, such as folding and packaging. It should be noted that such an inspection system can be configured in various ways, as disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2013/0199696 A1.

[0480] As previously mentioned, absorbent articles according to the present disclosure can comprise elastomeric laminates that can be used to construct various components of tape and/or pant-type diapers, such as a pair of inner braces for the laterally opposite legs, one pair of laterally opposite leg outer cuffs, one rear waistband, one front waistband, one pair of laterally opposing side panels, one pair of laterally opposing flap panels, one rear waistband, one front waistband, armbands for the front and rear belt, and separate expansion panels arranged in areas that overlap the center frame, and the like.

[0481] It should be considered that different components can be used to build the elastomeric laminates 302 according to the methods and apparatus of the present invention. For example, the first and/or second substrates 306, 308 can include nonwovens and/or films. Furthermore, the first and/or second elastics 316a, 316b can be configured in various ways and having various decitex values. In some embodiments, the first and/or second plurality of elastics 316a, 316b may be configured with decitex values in the range of about 10 decitex to about 500 decitex, specifically mentioning all 1 decitex increments within the aforementioned range and all tracks formed in the same or that way. It should also be noted that the first bundle 314a and the second bundle 314b can be configured in a variety of ways and with various amounts of elastic yarn, types of elastic yarn and/or colors of elastic yarn. Examples of wefts, also called warp wefts, that can be used with the apparatus and methods of the present invention are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,525,905; 5,060,881; and 5,775,308; and in US Patent Publication No. 2004/0219854 A1. Although Figure 50b shows nine elastic strands 316 advancing from the first bundle 314a, it is to be understood that apparatuses of the present invention can be configured so that more or less than nine elastic strands 316 advance from the first bundle 314a. In some embodiments, the first elastics 316a advancing from the first cylinder 314a and/or the second elastics 316b advancing from the second bundle 314b can include from about 10 to about 1,000 strands, specifically mentioning all 1 strand increments within the range mentioned above and of all bands formed therein or thereby. In some embodiments, the first elastics 316a and/or the second elastics 316b may be separated from each other by about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm in the transverse direction, specifically mentioning all 0.1 mm increments from within the aforementioned range and all bands formed therein or thereby. It is also understood that one or more bundles of elastics may be disposed along the transverse direction DT of a converting process and/or disposed along a machine direction DM in several different portions of a converting process. It should also be understood that the first beam 314a and the second beam 314b may be connected with one or more motors, such as servomotors, to drive and control the rotation of the beams 314a, 314b.

[0482] In addition, the plurality of elastics 316 can be joined to one or both of the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 by means of adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, thermowelding, ultrasonic bonding or other laminating means known in the art , including elastics that have been treated with silicone oil. The first and second substrates 306 and 308 can be fused around the elastic strands (eg, ultrasonic bonding of the first and second substrates) - see Attorney's Document No. 14918P (USSN 62/553,171), filed at 1 September 2017, First Inventor Named Uwe Schneider, assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Fusing the first and second substrates 306 and 308 together may be desirable to overcome the non-stick properties of elastics having silicone oil placed on the threads. Alternatively, the first and second substrates 306 and 308 can be bonded between elastic threads comprising silicone oil. Additionally, lines of adhesives may also be used between the first and second substrates 306 and 308, as described in Attorney's Document No. 14917P (USSN 62/553,149), filed September 1, 2017, First Inventor Named Uwe Schneider, attributed to The Procter & Gamble Company. Still further, the silicone oil can be removed from the elastic threads to allow a better bonding of the elastic threads to the first and second substrates 306 and 308, as shown in attorney's document No. 14778P (62/483,965), filed on 11 April 2017, First Inventor named Uwe Schneider, assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. One or more of the bonding methods described and referenced in this paragraph can be used with elastic yarns comprising from about 10%, about 7%, about 5%, about 3%, or about 1% oil silicone.

[0483] In addition, the first substrate 306 and/or the second substrate 308 can have a material basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. It should also be understood that the elastomeric laminates 302 described in the present invention can have a uniform pattern of elastic, dtex, spacing and pre-stretch or can alternatively have multiple zones that can be provided by means of multiple bundles 314 comprising varying compositions of elastic type , dtex, spacing or pre-stretch.

[0484] It is the process disclosed in this PROCESS section of the present application that forms the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure and which can be additionally incorporated into the various absorbent article components such as waistbands, flap panels, side panels, barriers crosspieces, topsheets, backsheets, braces, waistbands, waistbands, and/or chassis to provide the benefits described in this patent application. Further details of the process for creating elastomeric laminates with bundles for use in disposable absorbent articles are disclosed in publication number 62/436,589 entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MAKING ELASTOMERIC LAMINATES WITH ELASTIC STRANDS UNWOUND FROM BEAMS", first inventor named Schneider, filed in 20 Dec. 2016. The elastomeric laminate 302 can be produced as part of the absorbent article production line, or it can be produced offline, and unrolled as an elastomeric laminate that is fed into the absorbent article production line.

ELASTOMERIC LAMINATES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0485] An "elastomeric laminate 302" of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 between a first substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308, the plurality of elastics 316 (often called the "first plurality of elastics", "second plurality of elastics", etc.) have an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, and an Under Thread Pressure of about 0 .1 to about 1 psi. Ultimately, "plurality of elastics" is a term of context, where certain properties, dispositions, attributes, characteristics, etc. define what a certain "plurality of elastics" is. Said elastomeric laminate 302 may be used to form at least a portion of various absorbent article components. When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a chassis, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet, a flap panel, and combinations thereof, the plurality of elastic strands 316 of elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic strands. And, when the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band, a waist brace, an inner leg brace, an outer leg brace, a transverse barrier, and combinations thereof, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands. Ultimately, "elastic plurality" is a term of context, where certain properties (eg, Average Dtex, Average Wire Spacing, Pressure Under Wire, etc.), dispositions, attributes, characteristics, disposition, etc. of elastics are referred to to define what a certain "plurality of elastics" is.

[0486] Additionally, the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and a panel of flap 530, the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%; and a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308 each having a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter.

[0487] When the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and a panel flap 530, elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 50 to about 825 elastic strands. Additionally, the plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 100 to about 650 elastic strands. Still further, the plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 150 to about 475 elastic strands.

[0488] When the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and a panel tab 530, the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Wire Spacing from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. Additionally, the plurality of elastics 316 may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0489] When the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and a panel tab 530, the elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Dtex of from about 30 to about 400. Additionally, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have an Average Dtex of the plurality of elastics 316 from about 50 to about 500. 250.

[0490] When the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and a panel tab 530, elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Prestretch which may be from about 75% to about 300%. Additionally, the elastomeric laminate may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 with an Average Pre-Stretch of from about 100% to about 250%

[0491] The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 , and a transverse barrier 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands with an Average Strand Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, an Average Pre-Stretch of about 50% to about 400%, and a first substrate 306 and/or second substrate 308 each having a basis weight of about 6 grams per square meter at about 30 grams per square meter.

[0492] The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of components of the article including a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and a transverse barrier 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 15 to about 300 elastic strands. Additionally, the plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 20 to about 225 elastic strands. Additionally, the plurality of elastics 316 may comprise from about 25 to about 150 elastic strands.

[0493] The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and a crossbar 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Wire Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. Additionally, the plurality of elastics 316 may have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0494] The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of components of the article including a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and a transverse barrier 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Dtex of from about 30 to about 400. Alternatively, the plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may have an Average Dtex of about 50 to about 400. from 250.

[0495] The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of components of the article including a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140 and a transverse barrier 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an Average Prestretch of from about 75% to about 300%. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate can comprise elastic elements with an Average Prestretch of about 100% to about 250%.

[0496] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an underwire pressure of from about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi, or from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0497] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising an air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or or an air permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight extent) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an air permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extent) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute.

[0498] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate greater than 2000 g/m2/24 hrs, greater than 4000 g/m2/24 hrs, or greater than 6000 g/m2/24 hrs .

[0499] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising an Open Area greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 90%.

[0500] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate having a Gauge at 0 gf/mm (unstretched) of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm and/or a Value a Gauge Retention Value at 3 gf/mm (slight extension) of about 60% to about 95% and/or a Gauge Retention Value at 7 gf/mm (moderate extension) of about 40% to about 90 %.

[0501] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, bottom layer 125, waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150 , outer leg brace 140 or transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Cantilever Flex of less than about 40 mm or alternatively less than about 35 mm, in other embodiments the Cantilever Flex may be less than 30 mm or, alternatively, less than 25 mm. The elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure can have Cantilever Flex from about 15 mm to about 30 mm.

[0502] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Percent Contact Area greater than about 13% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 27% at 200 µm and/or greater than about 39% at 300 µm and/or a 2% Height Value at 98% < 1.6 mm. Alternatively, any of waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124, backsheet 125, waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace the legs 150, the outer leg brace 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Percent Contact Area greater than about 10% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 20% at 200 µm and /or greater than about 30% at 300 µm and/or a 2% Height Value at 98% < 2.2 mm. Comparative differences in Percent Contact Area are shown in Figures 100, 100A for the elastomeric laminates 302 of the present disclosure and Figures 101 and 101A for elastic laminates of currently marketed prior art products. The elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure can have a Height Value at 2 to 98% of from about 0.3 to about 3.0.

[0503] Any one of the waistband 430, the side panel 330, the flap panel 530, the chassis 200, the top layer 124, the bottom layer 125, the waist band 122, waist brace 123, inner brace for the legs 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 1 mm -1 and a Roughness Wavelength from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0504] It should also be considered that any of the waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, top layer 124, bottom layer 125, waist band 122, armband The waist cuff 123, the inner leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140 or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising one or more of the parametric values and ranges mentioned in the present invention above.

[0505] An absorbent article of the present disclosure may have an elastomeric laminate 302 forming at least a portion of one or more of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a flap panel 530, a waistband 122, a chassis 200, a topsheet 124 and a backsheet 125. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having a specific Average Dtex, Nonwoven Type, Nonwoven Basis Weight Average Yarn Spacing and Average Prestretch. And, the article may comprise two or more absorbent article components (including a waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, waistband 122, chassis 200, topsheet 124, and backsheet 125) comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 having one or more plus identical or substantially identical laminate elements (including Medium Dtex, Nonwoven Type, Nonwoven basis weight, Medium Yarn Spacing and Medium Prestretch).

[0506] In addition to the elastic threads with bundle 316 that can be used in each of the absorbent article components, other elastic components such as elastic nonwovens, elastomeric films, elastomeric foams, elastomeric scrims, and elastomeric tapes, or combinations thereof, can be used with the 316 elastics with bundle.

[0507] In one embodiment, an absorbent article comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 and the elastomeric laminate can form at least a portion of one or more of a group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a topsheet 124, backsheet 125, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic strands or from about 100 to about 650 elastic strands or about from 150 to about 475 elastic threads. The plurality of elastics 316 can have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm or from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm or from about 0.75 mm to about 4 mm. 2.5 mm. The plurality of elastics 316 can comprise elastic having an Average Dtex of from about 10 to about 500 or from about 30 to about 400 or from about 50 to about 250. The plurality of elastics 316 can also have a Pre- Medium Stretch from about 50% to about 400% or from about 75% to about 300% or from about 100% to about 250%. The elastomeric laminate may also comprise a layer of first substrate 306 and/or a layer of second substrate 308, each of which may have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising the plurality of elastics 316 can have a Wire Pressure of from about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi, or from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi. The elastomeric laminate may comprise an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extent) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute. The elastomeric laminate may comprise a Water Vapor Transmission Rate greater than 2000 g/m2/24 hrs, greater than 4000 g/m2/24 hrs or greater than 6000 g/m2/24 hrs. The elastomeric laminate having a Gauge at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm and/or a Gauge Retention Value at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch) of about 60 % to about 95% and/or a Gauge Retention Value at 7gf/mm (moderate extension) of about 40% to about 90%. The elastomeric laminate may comprise a Cantilever Flex of less than about 40 mm, alternatively less than about 35 mm. The elastomeric laminate can also comprise a Percent Contact Area greater than about 10% at 100 um and/or greater than about 20% at 200 um and/or greater than about 28% at 300 um and/or a Value of Height 2% to 98% of < 1.8 mm. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate can comprise a Percent Contact Area of greater than about 11% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 28% at 200 µm and/or greater than about 51% at 300 µm and/or one Height value at 2% at 98% of < 1.6 mm. The elastomeric laminate having a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 1 mm -1 and a Roughness Wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the elastomeric laminate may comprise a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 0.85 mm -1 and Roughness Wavelengths of about 1.2 mm to about 5 mm. The elastomeric laminate may also have a Section Modulus of about 2 gf/mm to about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm, in alternative embodiments, from about 4 gf /mm to about 10 gf/mm. The elastomeric laminate can also have an Open Area greater than about 60%, alternatively greater than about 75% or greater than about 90%.

[0508] In another embodiment, an absorbent article comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 and the elastomeric laminate can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components that includes a waist band 122, a waist band 123, an inner leg cuff 150, an outer leg cuff 140, and a transverse barrier 16. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands or from about 15 to about 300 elastic threads or from about 20 to about 225 elastic threads or from about 25 to about 150 elastic threads. The plurality of elastics 316 can have an Average Thread Spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm or from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm or from about 0.75 mm to about 4 mm. 2.5 mm. The plurality of elastics 316 can comprise elastic having an Average Dtex of from about 10 to about 500 or from about 30 to about 400 or from about 50 to about 250. The plurality of elastics 316 can also have a Pre- Medium Stretch from about 50% to about 400% or from about 75% to about 300% or from about 100% to about 250%. The elastomeric laminate may also comprise a layer of first substrate 306 and/or a layer of second substrate 308, each of which may have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising the plurality of elastics 316 can have a Wire Pressure of from about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi, or from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi. The elastomeric laminate may comprise an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extent) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute. The elastomeric laminate may comprise a Water Vapor Transmission Rate greater than 2000 g/m2/24 hrs, greater than 4000 g/m2/24 hrs or greater than 6000 g/m2/24 hrs. The elastomeric laminate having a Gauge at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm and/or a Gauge Retention Value at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch) of about 60 % to about 95% and/or a Gauge Retention Value at 7gf/mm (moderate extension) of about 40% to about 90%. The elastomeric laminate may comprise a Cantilever Flex of less than about 40 mm, alternatively less than about 35 mm. The elastomeric laminate can also comprise a Percent Contact Area greater than about 10% at 100 um and/or greater than about 20% at 200 um and/or greater than about 28% at 300 um and/or a Value of Height 2% to 98% of < 1.8 mm. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate can comprise a Percent Contact Area of greater than about 11% at 100 µm and/or greater than about 28% at 200 µm and/or greater than about 51% at 300 µm and/or one Height value at 2% at 98% of < 1.6 mm. The elastomeric laminate having a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 1 mm -1 and a Roughness Wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the elastomeric laminate may comprise a Roughness Frequency of about 0.2 mm -1 to about 0.85 mm -1 and Roughness Wavelengths of about 1.2 mm to about 5 mm. The elastomeric laminate may also have a Section Modulus of about 2 gf/mm to about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm, in alternative embodiments, from about 4 gf /mm to about 10 gf/mm. The elastomeric laminate can also have an Open Area greater than about 60%, alternatively greater than about 75% or greater than about 90%.

[0509] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 attached to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a chassis 200, waistband 430, a side panel 330, topsheet 124, backsheet 125 and a flap panel 530. The first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise of about 40 of about 1,000 elastic strands arranged in a Average Yarn Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm having an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 600, thereby providing a Yarn Pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm of from about 40 to about 120 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0510] In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 attached to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a chassis 200, waistband 430, a side panel 330, topsheet 124, backsheet 125 and a flap panel 530. The first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 100 to about 600 elastic strands arranged in a Average Yarn Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm having an Average Dtex of about 25 to about 250 thereby providing a Pressure Under Yarn of about 0.2 to about 0.8 psi. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 3 gf/mm of from about 50 to about 150 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0511] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 attached to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band 122, a waist band 123, an inner leg band 150, an outer leg band 140, and a transverse barrier 165. The first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise from about 10 to about 400 elastic yarns arranged at an Average Yarn Spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm having an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 600 thereby providing an Under Yarn Pressure of about 0.1 at about 1 psi. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm of from about 40 to about 120 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0512] In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a bottom layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the bottom layer 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 attached to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band 122, a waist band 123, an inner leg band 150, an outer leg band 140, and a transverse barrier 165. The first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise from about 20 to about 225 elastic strands arranged at an Average Thread Spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm having an Average Dtex of about 50 to about 250 thereby providing an Under Strand Pressure of about 0 .1 to about 1 psi. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm of from about 50 to about 150 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0513] In another embodiment an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125, the chassis further comprises a waist region anterior and a posterior waist region. The absorbent article 100 may comprise a back waistband 430 joined to the back waistband region 38 of the chassis 200. The back waistband 430 extends outwardly from the back waistband region 38 of the chassis 200. The back waistband 430 is formed at least in part by an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising more than about 40 elastic strands having an Average Strand Spacing less than 4 mm. The first plurality of waistband elastics 316 are disposed between the first and second substrate layers, the substrate layers may differ in composition, polymer type, fiber diameter, fiber shape, bond pattern, color, type of nonwoven (eg continuous spun, carded, etc.) and/or basis weight. The back waistband 430 may be joined at or adjacent the side edges of the waistband 437 to another portion of the absorbent article 100 to form a form-fitting pant. Alternatively, the back waistband 430 at or adjacent to the end edges 437 can remain unattached, e.g. separate, to other parts of the absorbent article 100 and thus can be packaged in an open form.

[0514] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 may comprise a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125, the chassis comprising additionally a front waist region and a back waist region. The absorbent article 100 may comprise a front waistband 430F attached to the front waistband region and a back waistband 430B attached to the back waistband region 38 of the chassis 200. The front waistband 430F extends outwardly from the front waistband region 36 of the chassis 200, and the back waistband 430B extends outside the rear waistband region 38 of the chassis 200. The back waistband 430B may be formed at least in part of an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316a disposed between a first layer of substrate 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316a comprising more than about 40 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 4 mm and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300 %. The first plurality of elastics 316a of the back waistband 430B are disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308, the substrate layers may differ in composition, polymer type, fiber diameter, fiber shape, pattern binding, color, type of nonwoven (eg continuous spun, carded, etc.) and/or basis weight. The back waistband 430F may be formed at least in part of an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316b disposed between a first layer of substrate 306 and a second layer of substrate 308, the second plurality of elastics 316b comprising more that about 40 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 4 mm and an Average Pre-Stretch of about 75% to about 300%. The second plurality of elastics 316b of the front waistband 430F are disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308, the substrate layers may differ in composition, polymer type, fiber diameter, fiber shape, pattern binding, color, type of nonwoven (eg continuous spun, carded, etc.) and/or basis weight. The front waistband 430F and the back waistband 430B can be joined together at or adjacent the respective side edges of the waistband 437 to form a form-fitting pant. Alternatively, the front waistband 430F and the back waistband 430B can remain unattached, e.g. separate, at or adjacent to the end edges 437 and thus can be packaged in an open form. The first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b may have one or more of substantially the same number of elastics, substantially the same Average Yarn Spacing, substantially the same Average Prestretch and/or Average Dtex. Alternatively, the first plurality of elastics 316a and the second plurality of elastics 316b may have one or more of a different number of elastics, different Average Yarn Spacing, different Average Prestretch and/or different Average Dtex.

[0515] In various embodiments, the absorbent article 100 may comprise a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The absorbent article having first and second side panels 330, the side edges of the side panels 330 being joined to the chassis 200 at or adjacent the laterally opposite side edges 237 of the chassis 200 in the rear waist region 38. The first and second side panels 330 may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 having a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308. The first plurality of elastics 316 comprise more than about 40 elastic strands and an Average Thread Spacing of less than 4mm. The absorbent article 100 may also comprise a waistband 122 disposed in the rear waistband region 38 of the center frame 200 between, but not overlapping, the first and second side panels 330. Alternatively, the waistband 122 may overlap a a portion of the first and second side panels 330. The waistband 122 may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 having a plurality of elastics 316 comprising more than about 10 elastic strands having an Average Thread Spacing less than 4 mm and a Pre -Average stretch from about 75% to about 300%. 19. The first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 can each have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The absorbent article 100 may also comprise a waistband 122 disposed in the rear waistband region 38 of the center frame 200 between, but not overlapping, the first and second side panels 330. Alternatively, the waistband 122 may overlap a a portion of the first and second side panels 330. The waistband 122 may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 having a plurality of elastics 316 comprising more than about 10 elastic strands having an Average Thread Spacing less than 4 mm and a Pre -Average stretch from about 75% to about 300%. 19. The first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 can each have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. First and second side panels 330 may be joined to a portion of absorbent article 100 at or adjacent to respective distal side edges of side panel 330 to form a closed form pant. Alternatively, the side panels 330 can remain unattached, e.g. separate, at or adjacent the distal side edges of the side panel, and thus can be packaged in an open form.

[0516] In various embodiments, the absorbent article 100 may comprise a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The absorbent article having first and second side panels 330, the side edges of the first and second side panels 330 being joined to the frame 200 at or adjacent the laterally opposite side edges 237 of the frame 200 at the rear waist region 38. The first and second side panels 330 may comprise a elastomeric laminate 302 having a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308. The first plurality of elastics 316 comprise more than about 50 elastic strands and an Average Thread Spacing of less than 2 .5 mm and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300%. The absorbent article also having third and fourth side panels 330, the side edges of the third and fourth side panels 330 being joined to the chassis 200 at or adjacent the laterally opposite side edges 237 of the chassis 200 in the front waist region 36. and four side panels 330 may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 having a second plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first layer of substrate 306 and a layer of second substrate 308. The second plurality of elastics 316 comprises more than about 50 elastic strands and one Average Yarn Spacing less than 2.5 mm and an Average Pre-Stretch of about 75% to about 300%. The absorbent article 100 may also comprise a waistband 122 disposed in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38 of the center frame 200, and the waistband 122 may be disposed between, but not overlapping. a, the first, second, third, or fourth side panels 330. Alternatively, the waistband 122 may overlap a portion of one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 330. The waistband 122 may comprising an elastomeric laminate 302 having a plurality of elastics 316 comprising more than about 10 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 5mm and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300%. 19. The first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 can each have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The first and second side panels 330 at the back waist region 38 may be joined to the third and fourth side panels 330 at the front waist region 36 at or adjacent their respective distal side edges to form a closed form pants. alternatively, the first and second side panels 330 can remain unattached, eg separate, to the third and fourth side panels 330 and thus can be packaged in an open form.

[0517] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a back layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the back layer 125 and one or more elastomeric laminates 302 joined to or forming a portion of the chassis 200. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising more than 40 elastic strands having an Average Yarn Spacing less than about 3mm, an Average Dtex less than about 600, an Average Pre-Stretch less than about 350%. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise one or more sections having a Section Modulus of less than about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. Elastomeric laminate 302 having an Open Area greater than about 70%, alternatively from about 75% to about 90%. Elastomeric laminate 302 having a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi, alternatively from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0518] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a back layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the back layer 125 and one or more elastomeric laminates 302 joined to or forming a portion of the chassis 200. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising from about 42 to about of 1,000 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of about 0.125 mm to about 2.9 mm, an Average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, and an Average Prestretch of less than about 150%. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise one or more sections having a Section Modulus of less than about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. Elastomeric laminate 302 having an Open Area greater than about 70%, alternatively from about 75% to about 90%. Elastomeric laminate 302 having a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi, alternatively from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0519] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a back layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the back layer 125 and one or more elastomeric laminates 302 joined to or forming a portion of the chassis 200. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising from about 125 to about of 625 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of less than about 1.0 mm, an Average Dtex of about 20 to about 350, and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300%. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise one or more sections having a Section Modulus of less than about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. Elastomeric laminate 302 having an Open Area greater than about 70%, alternatively from about 75% to about 90%. Elastomeric laminate 302 having a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi, alternatively from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0520] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a back layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the back layer 125 and one or more elastomeric laminates 302 joined to or forming a portion of the chassis 200. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising from about 44 to about 350 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing less than about 0.375 mm to about 2.7 mm, an Average Dtex less than about 155, and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300%. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise one or more sections having a Section Modulus of less than about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. Elastomeric laminate 302 having an Open Area greater than about 70%, alternatively from about 75% to about 90%. Elastomeric laminate 302 having a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi, alternatively from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

[0521] In another embodiment, an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a top layer 124, a back layer 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the top layer 124 and the back layer 125 and one or more elastomeric laminates 302 joined to or forming a portion of the chassis 200. The elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, the first plurality of elastics 316 comprising from about 10 to about of 200 elastic yarns having an Average Yarn Spacing of less than about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, an Average Dtex of about 25 to about 500, and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 300 %. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, an inner leg brace 150, an outer leg brace 140 and a transverse barrier 165. Elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise one or more sections having a Section Modulus of less than about 15 gf/mm, alternatively from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. Elastomeric laminate 302 having an Open Area greater than about 70%, alternatively from about 75% to about 90%. Elastomeric laminate 302 having a Wire Pressure of less than about 1.0 psi, alternatively from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi.

SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY

[0522] In the Surface Topography Method, a sample of elastic laminate is removed from an absorbent article and extended along and in contact with the convex surface of a transparent horizontal cylindrical pipe segment, allowing the side area surface topology facing the body of the laminate is measured through the transparent tubing segment using optical profilometry. The 3D surface data is then sampled and processed to extract various parameters that describe the Percent Contact Area and 2 to 98% Surface Height of the elastic laminate sample, as well as the Roughness Frequency and Wavelength of Roughness.

[0523] The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. Categorized into five horizontal layers, the epidermis actually consists of between 50 cell layers (in thin areas) to 100 cell layers (in dense areas). The average thickness of the epidermis is 0.1 millimeters or 100 micrometers, which is approximately the thickness of a sheet of paper. The dermis which is the layer immediately below the epidermis can have a thickness of between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. For comparison, we selected a first configuration to determine the Percentage of Contact Area corresponding to the thickness of the epidermis, 100 micrometers, a second configuration at 2X the epidermis or 200 micrometers, and a third configuration at 3X the epidermis of 300 micrometers.

[0524] It is evident from the measurements of the surface topography that the examples of the elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention have a Percentage of Contact Area significantly greater at 100 um (1.5X to 1.9X), 200 um (1.8X to 2.5X) and 300um (1.9X to 2.7X) compared to the prior art structures in Table 8 for both waistband 122 and waistband 430 applications (see Figures 100, 100A, 101, and 101A ). Furthermore, the 2% to 98% Height Value that is derived from the surface topography data also shows a significant difference in surface smoothness for the elastomeric laminate examples 302 of the invention relative to prior art structures. These differences in increased surface contact as well as surface smoothness will have a direct and significant impact on minimizing or eliminating skin marking from the various structures that can be created from the elastomeric laminates 302 of the invention, such as waistband 430, side panels 330 , flap panels 530, waist bands 122, waist braces 123, top layers 124, under layers 125, inner leg braces 150, outer leg braces 140, and cross braces 165. In contrast, the data above Height Value at 2% to 98% show that the prior art product has a much rougher surface due, in part, to its greater elastic decitex and greater spacing, resulting in greater runaway roughness. The combination of the greater uncontrolled roughness with the significantly less surface contact results in skin pressure and skin marking that are likely to be significantly greater for prior art product runs.

[0525] In addition to the surface topography, it is also important to ensure that the skin maintains the proper level of hydration and does not become excessively hydrated as a result of occlusion. Overly hydrated skin, such as skin that has been occluded especially in warmer climates, can be more prone to breakouts and skin damage. Therefore, it is also an objective of such elastomeric laminate 302 of the invention to provide adequate breathability, Air Permeability through the structure, to help maintain the skin at the proper hydration level working in collaboration with the smooth surface of the elastomeric laminate of the invention to provide great skin condition with no marks or skin damage. Therefore, it is desirable that the elastomeric laminate of the invention 302 have an Air Permeability level of 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level of 3 gf/mm (light extension) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level of 7 gf/mm (moderate extension) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute.

[0526] Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 bonded to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, topsheet 124, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 can have a percentage of contact with the surface at 100 µm greater than about 10% and/or a percentage of contact with the surface at 200 µm greater than about 20% and/or a percentage of surface contact at 300 µm greater than about 28%. Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have a Height Value of 2% to 98% less than about 1.6. Elastomeric laminate 302 may have an Air Permeability level at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) of about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute to about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or a Permeability level to Air at 3 gf/mm (slight extension) from about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute to about 120 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level of 7 gf/mm (moderate extension) ) from about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute to about 160 cubic meters/square meter/minute. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm of from about 40 to about 120 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0527] Therefore, it would also be beneficial to have an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125 and a bonded elastomeric laminate 302 to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting in a waist band 122, a waist brace 123, an inner leg brace 150, an outer leg brace 140, and a transverse barrier 165. The elastomeric laminate 302 can have a surface contact percentage of 100 µm greater than about 13% and/or a percentage surface contact at 200 µm greater than about 27% and/or a percentage surface contact at 300 µm greater than about 39%. Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have a Height Value of 2% to 98% less than about 1.6. Elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise an Air Permeability level at 0 gf/mm (no stretch) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight stretch ) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an Air Permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extent) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have an Air Permeability at 0 gf/mm of from about 40 to about 120 m 3 /m 2 /min.

[0528] In addition to the skin health and skin marking benefits associated with the smooth textures made possible by the elastomeric laminate 302, as illustrated above by the profilometry data, the structure of the elastomeric laminate 302 also provides a significant improvement in the clarity and control of the graphics . Many absorbent articles, taped diapers and pants, intended for use on infants and young children comprise a large number of graphic elements arranged on the outer surface of the article as well as on the inner surface. Many elastomeric structures, such as the prior art waistbands 430, have structures that have large roughness and undulating surfaces that distort the graphics on the surface of the article. The surface of the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present invention is significantly smoother and as a result does not distort or mask the graphics on the surface. The magnitude of the difference is captured in Table 6 below.

[0529] The measurement involves stretching the article to its full width and recording a line on the outer surface of the article that extends from the upper left corner of the waistband at or adjacent to the intersection of the side seam and the waist edge to the lower right corner of the waistband at or adjacent to the intersection of the side seam and the edge of the leg. For the examples in Table 6, a 6 mm wide line was etched onto the surface. The article is then allowed to return to its relaxed state. A rectangular box is created based on the dimensions of the collapsed line. The box width is measured and indicated above. A skew factor is then calculated by dividing the final box dimension by the original line width. It can be seen from the above data that the inventive elastomeric laminate 302 has a distortion factor of 1, meaning that it demonstrated little or no distortion from the fully extended state to the contracted state. Prior art elastic waistband products 430 have significantly higher creep factors with all samples having a creep factor of 4 or greater, 4 to 5 times greater than the creep factor of the elastomeric laminate of the invention 302.

[0530] Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an absorbent article 100 comprising a chassis 200 having a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125 and an absorbent core 128 disposed between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125 and an elastomeric laminate 302 bonded to the chassis 200 such that the elastomeric laminate 302 comprises a first plurality of elastics 316 disposed between the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband 430, a side panel 330, topsheet 124, and a flap panel 530. The elastomeric laminate 302 can have a percentage of contact with the surface at 100 µm greater than about 10% and/or a percentage of contact with the surface at 200 µm greater than about 20% and/or a percentage of surface contact at 300 µm greater than about 28%. Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 can have a Height Value of 2% to 98% less than about 1.6. Elastomeric laminate 302 may also have a Graphical Distortion Ratio (illustrated in Figures 102, 102A, 103 and 103A) of less than about 4, less than about 3, or less than about 2 or from about 1 to about 3 The shrunken graphics (symbolized by embossed lines 1001' and 1002') are less distorted when placed on the inventive elastomeric laminates 302 of the present disclosure compared to currently commercially available wired laminates.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE SECTIONS

[0531] The components of absorbent articles comprising elastomeric laminates 302 can be sectioned to allow measurement and detailed characterization of the structure. The waist band 122 (see Figures 7 and 46), the waist brace 123 (see Figure 39), the inner leg brace 150, the outer leg brace 140 and the transverse barrier 165 all comprise , 1 section. With respect to the waist band 122, the waist band 123, the inner leg band 150, the outer leg band 140, and the transverse barrier 165, the section is defined as the region lying between and including the most elastic band. distal and the most proximal elastic band.

[0532] Other components, such as chassis 200, top layer 124 (see Figure 57C), bottom layer 125 (see Figures 57C and 57D), side panel 330 (see Figure 2), flap panel 530 (see Figure 39, 45, and 46), and waistband panel 430 (see Figure 55) all comprise multiple sections as described in the present invention. With respect to side panel 330, the flap panel 530 and waist panel 430 of the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 and the most proximal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 The region is defined by a first line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic and a second line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal point of the elastic more proximal. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines arranged parallel to the lateral axis 44 and arranged at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and the second line. The region comprises a first section including the most distal elastic, a fourth elastic section including the most proximal elastic, a second section disposed adjacent the first section, and a third section disposed between the second section and the fourth section.

[0533] Regarding the chassis 200, the upper layer 124 (see Figure 57C), and the lower layer 125 (see Figure 57C) in which the elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 extend in a substantially longitudinal orientation, the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of the longitudinal axis 42 and the most distal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of the longitudinal axis 42. is defined by a first line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a first side of the longitudinal axis 42 and a second line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a second side of the longitudinal axis 42. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines running parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and running at 25% , 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and the second line. The region comprises a first section including the most distal elastic on the first side of the longitudinal axis, a fourth section including the most distal elastic on the second side of the longitudinal axis, a second section disposed adjacent to the first section, and a third section disposed between the second section and fourth section.

[0534] With respect to the chassis 200, the upper layer 124, and the lower layer 125 (see Figure 57D) in which the elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 extend in a substantially lateral orientation, the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of the lateral axis 44 and the most distal elastic of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of the lateral axis 44. The region is defined by a first line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a first side of the lateral axis 44 and a second line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a second side of the lateral axis 44. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines arranged parallel to the lateral axis 44 and arranged at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and second line. The region comprises a first section including the most distal elastic on the first side of the lateral axis, a fourth elastic section including the most distal elastic on the second side of the lateral axis, a second section disposed adjacent the first section, and a third section disposed between the second section and the fourth section. Table 1: Elastic waistband profiles of the invention Table 2: Elastic profiles of the flap/side panel of the invention Table 3: Elastic profiles of the waist band of the invention Table 4: Elastic profiles of the clamps of the invention Table 5. Performance characteristics of existing and invented waistband sections Table 6: Comparison between the elastomeric laminate of the invention and the prior art elastomeric laminate Table 7: Comparison between the elastomeric laminate of the invention and the prior art elastomeric laminate Table 8: Comparison between the elastomeric laminate of the invention and the prior art elastomeric laminate Table 9: Comparison between the elastomeric laminate of the invention and the prior art elastomeric laminate

[0535] Tables 6 to 9 illustrate combinations of structural parameters enabled by the elastomeric laminates of the invention of the present disclosure that cannot be realized by elastic structures of the prior art or products currently available on the market. For example, although the inventive elastomeric laminate of the present invention in the tables has a Section Modulus of 7.9 g f/mm, higher than any of the prior art references, and the inventive elastomeric laminate also has the lowest Pressure Under Wire of 0.35 psi. The elastomeric laminate of the invention also has a very smooth surface providing a higher Percent Contact Area than any other prior art product in the tables above and the highest Roughness Frequency while providing a unique combination of low Gauge (fineness) and High Gauge Retention Value. All of these benefits of the elastomeric laminate of the invention are derived from an Average Dtex lower than any of the prior art references, combined with a lower Average Yarn Spacing than any of the prior art references.

Example 1 - Pant type article with waistband (see for example Figure 11)

[0536] Example 1 is an absorbent article for pants with a waistband. The pant comprises a waistband laminate disposed at both waist regions and the following materials and construction.

[0537] The waistband 430 of Example 1 can appear on a user in a manner consistent with the images in Figures 72B and 73B. Additionally, the clamps 52 of Example 1 may appear consistent with the images in Figures 76B and 77B.

Example 2 - Article with tape (see for example Figure 46)

[0538] Example 2 is an absorbent article with tape and side panel. The tape article comprises a pair of side panels disposed in a first waist region and the following materials and construction.

[0539] The elastomeric flap panels 530 of Example 2 can present themselves to a user in a manner consistent with the images in Figures 70B and 71B. Additionally, the clamps 52 of Example 2 may appear consistent with the images in Figures 76B and 77B. Still further, the front and back waist bands 122 of Example 2 may be displayed consistently with the images of Figures 74B and 75B.

Example 3 - Item with tape and waistband (see for example Figure 43)

[0540] Example 3 is an absorbent article with tape and waistband. The tape article comprises a waistband disposed in a first waist region and the following materials and construction.

[0541] The waistband 430 of Example 3 can appear on a user consistently with the images in Figures 72B and 73B. Additionally, the clamps 52 of Example 3 may appear consistent with the images in Figures 76B and 77B. Still further, the front waistband 122 of Example 3 may appear consistent with the images of Figures 74B and 75B.

Example 4 - Pant-type article with side panel (see, for example, Figure 2)

[0542] Example 4 is a pant-type absorbent article with a side panel. The pant-like article has a pair of side panels disposed at each waist region and comprises the following materials and construction.

[0543] The side panels 330 of Example 4 can present themselves to a user in a manner consistent with the images in Figures 70B and 71B. Additionally, the clamps 52 of Example 4 may appear consistent with the images in Figures 76B and 77B. Still further, the front and back waistbands 122 of Example 4 may be displayed consistently with the images of Figures 74B and 75B.

Example 5 - Measurement of the directed force of wearing the article (see, for example, 17 Figure)

[0544] Example 5 is a pants-like absorbent article with a waistband. The pant comprises a waistband laminate disposed at both waist regions and the following materials and construction.

[0545] The waistband 430 of Example 5 can appear on a user consistently with the images in Figures 72B and 73B. Additionally, the clamps 52 of Example 5 may appear consistent with the images in Figures 76B and 77B. COMBINATIONS OF EXEMPLARY CLAIMS Exemplary set of claims 1: 1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waistband; a longitudinal centerline extending from the midpoint of a leading waist edge of the absorbent article to a midpoint of a trailing waist edge of the absorbent article; a lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline through a midpoint of the longitudinal centerline; wherein the first waistband is formed at least in part of an elastomeric laminate comprising a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and a first plurality of elastics disposed between the first and second substrate layers; wherein the first plurality of elastics comprises more than about 40 elastic yarns arranged at an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 4mm, having an Average Dtex of less than 600, and having an Average Prestretch of less than 400%; and wherein a basis weight of each of the first and second layers of substrate is from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 100 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 3 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 400. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 350%. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 2 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 300. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 1 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 150 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1.5 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 250. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 200 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 200. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 250%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 250 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.75 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 150. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 200%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 500 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.5 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 125. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 175%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 0.75 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise polyurethane urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise a coating of silicone oil. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics are each unique to the inner and outer nonwoven layers via an adhesive. . 30. The absorbent article according to claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of styrenic block copolymers, polyolefins, ethylene-vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polymers block polyolefin, polyolefin homopolymers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, cyanoacrylics, acrylics, butyl rubber and combinations thereof. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist essentially of polyurethane-urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist of polyurethane-urea. 33. The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic, thermoset, hot melt, pressure sensitive, solvent based and reactive thermoset. A method of producing the disposable absorbent article of any preceding claim comprising the step of unwinding the first plurality of elastics are unwound from a single bundle to form the elastomeric laminate. Exemplary set of claims 2: 1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first panel which may be a first side panel or a first flap panel; a second panel which may be a second side panel or a second flap panel; a longitudinal centerline extending from a midpoint of a leading waist edge of the absorbent article to a midpoint of a trailing waist edge of the absorbent article; a lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline through the midpoint of the longitudinal centerline; wherein the first and second panels are formed at least in part of an elastomeric laminate comprising a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and a first plurality of elastics disposed between the first and second substrate layers; the first plurality of elastics comprising more than about 10 elastic yarns arranged at an Average Yarn Spacing of less than 4mm, and having an Average Dtex of less than 600 and an Average Pre-Stretch of less than 400%; and wherein a basis weight of each of the first and second layers of substrate is from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 20 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 3mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 400. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 350%. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 2 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 300. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 1 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 40 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1.5mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 250. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 80 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 200. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 250%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 115 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.75mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 150. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 200%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise more than about 150 strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.5 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 125. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 175%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 0.75 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise polyurethane urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise a coating of silicone oil. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics are each unique to the inner and outer nonwoven layers via an adhesive. . 30. The absorbent article according to claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of styrenic block copolymers, polyolefins, ethylene-vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polymers block polyolefin, polyolefin homopolymers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, cyanoacrylics, acrylics, butyl rubber and combinations thereof. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist essentially of polyurethane-urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist of polyurethane-urea. 33. The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic, thermoset, hot melt, pressure sensitive, solvent based and reactive thermoset. A method of producing the disposable absorbent article of any preceding claim comprising the step of unwinding the first plurality of elastics are unwound from a single bundle to form the elastomeric laminate. Set of exemplary claims 3: 1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate forming at least a portion of one or more components of the absorbent article selected from the group consisting of a waist band, a waist cuff, an inner leg cuff, an outer leg cuff, and a transverse barrier; a longitudinal centerline extending from a midpoint of a leading waist edge of the absorbent article to a midpoint of a trailing waist edge of the absorbent article; a lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline through a midpoint of the longitudinal centerline; wherein the elastomeric laminate comprises a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and a first plurality of elastics disposed between the first and second substrate layers; wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise from about 10 to about 200 elastic strands arranged at an Average Yarn Spacing of from about 0.25 to about 5 mm, and having an Average Dtex of from about 10 to about 600 and an Average Prestretch of about 75% to about 400%; and wherein a basis weight of each of the first and second layers of substrate is from about 6 grams per square meter to about 30 grams per square meter. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise from about 15 to about 175 elastic strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 3 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 400. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 350%. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 2 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 300. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 1 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics comprise from about 20 to about 160 elastic strands. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1.5 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 250. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 300%. 14. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics comprises from about 25 to about 140 elastic threads. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 1 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 200. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 250%. 18. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics comprises from about 35 to about 120 elastic threads. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.75 mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 150. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 200%. 22. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics comprises from about 45 to about 100 elastic threads. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics are disposed at an Average Thread Spacing of less than 0.5mm. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Average Dtex of less than 125. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have a Pre -Average Stretch less than 175%. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the elastomeric laminate comprising the first plurality of elastics has a String Pressure of less than about 0.75 psi. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise polyurethane urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each comprise a coating of silicone oil. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics are each unique to the inner and outer nonwoven layers via an adhesive. . 30. The absorbent article according to claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of styrenic block copolymers, polyolefins, ethylene-vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polymers block polyolefin, polyolefin homopolymers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, cyanoacrylics, acrylics, butyl rubber and combinations thereof. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist essentially of polyurethane-urea. The absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein the first plurality of elastics, the second plurality of elastics, and the third plurality of elastics each consist of polyurethane-urea. 33. The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic, thermoset, hot melt, pressure sensitive, solvent based and reactive thermoset. A method of producing the disposable absorbent article of any preceding claim comprising the step of unwinding the first plurality of elastics are unwound from a single bundle to form the elastomeric laminate.

METHODS General sample preparation

[0546] Sample preparation in general is intended to be used for methods that do not have specific sample preparation instructions within the method itself.

[0547] When collecting a sample for testing, the sample must contain a plurality of elastic threads and/or an elastic material; film, elastic scrim, elastic foam, elastic tapes, elastic straps etc. In situations where the elastic material and/or elastic threads are not fully trapped within the specimen, the test specimen needs to be obtained in a way that the elastic material and/or elastic threads in the test region of the specimen are as they were intended. and not changed as a result of sample collection. If the elastic material or any elastic threads loosen(s), deform(s) or become(s) separated in or from the laminate, the sample is discarded and a new sample prepared.

[0548] For trousers, remove the side panels where they are attached to the chassis and separate the side panels at the side seams. Identify the elastic material that runs across the entire width of the panel. Identify the most longitudinally distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord (closest to the waist edge) and the most longitudinally proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord (closest to the edge of the leg) determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord. Cut a 40 mm wide strip sideways along the entire panel centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each front and back side panel that contains elastic material and/or elastic threads.

[0549] For the tape, remove the flap panels where they are attached to the chassis. Identify the elastic material that runs across the entire width of the panel. Identify the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord (closest to the waist edge) and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord (closest to the edge of the leg) determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord. Cut a 40 mm wide strip sideways along the entire flap panel centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each front and back flap panel that contains elastic material and/or elastic threads.

[0550] For an article with a waistband, mark the product on the back and front by extending a line along the side of the core to the edge of the waistband. Remove the waistband from the article, using a suitable means (eg freezing spray), taking care not to delaminate the waistband or loosen the elastics. Separate front waistband from back waistband along any seams. Identify the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord (closest to the waist edge) and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or cord (closest to the edge of the leg) determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic cord. Cut a 40 mm wide strip parallel to the edge of the waistband if linear, or to the elastic threads if linear and centered at the midpoint along the entire waistband portion. If the tape has a region that does not contain elastic threads or elastic material (eg, a portion that overlaps the core, etc.) cut along the ends of the elastic threads/elastic material to remove the non-elastic region and treat as two samples.

[0551] For waistbands, they are tested as a single piece of material. Remove the waistband from the article, using a suitable means (eg freezing spray), taking care not to delaminate the waistband or loosen the elastics.

[0552]For leg braces, each leg brace is tested as a single piece of material. The inner leg cuff sample is considered to be the portion of the inner leg cuff extending from the most proximal edge of the inner leg cuff to and including the most distal elastic of the inner leg cuff and extending lengthwise to the front and rear belt edges of the chassis. The outer leg cuff sample is considered to be the portion of the outer leg cuff extending from the most distal edge of the outer leg cuff to and including the most proximal elastic of the outer leg cuff and extending lengthwise to the front and rear belt edges of the chassis.

[0553]For all sample strips, calculating a span corrected width (SCW) is calculated as: where d is the distance (mm) between the two distal wires, and n is the number of wires, when n>1. Attach the strip at each end and measure the length between the jaws to the nearest 1 mm. Apply a weight equal to 3 g/mm SCW. After 10 seconds measure the final weight to the nearest 1 mm. Calculate the elongation as (Final Length - Start Length)/Start Length.

PRODUCT PREPARATION FOR MEASUREMENT FOR DRESSING RATIO, PRODUCT RISE-TO-WAIST RATIO AND PRODUCT HIP-TO-WAIST RATIO

[0554] All measurements were conducted at 22°C +/- 2°C and 50% RH +/- 20%.

Purpose

[0555] This method is used to prepare pants-like products for subsequent dimensional measurement. The method provides a consistent means of opening a product that has been removed from a pouch. This method is applicable to all forms of pant products. A tensile testing machine with a constant rate of extension is used.

[0556] A load cell is chosen so that the capacity of the load cell ensures accuracy from a load of 5N to within 0.1 N.

Sample support device

[0557] "C" (604) and "O" (605) bar attachments, each with a shank radius of 9.50 mm, extending beyond the length of the longest side joint. See Figure 30A. The bars are mounted horizontally on the tensile tester with their longitudinal axes in the same vertical plane and with the upper bar mounted directly above the lower bar.

Equipment configuration

[0558] Calibrate the tensile tester equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

[0559] The initial length of the meter is determined by removing 10 sample products from the bag, unfolding the pants-like products (607) and leaving them flat as shown in Figure 90, below, and measuring the distance between the sides of the pants at the waist as shown (606). The average waist measurement will be used as the starting gauge length for the specific set of samples. The starting gauge length is the distance from the topmost edge of the top bar to the bottommost edge of the bottom bar.

[0560] Apply the entire product (607) to the bars as shown in Figure 30B while minimizing sample manipulation.

[0561] Pull the sample to a force of 5N and then bend it for 10 seconds. Return to the initial gauge length.

[0562] Head speed = 254.0 mm/min, data capture rate = 50 Hz. Cycles = 1

[0563] Remove the sample from the bars while minimizing manipulation. Lay the sample flat with the front side facing up, as shown in Figure 90.

[0564] Repeat for all 10 samples.

physical measurements

[0565] Each of the measurements below must be conducted on 10 separate similar samples and the average of the 10 separate samples is considered to be the measurement for that specific set of samples.

Product relaxed hook (600)

[0566] Product Relaxed Hook is the longitudinal distance between the most distal longitudinal point in the region between the thighs and the most distal longitudinal point along the edge of the anterior waist. The longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product. See Figure 90.

Product relaxed hip width (601)

[0567] Product Relaxed Hip Width is the lateral distance from the most laterally distal point of the left edge of the product on the upper edge of the left leg opening to the most laterally distal point of the right edge of the product on the edge top of the right leg opening. See Figure 90. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the long axis of the product.

Product relaxed waist width (602)

[0568] Product Relaxed Waist Width is the lateral distance from the most distal point on the right side of the front waist edge to the most distal point on the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. See Figure 90.

Product relaxed hook width (608)

[0569] Product Relaxed Hook Width is the lateral distance from the most laterally distal point of the left edge of the product on the bottom edge of the left leg opening to the most laterally distal point of the right edge of the product on the edge bottom of the right leg opening. See Figure 90. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the long axis of the product.

CANTILEVER FLEXION

[0570] Flexion Length and Flexural Stiffness at the waist is measured as the cantilever flexion value as determined using ASTM Method D1388, Option A Cantilever Test with the modifications described below. The tester described in the D1388 standard is used without modification. Articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0571] The method is applied to a sample of nonwoven laminate dissected from an absorbent article instead of a fabric. For an article with a waistband, cut the waistband at the side seams and remove the waistband from the remainder of the article using, for example, a cryogenic spray (eg, Quick Freeze, Miller Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA). For pants, remove side panel from chassis and separate/cut along side seam. The sample is cut as a 25.4 mm strip parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product, starting at the waist and extending towards the region between the thighs (hook) of the product. The sample length may be less than the 200 mm quoted in D1388, but must be at least 10 mm longer than the projection length determined during the test. If the sample waist is folded, leave the fold intact for testing.

[0572] The sample is placed on the platform with the side facing the garment down and the end proximal to the waist as the leading edge. Flexion is performed as described in D1388. Note the length of the projection (OL) to the nearest 1 mm. Calculate Bending Length (BL) similarly to Projecting Length divided by 2 and report to the nearest 1 mm. Hold the sample and measure the length of projection from the front edge and cut the strip. Measure and record the mass of the projection piece and record it to the nearest 0.001 g. From the mass and dimensions of the projection part, calculate the basis weight (BW) and record it to the nearest 0.01 g/m2.

WATER VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE

[0573] The water vapor transmission rate (WTT) is measured using the wet cup approach to determine the rate for an elastic laminate under tension. A cylindrical beaker is filled with water, maintaining a constant headspace between the surface of the water and a sealed sample over the top opening of the beaker. Steam loss is measured gravimetrically after heating the cup unit for a specific time in an oven. Linear walled, cylindrical, 95 mm high glass vials with an inside diameter of 17.8 mm at the opening are used as the ATT test cup. Articles are preconditioned at a temperature of 23°C ± 2°C and relative humidity of 50% ± 2% for two hours prior to testing and the entire test is performed under the same environmental conditions.

[0574] The test is designed for use with elastic laminate of the sample article such as waistband, side panels, flaps, waist bands, armbands, etc. tested in its relaxed state. Samples are prepared as described in General Sample Preparation, 3 items for each test set.

[0575] An edge of the laminate that is perpendicular to the machine direction (DM) of the laminate is attached to a laboratory bench. The sample is then extended in the machine direction to a length equivalent to 3 gf per mm width and clamped. A circle is marked on the laminate with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the test cup. Each test vial is filled with distilled water precisely to a level of 25.0 mm ± 0.1 mm from the top edge of the beaker opening. The sample is placed, with the surface of the laminate facing the body facing down, over the opening of the cup. The sample is extended so that the marked circle lines up with the opening of the cup and secured around the circumference of the vial with an elastic band. The sample is additionally sealed with 0.25" wide Teflon tape around the circumference of the beaker. The Teflon tape is applied to the top edge of the vial but must not cover any portion of the vial opening. The mass of the set of beaker is measured to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the initial mass (MI). The beaker assemblies are placed vertically in a mechanical convection oven (for example, the Lindberg/BlueM oven available from ThermoScientific or equivalent) held at 38°C ± 2°C for 12 hours, taking care to prevent the water in the beakers and the samples from coming into contact. After 24 hours, the beaker sets are removed from the oven and left to reach temperature environment. The mass of each cup assembly is measured to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the final mass (MF). The ATT is calculated using the following equation: ATT(g/m2/24hrs)=( [MI(g)-MF(g)]/surface area (m2))/24 hrs

[0576] In the same way, analyze a total of 3 replicates for each elastic laminate and record the TTVR result. Calculate the arithmetic mean TTVR for each set of elastic laminate and record to the nearest 1 g/m2/24 hrs.

AIR PERMEABILITY

[0577] Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 air permeability tester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC, USA) with a custom opening of 1 cm2 (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments) . Standardize the instrument according to the manufacturer's procedures. Precondition samples at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. Articles are preconditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing and all testing is performed under the same environmental conditions.

[0578] The test is intended for use with elastic laminate of the sample article such as waistband, side panels, flaps, waist bands, etc. Elastic components are removed from the article using, for example, cryogenic spray (eg, Quick Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA) or cutting. Samples are dissected from the laminate, avoiding material seams or other structures not integral to the stretch. Elastic laminates are collected from 3 articles for each test set.

[0579] Cut a sample of the elastic region of the laminate that is 25 mm by 25 mm. For a specimen with non-uniformly spaced wires, a span-corrected width (SCW) is calculated as: where d is the distance (mm) between the two distal wires, and n is the number of wires, when n>1. Using Wingspan Corrected Width, determine the elongation required to achieve 3 g/mm SCW and 7 g/mm SCW by suspending the weights on a substantially similar specimen and measuring the elongation.

[0580] The air pressure in the instrument is set to 125 Pa. Place a sample in its relaxed state with the side facing the body down on the port plate. The elastic region needs to completely cover the instrument port. Close the sample ring and adjust the measurement range until it is within specification. Record the air permeability for the unextended sample to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.

[0581] Select one of the edges of the laminate that is perpendicular to the machine direction (DM) and attach it to the instrument door plate using adhesive tape. The sample is then extended in the machine direction to a length equivalent to 3 gf/mm and clamped. The elastic region needs to completely cover the port. Close the sample ring and adjust the measurement range until it is within specification. Note the air permeability to the extent of 3 g/mm to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min. Repeat similarly for the 7 g/mm extension and record the air permeability for the 3 g/mm to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.

[0582] A total of five measurements are made on sample replicas for each elastic laminate. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean air permeability at 0 gf/mm, 3 gf/mm, and 7 gf/mm of elongation and report each measurement to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.

CALIBER (CALIBER RETENTION VALUE)

[0583] The caliber is measured using a foot and anvil type digital caliber, such as an Ono Sokki caliber gauge GS 503/DG 3610 or equivalent. The instrument is operated and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. A foot with a circular diameter of 25.4 mm that applies a confining pressure of 0.69 kPa.

[0584] The test is designed for use with elastic laminate of the sample article such as waistband, side panels, flaps, waist bands, armbands, etc. tested in its relaxed state. Samples are prepared as described in General Sample Preparation, 3 items for each test set.

[0585] Place the sample, with the side facing the body down, on the anvil. The middle of the test strip is centered below the foot. Lower the foot approximately 0.5 mm sec, and read the value after 5.0 sec. Register as the gauge to 0 gf/mm elongation to the nearest 0.01 mm.

[0586] Select one of the edges of the laminate that is perpendicular to the prominent elastic direction and attach it to the anvil using adhesive tape. The sample is then extended in the machine direction to a length equivalent to 3 gf/mm and clamped. The equivalent target location is centered under the foot. Lower the foot approximately 0.5 mm sec, and read the value after 5.0 sec. Register as the gauge for 3 gf/mm elongation to the nearest 0.01 mm. Repeat similarly for the 7 g/mm extension and record the caliper to 7 g/mm to the nearest 0.01 mm.

[0587] A total of five measurements are made on sample replicas for each elastic laminate. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of the gauge at 0 gf/mm, 3 gf/mm, and 7 gf/mm of elongation and report each measurement to the nearest 0.01 m. The percentage at 3 gf/mm and 7 gf/mm is considered as the Gauge Retention Value.

MEDIUM WIRE SPACING

[0588] Using a ruler calibrated by comparison with a NIST-certified ruler and accuracy of 0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal wires within a section to the nearest 0.5 mm and then divide by the number of wires in that section - 1 Average Wire Spacing = d/(n-1) where n>1 record to the nearest 0.1 mm.

PRESSURE UNDER THE WIRE (ALSO CALLED PRESSURE UNDER THE MEDIUM WIRE)

[0589] Defined as the average pressure given by each individual elastic thread of a section under specific conditions. These conditions are defined as (see Figure 92): - The section is tensioned at a Stress of 7 gf/mm (within a range of consumer preferred stresses as experimentally determined) - The section is tensioned on a cylinder whose circumference is defined as a Representative Circumference Where: - Pressure Under Wire (psi)=1.422 * Wire Strength/(2 * Representative Radius * Mean Wire Diameter) - Representative Radius (mm)=Representative Circumference/(2 * pi) - Circumference Representative (mm)=460 mm - Tension (gf/mm) = (Sum of Forces on the Wire within a section) / (Section Width) - Section Width (mm) = (Number of Rubber Bands in the section)* Spacing Between Yarns Average (mm) - Yarn Strength (gf) = Yarn Stretch (%)* 0.046875 * Dtex Average Yarn Stretch (%) = stretch in each elastic yarn within a section - Yarn Average Diameter ( mm) = 2 * square root (Wire Cross Section Area /pi) - Wire Cross Section Area (mm2) = Average Dtex / Wire Density / 10,000 - Wire Density (g/cc)=1.15 g /cc (industry standard for polyurethane-urea based spandex elastics) - Dtex (g/10,000 m) = Standard textile measurement unit. Dtex is weight in grams for 10,000m of material - Average Stretch = Amount of stretch in elastic strands in a section before blending with substrate layer(s). - Maximum Stretch = Average Pre-Stretch. This is the maximum amount of stretch each section can be pulled. Cannot exceed Average Pre-Stretch. - Maximum Section Strength = Sum of each strand in the tensioned section up to the Maximum Stretch.

SECTION MODULE

[0590] Defined as the module of a given section. Modulus of Section (also called modulus) is the linear slope of stress data against stretch (strain) of the section between 3 gf/mm and 7 gf/mm (see Figure 93). The Section Modulus is calculated as: Section Modulus =[7 gf/mm - 3 gf/mm] / [(section stretch at 7 gf/mm) - (section stretch at section 3 gf/mm)] Where: - section stretch at 7 gf/mm=7 gf/mm * (Medium Wire Spacing)/DTEX FACTOR - section stretch at 3 gf/mm=3 gf/mm * (Medium Wire Spacing)/DTEX FACTOR - Spacing Between Wires Average (mm)= d/(n-1) - d is the distance (mm) between the two wires of the section - n is the number of wires, when n>1 - DTEX FACTOR = 37.5 * Average Dtex /800 (dtex as measured, specified) - Section Modulus is reported in units of (gf/mm)

MEDIUM DECITEX (MEDIUM DTEX)

[0591] The Average Decitex Method is used to calculate the Average Dtex on a length-weighted basis for the elastic fibers present in an entire article, or in a sample of interest extracted from an article. The decitex value is the mass in grams of a fiber present in 10,000 meters of that material in the relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often expressed by manufacturers as part of a specification for an elastic fiber or elastic laminate including elastic fibers. Average Dtex should be calculated from these specifications, if available. Alternatively, if the specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individual elastic fiber is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of a fiber in a relaxed state using a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , determining the composition of the fiber by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and then using a literature value for the density of the composition to calculate the mass in grams of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of the fiber. Manufacturer-supplied or experimentally measured decitex values for individual elastic fibers removed from an entire article, or sample extracted from an article, are used in the expression below in which the length weighted average of the decitex value among the elastic fibers present is determined.

[0592] The lengths of the elastic fibers present in an article or sample extracted from an article are calculated from the general dimensions of and the pre-stretch ratio of the elastic fibers associated with the components of the article with these or with the sample, respectively , if known. Alternatively, if the dimensions and/or prestretch ratios of the elastic fibers are not known, an absorbent article or sample extracted from an absorbent article is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. Such disassembly can be done, for example, with gentle heating to soften the adhesives, with a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick Freeze, Miller Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA), or with a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive but does not expand, alter or destroy elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.

Average Dtex Calculation

[0593] For each of the individual elastic fibers fi of relaxed length Li and decitex value of the fibers di (obtained from the manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) present in an absorbent article, or sample extracted from an absorbent article, the Average Dtex for such an absorbent article, or sample taken from an absorbent article, is defined as: where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in an absorbent article or sample extracted from an absorbent article. Average Dtex is reported to the closest integer value to decitex (grams per 10,000 m).

[0594] If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specifications, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the decitex values of the resulting fibers are used in the above equation to determine the Average Dtex.

Experimental determination of the Decitex value for a fiber

[0595] For each of the elastic fibers removed from an absorbent article or sample extracted from an absorbent article according to the procedure described above, the length of each elastic fiber Lk in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) with mm approximation. Each elastic fiber is analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its pk density is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed by SEM. The fiber is cut in three approximately equal places, perpendicularly along its length, with a sharp blade to create a sharp cross section for SEM analysis. Three fiber segments with these cross sections exposed are mounted on an SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, coated by gold ion bombardment, introduced into a SEM for analysis, and images obtained at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate the fiber cross sections. Fiber cross sections are oriented as perpendicularly as possible to the detector to minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross sections. Fiber cross sections can vary in shape, and some fibers can consist of a plurality of individual filaments. Independently, the area of each of the three cross sections of the fiber is determined (for example, using diameters for circular fibers, major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and image analysis for more complicated shapes), and the average of the three areas ak for the elastic fiber, in units of square micrometers (μm2) , is recorded to the nearest 0.1 μm2. The decitex dk of the kth measured elastic fiber is calculated by: where dé is expressed in units of grams (per 10,000 meters of calculated length), ak is expressed in units of μm 2, and pk is expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined Lk and dk values are subsequently used in the above expression for Mean Dtex.

SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY (CONTACT AREA PERCENTAGE, ROUGHNESS FREQUENCY, ROUGHNESS WAVELENGTH AND 2 TO 98% HEIGHT VALUE)

[0596] In the Surface Topography Method, a sample of elastic laminate is removed from an absorbent article and extended along and in contact with the convex surface of a transparent horizontal cylindrical pipe segment, allowing the side area surface topology facing the body of the laminate is measured through the transparent tubing segment using optical profilometry. The three-dimensional surface data is then sampled and processed to extract various parameters that describe the percentage of contact area and surface height of an elastic laminate sample as well as the frequency and wavelength of its associated roughness. All sample preparation and testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at a temperature of about 23 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of about 50 ± 2%, and samples are equilibrated in this environment for at least 24 hours prior to testing. test.

Sample preparation

[0597] DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLE PREPARATION - The development language to guide sampling in the center of waistband threads and side panel threads.

[0598] Each sample of elastic laminate extracted from an article is mounted on a horizontal tubular segment as described below. The tubular segment is cut from a colorless, optically clear, molded acrylic cylindrical tube having an outside diameter of 8.0 inches (203 mm) and a wall thickness of 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm). The segment has a dimension of 4.0 inches (102 mm) along an axis parallel to the central cylindrical axis of the original tube and a circumferential outer arc length of 5.5 inches (140 mm).

[0599] The elastic laminate sample is extended in its main stretching direction at a ratio corresponding to its extension at 3 g/mm (mass per linear width), and its width is determined by measuring the Width corrected for the Wingspan as defined in the gauge test method, and in which the extension is the average ratio measured under static load during the first ten seconds during which it is applied. In this extended state, the extended elastic laminate sample is oriented so that its body-facing surface is in contact with the convex surface of the tube segment and the axis of extension is oriented around the circumference of the tube segment. The extended laminate is secured at both ends to the clear tube segment so that the body facing surface of the laminate is visible through the concave side of the clear tube segment.

[0600] Five replicas of elastic laminate samples are isolated and prepared in this way from five equivalent absorbent articles for analysis.

Capture of three-dimensional surface image

[0601] A three-dimensional (3D) image of the surface topography of the surface facing the user's body of the extended elastic laminate sample is obtained using a 3D structured light surface topography measurement system based on DLP (a system of suitable surface topography measurement is the MikroCAD Premium instrument commercially available from LMI Technologies Inc., Vancouver, Canada, or equivalent). The system includes the following main components: a) a digital light processing (DLP) projector with digitally controlled direct micromirrors; b) a CCD camera with a pixel resolution of at least 1600 x 1200; c) projection optics adapted to a measurement area of at least 60 mm x 45 mm. d) recording optics adapted to a measurement area of 60 mm x 45 mm. e) a table tripod based on a small hard stone plate; f) a blue LED light source; g) computer software for surface texture analysis that performs surface measurement, control, and evaluation (suitable software is MikroCAD software with Mountains Map technology, or equivalent); and h) calibration plates for lateral (XY) and vertical (Z) calibration, available from the supplier.

[0602] The 3D surface topography optical measurement system measures the surface height of a sample using the standard digital micromirror fringe projection technique. The nature of this standard projection technique allows the surface topography of a sample to be interrogated through a transparent material. The measurement result is a 3D data set of surface height (defined as the Z-axis) relative to displacement in the horizontal (XY) plane. This 3D dataset can also be thought of as an image in which each pixel in the image is associated with an XY offset, and the pixel value is the height value of the Z axis. The system has a field of view of 60 x 45 mm with an XY pixel resolution of approximately 37 microns, and a height resolution of 0.5 microns, with a total possible height range of 32 mm.

[0603] The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's specifications and using calibration plates for lateral (XY plane) and vertical (Z axis) calibration, available from the supplier.

[0604] The elastic laminated sample mounted on the transparent tubular segment is positioned with the concave surface of the surface of the tubular segment facing upwards, so that the surface facing the user's body is facing upwards and visible through the transparent material. The tubular segment is placed on a support so that the convex (downward facing) sample surface in the region to be analyzed is suspended freely and does not rest on a surface. The tubular segment is oriented so that its circumferential direction (that direction or axis along which the laminate is laid) is centered and perpendicular to the long axis of the camera's field of view (or either of the central axes if the field of view is square). A three-dimensional image of the surface topology of the elastic laminate sample is collected following measurement procedures recommended by the instrument manufacturer, which may include focusing the measurement system and performing a brightness adjustment. Prefiltering options are not used. The collected height image file is saved for evaluation by the computer running surface texture analysis software.

[0605] If the field of view of the 3D surface topography measurement system exceeds the evaluation region in the elastic laminate sample, the image can be cropped to remove unwanted areas and retain a rectangular field of view of the relevant portion, while maintaining the XY resolution, before performing the analysis.

3D surface image analysis

[0606] The 3D surface topography image is opened in the surface texture analysis software. The following filtering procedure is then performed on each image: 1) removal of invalid or unmeasured points; 2) a 5x5 pixel median filter to remove noise; 3) a 5x5 pixel averaging filter to smooth the surface; and 4) subtraction of a two-dimensional second order polynomial (determined by least squares fitting of the surface topology image) to remove the overall shape and flatten the surface. The second-order polynomial is defined by the equation described below:

[0607]Each dataset that has been processed to this point as described above is called a "pre-processed sample dataset". The highest points in the resulting topology image correspond to those areas in contact with the convex surface of the tubular segment, and the lowest points are those most distal points below the convex surface of the tubular segment.

CONTACT SURFACE AREAS AND HEIGHT VALUE A 2 TO 98%

[0608] For each of the three-dimensional images of the surface topography of the five replicated samples, the following analysis is performed on pre-processed sample datasets. The Percent Surface Contact Area and Height measurements at 2 to 98% are derived from the Material Ratio to Area curve (Abbott-Firestone curve) described in ISO 13565-2:1996 extrapolated to surfaces. This curve is the cumulative curve of the surface height distribution histogram over the range of measured surface heights. A material ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the area corresponding to points with heights equal to or above an intersecting plane passing through the surface at a given height, or depth of cut, and the area in cross section evaluation region (field of view area). The height at a material ratio of 2% is initially identified. A cut depth of 100 µm below this height is then identified, and the ratio of material at this depth is recorded as the Percent Surface Contact Area at 100 µm. This procedure is repeated at a depth of cut of 200 µm and 300 µm below the identified height at a material ratio of 2%, and the material ratios at these depths are recorded as the Percent Surface Contact Area at 200 µm and the Percent Surface Contact Area at 300 µm respectively. All Contact Area Percentage values are reported to the nearest 0.1%.

[0609] Height at 2 to 98% of the sample surface is defined as the difference in heights between two material ratios that exclude a small percentage of the highest peaks and lowest valleys. The Height at 2 to 98% of the sample surface is the height between the two depths of cut that correspond to a material ratio value of 2% to the material ratio of 98%, and is recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Frequency of roughness and length of roughness

[0610] The 3D images of the surface topology pre-processed for each sample are subjected to spatial frequency analysis by the Fourier transform to determine the Roughness Frequency and the Roughness Length.

[0611] Each 3D image of the surface topology is deconstructed into individual line profiles by isolating each entire row of unique data points that run in the dimension parallel to the elastic threads (if present and evident) of the elastic laminate, or, more generally , perpendicular to the roughness presented by the elastic laminate in the relaxed state. These line profiles are therefore sets of data in the form of height (in millimeters) as a function of distance (in millimeters).

[0612] For each replica of the 3D deconstructed surface topology image, each line profile is averaged centered, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is applied to calculate the frequency amplitude spectrum of each line profile. The average Fourier transform amplitude as a function of the spatial frequency spectra of all extracted line profiles is calculated, and the resulting average amplitude as a function of the spatial frequency spectrum is defined as F(1/d), where 1/ d is the reciprocal distance in units of mm-1. Finally, the function P(1/d) = d x F2(1/d), the power spectral density of the spatial frequency with a prefactor of distance d to correct the noise in the expected 1/d, is plotted against 1/d. The value of the reciprocal distance 1/d at which P(1/d) is at a maximum is defined as the Roughness Frequency and is recorded in units of mm-1 to the nearest 0.001 mm-1. The reciprocal of the Roughness Frequency is defined as the Roughness Wavelength and is recorded in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Method parameters report

[0613] After the 3D surface image analysis described above is performed on 3D surface topology images of all five sample replicas, the following output parameters are defined and reported. The arithmetic mean of all five Percent Surface Contact Area measurements at 100 μm is defined as the Average Percentage Surface Contact Area at 100 μm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five Percent Surface Contact Area measurements at 200 µm is defined as the Average Percentage Surface Contact Area at 200 µm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five Percent Surface Contact Area measurements at 300 μm is defined as the Average Percentage Surface Contact Area at 300 μm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five Height at 2 to 98% measurements is defined as the Height Mean at 2 to 98% and is recorded in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five Roughness Frequency measurements is defined as the Average Roughness Frequency and is recorded in units of mm to the nearest 0.001 mm-1. The arithmetic mean of all five Roughness Wavelength measurements is defined as the Average Roughness Wavelength and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm.

OPEN AREA

[0614] Defined as the percentage of a Section not occluded by elastic threads. Films without apertures have an Open Area of 0%. Open Area of the film with openings=(area occupied by openings)/(total area of the film). None of the current commercially available disposable absorbent articles comprising a film on one or more of a waistband, two-sided panel, or flap panel, waistband, waistband, cuff, wing are believed to have an Open Area greater than 50%.

[0615] The Open Area is defined as: Open Area (%)=(Average Wire Diameter)/Average Wire Spacing

MEDIUM PRE-STRETCH

[0616] The Average Pre-Stretch of a sample is measured and a tensile tester with a constant rate of extension (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 90% of the cell limit. Articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0617] Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to failure after an initial gauge length adjustment. First raise the crosshead at 10 mm/min up to a force of 0.05 N. Adjust the current gauge to the adjusted gauge length. Raise the crosshead at a speed of 100 mm/min until the sample breaks (the force drops 20% after the maximum force peak). Return the crosshead to its original position. Force and extension data are captured at a rate of 100 Hz during the experiment.

[0618] Adjust the nominal gauge length to 40 mm using a calibrated gauge block and zero the crosshead. Insert the sample into the upper grip so that the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The specimen can be bent perpendicular to the pulling axis and placed in the gripper to achieve this position. After the gripper closes, excess material can be trimmed. Insert the sample into the lower jaws and close them. The strip can then be re-bent and trimmed after the gripper is closed. Zero the load cell. The sample must have a minimum gap but a force of less than 0.05 N on the load cell. Start the test program.

[0619] From the data draw a Force (N) curve as a function of Extension (mm). Average Pre-Stretch is calculated from the bending in the curve corresponding to the extent to which the nonwovens in the elastic are engaged. Plot two lines, which correspond to the region of the curve before bending (mainly elastics), and the region after bending (mainly nonwovens). Read the extent to which these two lines intersect, and calculate the % prestretch from the span and the corrected gauge length. Record as % Pre-Stretch 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of three replicate samples for each elastomeric laminate and the Average Pre-Stretch to the nearest 0.1%.

RELAXATION OF STRENGTH OVER TIME

[0620] The relaxation of Force over Time of a sample is measured and a tensile tester with a constant rate of extension (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 90% of the cell limit. Articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions. Prepare a sample size so that it allows a caliper length of 25.4 mm (parallel to the elastic extension) in a width of 12.7 mm.

[0621]Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to determine the engineering elongation in which the tensile force reaches 0.0294 N/mm.

[0622] Prepare and condition a second sample as described above for the Strength Relaxation test over time. The experiment was carried out in the same way as described above, at a temperature of 37.8 °C. Extend the sample to stretch as determined above. Hold the sample for 10 hours and record the force at a rate of 100 Hz. During the experiment a graph showing the data for an extruded wire of the prior art and an elastomeric laminate of the invention comprising the elastic bundle as described in the present invention is displayed. shown in Figure 104.

GRAPHIC DISTORTION REASON

[0623] The influence of meeting the waistband or waist band of an absorbent article on the potential integrity of a graphic on the front and back of an absorbent article is measured by extending the article, applying a marker strip and measuring the change in area occupied by the strip when tension is removed from the absorbent article. Articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0624] Place the product on a workbench with the front of the article facing upwards. Attach the left side seam of the article to the worktop and stretch the product with a force of 10 gf/mm of waistband width and secure the right side seam to the worktop. With a black marker (e.g. Sharpie permanent marker, chisel tip, or equivalent) apply a continuous 6mm wide linear strip from top left corner to bottom right corner of waistband, side panel, flap panel or band waist. Measure the dimensions of a bounding box around the marked strip and record the length (L1) and width (W1) of the bounding box to the nearest 1 mm. Sample preparation and measurement in the extended state should be performed in less than 2 minutes.

[0625] Release the article and let the article retract to the unstressed state (5 min.). Measure the dimensions of a bounding box applied around the marked strip of the length (L2) and width (W2) of the bounding box and record to the nearest 1 mm.

[0626]Calculate the differences in the area of the figure as (L1 x W1) - (L2 x W2) and register with an approximation of 1 mm2. Repeat the measurement on 5 products and record the average. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the lengths L1 and L2 and the widths W1 and W2 and the differences in areas for the replicates and report the linear measurements to the nearest 1 mm and the areas to the nearest mm2. The Graphical Distortion Graph is determined by dividing the final width W2 by the original width W1. Graphics Distortion Ratio illustrations can be found in Figures 102, 102A, 103 and 103A where 102 and 102A are illustrations of an article comprising an elastomeric laminate of the present invention and 103 and 103A are illustrations of a prior art article.

CONCLUSION

[0627] The dimensions and values disclosed in the present invention should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions is intended to mean both the stated value and a range of functionally equivalent values around that value. For example, a dimension revealed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0628] Each document cited in the present invention, including any patent or patent application in cross-reference or related, and any patent or patent application in which the present application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference , except where expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Mention of any document is not an admission that it is prior art in relation to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor that it, by itself or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses such an invention. In addition, if there is a conflict between any meaning or definition of a term mentioned in this document and any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document will take precedence.

[0629] Although specific embodiments of the present description have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all those changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

1. An absorbent article (100), comprising: a chassis (200) comprising a topsheet (124), a backsheet (125), and an absorbent core (128) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first elastomeric laminate (302) comprising a first plurality of elastics (316a) between inner and outer nonwovens (306, 308); characterized in that the first plurality of elastics have an Average Thread Spacing of 0.25mm to 4mm; wherein the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics is from 10 to 500; and wherein the Wire Pressure of the first plurality of elastics is from 0.1 to 1 psi; and wherein the first plurality of elastics have an Opening Area of 80% to 90%. 2. Absorbent article (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a belt (430), a chassis (200) , a side panel (330), a top layer (124), a back layer (125), a flap panel (530) and combinations thereof, the first plurality of elastics (316a) comprising from 40 to 1,000 elastic threads. 3. Absorbent article (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first elastomeric laminate (302) forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waist band (122), a waist brace (123), an inner leg brace (150), an outer leg brace (140), a transverse barrier (16) and combinations thereof, and wherein the first plurality of elastics (316a) ) comprises from 10 to 400 elastic threads. 4. Absorbent article (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics (316a) have an Average Thread Spacing of 0.5 mm to 3 mm; wherein the Average Dtex of the first plurality of elastics is from 30 to 400; and wherein the Wire Pressure of the first plurality of elastics is from 0.2 to 0.8 psi. 5. Absorbent article, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics (316a) have an Average Wire Spacing less than 3 mm, and an Average Pre-Stretch less than 350%. 6. Absorbent article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality of elastics (316a) have a Wire Pressure of 0.3 to 0.8 psi. 7. Absorbent article (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a back waistband (430) formed by at least a portion of the first elastomeric laminate (302), the back waistband being divided into four equal sections, with Section 4 comprising an edge of the proximal end of the waistband, Section 1 comprising an edge of the distal end of the posterior waistband, Section 2 adjacent to Section 1 and Section 3 adjacent to Section 4, at least two of the sections each have more than 10 elastic threads, and the back waistband is arranged in the back waist region (38). 8. Absorbent article (100), according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises a front waistband (430F) formed by at least a portion of a second elastomeric laminate, the front waistband being divided into four sections equal, with Section 4 comprising a proximal end edge of the anterior waistband, Section 1 comprising a distal end edge of the anterior waistband, Section 2 adjacent to Section 1, and Section 3 adjacent to Section 4, with at least two of the sections each have more than 10 elastic threads, the front waistband being disposed in the front waist region (36), and the second elastomeric laminate comprising a second plurality of elastics (316b) between not inner and outer fabrics (306, 308), the second plurality of elastics having an Average Yarn Spacing of 0.25 mm to 4 mm, an Average Dtex of 10 to 500, and an Under Yarn Pressure of 0.1 to 4 mm. 1 psi. 9. Absorbent article (100), according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one of the sections of the posterior waistband (430) has a Section Module different from at least one of the sections of the anterior waistband (430F ), and wherein an area of the back waistband comprising the second plurality of elastics (316b) has an Open Area greater than 75%. 10. Absorbent article (100), according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that each of the front and back waistband (430, 430F) comprises one or more sections having a Section Modulus of between 10 gf/ mm to 4 gf/mm. 11. Absorbent article (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it additionally comprises a first panel formed by at least a portion of the first elastomeric laminate (302), and the article additionally comprises a second panel formed of at least a portion of a second elastomeric laminate comprising a second plurality of elastics (316b) between inner and outer nonwovens (306, 308), the second plurality of elastics having an Average Thread Spacing of 0 .25 mm to 4 mm, an Average Dtex of 10 to 500, and a String Pressure of 0.1 to 1 psi, and each of the first and second panels comprising more than 25 elastic strands, and wherein the first and second panels are laterally opposed and disposed in the rear waist region (38). 12. Absorbent article (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a waist band (122) formed by at least a portion of the first elastomeric laminate (302), the band of which waist comprises more than 20 elastic threads, and the waist band is disposed in the region of the posterior waist (38). 13. The absorbent article (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the waistband (122) comprises more than 30 elastic threads having an Average Thread Spacing less than 3mm. 14. Absorbent article (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises an internal cuff (150) for the legs formed by at least a portion of the first elastomeric laminate (302), the inner leg clamp comprises more than 15 elastic threads.