CN1222261C - Refastenable and adjustable system for diapers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an adjustable garment for storing body fluids and the like for infants, toddlers, and adults. Such garments use a large elastic side flap. The brief comprises a chassis portion and two elastic side panels. The brief has a front end and a back end. The chassis portion includes an absorbent core, an outer layer, and a bodyside layer. The base portion has a length, a width, and a front end and a rear end. The elastic side flap has a length and a width. The elastic side panels are adjacent to the chassis portion and toward the back end of the chassis portion. An elastic side flap has a width that is at least about 30% of the width of the rear end of the chassis portion.

Description

Refastenable and adjustable system for diapers

Background of the invention

Disposable garments used to retain bodily fluids, such as incontinence products, are well established products. There are many types of such products and their intended use by many people, including adults, children and women. Disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 to Van Gompel et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,610,681 to Strohbeen et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,646,362 to Heran et al., and U.S. Patent No. 4,895,568 to Enloe et al. Some examples of such products.

It has long been desired to have a product capable of retaining large volumes of bodily fluids and substances such as urine, faeces and menses in the form of traditional underwear or clothing. Equally, people have long desired to obtain a kind of product that can avoid or reduce the leakage of liquid and wear comfortably. It has also long been desired to have a product that can be easily put on and removed when soiled. However, these requirements are often competing with each other, and often in order to enhance some performance at the expense of other performance.

Summary of invention

In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides a brief comprising a base portion and two elastic side panels; the brief having a front end and a rear end. The chassis portion includes an absorbent core, an outer layer, and a bodyside layer; the chassis portion has a length, a width and a front end and a rear end. The elastic side panels have a length and a width. The elastic side flap is adjacent to the base portion and toward the rear end of the base portion. The width of the elastic side panels is at least about 30% of the width of the rear end of the base portion.

The elasticized side panels of the pant may also include a means for securing the side panels to the base portion. The elastic side flaps may also include at least three closure elements; and the base portion may also include a front fastening flap. This brief can also include ankle cuffs and a waist belt. The elastic side flap may also include elastic elements generally transverse to the length of the side flap. The elastic side panels also include at least two elastic attachment areas. The elastic side flaps can also have at least two closure means, which are tension adjustment devices in the briefs, whereby the leg tension and the waist tension of the briefs can be adjusted independently.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an incontinence product for adult use that can be worn by a wearer with a hip size ranging from about 30 inches (762 mm) to about 43 inches (1092 mm). The incontinence article includes refastenable elastic side panels, the elastic side panels have a length and a width; the incontinence article has a length and a width, the length of the elastic side panels is at least about 3 inches (76 mm), and the elastic The width of the wings is at least about 7 inches (178 mm), 8 inches (203 mm), or 9 inches (229 mm). The elastic side flaps may also include fastening means for the wing segments. The elastic side panels can also include at least three closure elements; and the article also includes a front fastening panel. This supply may also include foot cuffs. This supply can also include a belt. The elastic side panels may also include elastic elements generally transverse to their length. The elastic side panels also include at least two elastic attachment areas.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an incontinence product for adult use that can be worn by a wearer with a hip size ranging from about 40 inches (1016 mm) to about 57 inches (1448 mm). The incontinence article has a length and a width. The article includes refastenable elastic side panels, the elastic side panels have a length and a width, the length of the elastic side panels is at least about 3 inches (76 mm), and the width of the elastic side panels is at least about 7 inches (178 mm). ).

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a fastenable brief comprising an outer layer, an inner layer and elastic side panels. The briefs have a front end, a back end and a length and a width. The total width of the elastic side panels occupies at least about 60% of the width of the rear end of the brief. The briefs may also include a means for fastening the elastic side panels, such fastening means being releasable. The front portion of the pant also includes means for receiving the releasable fastening means of the elastic side panels. The briefs may also include hook and loop type closure means. The briefs can also include ankle cuffs. The briefs can also include a waist belt. The elastic elements are generally transverse to the length of the flap. The side flap also includes at least two elastic attachment areas.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a brief comprising a chassis portion, an elastic side panel, and a front panel section. The briefs have a front end, a back end and a length and a width. The front wing segment has a length and a width. The elastic side panels have a length and a width. The chassis portion includes a bodyside layer, a surge layer, an absorbent core, a porous core wrap and an outer layer. The outer and bodyside layers wrap around the surge layer, porous core wrap and absorbent core. The chassis portion also includes crotch cuffs, crotch elastics and a waist belt. The elastic side flap is proximate to the base portion and is secured to the base portion. The total width of the elastic side panels is at least about 50% of the width of the base portion. There is a closure element on the elastic side flap, as well as a closure element on the front wing section. The closure means on the front wing section can be fitted to the closure means on the elastic side flaps. The elastic side flaps may be located proximate to the rear end of the base portion.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an article of clothing for retaining bodily fluids. The article of clothing includes a main body, an absorbent core, an outer layer, a body side layer and an elastic side panel. The body has a length and a width. The elastic side panels have a length and a width. The width of the elastic side panels is at least about 10% of the width of the body. The elastic side flap includes an elastic element extending generally transverse to the length of the side flap. The side flap also includes at least two attachment areas of elastic elements, the attachment areas extend substantially along the length direction of the wing section, and the attachment areas intersect with more than one elastic element.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an article of clothing for retaining bodily fluids. The article comprises an outer layer, an absorbent core and an inner layer. The article also includes elastic wings. The wings include elastic elements. The elastic element substantially surrounds at least about 30% of the circumference of the wearer's body when the article is on the wearer's body. When the article is worn on the body, substantially along the vertical axis direction of the wearer's body, there are a plurality of elastic member attachment areas, the width of these attachment areas is approximately equal and the intervals are substantially uniform; Effective elastic zone between zones.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a garment. The garment includes a backing element, a bodyside layer, an absorbent pad and an elastic panel. The garment has a width and a length; the elastic wing has a width and a length; wherein the width of the elastic wing is equal to the width of the garment.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an article. The hip size of the wearer of the article can be about 4-10 inches (102 to 254 mm), 10-20 inches (254-508 mm), 20-26 inches (508-660 mm), or 27-39 inches ( 686-991 mm). The incontinence article has a length and a width. The article includes refastenable elastic side panels. The elastic side panels have a length and a width. The elastic side panels are at least 1 inch (38 mm) in length. The width dimension of the elastic side panels is at least about 1  inches (38 mm), 3  inches (82.6 mm), 5 inches (127 mm), or 6  inches (161 mm), respectively, corresponding to the aforementioned waist dimensions.

Attached picture

Figure 1A is a schematic plan view of a pair of briefs, showing the side of the briefs close to the body.

Figure 1B is a schematic plan view of a pair of briefs, showing the outside of the briefs.

1C to 1E are schematic cross-sectional views of the briefs shown in FIG. 1A.

Figure 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of an elastic side panel.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a brief with an elastic waistband.

Figure 4A shows the shape of one embodiment of the elastic side flap.

Figure 4B is a plan view of one embodiment of an elastic side panel.

Figure 5 shows a pair of briefs on the wearer.

6A to 6C are schematic views of the flanks.

7 to 10 are schematic plan views of several embodiments of briefs.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1A and 1B show the general construction of one embodiment of a brief, wherein Figure 1A shows the body-closer or inner side of the brief, and Figure 1B shows the outer side of the brief. It can be seen from the figure that the briefs include a trouser body 1 with a front end 2 , a rear end 3 and a crotch region 17 . The pant body has a base portion 4 , a front fastening panel 5 and two elastic side panels 6 and 7 . Closing means 8 and 9 are respectively provided on each elastic side flap. In this figure, three such devices are provided on each flank. It is of course also possible to use more or fewer closing elements. The base part can also be provided with crotch elastic members 10 and 11, absorbent core or absorbent pad 12, foot cuffs 13 and 14. A body side layer 15 may be provided on the body side of the chassis portion, the body side layer covering the absorbent pad. On the outside of the chassis portion there may be provided a backing element or backing sheet 16 which overlies the absorbent core.

In use, the briefs are placed on the body of the wearer and the closure elements 8 and 9 are fastened to the front fastening wings 5 as shown in Figure 5 to fasten them. After the briefs are soiled, the briefs can be removed from the wearer and the front end 2 is folded or rolled towards the rear and one of the elastic side flaps is also folded or rolled inside. The remaining one elastic side flap is of sufficient width and sufficient elasticity to enclose the folded roll and to close itself so that the brief is folded into a conventional pocket form for easy disposal.

An appropriate dimensional relationship between the elastic side panels, base portion, and front fastening panels, and an appropriate number and location of closure elements, which allow a single product to comfortably and securely fit a wide range of wearers, including a wide range of size, shape and age group (e.g. infants, toddlers and adults). Dimensions and dimensions referred to herein (unless otherwise indicated) refer to the actual dimension of the component, ie, the dimension when stretched to its longest, and not to the smaller dimension of the component in its relaxed state, ie, the dimension when the elastic is contracted.

The total width of the elastic side panels 6 and 7 (sum of dimensions 18 and 19 ) should generally be greater than or equal to about 20% of the base portion width 20 . Preferably, the total width of the elastic side panels should be greater than or equal to about 50% of the width of the base portion. Ideally, the overall width of the elastic side panels should range from about 75% to about 500% of the width of the base portion.

The width 21 of the fastening flaps 5 should generally be less than about 5 times (2 times when stretched) the overall width (combination of dimensions 18 and 19) of the elastic side panels in their relaxed state. Preferably, the width of the fastening panels should be less than about 4 times the total width of the elastic side panels in the relaxed state (2 times in the stretched state). Ideally, the width of the fastening panels should be less than about twice the total width of the elastic side panels in their relaxed state. Alternatively, an outer layer element can be used as fastening wing.

The length 22 of the fastening panels is generally at least about 15% of the length of the pant. Desirably, the length of the fastening panels is at least about 20% of the length of the pant. The combined length of the elastic side panels and front fastening panels (sum of dimensions 22 and 23) should generally be at least about 7% of the overall length of the brief. Preferably, the combined length should be at least about 25% of the overall length of the brief. Ideally, the combined length should be between about 40% and about 60% of the brief length.

The front and rear ends of the base portion are generally of equal width. However, the base portion may be wider at the front or wider at the rear.

Generally speaking, the optimal size relationship of the various components of the briefs is: the width of the base portion and the front fastening wing section are approximately equal; the total width of the elastic side panels (the sum of dimensions 18 and 19) is about 100% to About 500%; the brief has three closure devices on each elastic panel; the length of the front fastening panel is about 15% to about 30% of the total length of the brief; the length of the elastic side panels is 30% of the total length of the brief About 15% to about 40%. These optimum dimensional relationships may vary depending on the elasticity, shape and strength of the wings, and the shape and size of the base portion.

The cross-sections of the briefs shown in FIG. 1C are respectively taken from the C-C section in FIGS. 1A and 1D , the D-D section in FIGS. 1A and 1E , and the E-E section in FIG. 1A . As can be seen from the figure, the base portion 4 of the briefs generally has an absorbent pad 12 which may be wound with a porous core roll 24 on the outside. An anti-surge layer 25 may also be provided on the core roll. The liner and surge layer may be covered by the bodyside layer 15 and the backing element 16 . The crotch elastics 10 and 11 also cover the bodyside layer 15 and the backing member 16 . Also be provided with foot cuff 13 and 14 on the body side layer of briefs, they can have elastic. Elastic wings 6 and 7 are attached to the base part, and closure means 8 and 9 are attached to the elastic wings. The front fastening wing section 5 is attached to the outer surface of the base part.

The elastic side panels may generally be attached to the base portion by any suitable technique known in the art. The elastic side panels may be located between the bodyside layer and the backing element, either on the bodyside side of the bodyside layer or on the outside of the backing element. Preferably, the elastic side panels are located between the bodyside layer and the backing element. There can be more or less overlap between the elastic side panels and the base part, the degree of overlap depends on the overall size of the pant, the length of the elastic side panels, the strength of the parts, the form of connection (i.e. glued, ultrasonically bonded, etc.) connections, etc.), and the costs associated with these components. As an example for ease of illustration, if the elastic side panels are attached on the outside of the base portion, the width of the overlap can be from about 5% to about 25% or more of the width of the base portion. When the elastic side panels are positioned between the bodyside layer and the backing element, they overlap the two layers by such a width that the method of attachment employed is effective. As an example for ease of illustration, in an adult-use product, the overall width (combination of sizes 18, 19, and 20) of the product is about 27 inches (686 mm) and 36 inches (914 mm) in the stretched state. ), the base portion width 20 is about 13  inches (343 mm), and the overlapping width should preferably be from about  inches (6.4 mm) to about 1  inches (38 mm). This example does not have any limiting effect on the size of the product.

The method used to attach the elastic side panels to the base portion may be adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or any other method known in the art. In general, any adhesive that provides sufficient bond strength can be used. These adhesives include, by way of example, hot melt adhesives, solvent based adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, elastic attachment adhesives, and thermoset adhesives. Ideally, a hot melt adhesive can be used. Suitable hot melt adhesives are: H-1515A or H2096, available from Ato-Findley Adhesives, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and 34-5610, available from Ato-Findley Adhesives, Bridgewater, New Jersey. Obtained from National Starch & Chemical Corporation; these three examples are listed for illustration only and are not intended to limit the type of binder that can be used.

The adhesive may be applied to the part using any technique and pattern known in the art. By way of example and not limitation, such processes and patterns include: spraying, melt blowing, slot coating, roll coating, gravure printing, spiral patterns, line patterns, stripe patterns or dot patterns.

Ultrasonic bonding of components can be accomplished using any ultrasonic bonding equipment known in the art. Such equipment is available, for example, from Branson or Dukane. While at least one of the embodiments described in this specification requires some stiffness of the seam, the pattern of ultrasonic bonding or welding should ensure a good connection between the parts without unnecessarily adding triangulation. The stiffness of the pants. By way of example and not limitation, such patterns include: interlaced dots, dots arranged in a row, bars, crescents, or combinations thereof. These graphics can be completed by both insertion bonding and rotary ultrasonic bonding.

Ideally, a combination of ultrasonic bonding and adhesive bonding may be used. When this combination is used, the width of the adhesive zone and the width of the ultrasonic zone can be different or the same. That is, the width of the adhesive zone may be greater than the width of the ultrasonic zone or smaller than the width of the ultrasonic zone or both. Going back to the above example (but not limiting) of an adult product with a width of 27 inches (686 mm) (36 inches, 914 mm in tension), the adhesive zone may preferably be The bonded area is as wide as or about  inches (6.4 mm) narrower than the ultrasonically bonded area.

The closure means may be attached to the body-facing side of the elastic panels, on the outside, or between layers of the elastic panels if the elastic panels are multi-layered. The closure means may be attached to the elastic panels using any process and any material described in this specification for joining the individual components, or using any other suitable fastening process or material. Likewise, the size of the overlap between the closure means and the elastic wings may vary. In addition, some closure devices are self-adhesive and thus can be secured directly to the elastic panels without additional adhesive or glue application steps. Going back to the example (but not limiting) of the briefs for adults with a width of 27 inches (686 mm) (36 inches, 914 mm) in the stretched state mentioned above (but not limiting), the closure device is attached to the On the outside, overlapping the wing sections by approximately 1 inch (25 mm), they were attached to the wing sections by adhesive bonding and ultrasonic bonding using a staggered pattern of dots.

A front fastening wing can be attached on the outside of the base part. Whether lengthwise or widthwise or both, the front fastening wing section can be the same size as, smaller than, or larger than the front section of the base portion. Preferably, the length and width of the front fastening wing sections are slightly smaller (about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) to about 3 inches (76 mm) less) than the front section of the base portion. Furthermore, the shape of the front fastening wing can be arbitrary. The front fastening panels may be attached to the base portion using any of the techniques and materials described in this specification, or using any other suitable fastening techniques or materials. The process and material used in attaching the front fastening panels to the base portion depends on the breathability requirements of the pant. Returning again to the above example (but not limiting) of the adult briefs with a width of 27 inches (686 mm) (36 inches, 914 mm in the stretched state), the base portion of the briefs The front section has a width of about 13  inches (343 mm), and the front fastening wing section has a width of about 12  inches (318 mm).

The foot cuffs may be attached to the inside of the base portion using any of the techniques described in this specification or using any other suitable fastening techniques or materials. The cuff may be attached to the bodyside layer of the base portion, the backing element, or some other layer, depending on the width and location of these layers in the base portion. The cuff can be positioned entirely over the absorbent liner, partially over the absorbent liner or not at all. For the above example (but not limiting) of a 27" (686 mm) wide (36" (914 mm) adult brief) with a width of 27 inches (686 mm), the foot cuff is located immediately adjacent to the absorbent liner, As shown in Figure 1A. Examples of foot cuffs that may be used are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,415,644 to Enloe, U.S. Patent No. 5,413,570 to Enloe, U.S. Patent No. 4,846,825 to Enloe et al. 4,704,116, U.S. Patent No. 5,599,338 to Enloe, U.S. Patent No. 5,649,918 to Schleinz, WO 97/21410 to Faulks, and U.S. Patent No. 5,620,431 to LeMaheiu et al., all assigned to Kimberly-Clark Corporation, here These patent publications are incorporated by reference.

The elastic side panels can be made of any elastic material. It can be single-layer or multi-layer. For example, elastic side panels may be fabricated from a multilayer material consisting of elastic monofilaments, fibers, sheets, strips, or strands sandwiched between two layers of fabric. Examples of materials that may be used to make the elastic side panels are disclosed in Wideman, US Patent No. 4,606,964 and Johnson, US Patent No. 3,371,668, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The elastic side panels can be made from a stretch bonded laminate type material consisting of two layers of material with a web of elastomeric fibers meltblown or extruded as monofilaments between the layers. The elastic side panels can also be made of a neck bonded type material or neck bonded laminate (NBL). The two layer material described is by way of example only and not limiting and may be a spunbond material such as spunbond polypropylene, rayon or woven fabric type material, a film or a porous film. The elastic side wings can be breathable or non-breathable, of course, the material of the elastic side wings is preferably breathable. The elastomeric web can be made from Kraton(R).

Yet another example of a material that can be used to make elastic side panels is a composite known as a "stretch bonded laminate" or SBL. Such materials generally have at least two layers, one of which is a shrinkable layer and the other is an elastic layer. The two layers are composited together while the elastic layer is in an elongated state, so that the shrinkable layer contracts when the elastic layer relaxes. This multilayer composite elastic material can be stretched to such an extent that the layers of non-elastomeric material between bond sites are constricted, allowing the elastic material to stretch. A multilayer composite elastic material is disclosed as an example in U.S. Patent No. 4,720,415 to Vander Wielen et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; in this multilayer composite elastic material, the layers of the same polymer are used Produced by a multi-row extruder. Other composite elastic materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,789,699 to Kieffer et al.; U.S. Patent 4,781,966 to Taylor; U.S. Patents 4,657,802 and 4,652,487 to Morman et al; information as a reference.

US Patent 5,226,992 issued to Morman on July 13, 1993, US Patent 5,336,545 issued to Morman on August 9, 1994, and US Patent 5,514,470 issued to Haffner et al. on May 7, 1996 describe examples of NBL material types that may be used for elastic wings, and these are cited here Patent publications are incorporated by reference.

A breathable material consisting of two spunbonded polypropylene layers is ideal for elastic side panels. The material has elastic threads bonded between two layers of spunbond polypropylene as shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, the elastic side panels 7 have elastic threads 26 bonded between the two layers of spunbond polypropylene. The elastic threads extend in the direction of the width dimension 19 of the briefs and wing sections. The elastic lines are not arranged in parallel in sections, but form a zigzag shape closer to the edge of the wing section. As shown in Figure 2, ideally the elastic thread should be a single thread arranged in a zigzag pattern. Alternatively, however, multiple elastic threads that may be employed include a parallel arrangement of elastic threads. The elastic strands 26 are secured in place between the spunbond layers with adhesive and/or ultrasonically. The adhesive can be any type of adhesive disclosed herein, or any adhesive known in the art, as long as the adhesive is elastic after solidification. By way of example and not limitation, such binders are available from National Starch & Chemical Company, Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Ato-Findley Adhesives, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The adhesive may be applied by any method known in the art, including those already described herein.

To form elastic side panels, the best way to apply adhesive is by using a slot coating technique that results in a new and different elastic material. This technique creates a plurality of spaced apart parallel strips 27 of strips 27 extending lengthwise (ie, perpendicular to the width dimension 19) on the wings and briefs. In addition, this lateral shrinkage can also be formed by ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding.

Such strips can range in width from about 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) or less to about 3 inches (91 mm) or more, with ideal widths ranging from about 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to about 2 inches (51mm). The spacing between the strips can be the same or different than the width of the strips. Furthermore, the strips can also be of variable width. The ideal configuration for the strips is that the strips are 1/8" (3.2mm) wide and the spacing between each strip is also 1/8" (3.2mm). The spacing between the strips creates a material with lateral gathers or pleats. It has been found that this lateral gathering greatly improves the comfort and fit of the briefs and panels and increases the elastic range of the panels. Thus, a wing segment construction with such transverse elastic gathering exhibits a greater elongation than a wing segment without transverse elastic gathering for the same tension and the same elastic strand size. The formation of the bead results in a low-elastic attachment zone, ie, an area of little or no elasticity in the wing section. This depends on the type and amount of adhesive used and has nothing to do with the elasticity of the elastic thread. Alternatively, ultrasonically bonded strips can be used in place of the adhesive strips. Materials of this type having lateral gathers are the subject of a separate patent application filed on the same date as this application in the name of Fell et al., having Attorney Identification No. 659/489. This patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

The maximum stretch of elastic wings formed with such strips is much higher than that of wings made with conventional techniques. For example, a wing made of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) strips spaced 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) apart has elastic placed at 250% elongation, the maximum elongation of the wing The elongation rate will be 240%. Whereas the expected maximum elongation of a conventional composite material under the same conditions is about 212%. Thus, such elastic wings allow much greater elongation to be introduced into the elastic threads; and give such wings a much greater maximum width at the same initial elastic elongation.

Examples of materials suitable for constructing elastic side panels include extensible materials, elastic materials, or elastomeric materials, such as polymeric films, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc., and combinations thereof. Thus, the elastic side panels may be composed of stretch bonded laminate (SBL) material, neck bonded laminate (NBL) material, reversible neck bonded nonwoven material, high elastic film, high elastic foam material, elastic threads, and the like. For example, the melt-blown high-elastic fiber web described in US Patent 4,663,220 issued to T. Wisneski et al. on May 5, 1987 is a material suitable for forming elastic side panels, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of composite fabric constructions are described in European Patent Application EP No.0 217 032 A2 issued on April 8, 1987, invented by J.Taylor et al. This construction includes at least one non-woven fabric construction fixed on a fiber-containing elastic layer , the publication of this patent is cited here as a reference.

The elastic side panels may, as previously described, be formed from a unidirectionally stretchable material which is poorly stretchable in multiple directions. A suitable unidirectionally stretchable material is disclosed in US Patent No. 4,7820,415 issued to VanderWielen et al. on January 19, 1988, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The unidirectional stretchable material may consist of a composite material comprising at least one layer of shrinkable fabric bonded to at least one layer of stretchable elastic fabric. The elastic fabric may be an elastic film or a nonwoven fibrous elastic fabric such as a meltblown elastic web. In one embodiment, the extensible panels comprise an extensible bonded laminate consisting of a pre-stretched elastic meltblown inner layer sandwiched between two spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven webs and bonded. Taken together, the nonwoven web had a basis weight of about 13.6 grams per square meter (0.4 ounces per square yard). A suitable elastomeric material is commercially available from Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Texas under the tradename KRATON®. Other suitable unidirectionally stretchable materials are disclosed in US Patent 4,965,112 issued to Morman on October 23, 1990, US Patent 4,606,964 issued to Wideman on August 19, 1986, and US Patent 4,657,802 issued to Morman on April 14, 1987.

Examples of biaxially stretchable materials that may be used in elastic side panels are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,114,781, issued May 19, 1992 to Morman, and US Patent No. 5,116,662, issued May 26, 1992 to Morman, the disclosures of which patents are incorporated herein by reference. A biaxially stretchable material may consist of a composite material comprising a stretchable material and an elastic sheet formed by meltblowing or extrusion. A neckable material is one that can be caused to shrink in at least one direction by applying a pulling force perpendicular to the direction in which necking is desired. This material may comprise a spunbond, meltblown, or bonded carded web. The stretch necked neckable material may be bonded to the stretched elastic sheet at a plurality of spaced apart locations arranged in a non-linear pattern. Another biaxially stretchable composite material may include one or more layers of reversibly necked material bonded to one or more layers of elastic sheets at a plurality of spaced apart locations. A reversibly necked material is one that has been treated in such a way that some treatment, such as heat treatment, has been performed at the same time as the necking has taken place so that the necking enters the memory of the material. When the material is subjected to a force which causes it to stretch to its pre-necked dimension, the treated portion of the material returns substantially to the necked dimension when the force ceases.

Elastic side panels can also be made with a material known as "stretch bonded". Such materials generally mean that one elastic element is bonded to another element when stretched to at least about 25% of its relaxed state length.

The components of the base portion may be held together by adhesive ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or other techniques known in the art. The backing element should form a barrier to liquids and preferably also be breathable. The base portion can also be covered with one or more layers of additional material, an external element (not shown), to further improve or change the appearance, feel, or function of the briefs. The absorbent pad is the part of the briefs that absorbs and retains liquids. The absorbent pad can be made of any absorbent material, such as those known in the art for use in diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. Such materials include porous fibrous materials or foam materials. Absorbent pads may also incorporate a superabsorbent additive such as Dow 2035 manufactured by DOW and SXM 880 manufactured by Favor. Absorbent pads can vary in thickness and absorbency, from very thin to very thick, depending on the structure and intended use of the product. More specifically, known absorbent pads have a thickness of from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters.

The absorbent pad can have any shape known in the art, and can be hourglass, rectangular, oval, or some irregular shape such as a trapezoid. Lengthwise, the absorbent pad can extend beyond the entirety of the chassis portion, or can be shorter than the chassis portion. Also, widthwise, the absorbent pad can extend beyond the entirety of the chassis portion, or can be narrower than the chassis portion. Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, the surface profile of the absorbent pad may be concave in the center, multi-dimpled, or may be convex. Additionally, the absorbent pad may comprise multiple layers of materials to provide the desired distribution of absorption and retention functionality.

The absorbent pad can be covered with a porous wrap. For example, the rolled material may be C-folded tissue paper or other open-shaped material. Desirably, the porous wrap is hydrophilic and has wet strength. By "C-shaped" fold is meant that the material is rolled or folded around the absorbent pad without completely closing it so that the material becomes a C-shape. However, the material may also completely surround the absorbent pad, or be located only on the top and/or bottom of the absorbent pad. The material may be glued to the absorbent pad or not glued to the absorbent pad. In the case of tissue paper, it is ideal that it is not glued or bonded to the absorbent pad.

An optional anti-surge layer is placed on the body side of the absorbent pad. The anti-surge layer can be attached to the tissue, attached to the absorbent pad. Attached to the body side layer, or a combination of the above. Ideally, the anti-surge layer is attached to a tissue or absorbent pad.

The absorbent pad is held in place in the base portion by being attached to the backing element, the bodyside layer, or both, or by means of the backing The sandwich effect of the element and the body side layer on it, or all of the above individual mechanisms. The bodyside layer can be made from any liquid permeable sheet. Preferably, the bodyside layer is made from spunbonded polypropylene. The body side layer can be attached with adhesive to the surge layer, to the tissue if the surge layer is not available, or to the absorbent liner if the surge layer and tissue are not available superior. Adhesives known in the art can be used as the adhesive, some of which have been clearly indicated in this specification. The adhesive can be applied by any method known in the art, some of which are described above. An absorbent pad can likewise be attached to the backing element. The backing element can be made from any waterproof sheet. Preferably, the backing element is manufactured from a liquid impermeable but breathable film. The backing element can be attached to the absorbent pad. Both the backing element and the bodyside layer should be attached to each other along the periphery of the absorbent pad.

Spunbond fibers are generally small diameter fibers that are monofilaments formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material through many fine, usually circular, capillaries in a spinneret, which are then U.S. Patents 4,340,563 to Appel et al., 3,692,618 to Dorshner et al., 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney, 3,502,763 to Hartman, and 3,502,763 to Dobo et al. The method in US Patent 3,542,615 rapidly reduces its diameter. Spunbond fibers are generally not tacky when they are deposited onto a collecting surface. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous microfine fibers having an average diameter (average of at least 10 samples) greater than 7 microns, more specifically between about 10 and 20 microns.

Meltblown fibers are generally a polymeric fiber that is generally formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material through many fine, usually circular, pores to form molten filaments or monofilaments that are heated by the heat of the melt. The filaments of plastic material are then passed into a converging, usually hot, high velocity gas stream (eg air flow) which reduces the diameter of the filaments of molten thermoplastic material. The meltblown fibers are then carried by the high velocity air stream and deposited onto a collecting surface to form a web of randomly distributed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in US Patent 3,849,241 to Butin et al. Meltblown fibers may or may not be continuous, are typically less than 10 microns in average diameter, and are typically tacky when deposited on a collecting surface.

The breathable element has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 500 g/m2/24 hours or greater. Preferably, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the breathable element is greater than or equal to 1000 g/m2/24 hours. Optimum breathable elements have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 2000 g/m2/24 hours or greater. As an example, such materials can be used to make the backing element. Materials with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 8000 g/m2/24 hours or higher can be used for the flanks. The prediction method of WVTR shall comply with ASTM standard E96-95. The test procedure is as follows: first cut a circular sample with a diameter of 3 inches from each test material and contrast object. The control was a piece of CELGARD ^™ 2500 film, a microporous polypropylene film, manufactured by Hoechst Celanese Corporation of Sommerville, New Jersey. Three samples are prepared for each material. The test disc was Vapometer disc No. 60-1 distributed by Thwing-Albert Instrument Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 100 ml of water was added to each Vapometer pan, and a sample of the test or control material was placed in each Vapometer pan. The sample is to span the top of the opening in the Vapometer pan. The flange was then tightened to form a seal along the edge of the disc, allowing the test and reference materials concerned to be exposed to the ambient atmosphere in a circle area 6.5 cm in diameter, so that the exposed area was approximately 33.17 cm2. The Vapometer pan with the sample was then placed in a forced air oven and equilibrated at 100°F (32°C) for 1 hour. The furnace is a constant temperature furnace through which outside air is circulated to prevent the accumulation of water vapor. For example, the Blue M Power-O-Matic 60 furnace distributed by the Blue M. Electric Company of Blue Island, Illinois is a suitable forced air furnace. When the equilibration process is complete, the Vapometer pan is removed from the oven, weighed and placed back in the oven immediately. After 24 hours, the Vapometer pan was removed for weighing. The initial value of the water vapor transmission rate test is calculated as follows:

(I) WVTR test value = (weight loss in grams within 24 hours) × 315.5 g/m ² /24 hours.

The relative humidity in the furnace is not specially controlled.

Under pre-specified conditions, namely a temperature of 100°F (32°C) and ambient relative humidity, the WVTR value of the CELGARD ^™ 2500 control has been defined as 5000 g/m2/24 hours. Therefore, each test should be carried with a comparison sample, and the initial value of WVTR should be corrected to the value under the specified conditions by the following formula:

(II) WVTR=(WVTR _{test value} ÷WVTR _{reference value} )×5000g/m ² /24 hours.

It is also possible to use the construction of the absorbent pad and chassis part of the pant body as described in the following embodiments. The following examples are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Absorbent pads include materials suitable for absorbing and retaining urine, menses, blood, or other body exudates. Absorbent pads may comprise various natural or synthetic absorbent materials such as cellulosic fibers, surface-actively treated meltblown fibers, wood pulp fibers, regenerated cellulosic or cotton fibers, blends of pulp and other fibers, etc. Material. Absorbent pads may generally be rectangular and include a perimeter consisting of a front end, a rear end and two sides. The absorbent pad has an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing away from the wearer.

The porous fibrous matrix of the absorbent pad is preferably an airlaid batting of fluff and superabsorbent material. Such batting can be formed in a number of ways, such as that taught by Mazurak and Fries in US Patent No. 4,381,782, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent pad may comprise an airflow forming mixture of superabsorbent material (SAP) and fibers, preferably fluff pulp. Most preferably, the blend of pulp fibers and superabsorbent material is uniform. Alternatively, the mixture is layered, phased to place the superabsorbent material in a specific machine direction location, and/or within a narrow band in the transverse direction. In addition, the fibers may also be fibers other than fluff pulp, such as chemically stiffened pulp and thermomechanical pulps. In addition, the absorbent pads may also comprise absorbent materials other than air-laid pulp and SAP. For example, US Pat. No. 4,818,464 to Lau and US Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson mention coform materials as long as they contain highly absorbent materials for absorbent pads. In addition, wet-laid composites comprising combinations of fibers and highly absorbent materials such as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,651,862 to Anderson et al. may also be used. A stable airlaid material comprising a mixture of fibers, binder fibers, and a superabsorbent material is also a useful absorbent material. The airlaid material is bonded by latex bonding or through-air bonding. together. Additionally, any material known in the art for absorbing body exudates may be used to construct the absorbent pad.

The superabsorbent material which the absorbent pad may comprise is usually a hydrogel polymer which should be sufficiently crosslinked to render it substantially insoluble in water. Such crosslinking can be accomplished, for example, by radiation or by covalent, ionic, molecular, or hydrogen bonding. Suitable materials are commercially available from various outlets such as Dow Chemical Company (Drytech 2035 LD), Stockhauser, Inc., Hoechst-Celanese Corporation and Allied-Colloid. Superabsorbent materials are generally capable of absorbing at least about 15 times their own weight in water, and preferably are able to absorb more than about 25 times their own weight in water. These highly hygroscopic materials can also include organic and inorganic materials. Organic superabsorbent materials include natural materials such as pectin, guar gum, leak-proof peat, and synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogel polymers. Such hydrogel polymers may include, for example: carboxymethyl cellulose, alkali metal polyacrylic acid salts, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, polyvinyl ether, hydroxypropyl cellulose , polyvinyl morpholone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyridine, etc. Other suitable polymers may include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, isobutylenemaleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable superabsorbent materials are described in US Patent 4,699,823, issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al. and US Patent 5,147,343, issued September 15, 1992, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Superabsorbent materials can be distributed or incorporated into absorbent pads using various techniques. The superabsorbent material can be substantially evenly distributed among the fibers making up the absorbent pad. The superabsorbent material can also be unevenly distributed between the fibers of the absorbent pad to form a concentration gradient that increases or decreases substantially continuously inwardly from the backing element. Alternatively, the superabsorbent material may consist of a layer of material separate from the fibers of the absorbent pad, or of a layer of material integral with the absorbent pad.

The absorbent pad may also include a porous wrap or wrap layer to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous absorbent pad. The wound layer may comprise a cellulose tissue or comprise a spunbond, meltblown, or bonded carded web material made of synthetic polymer monofilaments such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, etc. or natural polymeric fibers such as rayon or cotton.

The absorbent pad can have a sufficient aqueous liquid capacity to absorb discharges from about 10 grams or less to about 1500 grams or more. The thickness of the absorbent pad can be less than about 25 mm to provide a non-bulky and soft fit. For an adult incontinence product, the absorbent pad should have a total capacity of about 200 grams to about 1300 grams. The total capacity of the absorbent pad can be at least about 300 grams and not more than about 1200 grams. Still further, the absorbent pad can have a total capacity of from about 400 grams to about 800 grams.

The total capacity of the absorbent pad is determined by the absorbent pad, bodyside layer, backing member or outer layer, and outer member used. Saturation holding capacity is a measure of the total moisture absorption capacity of an absorbent garment. The method of measuring the saturation retention capacity is as follows. Absorbent garments to be tested having a moisture content of less than about 7% by weight were weighed and immersed for 20 minutes in an excess of saline solution as described below at room temperature (about 23°C). After 20 minutes the soaked absorbent garment was removed from the saline solution and placed on a Teflon ^(TM) coated fiberglass screen. The screen had an opening size of 0.25 inches and was commercially available from Taconic Plastics Inc. The garment is then turned back into a vacuum box and covered with a soft rubber barrier material. The vacuum box was drawn to 3.5 kPa (0.5 psi) for 5 minutes. The garment is then reweighed. The wet weight of the hygroscopic clothing after vacuum treatment minus its dry weight is the aqueous liquid retention capacity of the clothing to be tested, and the data is taken as the saturation retention capacity of the clothing in grams.

The saline solution is an aqueous solution containing about 0.9% by weight sodium chloride. A suitable saline solution is S/P ^™ Certified BloodSaline sold by Baxter Diagnostics, McGaw Park, Illinois.

The absorbent pad may also comprise a tissue layer or an acquisition or distribution layer. The functions of these layers are to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous absorbent core and to help transport aqueous liquids. Accordingly, additional components may also be included in the body to facilitate collection, distribution and storage of bodily exudates. For example, the body may include a transport layer as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,798,603 issued to Meyer et al. on January 17, 1989; 15 U.S. Patent No. 5,364,382 to Latimer et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,490,846 to Ellis et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,429,629 to Latimer et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,509,915 to Hanson et al., Proxmire et al. US Patent No. 5,192,606, the surge control layer described in European Patent Application EP 0 539 703 A1 published on May 5, 1993. These patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. This layer is also known as an acquisition/distribution layer or an anti-surge layer.

The acquisition/distribution layer is disposed on the body facing side of the aqueous liquid storage layer of the absorbent pad and functions to decelerate and disperse a surge of aqueous liquid that may enter the absorbent pad. The acquisition/distribution layer may comprise an air permeable bonded carded web. The mesh is a blend of 40 percent 6-denier polyester sold by Hoechst Celanese Corporation and 60 percent 3-denier polypropylene/polyethylene sheath-core bicomponent fiber sold by Chisso Corporation. The overall basis weight of the mesh ranges from about 50 grams per square meter to about 120 grams per square meter.

A suitable absorbent pad comprises an aqueous liquid storage layer, wherein the absorbent member comprises, for example, fluff pulp and superabsorbent material (SAP), the basis weight of the absorbent member along its entire length in the machine direction is substantially continuously. The profile of the absorbent member is substantially uniform in at least the y-direction of the absorbent pad, preferably in both the x- and y-directions, and optionally also in the z-direction. The basis weight of the absorbent pad can range from about 80 grams per square meter to about 1000 grams per square meter. An acquisition layer is arranged on the aqueous liquid storage layer, and the direction of its liquid transmission is usually towards the aqueous liquid storage layer. The fluff pulp:SAP ratio can range from about 100:0 to about 40:60, more typically from about 80:20 to about 50:50.

A suitable absorbent pad is capable of transporting aqueous liquids in the x and y and z directions. Aqueous liquid transport in the z-direction is the migration of aqueous liquid away from the wearer as a result of wicking properties and gravitational flow. Transport of the aqueous liquid in the x and y directions is a result of the flow and/wicking of the aqueous liquid along the length and width of the absorbent pad. Obviously, as a result of the aqueous liquid leaving from the wearer and migrating along the length and width of the absorbent pad, the aqueous liquid will move to the far end of the absorbent pad, which will increase the area utilization of the absorbent pad and increase the moisture absorption. Performance is improved.

The function of the backing element is to prevent the aqueous liquid which has flowed onto the absorbent pad from penetrating the outer garment. If an outer member is provided on the absorbent article, the backing member is positioned on the inside of the outer member. The backing element usually consists of an aqueous liquid impermeable film such as polyethylene film. The aqueous liquid impermeable backing element has an outer surface facing away from the wearer and an inner surface facing away from the wearer. The backing element acts as a barrier and should be impermeable under normal wearing conditions in order to prevent the migration of aqueous liquids out of the absorbent article. The backing element is to be made of a material that is fabricated or treated to be impermeable to aqueous liquids. Alternatively, although the backing member can be made of an aqueous liquid permeable material, other suitable means are adopted, such as being provided with a layer of an aqueous liquid impermeable material on the outside of the absorbent pad, The layer of material prevents aqueous liquids from leaving the absorbent pad. The absorbent pad may be rendered aqueous liquid impermeable by any means known in the art, such as coating the absorbent pad with a layer or separately securing a layer of aqueous liquid impermeable material. The backing element may consist of a thin layer of aqueous liquid impermeable fabric or plastic film comprising materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or other similar materials. Other acceptable materials include a single spunbond layer, or a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond material, of each of the above categories of materials. Suitable foam materials and aqueous liquid impermeable and breathable materials may also be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the backing element comprises a web of nonwoven fibers suitably designed and arranged to have low permeability to aqueous liquids. In yet another alternative, the backing element may comprise a layered or laminated material, such as a composite of a thermally bonded plastic film and a nonwoven web. In yet another alternative, the backing element is comprised of an aqueous liquid impermeable film or foam material which is water vapor permeable under normal wearing conditions. The backing element can have a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 800 grams per square meter per 24 hours (measured according to ASTM E9692). An example of a suitable film is a 39.4 g/m2 microporous film sold by Consolidated Thermoplastics (CT) manufactured by Mitsui under the tradename ESPOIR ^(R) N-TAF-CT.

The outer element can be compliant and soft to the wearer. The outer member may be any soft, flexible porous sheet material that allows aqueous liquids to readily penetrate or prevents aqueous liquids to penetrate through its entire thickness. Many materials are suitable for the exterior elements, such as natural fibers such as wood or cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, composites of natural and synthetic fibers, or reticulated foam and Composite of porous plastic film.

There are many manufacturing techniques that can be used to produce external components. By way of example, the outer element can be a woven or nonwoven web such as a spunbond, meltblown, or bonded carded web. These meshes consist of synthetic polymer filaments such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, etc. or natural polymer filaments such as rayon, cotton fibers, etc. The bonded carded web can be thermally bonded or bonded by spreading an adhesive using techniques well known in the fiber industry. Non-woven spunbond material sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, GA is a suitable material for making exterior elements. The basis weight of the exterior elements is from about 0.3 oz/yd2 (10.2 g/m2) to about 2.0 oz/yd2 (68 g/m2), typically about 0.6 oz/yd2 (20.4 g/m2) . The exterior elements can be printed, dyed, or decoratively embossed. The outer element is preferably microporous, sized to allow the passage of air, sweat, and secretions due to the breathability of the material. Alternatively, the outer element can be striped or perforated across the entire surface.

The briefs may also include an aqueous liquid permeable bodyside layer. The bodyside layer is approximately the same size as the backing element and has an aqueous liquid peripheral edge that includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and two side edges. The liquid-permeable bodyside layer has an outer surface facing away from the wearer and an inner surface facing the wearer.

The bodyside layer includes a nonwoven or other soft material for contact with the wearer's skin. The bodyside layer is compliant and soft to the wearer. The bodyside layer may be any flexible, pliable, porous sheet material through which aqueous liquids rapidly penetrate through its entire thickness. Many materials are suitable for making the bodyside layer, such as natural fibers (such as wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), composites of natural fibers and synthetic fibers, or reticulated foam and Composite of porous plastic film.

Since the bodyside layer is formed from an aqueous liquid permeable material, aqueous liquid wastes and possibly semisolid wastes can pass through the bodyside layer to flow onto the absorbent pad and be absorbed therein. A suitable bodyside layer may consist of a non-spun web, a spunbond, meltblown, or bonded carded web. These webs consist of synthetic polymer filaments or fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, etc., a perforated film, or a web of natural polymer filaments or fibers such as rayon, cotton fibers, etc. Additionally, the bodyside layer may be treated with a surfactant to enhance aqueous fluid transport properties. A spunbond nonwoven is suitable for the bodyside layer. Suitable spunbond materials are commercially available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, GA. The body side layer has a basis weight of from about 0.3 oz/yd2 (10.2 g/m2) to about 2.0 oz/yd2 (68 g/m2), typically about 0.5 oz/yd2 (17 g/m2). ). The bodyside layer may be printed, dyed, or decoratively embossed. The bodyside layer may also be a non-woven fabric or sheet of polymeric fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, chisso, and the like. The bodyside layer can also be a perforated plastic film, an expanded plastic web, or a scrim. The breathability of the pore size of the bodyside layer allows the passage of air, sweat, and secretions. Optionally, the entire surface of the bodyside layer may be striped or perforated.

Desirably, the fibers of the bodyside layer are surface treated with a surfactant. An example of such a surfactant is sold under the designation TRITONX-102 by Union Chemical and Plastics Company, Inc., Danbury, Connecticut, USA. As used herein, the term "fabric" refers to all woven, knitted and nonwoven webs. As used herein, the term "fiber" means a fabric of material which is formed without the aid of a weaving or knitting process.

An aqueous liquid pervious material formed by bonding a carded web of polyester fibers to a polypropylene or polyethylene spunbond carrier sheet can be used as an alternative for the bodyside layer. The carding material is made from from about 20% to about 60% by weight polypropylene or polyethylene and from about 80% to about 40% by weight polyester. Such materials may have a basis weight between about 30 grams per square meter and about 70 grams per square meter.

The crotch elastics are sandwiched between the backing element and the bodyside layer. Alternatively, the crotch region elastics may be sandwiched between the backing element and the outer element. The crotch region elastics may be secured in place by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, pressure bonding or other methods known in the art to secure the elastic bands in place. Preferably, by way of example and not limitation, the crotch region elastics may be held in place with a spiral pattern of adhesive. The crotch elastics can be made of any material known in the art, such as LYCRA ^(R) from Dupont, Wilmington, Delaware or GLO SPAN from Globe Manufacturing Company, Fallriver, Massachusetts. The elastics may be in the form of ribbons, sheets, strings, threads or any other shape. The elastic member may also be heat activated. Desirably, the elastic member consists of three strands of LYRCA( ^R) having a fineness of about 940 dtex. Although the crotch elastic is shown as three strands, more or less strands could be used. More examples of types of elastic members and their methods of securing are given in U.S. Patent No. 4,642,362 to Heran et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,610,681 to Strohbeen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 4,639,949 to Ales et al. The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the crotch elastics may extend along the leg cutouts and into the rear of the chassis portion. In this way, the crotch region elastics may extend to or beyond the junction of the side panels and the chassis portion.

The construction and embodiment of several crotch region elastic members are described below again, and these embodiments are only as examples and not limiting. In one embodiment, the crotch region elastics are sandwiched between the backing element and the bodyside layer. The elastic member is usually attached to the briefs in a stretched state by means of ultrasonic bonding, heat/pressure bonding or adhesive bonding known in the art. The elastic member is generally attached in a stretched state by means of ultrasonic bonding, heat/pressure bonding or adhesive bonding as known in the art. A wide variety of materials are suitable for making elastic elements, including but not limited to: elastic single thread, rubber thread, rubber flat belt, elastic belt, rubber film, polyurethane and elastomer, ribbon elastomer or foamed polyurethane Formate or formed elastic or non-elastic scrims. One suitable material ^is LYCRA(R) sold by Dupont Company, Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic member can be a single piece, a multi-piece or a combined structure before being assembled on the garment.

In an alternative embodiment, the elastic is sandwiched between the backing element and the outer element of the garment. The elastic member is usually attached to the garment in a stretched state by means of ultrasonic bonding, heat/pressure bonding, or adhesive bonding known in the art.

The width of the elastic member can be from about 0.0625 inches (1.6 mm) to about 1 inch (25 mm), more typically from about 0.25 inches (6 mm) to about 1 inch (25 mm), most typically from about 0.25 inches (6 mm) to about 0.75 inches (18 mm), such as 0.5 inches (13 mm). The in-use elongation of the elastic member is from about 100% to about 350%, more typically from about 150% to about 275%, and most typically from about 225% to about 275%.

The elastic members may comprise threads, strands, strips, tapes, films, elastic nonwovens, or composite materials. Ropes, threads, strips, straps can be used in multiple pieces and in composites. The elastic members comprise from about 1 to about 6 pieces of elastic material, more typically from about 2 to about 5 pieces, and most typically from about 3 to about 4 pieces of elastic material. Preferably, when the elastics are threads, 1 to 6 threads are used to make the leg elastics, with spacing between the threads of from about 0.0625 inches (1.6 mm) to about 0.25 inches (6 mm), more preferably From about 0.0625 inches (1.6 mm) to about 0.25 inches (6 mm), with a pitch of about 0.125 inches (3 mm) being most preferred.

The elastic threads can be made of any suitable high elastic material. A suitable material is spandex such as LYCRA( ^R ) thread sold by Dupont Company, Wilmington, Delaware. Suitable elastic members consist of about 3 to about 6 wires having a fineness of from about 470 dtex (mass (grams) per 10,000 meters of material) to about 1200 dtex, more typically from about 620 dtex to About 1000 decitex, most typically from about 740 decitex to about 940 decitex. The elastics are typically bonded to the outer member, bodyside layer or backing member with an adhesive applied in a meltblown or swirled pattern using techniques known today. The adhesive is preferably applied only to the elastic. Suitable adhesives include Findley H2096 hot melt adhesive such as sold by AtoFindley Adhesives, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The cuff may be made of any material commonly used to make bodyside or outer layers, or of some other material. The cuff can be bonded to the bodyside layer by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, pressure bonding, or any other bonding technique known in the art, many of which are disclosed herein . An ankle cuff may be formed on the body side layer. There may be elastics on the cuff, the elastics may be located on the body side of the cuff and/or on the side where the cuff is bonded to other layers, in the center of the cuff or anywhere else. The elastic can run the full length of the cuff and briefs or can be shorter. The foot cuff can extend the entire length of the base portion or can be shorter. The cuff can extend straight as shown in FIG. 1 , or extend curvedly along the contour of the leg cutout, or extend without bending along the contour. The foot hoop can be as long as the core, or longer or shorter than it. Ideally, the ankle cuff is straight, made of the same material as the body side layer, and is provided with an elastic member on the ankle cuff, which is located on the side of the ankle cuff which is close to the body, i.e. away from the layer At the location of the bonded side, the elastic thread extends along the full length of the cuff and extends lengthwise to just beyond the end of the core.

The bodyside layer, outer layer, cuff material, and any other material of the briefs may be embossed or otherwise patterned using ultrasound, pressure, or heat.

There may alternatively be elastic waistbands on the front, back or both ends of the briefs. The elastic waistband can be made from elastic materials known in the art, such as a composite material consisting of spunbonded polypropylene and elastic threads. Ideally, the waistband 28 is disposed on the rear section of the base portion as shown in Figure 3 and is made of the same material as the elastic side panels, although other types of elastic materials could be used. The waistband may be located on or between any layers of the base portion. The waistband can be secured in place in the pant by any technique known in the art, many of which are disclosed herein.

The front fastening flaps may be made of any material having a surface which can be bonded to a surface of a closure device, such closure devices are known in the art. By way of example and not limitation, such devices may include, for example: mechanical fasteners, adhesive strips, adhesive tabs, buttons, cable ties, ^Velcro® , hooks, clips, snaps, hook and loop , buttons and loops, interlocking hooks, hooks and hook-type devices. Co-pending US Patent Application No. 754,419 filed December 16, 1996 by Stokes describes a material suitable for making a front fastening panel that can be easily refastened to a hook-type closure device. This patent application is owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

There are many options and possible embodiments for the general construction of the brief, which present many options and alternatives in terms of donning, use and fit of the brief.

The entire outer edge of one or both elastic wings, ie the edge to which the closure means are attached, can be stiffened. The stiffening treatment can be performed by any known method, such as ultrasound, heat, glue application, or use of additional materials. Stiff areas become less elastic or inelastic. Briefs with stiffened wing outer edges will allow the fastening wings to better conform to the shape of the body and lie flat on the body, and prevent gaps from being created between the closure means of the wings.

The side wings have various shapes, one of which, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, forms a bucket at the seam of the wing section and the base portion, which enhances the fit of the briefs. Another advantage of this shape is that it can save material consumption, because several wing sections can be nested together during the manufacturing process, and the material of several wing sections can be close together before cutting, which reduces the amount of scrap. reduce.

The stretching range of the elastic wings depends on the size of the briefs, the type of material used, the type of elastics used and the shape of the wings. For a wing section of an adult product whose shape is generally shown in FIGS. % to about 150%.

The tension of the elastic panels depends on the size of the pant, the type of material used, the type of elastic used and the shape of the panels. 4A and 4B, the tension is generally from about 400g to about 1000g, preferably from about 500g to about 900g, and ideally from about 600g to about 800g. It should be understood, however, that the tension and range of stretch employed may be greater or lesser for different embodiments of the brief and for different uses of the brief.

The peak tension of elastic materials for many adult disposables has been measured to average about 83% of the tension at stretch to stop length. Because the peak tension point is very close to the stretch stop point, most products are used at less than 100% stretch stop point. Tension at the stretch stop is of no practical value to most users as they will find that the product feels too tight if the elastic is pulled to the stretch stop.

The average peak tension at the eighth cycle of the elastic material being repeatedly loaded-relaxed was also measured. Taking into account the inherent stress relaxation characteristics of elastic materials over time, taking the measurement at the eighth cycle will improve the accuracy of the measurement for measuring the user's experience over a period of time.

The procedure for tension measurement is as follows:

1. Install a dynamometer with a force of 10 lbs on the Sintech instrument;

2. Cut 20 samples of 3 inches by 3 inches;

3. Clamp a sample to the jaws of the Sintech tensile tester produced by Sytech, a division of MTS System Corp. Ressarch Triangle, NC;

4. Set the distance between the jaws to 2 inches;

5. Make the tester stretch under a pulling force of 2000 grams to obtain the extension stop length, which is equal to the final distance between the jaws minus the initial distance between the jaws, that is, the distance between the jaws. The number of samples is 10;

6. Multiply the average value of the stretch stop length by 0.83 to calculate the elongation length value during the cycle test;

7. Make the tester stretch the sample to the calculated elongation length and then return to 0 elongation length, repeat this 8 times. The number of samples is 10;

8. At the eighth cycle, pull the sample beyond the elongation length corresponding to 2000 grams of force, and generate a relaxation curve, that is, the return curve after the eighth stretching cycle;

9. Draw two tangent lines on the curve, one tangent to the starting point of the curve and the other tangent to the end point. These parts of the curve are roughly linear;

10. The extension length corresponding to the intersection of the two tangent lines is approximately equal to 83% of the extension stop length. Read the tension corresponding to that intersection. And take the average value of the point tension of 10 samples. This peak tension average is the tension in the elastic material that the user will feel when wearing the product.

The junction between the airfoil and the base portion may also be stiffened. Stiffening of the seam reduces the tendency of the brief to curl, thereby improving the fit of the garment. The joints may be stiffened by any technique known in the art, including the methods described above for stiffening the outer edges of the airfoil sections.

Briefs can be worn in a "J" shape, a "U" shape, or any other form desired by the user or caregiver. After the brief is fastened, the side flaps are flush with the upper edge of the base portion, and the brief in use has a waistband that is continuously encircled around the body. These different shapes are apparent to the wearer or caregiver when the product is worn.

The shape of the flanks and the number and location of closure devices can vary. Figures 6A to 6C illustrate a few examples of such configurations. Preferably, each elastic panel has at least two closure members, one near the waist (ie the rear end) and one near the bottom (ie the leg opening). The tension formed around the waist and legs can be the same or different in order to adapt to the body shapes of different users. For example, the closure member closest to the leg opening, i.e. the lower closure member, may have a different configuration, for example longer, larger or have a different shape than the member near the waist, so that the closure member may Attaches to areas other than where the legs meet the stomach. Alternatively, the fastening wings can be trimmed for different fits and tensions. For example, if the closure device is secured in an area where flexing of the legs causes the device to loosen, some material falling into this area can be removed to eliminate this phenomenon.

The position of the point of attachment of the closure device on the front fastening flaps can be adjusted to independently adjust the tension around the legs, hips and waist respectively to better meet the needs of the user. In this way, the tension around the waist can be greater than the tension around the legs and hips, or the tension around the legs can be greater than the tension around the waist and hips, or other different combinations of these variables. In addition, instead of a continuous sheet of material, the fastening wings can be made from strips of material formed in a suitable arrangement.

Example 1.: An adult incontinence product as shown in Figure 7. The article can be adapted to a population having a hip size of from about 30 inches (762 mm) to about 43 inches (1092 mm). As used herein, the term "capable of fitting" means that the product will fit at least that size, but may also fit larger or smaller sizes. The article has a pant body 1 having a length of about 35 1/2 inches (902 mm) and a width of about 27 inches (686 mm). The product has two elastic wings, the width of which is about 7  inches (191 mm), and the length of the shorter side ₍ i.e., the side to which the closure is attached) is about 6 ^3/4 inches (171 mm). mm). Three closure devices 4 are attached to each flank, the attachment being carried out by means of ultrasonic bonding in a pattern of dots 5 , which is shown cross-hatched in the figure. The ultrasonic bonding pattern extends along the entire length of the wing segment. The closure is made of a hook-type material with a fastening strip and a finger tongue. For shipment, the closure device is folded and attached to the elastic panels as shown in FIG. 7 . The elastic side panels are bonded to the base portion with ultrasonic bonding and adhesive located in area 6 . The two elastic panels each had a strand of ^LTCRA® elastic of 940 dtex in a zig-zag pattern over two layers of spunbond polymer having a basis weight of 0.6 oz/square yard (20.4 g/square meter). between layers of acrylic. The wings have strips 1/8" (3.2 mm) wide and 1/8" (3.2 mm) apart. The bead was formed by slot coating with 15.5 g/m2 of H-2525A adhesive. The article has an absorbent core 9 , crotch region elastics 7 , cuff cuffs 8 , a front fastening panel, and a waistband 10 .

Example 2.: An adult incontinence product. The general shape and structure of the article are shown in FIG. 7 . The article can be adapted to a population having a hip size of from about 44 inches (1118 mm) to about 60 inches (1524 mm). The article has a length of about 35 1/2 inches (902 mm) and a width of about 34 1/2 inches (876 mm). The width of each elastic panel is about 15 inches (381 mm). Otherwise the article was similar to the article described in Example 1. This single wing segment can be viewed as having two parts: a left and a right part divided along the centerline of the pant.

Example 3.: An article with a general configuration as shown in Figure 8. In this example the two elastic wings are integrated into a single elastic wing 1 attached to the base part. This single wing segment can be viewed as having two parts: a left and a right part divided along the centerline of the pant.

Example 4.: An article as shown in Figure 9. In this example, four elastic wings 1 are present. The width of these wing segments is approximately half that of the embodiment with two wing segments.

Example 5.: An article as shown in Figure 10. In this example, the width of one of the elastic wings 1 is increased to approximately three times the width of the other wing.

Claims (2)

1. An adult incontinence article adaptable to a wearer's hip size from 762mm to 1092mm, the article comprising refastenable elastic side panels; the elastic side panels having a length and a width; the incontinence article having a length and a width; the length of the elastic side panels is at least 76 mm, and the width of the elastic side panels is at least 203 mm. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the elastic side panels have a width of at least 229 mm.

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