CZ40697A3 - Dynamic shaped napkin - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a fastening tab (44) connected to each side edge (110) in a first waistband section (40). Each fastening tab has a user bond section (52) that is adapted for securing the article during use. A pair of laterally separated, elasticized side sections (89) of the article is operatively connected to the first waistband section to provide the article with a spatially discontinuous lateral elasticity. The absorbent article defines a fastening panel (200) which is located in the first waistband section and extends longitudinally from one end edge inward 7.62 centimeters and laterally between the user bond sections of the fastening tabs. The fastening panel provides a first cycle extension force of less than about 1720 grams at a 27 percent lateral extension.

Description

(57) Yes:

The dynamic shaped diaper (20) has a fastener (44) attached to each side edge (110) in the rear waist portion (40). Each fastener (44) has a user-bonded member (52) adapted to secure the diaper (20) in use. A pair of laterally spaced resilient side portions (89) of the diaper (20) are operatively connected to the rear waist portion (40) to form a spatially discontinuous lateral resilience of the diaper (20). The diaper (20) includes a fastening panel (200) housed in the rear waist portion (40) and extending from one end edge inward in a length of 7.62 cm and laterally between the user-bonded portions (52) of the fasteners (44). The mounting panel (200) develops an elongated first cycle force of less than 1720 g at a lateral elongation of 27%.

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CZ 406-97

- 1 'ildd

DYNAMIC SHAPED PLEN

Area of Technology

The present invention relates to garments, such as diapers, wound articles, garments, and the present invention relates to a belt member having an extension.

relates to expandable absorbent baby protective articles, feminine incontinence and the like, and more particularly to a disposable absorbent garment with improved side features.

Prior art

Typical disposable absorbent articles typically include a liquid-permeable body piece, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the body piece and the backsheet. Such disposable absorbent articles also included a attachment system for securing the article around the wearer's body. Suitable attachment systems included adhesive fastening tapes, hook and loop system fasteners, or the like.

To improve the attachment of the absorbent article around the wearer's body, conventional articles also had built-in flexible materials. Examples of such materials are yarns, strips or bands resiliently attached to the backsheet, either along the longitudinal sides or the longitudinal ends of the article.

Absorbent articles of the prior art, even those having resilient materials incorporated, did not have adequate lateral extensibility in the waistband portion of the article to facilitate use of the attachment system and adapt to the user's movements. The resilient materials that were stored in the belt section were not positioned in an efficient manner to cooperate with the fastening system. Thus, conventional products have been exposed to undesirable levels of fastening system failure or reddening of the user's skin.

- 9 Summary of the Invention

In view of these defects in the prior art, a new absorbent article has been discovered. The fastening system of the absorbent article can be easily expanded and attached to the securing area to provide an improved fastening. The user's movements do not exert excessive forces on the user or the fastening system, thus improving the level of failure of the fastening system tt reddening of the user's skin.

One idea of the present invention relates to an absorbent article having longitudinal side edges and first and second end edges extending between the side edges. The product also has a rear belt section. connected to the first end edge, a front belt part connected to the second end edge and a middle part connecting the two belt parts. The absorbent article includes a backsheet with the absorbent body disposed on the backsheet. The article fastener is attached to the backsheet along each of the side edges in the backsheet. Each fixture has a user-bound part. which is adapted to secure the product around the user's body during use. A pair of laterally spaced resilient side sections of the article are operatively connected to the backsheet in the first belt portion. The side panels have a beneficial effect on the absorbent article with spatial discontinuity and lateral elasticity. More specifically, the absorbent article comprises a fastening panel which is housed in the rear waist portion and extends longitudinally inward from the first end edge to a distance of 76.2 mm and extends laterally between the user-bonded fastener portions. The mounting panel produces an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1720 g at a lateral extension of 75.4 mm.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening panel may develop a magnitude of force change that is less than 650 g /% elongation, as determined at 27% lateral elongation during the first tensioning cycle.

According to various ideas of the invention, a diaper is provided with a fastening panel that can accommodate the extension required to attach fasteners in the event of significant circuit changes.

-3baby passport. The exact level of force at the special extension and the magnitude of the change in force at the special extension are controlled to reduce discomfort and redness of the user's skin.

Overview of figures in the drawings

The invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a diaper according to the invention in partial section. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a side panel and clamp assembly according to the invention, wherein the length of the tension member is less than the length of the free end region of the associated side panel; Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the side panel and clamp assembly of Fig. 2; a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a diaper according to the invention having a wool control layer and a pair of catches; Fig. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a diaper according to the invention in partial section having a non-rectangular side panel contour. Fig. 6 is a plan view of a side panel and diaper fastener assembly according to the invention, where the part is tensioned. made of a piece of material other than the material used for the clamp and where the length of the tensioned part is substantially equal to the length of the free end region of the associated side panel, Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the side panel and clamp assembly of Fig. 6; of the side panel and diaper fastener assembly of the invention, wherein the tension member is formed of a piece of material that is separate from and remote from the material used for the fastener, Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of the side panel and fastener assembly of Fig. 8; a diaper according to the invention having several elements of a tensioned part, Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of the side panel and fastener assembly of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 shows an embodiment. diaper according to the invention having several elements of a tensioned part arranged at the same angles of each other, Fig. 13 is an embodiment of a diaper according to the invention having several elements of a tensioned part, where elements can be formed and arranged with different lengths, Fig. 14 is a side cross-section Fig. 15 shows a fastening system having a primary tension member and an additional tension member, Fig. 16 shows another fastening system having a primary tension member, where the additional tension member is spaced apart. from the side edge of the diaper strip, Fig. 17 shows a fastening system having a tensioned part connected to a side panel which is a formation integral with the backsheet layer, Fig. 18 shows a partial sectional plan view of an alternative embodiment of a diaper according to the invention; cut out of the diaper according to FIG. 18, FIG. 2 (1 shows the test sample according to FIG. 19 placed in the jaws of a tensile testing machine, FIG. Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the first comparative diaper; Fig. 22 is a test sample cut from the first comparative diaper shown in Fig. 21; the sample of Fig. 22 placed in the jaws of the tensile testing machine, Fig. 24 shows a partial sectional plan view of the second comparative diaper, Fig. 25 shows a test sample cut from the second comparative diaper shown in Fig. 24, Fig. 26 shows a test sample from Fig. 25 is housed in the jaws of a tensile testing machine; Fig. 27 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the test specimen of Fig. 19; Fig. 28 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the test specimen of Fig. 22. Fig. 29 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the test specimen of Fig. 25; Fig. 30 is a side sectional view similar to Fig. 3 but showing an alternative side panel of the fixture assembly; and Fig. 31 is a plan view of the side panel and fixture assembly of FIG. 30.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

Various embodiments of the invention with a disposable absorbent article. However, it is obvious to be also used for other products products, women's protective products, similar.

will be described in the context of a use such as a diaper for the present invention may be such as child protective clothing for incontinence and after use. 5 Disposable products should not be washed or cleaned for reuse, for example a disposable diaper is discarded after wetting by the user. to waste.

Figures 1 to 3 show a product according to the invention, such as a disposable diaper 20, in a fully disassembled state with all the spring-loaded collectors extended and removed. The plenti 20 has opposite longitudinal side edges 110 and first and second end edges 106 and 107. The end lugs 106 and 107 extend laterally between the side edges 110. The plenti 20 also has a rear waist portion 40, a front waist portion 38 and a middle portion 42 that connects the first and second belt parts. The rear belt portion 40 is associated with and extends inwardly from the first end edge 106. Similarly, the front belt portion 38 is associated with and extends inwardly from the second end edge 107. The term inward as used herein refers to the relative position of the components relative to the longitudinal and lateral centers of the article. When the article is placed on the user, then the middle part 42 generally represents that part of the article which is placed between the user's legs.

The diaper 20 includes a backsheet 22, an absorbent body 26 located on the backsheet 22 of the fastener 44 connected to the side edges 110 in the backsheet 40 and a pair of laterally spaced, resilient side sections 89 operatively connected to the backsheet 22 in the first waistband. At least portions of the first and second belt portions 40 and 38 act together to form a peripheral belt region that includes portions of the belt portions that are disposed around the user's waist and are joined together. More specifically, the diaper 20 includes a first fastening panel. 200 located in the first belt portion 40 and the second mounting panel 202 located in the second belt portion 38. The first and second fastening panels 200 and 202 are shown as rectangles in FIG. 1. To obtain a good fit when the diaper 20 is first attached and to facilitate user movement during use, it has been found desirable for the first fastening panel 200 to have special lateral extension characteristics. In particular, those arranged in the diaper 20 are suitably selected so that the first

The fastening panel 200 has a spatially discontinuous lateral elasticity, which is indicated in terms of a series of tensile forces, shrinkage forces, and rates of change of force. Lateral elasticity characteristics. of the first mounting panel 200 are described in more detail below.

In various embodiments of the invention, the diaper 20 further includes a liquid permeable topsheet 24 disposed against the backsheet 22 with the absorbent body 2b interposed between the backsheet 22 and the topsheet 24.

The diaper 20 defines a longitudinal longitudinal dimension 86 and a lateral width dimension 88, as shown in FIG. 1, and may have any desired shape, such as rectangular, I-shaped, hourglass-shaped, or T-shaped. comprise a front waist portion 38 of the diaper 20 or alternatively may comprise a back waist portion 40 of the diaper 20.

The backsheet 22 may generally form the outer cover member of the article and may consist of a liquid permeable material, but preferably includes a material that is substantially impermeable to liquids. For example, a typical backsheet 22 may be made of a thin plastic film or other flexible liquid impervious material. As used herein, the term flexible refers to materials that are pliable and that readily conform to the general shape and contours of the user's body. The backsheet 22 prevents exudates contained in the absorbent body 26 from wetting articles, such as sheets or underwear, that are in contact with the diaper 20. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the backsheet 22 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of 0.012 mm to 0.051 microns. In the illustrated embodiment, the backsheet 22 is a film having a thickness of 0.024 mm to 0.036 mm. For example, the backsheet film 22 may be 0.030 mm thick. Alternative embodiments of the backsheet 22 may include a woven or nonwoven layer of fibers that has been fully or partially constructed or processed so that selected areas adjacent to the absorbent body 26 have the desired levels of liquid impermeability. The backsheet 22 typically forms an outer one

-Ί product packaging. However, optionally, the product may comprise a separate outer packaging member which is connected to the backsheet 22.

Alternatively, the backsheet 22 may consist of a microporous breathable material that allows gases such as water vapor to escape from the absorbent body 26 while substantially preventing the flow of liquid exudates through the backsheet 22. For example, the breathable backsheet 22 may consist of a microporous polymer film or of a nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise processed to obtain the desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film may be, for example, PMP-1 supplied by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc. , Tokyo, Japan, or polyolefin new film XXO-8044, supplied by 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The backsheet 22 may also be embossed or otherwise provided with a matte finish to improve appearance.

The size of the backsheet 22 is typically determined by the size of the absorbent body 26 and the particular diaper design 20 selected. at least 1.27 cm. In particular embodiments of the invention, the backsheet 22 may extend beyond the edges of the absorbent body 26 by a distance of 1.3 to 2.5 cm.

The topsheet 24 forms a body surface that is compliant, softly felt, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The topsheet 24 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 26 and is sufficiently porous to be permeable to liquids and to allow liquids to easily penetrate through its thickness to reach the absorbent body 26. A suitable topsheet 24 can be made from a wide variety of woven textile materials, such as porous foams, mesh foams, plastic film apertures, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 is typically used to facilitate isolation of the wearer's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent body 26.

Various woven or nonwoven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 24, and the topsheet 24 may consist of, for example, fused blown or spun polyester fiber fabrics. The topsheet 24 may also be a knitted-woven fabric composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof.

The term nonwoven fabric for the purposes of this disclosure means a fabric of a material that is formed without the aid of a weaving or knitting process. The term fabric is used for all woven, knitted and non-woven! thread you! fleece.

The fabrics for the topsheet 24 may consist of a substantially hydrophobic material, and this hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise to obtain the desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the nonwoven topsheet 24 is spunbonded! polypropylene fabric consisting of fibers

2.8-3.2 denier formed into rounds having a basis weight of about 20 g.mcm and a density of about 0.06 g.cm ^-3 . The fabric is surface treated with about 0.28% surfactant d 1 em Triton X -10 2.

In the illustrated embodiment of the diaper 20, the topsheet 24 and backsheet 22 may be generally identical in area and have a length and width generally greater than the respective dimensions of the absorbent body 26. The topsheet 24 is associated and disposed with the backsheet 22 to define the circumference of the diaper 20.

The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 are joined or otherwise joined. As used herein, the term conjugate includes shaped arrangements in which the topsheet 24 is connected to the backsheet 22 by directly attaching the topsheet 24 to the backsheet 22 and shaped. an arrangement wherein the topsheet 24 is indirectly attached to the backsheet 22 by attaching the topsheet 24 to insert members that are attached to the backsheet 22. Top sheet

-y24 and the back press 22 may be attached to each other directly on the circumference of the diaper 2b by connecting means (not shown), such as an adhesive connection, a sound connection, a thermal connection or other means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive, or a series of discrete lines, vortices, or dots of structural adhesive may be used to firmly join the topsheet 24 and backsheet 22. It should be noted that the above-mentioned connecting means can also be used to connect and assemble other components of the product.

The absorbent body 26 may include an absorbent pad composed of selected hydrophilic fibers and highly absorbent particles. The absorbent body 26 is disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 to form a diaper 20. The absorbent body 26 has a construction that is generally compressible, conformable in shape, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid exudates of the body. It will be appreciated that for purposes of the present invention, the absorbent body 26 may comprise a simple body of material or alternatively may comprise several separate pieces of material which are joined together.

Many types of wettable hydrophilic fibrous material can be used to form the components of the absorbent body 26. Examples of suitable fibers are naturally occurring organic fibers composed of internally wettable material, such as cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers, inorganic fibers composed of inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers, synthetic fibers made from inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, in particular polyester or polyamide fibers, and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers can be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with silica, treatment with a material having a suitable hydrophilic moiety and not easily removed from the fiber front, or by coating non-wetting hydrophobic fibers with hydrophilin polymer during or after fiber formation. For the purposes of the present invention, it is contemplated that mixtures of the various types of fibers mentioned above may also be used.

Used term hydro! It also describes fibers or fiber surfaces that are wetted with aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the material can be described in terms of contact angles and surface tensions of the liquids and materials used. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of special fibrous materials can be provided by the SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System. When measured by this system according to the procedure described in detail below, fibers having a contact angle less than 90 ° are referred to as wettable, while fibers having a contact angle greater than 90θ are referred to as “non-wettable.

The absorbent body 26 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulose tufts, mixed with particles of absorbent material. In particular embodiments, the absorbent body 26 may comprise hydrogel-forming superabsorbent particles and meltblown synthetic polymer fibers or a mixture of superabsorbent particles of fibrous conformal material comprising a mixture of natural fibers and / or synthetic polymeric fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or may be mixed unevenly. For example, the concentrations of superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a non-step gradient in a substantial portion of the thickness (z direction) of the absorbent structure with lower concentrations toward the body side of the absorbent body 26 and relatively higher concentrations toward the outside of the absorbent structure. Suitable z-gradient shapes are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,823, the parts of which are of particular interest in the present invention. Alternatively, the concentrations of superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a non-step gradient in a substantial portion of the length (z direction) of the absorbent structure, with higher concentrations toward the body side of the absorbent body 26 and relatively lower concentrations toward the outside of the absorbent structure. The superabsorbent particles may also be arranged in a generally discrete layer in a matrix of hydrophilic fibers. Additionally, two or more types of superabsorbent may be selectively located at different locations in or along the matrix of fibers.

The highly absorbent material may include absorbent gelling materials such as superabsorbents. Gelatin absorbent materials can be natural, synthetic tt modified natural polymers and materials. Additionally, the gelatinous absorbent materials may be organic materials, such as silica gel, or organic compounds such as crosslinked polymers. The term crosslinked means any means for converting normally water-soluble materials to substantially water-insoluble but swellable materials. Such agents may include, for example, physical linkages, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic associations, or Van der Vaals forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent materials are alkali metal and ammonium salts of polyacrylic acid and methacrylic acid, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl ethers, copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Other polymers suitable for use in the absorbent body 26 are natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methylulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, acacia gums, and acacia-like gums. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelling materials are

U.S. Patent No. 3,902,236. Methods for preparing synthetic absorbent gelling polymers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,076,663 and 4,286,082.

Synthetic absorbent gelling materials are typically xerogels which form hydrogels upon wetting. The term hydrogel has generally been used for both wettable and non-wettable forms of material.

As noted above, the highly absorbent material used in the absorbent body 26 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles can have any shape, for example a hospital or semi-spiral. , cubic, rod, multi-walled, etc. Shapes having the largest ratio of the largest dimension to the smallest dimension, such as needles, flakes and fibers, are also contemplated for use. Conglomerates of particles of absorbent gelling material can also be used in the absorbent body 2.

Preferably, particles having a mean size of from 20 microns to 1 mm are used. As used herein, the term particle size means the weighted mean of the smallest dimension of the individual particles.

The hydrophilic fiber and highly absorbent particles can be shaped to form an average basis weight that is in the range of 400-900 gm. In some embodiments of the invention, this average basis weight is P00 - 800 gm ^- , preferably in the range of 550-750 gm to develop the specified property.

To increase the amount absorbed in the highly absorbent material, the absorbent body 26 may include an improved outer wrapper, such as a wrapper sheet 28 disposed adjacent and around the absorbent body 26. The wrapper 28 is preferably a layer of absorbent material that covers most of the body side and outer side of the absorbent body 26 and preferably encloses substantially all of the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 26 to form a substantially complete wrapper around it. Alternatively, the wrapper sheet 28 may form an absorbent wrapper covering most of the surface of both the body side and the outside of the absorbent body 26 and enclosing

Essentially only the edges of the sides of the absorbent body 26. Linear and inwardly curved portions of the edges of the sides of the cover sheet 28 would therefore be closed around the absorbent body 26. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the cover sheet 28 may not be completely closed around the end edges of the absorbent body. 26 for the belt areas of the product.

For example, the complete wrapper 28 or at least the body layer of the wrapper sheet 28 may comprise a web of meltblown polypropylene fibers about 5 micrometers thick and arranged to form a basis weight in the range of 8-20 g.m -1.

Another example of an absorbent wrapper sheet 28 may comprise a low porous cellulosic web comprising about a 50/50 blend of hardwood fibers and softwood fibers. The fleece has a basis weight of 5,889 kg and a porosity of 90 efm / sq.ft.

The absorbent cover sheet 28 may include a folded cover sheet 28 having a separate body side layer 30 and a separate outer side layer 32 that extend beyond the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 26. Such an arrangement of the wrapping sheet 28 may, for example, facilitate the formation of a substantially complete seal and closure around the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 26. In the backsheet 40 of the diaper 20 shown, the absorbent wrapping sheet 28 may be shaped to extend substantially beyond the perimeter of the absorbent body 26 to increase the opacity and strength of the back side portions of the diaper 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the body side layer and the outer side of the absorbent cover sheet 28 protrude at least 12.5 mm over the peripheral edge of the absorbent body 26 and form an outwardly projecting flange the connecting region through which the body side circumference of the absorbent cover sheet 28 may be fully or partially joined. with the circumference of a part of the outer side of the absorbent cover sheet 28.

The body side and outer side layers of the wrapper sheet 28 may be composed of substantially the same material or may be composed of different materials. For example, the outer layer

The 14-sided side of the wrapping sheet 28 may be composed of a relatively low basis weight material having a relatively high porosity, such as a wet-strength cellulosic fabric consisting of a softwood slurry. The body side layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise any of the wrapping sheet 28 materials described above that have a relatively low porosity. A body layer with low porosity can better prevent the migration of superabsorbent particles onto the wearer's skin, and a layer of outer side with high porosity and lower basis weight can help reduce cost.

The diaper 20 may also include an impact layer 84, see FIG. 4, to trap, decelerate, and diffuse impact amounts of liquid that may be trapped into the absorbent body 26 in the article. Thus, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the impact layer 84 may be located on the inwardly facing surface of the body side of the topsheet layer 24. Alternatively, the impact layer 84 may be located adjacent the surface of the outer side of the topsheet 24. The impact layer 84 should therefore be interposed between the topsheet 24 and the absorbent body 26.

Other suitable arrangements of impact layer 84 are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,192,606 and U.S. Patent Application No. 757,760 and U.S. Patent Application No. 206,986 and U.S. Patent Application No. 206,069.

Flexible members 34 are located in the side edges 110 of the diaper 20 and are arranged to pull and hold the diaper 20 against the wearer's legs. The resilient members 34 are attached to the diaper 20 under elastic shrinkage conditions so that under normal tension state the resilient members 34 effectively shrink against the diaper 20. The resilient members 34 may be secured under resilient shrinkage conditions in at least two ways, for example the resilient members 34 may be tensioned. and secured while the diaper 20 is in an unshrinked condition.

Alternatively, the diaper 20 may be shrunk, for example by pleating, and the resilient members 34 secured and attached to the diaper 20 while in an untensioned condition. Another means, for example a heat-shrinkable flexible material. can be used to pick up clothing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the resilient members 34 extend substantially the entire length of the middle portion 42 of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the resilient members 34 may extend the entire length of the diaper 20 or other lengths suitable for arranging the resilient shrinkable lines required for a particular diaper 20 design.

The resilient members 34 can have many configurations. For example, the width of the individual resilient members 34 may vary from 0.25 mm to 25 mm and more. The resilient members 34 may comprise a single strip of resilient material or may comprise several parallel or non-parallel strips of resilient material or may be formed in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement. If the strips are not parallel, two or more strips may intersect or join in the elastic member 34. The elastic members 34 may be attached to the diaper 20 in any of a number of ways known in the art. For example, the resilient members 34 may be joined by ultrasound, heat, and pressure using a variety of bonding patterns, or adhered to the diaper 20 with sprayed patterns of hot melt adhesive.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the resilient members 34 may include a support sheet (not shown) to which an arrayed plurality of resilient members composed of a plurality of individual resilient strips 39 is attached. The elastic bands 39 may intersect or be interconnected or separated from each other. The carrier sheet shown can be, for example, a 0.002 cm thick extruded polypropylene film. The elastic bands 39 shown may be, for example, an elastomer having the trademark LYCRA supplied by DuPont, which has offices in Vilmington, Delavare. Each elastic band 39 is in the range of 450 - 1700 decitex (dtx) and may be in the range of 940 - 1050 dtx. In particular embodiments of the invention, three or four belts may be used for each resilient member 34.

The resilient members 34 may be generally straight or optionally curved. For example, the curved strips may be bent inward toward the longitudinal centerline of the diaper 20 with the most midpoint (or apex relative to the transverse direction of the article) of a plurality of curved elastic bands located about 18 to 37 mm inwardly of the outermost edge of the plurality of elastic bands 39. In special arrangements, the curvature of the elastic bands 39 should not be shaped or positioned symmetrically with respect to the lateral centerline of the diaper 20. The curved elastic bands 39 may have inwardly bent and outwardly bent reflective curvature and the longitudinal center of the elastic bands may optionally be offset by a selected distance. to 5 cm toward the front 38 or rear waist portion of the diaper 20 to provide the desired shape and appearance. In particular embodiments of the invention, the innermost point (apex) of the plurality of curved elastic bands 39 may be offset by 0 to 12 cm toward the front 38 or rear waist portion 40 of the diaper 20 and the outwardly bent reflective portion may be located toward the front waist portion 39 of the diaper 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the diaper 20 includes an elastic band 36 located at the longitudinal edges of one or both of the front belt portion 38 and the rear belt portion 40. The elastic band 36 is of a suitable elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric film and an elastomeric foam. folded elastic bands, elastomeric fabric, etc. For example, suitable flexible belt structures are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,916,005.

The diaper 20 also includes two resilient retaining flaps 82, see FIG. 4, which extend longitudinally in length 86 of the diaper 20. The retaining flaps 82 are typically located laterally inwardly from the resilient members 34 and are located substantially symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal diaper centerline. 20. Examples of suitable retaining flap designs 82 are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 and U.S. Patent Application No. 208,816. The retaining flaps 82 may be composed of a wettable or non-wettable material as desired. The material of the retaining flaps 82 should be permeable to gases or permeable to both gases and liquids.

In one alternative optional embodiment of the invention, the diaper 20 may include resilient belt flaps, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,753,646. Similar to retention flaps 82, the belt flaps may be made of a wettable or non-wettable material. The material of the flap flaps can be permeable to gases or permeable to gases and liquids.

Absorbent article structures suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,192,606 and U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 757,768.

To form a reattachable adhesive connection system, the diaper 20 may include a clamping zone 46 which forms a target area for receiving the adhesive clamp 44 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the fastening band 46 is located on the side surface of the backsheet 22 and is located on the second, front waist portion 38 of the diaper 20. The clamping zone 46 is made of a suitable material such as polypropylene, polyester or the like and is shaped to securely adhere the clamp 44. In addition, the clamping zone 46 and the clamp 44 are configured for releasable adhesion to remove the clamp 44 from the clamping zone 46 for relocation and reattachment. without tearing or excessive deformation of the rear guard material 22. Thus, for example, a suitable construction of the clamping zone 46 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,672 to U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,672. Another construction of the clamping zone 46 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,649.

In various embodiments of the invention, the tape clamp 44 may be located on one or both side end regions 116 and 118 of one or both belt portions 38, 40. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is to locate the tape clamps 44 at the end side edges of the rear belt portion 40.

The tape clamps 44 may be attached to the backsheet 22 directly or indirectly, as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

As mentioned above, the diaper 20 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced resilient side sections 89 operatively connected to the backsheet 22. The side sections 89 also provide a first fastening panel 200 of the diaper 20 with lateral resilience and in particular lateral resilience which is spatially located. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side sections 89 is formed of a separate side panel 90.

According to FIGS. 1 and 5, each side panel 90 in the illustrated embodiment extends laterally from opposite side ends of at least one strip portion of the backsheet 22, such as the rear strip portion 40, to form end side compartments of the article. Additionally, each side panel 90 may extend substantially from the laterally extending end edge 106 approximately the location of the corresponding leg opening portion of the diaper 20. For example, the diaper 20 has a pair of opposing leg openings formed by designated middle sections of the pair of longitudinally extending side edge regions 110.

In various embodiments of the invention, the side panels 90 may be formed integrally with a selected portion of the diaper

20. Thus, for example, the side panels 90 may be formed integrally with the layer of backsheet material 22 or may be formed entirely of the topsheet material 24, see FIG. In alternative configurations, the side panels 90 may be separate members that are attached to the backsheet 22. to the top sheet 24, between the back sheet 22 and the top sheet 24 or a combination thereof. The side panels 90 should be two separate elements spatially separated by a lateral distance of at least 50% of the lateral width of the diaper 20 adjacent the first end edge 106, in particular a lateral distance of at least 82% of the lateral width of the diaper 20 and in particular a lateral distance of at least 87% of the lateral width of the diaper 20 to provide the desired effect.

In particular embodiments of the invention, each side panel 90 may be formed from a separate piece of material, which is then suitably assembled and attached to a selected front 38 and / or rear waist portion 40 of the diaper 20. In illustrated embodiments of the invention, for example, the side panels 90 are attached to the rear waist portion 40 of the backsheet 22 and may be attached to one or both of the diapers 22, 24 of the diaper 20. The side panels 90 extend laterally to form a pair of opposite sections of the diaper web flaps 20 and are connected by suitable connecting means such as gluing. adhesive connection, thermal connection, ultrasonic connection, clamps, staples, sewing. etc. and combinations thereof.

The side panels 90 may be made of a substantially non-elastomeric material, such as polymeric films, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In particular embodiments of the invention, the side panels 90 are made of a substantially elastomeric material, such as a stress bonded laminate, a tapered laminate, a clastomer film, an elastomeric foam material, etc. Thus, for example, a suitable meltblown elastomeric fibrous web for side panels 90 is described in U.S. Pat. States No. 4,663,220. Examples of composite fabrics comprising at least one layer of nonwoven fabric attached to a fibrous elastic layer are described in European Patent Application No. EP 0 110 010. Examples of tapered laminate materials are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,992 and U.S. Pat. 08 / 276,924.

As noted above, various suitable constructions may be used to attach the side panels 90 to selected web portions of the article. When the side panels 90 are made of, for example, an elastomeric material, suitable constructions for securing a pair of elastic expansions of other members to the side portions of the article extending laterally outwardly between opposite side regions of the product outer coating components can be found in U.S. Pat. U.S. Patent No. 4,93S, 753. Alternatively, the side panels 90 may be attached

-20 laterally inward from the longitudinal side edges 110 (not shown).

According to another aspect of the invention, the side panels 90 may be made of a material having a Gurley stiffness of less than 10,000 mg. Optionally, the side panel material 90 has a stiffness of less than 2000 mg, preferably less than 200 mg.

According to another mouse of the invention, the side panels 90 may be made of a material having a Gurley stiffness of less than 1 mg. Alternatively, the material of the side panels 90 has a stiffness value of not less than 4 mg, preferably not less than 8 mg.

In various embodiments of the invention, the desired Gurley stiffness setpoint may be selected by width or by the width and length of the side panel 90.

In particular embodiments of the invention where the side panels 90 are made of an elastomeric material, the elastonier side panels 90 are made of a material that can be stretched by at least 30% at a tensile force at peak load.

0.500 N.cm “· '· of the sample size, measured perpendicular to the direction of the load. Alternatively, the material e 1 as of the side panel 90 may have an elongation of at least 100%, preferably up to 300%, to exhibit the desired

Percentage elongation in 1 as t nos t i.

when stopped, it is determined by the formula

100 in which Lf is the finite length and is the initial length.

The sample is selected from the side panel and has the shape of a rectangle with the width of the sample and the length of the sample. The width of the sample extends along the lateral transverse dimension 88 of the side panel and the length of the sample extends along the longitudinal longitudinal dimension S6 of the side panel. The length of the specimen generally corresponds to the length of the outer edge of the side panel, and the width of the specimen is sufficient to allow clamping in a stress testing machine with a jaw size of 19 mm.

In a particular embodiment, the side panels 90 comprise a point bonded laminate of elastomeric material comprising two counterparts

-2 1-ply layers of point-stretch spunbonded polypropylene and a flexible film core. The film core may be formed of a resilient material from SheLl Chemical Company of Houston, Texas with an inverted ratchet KRATON C2755. The film core in such an embodiment has a basis density of up to> 5 g.m ”and a total composition having a specific gravity of about 136.

g.m

In conventional fastening systems, clamping stresses are exerted on the connection between the clamp 44 and the side portion of the rear belt portion 40 substantially across the length 58 of the clamp 44. As a result, relatively low stresses are exerted on areas of the rear portions longitudinally adjacent the side edges of the clamp 44. As a result, longitudinally adjacent areas tend to wrinkle and move away from the user's body. Wrinkles and spacings can be invisible and can create gaps along the strip and along. areas of the leg openings of the diaper 20 through which exudates can escape from the diaper 20. Attempts to solve this problem have used complex fastening systems which extend along substantially the entire free length of the edge portion of the product tab. Other attempts to solve this problem have used a number of clamping straps or a large wide clamp 44. Large clamps or tapered clamps transmitted high stresses to the belt portion of the fastening system. Such stresses may tend to undesirably disengage the wearer's belt portion of the fastening system as the user moves. In addition, such configurations are not sufficiently adapted to the user's movements and may result in excessive irritation of the user's skin.

To help address such problems, the diaper 20 may, but need not, include a tension member 98 as a significant reinforcement. The tension member 98 may dissipate clamping forces across the length of each side panel 90. In addition, the tension member 98 can provide sufficient stiffness to the associated belt member and help prevent unwanted and excessive wrinkling, grooving or folding of the side end of the belt portion of its side panel 90 during use of the product.

In various embodiments of the invention, the tension member 98 is formed entirely of the same material as the side panel 90. Thus, for example, a portion of the free end of the side panel 90 may be folded one or more times along longitudinal fold lines to form a functional tension member 98. the tension member 98 is formed by densifying or extruding selectively sized and shaped areas of the side panel 90 to an extent to guarantee functional levels of tension and rigidity.

In other embodiments of the invention, the tension member 98 may include a reinforcing member provided with a selectively sized and shaped area of material that is formed integrally with the washer 48 of the clamp 44. Alternatively, the tension member 98 may include a separate reinforcing member 97 that is suitably shaped and attached to areas of the free end of the side panel 90. Thus, for example, the tension member 98 may be provided with a suitably sized shaped piece of material attached to a suitable surface of the side panel 90, such as the inner surface of the body side of each side panel 90. The material may be a polymer film, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, etc., as well as combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the tension member 98 may include a reinforcing member of the material used to form the release tape 74 and / or the washer 48 of the fastener 44. In various embodiments of the invention, the tension member 98 may be substantially inextensible and / or substantially non-elastomeric.

According to FIG. 2, the tension member 98 may be operatively connected to each side panel 90 along the free end region 92 of the side panel 90 by suitable attachment means, such as an adhesive bond, heat seal, ultrasonic joint, clamp, staple, staple, etc., or a combination thereof. The tension member 90 has a transverse width dimension 100 and a longitudinal dimension 102. In order to obtain the desired properties, it may be advantageous to place the tension member 98 in the middle of the length of the side panel 90.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the length 102 of the tension member 98 is at least 33% of the length 94 of the free end region 92 of the side panel 90. Alternatively, the length 102 of the tension member 98 is at least 80% of the length 94 of the free end region 90 of the side panel 90. The free end region 92 of the side panel 90 to provide the desired beneficial effects A particular embodiment of the invention may include a tension member 98 having a length equal to 125% of the length 94 of the free end region 92 of the side panel 90 to provide the desired behavior. is not less than 1.25 cm Alternatively the length of the tension member 98 is not less than 2.5 cm and preferably not less than 5 cm to provide improved performance.According to another idea of the invention the length of the tension member 98 is not more than 15 cm. Alternatively the length of the tension member 98 is not more than 13 cm and preferably not more than 10 cm to provide the desired effect.

In various embodiments of the invention, the width 100 of the tension member 98 is not less than 0.1 cm. Alternatively, the width of the tension member 98 is not less than 0.5 cm, and preferably not less than 1.0 cm to provide the desired effect. According to another idea of the invention, the width of the tension member 98 is not more than 10 cm. Alternatively, the width of the tension member 98 is not more than 5 cm and preferably not more than 2.5 cm to achieve the desired effect.

According to a particular idea of the invention, a special piece of material is functionally forming a member which overlaps the material of the side panel 90 to form the desired tension member 98. Thus, for example, in the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 6, substantially 100% of the width of the special tension member 98 may be arranged to overlap the material of the side panel 90.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention may have the tension member 98 attached directly to the fixture 44, various ideas of the invention may provide shaped arrangements in which the tension member 98 is a separate component that is spaced apart and indirectly connected to the end portion of the fixture 44 by an interposed section of material. Thus, for example, the exemplary embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8 has a tension member 98 mounted on the side panel 90 in a mid-position between the fastener 44 and the absorbent body 26. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the distance 105 between the edge of the attached side panel member 96 is a relatively closer edge. the thickness of the pink tension member 98 is in the range of 0.1 to 12.4 cm and is preferably equal to about 2.5 cm to provide the desired effect. According to another aspect of the invention, the gap 12S between the manufacturing bond of the clamp 44 and the relative edge of the associated tension member 98 is in the range of 0.1 to 2.54 cm.

Referring to Figure 10, various embodiments of the invention may include a tension member 98 that includes a plurality of separate tension members 122. When the tension members 122 are generally parallel and have the same length, the plurality of members may act as a single tension member 98. composed of many elements, it may be designed and shaped to provide selective control and distribution of stress by its associated side panel 90.

For example, a multi-element tension member 98 may include separate elements spaced 127 apart. The separation distances may advantageously form bending regions 124 between the individual elements 122 of the tension member 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the bending regions may form longitudinally extending bending locations. increased flexibility and the possibility of swinging around these places.

As shown in Fig. 10, functional bending joints are formed between the individual parallel elements 122 of the tension member 98, thereby creating controlled areas along which the folded tension member 98 can bend and fold in a resilient manner. Thus, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the distance 127 between the elements 122 of the tension member 98 may be in the range of 1 to 10 mm.

Another embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 12 may include a side panel 90 having a tensioned child 98 composed of a plurality of elements 122, wherein the individual elements 122 are housed in a selected

-25 at a mutual angle. The various configurations of the invention of the legs have an angle 126 between the elements of the tensioned part in the range of 1 - 179 degrees. In particular embodiments of the invention, the angle 126 is in the range of 1 to 89 degrees, and preferably in the range of 1 to. 44 degrees to ensure the desired effect.

Another embodiment of the invention may include a tension member 89 composed of a plurality of elements 122, wherein the individual elements 122 have different lengths, as shown in FIG. The length of each element 12 may be selected as a proportion of the length of the free edge of the associated side panel 90. The length of the elements 122 of the tension member 98 may be 100% of the length of the free edge or 5% of this length. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the elements 122 are aligned with increasing lengths as they move away from the clamp 44. Alternatively, the elements 122 may be aligned with decreasing lengths as they move away from the clamp 44 and may be arranged in other patterns depending on the desired bending pattern 124. .

In one particular embodiment of the invention, the tensioned portion 98 extends along the length of the side panel 90 and has ends in the same position as the laterally extending edge 105 of the web portion of the article. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 44 is approximately centered along the length of the tension member 90. Alternatively, the position of the clamp 44 may be longitudinally offset by a selected distance from the longitudinal center of the tension member 98. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the clamp 44 may be moved from the edge 106 of the belt member by a distance of 120. which is not larger than 6 cm. Alternatively, the distance is not more than 4 cm, preferably not more than 2 cm to provide improved performance. According to another idea of the invention, the edge of the clamp 44 can be positioned so that it coincides with the edge 106 of the belt part to ensure a better action.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tension member 98 may have some stiffness that is greater than. stiffness of the side panel 90. In a particular embodiment, the tension member 98 may preferably be made of a material that provides the tension member 98 with a Gurley stiffness of at least 20 mg and may provide a stiffness of up to 100 mg in the desired configuration. Alternatively, the material of the tension member 98 provides a stiffness of at least 200 mg, preferably at least 400 mg. If the tensioned part 98 is too stiff, it may cause excessive irritation and redness of the user's skin. Thus, according to a further idea of the invention, the material of the tensioned part 98 is selected. which has a Gurley stiffness value not exceeding 50000 mg. Alternatively, the material may have a Gurley stiffness value of at most 10,000 mg, preferably at most 1000 mg to achieve the desired effect.

In various embodiments of the invention, the Gurley stiffness setpoint may be set with respect to the length dimension or with respect to both the length and width dimensions of the tension member 98.

According to another aspect of the invention, the assembled tension member 98 bonded to the side panel 90 has a stiffness ratio of at least 5: 1.

Alternatively, the stiffness ratio is at least 10: 1, preferably at least 30: 1. According to another aspect of the invention, the tension member 98 and its associated side panel 90 have a stiffness ratio of less than 500: 1 to provide the desired effect.

In various embodiments of the invention, the tension member may have at least one resilient flexurally controlled suspension region 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of laterally extending resilient suspension regions 112. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the suspension regions 112 may form an angle of selected size with a line substantially parallel to the transverse width dimension 88. The resulting offset angle 114 can range from -40 ° to + 40 °. Alternatively, this offset angle 114 may be in the range of 0 to + 40 °, preferably in the range of 1 (1 ° to 30 ° to provide the desired effect,

The hinge regions 112 may be relatively low in stiffness in shape compared to other regions of the tension member 98. After bending due to user load, the resilience caused by the spring effect exerted by the hinge region 112 may cause a functional return force that substantially

-27 deflects the suspension area 112 when the load is canceled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means as a clamp 44 is operatively connected to each side panel 90. In the illustrated configuration, the connecting portion along which the clamp 44 intersects the edge of the end side of the side panel 90 forms a relatively narrow connection area 80. The connection may be made by suitable attachment means, such as an adhesive joint, a thermal joint, an ultrasonic joint, clamps, staples, sutures, etc. Alternatively, the washer is clamped and 94 may be formed entirely of the material used to form the tension member 98. In preferred configurations, the clamp 44 is directly or indirectly connected to the tension member 98 associated with the respective side panel 90. Thus, for example, the clamp 44 may be indirectly connected to the associated tension member 98 by an interposed section of the side panel 90. as shown by way of example in FIG.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the components of the clamping means cooperate to secure the front belt member 38 and the rear belt member. 40 products around the user's body. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear waist portion 40 overlaps the front waist portion 38 of the article, and the fastening means operatively connects defined areas of the front waist portion 38. The clamp 44 has a longitudinal longitudinal dimension and a lateral width dimension. Additionally, the clamp 44 has a base portion 56, a user connection end section 60, and a center section 64 that connects the base portion. 56 and end section 6 0. The base member 56 has a longitudinal length dimension 58, the end section 60 has a longitudinal length dimension 62, and the middle section 64 has a longitudinal length dimension 66.

According to a particular idea of the invention, the clamp 44 has a base length 58 along the panel joint region 80 that is not greater than 90% of the length 102 of the tension member 98. Alternatively, the base length of the clamp 44 is not greater than 80% of the length of the tension member 98 and optionally not greater than 50% of the length. tension member 98 to provide the desired action. According to another aspect of the invention, the clamp 44 has a base length 58. which is not smaller

- 28 less than 1% of the length 102 of the tensioned part 98. Alternatively, the base length is not less than 5% of the length of the tension member 98 and optionally is not less than 20% of the length of the tension member 98 to provide the desired effect. Thus, when the clamping means is used to secure the article to the user's body, the end portions 104 of the tensioned member 98 are no longer connected to the front waist portion 38 of the article by the operation of securing the article to the user's body. As a result, the unattached end portions 104 may slide, bend, and otherwise move relative to the fastened portions of the article in the event of excessive disruption of the fastening connection between the user-bound fastener portion 44 and the defined fastening zone of the article. Additionally, it is desirable that the length 58 of the base portion of the clamp 44 be less than about 81% of the length 93 of the side panels 90.

In the illustrated embodiments, the length 58 of the base portion 56 of the clamp 44 is relatively greater than the length 66 of the center portion 64 of the clamp 44. Alternatively, however, the base length 58 may be equal to or less than the length 66 of the middle portion 64. In all cases, the construction of the fastening system according to comprise a seam part 69 of the clamp 44, which is a tensioned part 98 and a user-bound part of the invention, can be placed between the 52 clamps

44. When the clamp 44 is in a relaxed and substantially untensioned state, the seam portion 69 generally represents the narrowest region of the clamp 44 relative to those portions of the clamp 44. which are spaced from the end portions of the fastener 44. The seam portion 69 may advantageously form a relatively more flexible pivot region that may facilitate looser, less restricted movement between the tensioned system 98 and the user-bonded portion 52 of the fastener 44. maintaining the desired appearance of the belt and a good fit during the user's movements, and the user-bound member 52 can maintain a more reliable lock with a lower incidence of adverse accidents. The seam portion 69 may help isolate the user-bonded portion 52 of the fastening system from the self-locking movements of the side panels 90 and the tensioned portions 98 of the fastening system. In the shown

In the embodiment, the seam part 69 consists essentially of a non-stretchable and non-elastomeric material, but may alternatively be made of an elastomeric material which is operatively introduced into the structure of the clamp 49.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the length of the seam part 69 is greater than 0.5 cm, as determined when the clamp 49 is released and without tension. Alternatively, the length of the seam portion 69 is not less than 1 cm, and preferably not less than 1.5 cm to achieve the desired effect. According to other ideas of the invention, the length of the seam part 69 is not more than 12.5 cm. Alternatively, the length of the seam part 69 is not more than 7 cm, preferably not more than 3 cm to provide the desired advantages. In the examples shown, the length of the seam part 69 may be 2.5 cm.

According to other aspects of the invention, the ratio of the length 102 of the tension member 98 to the length of the seam portion 69 is greater than 1.5: 1, alternatively not less than 2: 1 to provide improved performance. In other aspects of the invention, this ratio is not greater than 10: 1, alternatively is not greater than 7: 1 to ensure the required properties. In the embodiments shown, this ratio is, for example, 2.5: 1.

In various embodiments of the invention, the clamp 99 may be shaped to develop an adhesive fastening mechanism. More specifically, the user-bonded portion 52 of the chuck 94 may include a layer of primary adhesive 54 disposed across the designated attachment surface 68 of the chuck 48 of the chuck 49. The adhesive is shaped to provide the desired level of tack and bond when applied to a designated product storage zone. . Additionally, the adhesive may be shaped to be able to release the reattachment one or more times to the storage zone. An example of a suitable reattachment of another tape system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,347.

In various alternative embodiments of the invention, the fastening means may be formed by clamps of the mechanical type, such as hooks, staples, clamps, buttons and the like.

-30Under 1 e special. According to the invention, the fastening means is formed by a system of hooks and eyelets, heads and loops, etc. Such a general eyelet comprises a hook component which is captured and fixed systems sold. Examples of fasteners in fastening systems and a cooperating component connected to a hook for example under the trademark VELCRO hook system and eyelets are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,019,173. In a typical hook and loop fastening configuration, a portion of the hook material is operatively connected to the attachment surface 68 of the washer 48 of the fastener 44 and a portion of the eyelet material is used to form a cooperating storage zone 46. The storage zone pad 46 may be suitably attached to designated areas of the storage zone 46 on the outer surface of the backsheet 22. An alternative configuration of a suitable hook and loop fastening system may have the eyelet material attached to the attachment surface 68 of the washer 48 of the fastener 44. An area of hook material was used to form the pad 48 of the storage zone 46.

The clamp 44 may advantageously have a stiffness value that is different (e.g., not greater) from the stiffness value of the tension member 98. As a result, the clamp 44 may be selectively arranged with a user-bonded member 52 that can be secured, removed, and reattached without excessive deformation or tearing of the designated area of the product storage zone 46. Selective adaptation of the properties of the clamp 44 can be made while maintaining the properties of the tension member 98. The tension member 98 retains the ability to dissipate forces along the length 94 of the free end of the side panel 91) without adversely affecting the clamp 44 release and reattachability.

According to a particular idea of the invention, the clamp 44 is made of a material having a Curley stiffness value of not more than 500 mg. Alternatively, the clamps 44 have a stiffness value of not more than 150 mg, preferably not more than 100 mg. According to other aspects of the invention, the clamp 44 has a stiffness value according to

-31 Gurleye not less than 5 mg. Alternatively, the fixture 44 has a stiffness value of not less than 10 mg, preferably not less than 25 mg. In various embodiments of the invention, the desired Gurleve stiffness may be selected according to the width dimension or both the width and length dimensions of the clamp 44.

For the purposes of the present invention, the various stiffness values are determined with respect to the bending moment generated by a force which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the length and width of the component under test. A suitable technique for determining stiffness values is the Gurley stiffness test, the description of which is contained in TAPPI Standard Test T 543, p.84 (Paper stiffness / Gurlev type stiffness tester /). A suitable tester is a Gurlev digital stiffness tester: ModeL 4171 D manufactured by TeLedvne Gurlev (514 Fulton Street, Trav, NY 1218). The device allows to test a large number of types of material using different lengths and widths in combination with the use of weights 5. 25,50 or 200 g placed in one of the three positions on the indicator of the device. For the purposes of this description, the determined Gurley stiffness values should correspond to the values that would be developed by a sample of standard dimensions. Scale readings from the Gvrley stiffness tester are conveniently converted to the stiffness of a standard size sample and expressed in milligrams. The sample of standard dimensions has a width of 25.4 mm and a nominal length of 76.2 mm (actual length 89.3 mm). The actual sample length is the nominal length plus 6.35 mm overlap. Tables of scale read processing factors developed by non-standard test specimens and conversion of readings to stiffness of standard size specimens are provided in the Teledyne Gurley Gurlev Stiffness Tester Manual. Therefore, other dimensions of the test specimens may be used provided that the appropriate conversion factor is used to determine the appropriate value that corresponds to the sample of standard dimensions.

According to a particular idea of the invention, the user-bonded end portion 60 of the clamp 44 may have an end length 62 that is greater than the length 66 of the middle portion 64 of the clamp 44, as

-32 is shown, for example, in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the end length may correspond to the largest longitudinal dimension of the user-bonded portion 52 of the clamp 44. According to another aspect of the invention, the length 62 of the end portion 60 may also be greater than the length 50 of the base portion 56 of the clamp 44.

More specifically, the length 62 may be at least 10% greater than the mean length 66. Alternatively, the end length 62 bvt may be at least 23% greater than the mean length 66 and preferably may be at least 40% greater than the mean length 66. According to another aspect of the invention, the end length 62 may not be more than 500% greater than the median length 66. Alternatively, the end length 62 may not be more than 100% greater than the median length 66 and preferably is not more than 50% greater than the median length 66.

the end length 62 may be at least 2% greater than the base length 58. Alternatively, the end length 62 may be at least 20% greater than the base length 58, and preferably may be at least 40% greater than the base length 58. According to another aspect of the invention, the end length 62 may be at most 500% greater than the base length 58. . Alternatively, the end length 62 may be at most 100% greater than the base length 58, preferably at most 60% greater than the base length 58 of the clamp 44 to provide the desired effect.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the center portion 64 of the clamp 44 may be shaped to form the expansion region of the clamp 44. The expansion region forms a gradual transition between base length 58 and end length 62. To prevent excessive stress buildup that could initiate unwanted fractures. an area substantially free of sharp notches or sharp corners.

The relatively small base length 58 and / or medium length 66 of the clamp 44 may advantageously contribute to the improved performance of the invention. The relatively longer length at the end portion of the user-bonded member 52 provides a larger user connection area that can improve the safety of the fastening system. At the same time, relatively smaller lengths of the base and / or middle part of the clamp

-3344 can provide a relatively greater ease of bending and sliding or other movement compared to the user fastener portion of the clamp 44. As a result, the fastening can be maintained at high levels while allowing a substantially smooth dynamic adjustment of the hold at the connection points between the front belt portion 38. and a rear belt portion 40 of the product.

According to Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 44 may include a pad 48 having a desired fastening means, such as a primary adhesive layer 54 applied to a larger front surface, such as surface 68. The pad 48 may be made of, for example, a textile material or a suitable polymer film, such as is polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable polyolefin. The backing material 48 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent as desired and may include graphics. Preferably, the material may be tinted or modified and may also be selectively extruded. According to a particular idea of the invention, the pad 48 may be constructed of a substantially inextensible and / or substantially non-elastomeric material to provide the desired benefits.

The fastener 44 has a factory-bonded member 50 for attaching the pad 48 to a selected portion of the diaper 20 and a user-bonded member 52 for connecting and securing the belt portions 38, 40 of the diaper 20 around the wearer's body. According to a particular idea of the invention, the fabricated part 50 of the clamp 44 is connected to the region 92 of the free end of the side panel 90 and is constructed and shaped to form the tensioned part 98.

The user-bonded portion 52 may be operatively connected to a finger member 70 that includes a substantially unsecured clamp member 72. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the clamp member 72 may include a layer of absorbent material, such as a nonwoven fabric.

The factory-bound part 50 of the clamp 44 is intended to be fixed to the desired part of its associated product during its manufacture. The user-bound part 52 of the clamp 44 is intended to secure the product to the user during use. For example, the illustrated embodiment of the fixture 44 has a primary adhesive layer 54

-34 applied to its selected surface to form an adhesive fastening system. In the illustrated embodiment of the diaper 20, the factory-bonded portion 50 of the fastener 44 is connected to the side ends of the rear waist portion 40, and the user-bonded portion 52 is attached to the corresponding side ends of the front waist portion 38 to secure the diaper 20 around the baby's waist. User bound part. 52 connects to a finger member 70 that includes a substantially unattached clamp member 22. The clamp member 72 may, for example, comprise a layer of exposed absorbent material, and at least a portion of the exposed absorbent material may be operatively positioned and arranged to oppose in the same direction as the associated inner. stranti clamps 44.

With the adhesive clamp 44, the primary adhesive layer 54 may be located on a designated inwardly facing surface of the pad

48. A portion of the adhesive located on the factory bonded part 50 may be used to assemble the clamp 44 of the fabric 20 during its manufacture. The portion of the adhesive layer 54 located in the user-bonded portion 52 may be used to secure the diaper 20 to the user's body. The particular adhesive parameters of the adhesive layer 54 can be selected and adjusted to have desired adhesive properties, such as adhesive shear stress and adhesive peel strength.

Suitable materials for the construction of the fixture 44, such as sheet materials for the construction of the substrate 48 and adhesive materials for the construction of the layer 54, are available from a number of manufacturers such as 3M, a company having a Disposable Products Division with offices in 3M Center, St.Pauk, Minnesota and Avery International. , a company having a Specialty Tape Division with offices in Painesville, Ohio. Examples of suitable tape fasteners are FT-4901 from Avery International and KN3233 from Avery International. 3M Company.

The illustrated embodiment of the tape fastening system includes a tape release member 74 for releasably holding the user-bonded portion 52 of the clamp 44 in a seating position that protects the user-bonded portion 52 of the primary adhesive layer 54 from soiling or premature adhesion to other portions.

-35 diapers 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the tape release member 74 is positioned in an overlapped position with the pad 48 and is attached to the inner surface of the diaper 20. The illustrated embodiment of the tape release member 74 includes an anchor surface 76 and an opposite release surface 78. The anchor surface 76 has a suitable anchor adhesive layer thereon, and the release surface 78 has a selected layer of a functional release coating thereon, such as a coating consisting of a crosslinked polyoxane. Suitable release tapes are available from 3M Company and Avery International. For example, suitable release tape materials include FT-4430 material from Avery International. The release tape material includes a release surface against which the adhesive carrier layer 44 of the fastener 44 can be deposited and protected from contamination. However, the Fixing Adhesive easily separates from the release surface 7 8. when requested.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the end portion of the release member 74 may optionally overlap and be adhesively bonded to the center portion of the washer 48 along areas of the joint that intersect across the length of the washer 48. The resilient connection between the washer 48 and the release member 74 forms a Y-joint that can tension the assembly and attaching the fastener 44 to the diaper portion 20 that is sandwiched between the release member 74 and the factory-bonded portion 50 of the pad 48. According to another aspect of the invention, the release member 74 may be formed and shaped to form a tension member 98.

An alternative construction of the side panel and clamp assembly is shown in Figures 30 and 31. The end region 92 of the side panel 90 is sandwiched between the pad 48 and the release strip 74. The finger member 70 may include multiple layers, such as an interlayer 71. of the same material as the side panel 90. It is desirable that the primary vertices 73 in the curved contour of the fastener 44 be at locations where the release strip 74 is laminated to the side panel 90 so that the primary vertices are not actually visible to the user.

The user-bonded portion 52 of the pad 48 has a remote end portion 108 that is adapted to be clamped by the user in a suitable position and adhered by the user-bonded portion 52 of the fastener 44 to a designated product fastening zone. 44 against the storage zone 46. The remote end portion 108 can be made non-stick and non-attachable, so that the end portion 108 can be much more easily found and lifted by the user.

According to a particular idea of the invention, the clamp 44 may comprise a special finger member 70 connected to the end part 61 of the washer 48 along the connection area. The overlapping joint shown by way of example may include an adhesive bond, a sound bond, a thermal bond, etc. The finger member 70 may extend directly over the adhesive layer 54 or may extend beyond the surface of the pad 48 which is positioned against the adhesive layer 54, as desired. Where the finger member 70 is attached against the adhesive layer 54, the pad 48 may be shaped to cover the entire area of the area of the finger member 70.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the finger member 70 may be formed by a process of special physical and chemical treatment and applied to the end portion 60 of the pad 48. The illustrated arrangement, for example, may be a layer of tape release material. In an alternative shape arrangement, the processing may be performed to give the desired absorption and / or tactile properties of the gripping area of the resulting finger member 70.

According to another aspect of the invention, the finger member 70 may be made of a material that is capable of absorbing a selected amount of impurities, such as dust, liquids, and creams, that may deposit on the user's fingers. According to one aspect of the invention, the material of the finger member 70, in particular the part comprising the clamping part of the finger member 70, has a certain absorption value, at least 8% by weight, relative to the mineral oil having a Savbolt viscosity of about 80-90 at 38 ° C.

The finger member 70 may also be made of a material that

-37 creates a tactile complement or contrast compared to the pad, the finger member may be a clamping surface having

43. According to a particular idea of the invention, 70 is made of a material which produces a value of the coefficient of friction which is not less than 0.12. A suitable technique for determining the value of the coefficient of friction uses the KAVABATA instrument, model KE5-FB-4, Surface Characteristics Testing Apparatus manufactured by KATO TECH Co.Ltd. Kyoto, Japan and supplied by TEX-MAC, which has offices in Charlotte, North Carolina. The device performs a method of measuring the values of the coefficient of friction marked MIV.

The finger member 70 may also be shaped to have a clamping surface having a surface roughness of not less than 2.75 micrometers. A suitable surface roughness determination technique uses the above-mentioned KAVABATA Surface Characteristics Testing Apparatus. The device performs a test method for measuring the surface roughness values marked SMD ”.

According to another aspect of the invention, the finger member 70 may be shaped to have a visually different appearance compared to the pad 48. For example, the finger member 70 may be colored or may include printed graphics to help visually distinguish the finger member 70 from other portions of the diaper.

20. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential contour of the finger member 70 is curved and substantially free of sharp corners that could excessively irritate the wearer's skin.

The finger member 70 has a length dimension and a width dimension and can be arranged in this shape.

a grasping area of at least 39 mm ^-. Alternatively, the clamping area is at least 128 mm ', v - -,.

and preferably at least 253 mm ^- . In preferred embodiments, the clamping surface of the finger member 70 is in the range of 150-300 mm 2.

The clamping surface of the finger member 70 in combination with the selected dimensions of the finger member 70 can help increase the area of the finger member 70 that makes actual contact with the user's thumb and other finger when gripped. As a result, the user can hold the finger member 70 much more easily and can better prevent contact with the primary adhesive layer 54.

The ease of clamping of the finger member 70 can be increased when the general shape of the finger member 70 corresponds approximately to the shape of the clamped thumb and finger. With the special shape of the finger member 70, the clamping surface is formed by the finger member.

at least 20 mm, preferably at least 64 mm ^- and more preferably 2

127 mm. In preferred embodiments, the clamping surface formed by the finger member 70 is in the range of 37-75 m.

The material of the finger member 70 may be substantially equal to the width of the end portion 60 of the pad 48 and may have a substantially end at the longitudinal end edge of the pad 48.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening system may include a primary tension member 98 and at least one additional tension member 99. as exemplified in Figs. 15 and 16. The additional tension member 99 may have ends identical to the end regions 172 of the belt member, see Fig. 15, or may be located remote from the end edge of the end region 172 of the belt member by selecting a discrete distance, see Figs. .16.

In the illustrated configurations, a belt portion such as the rear belt portion 40 of the article has at least one side end region 172 to which a side panel 90 is attached. Typically, the article has a different opposite end end region that has a similar, mirrored configuration and construction. The end region 172 may include an additional tensioned member 99 that extends along the longitudinal dimension of the end region and also has a selected width dimension. The construction of the tension member 99 may include various structures and configurations described with respect to the primary tension member 98.

The illustrated configurations have. the length of the additional tension member 99 is substantially the same as the length of the associated belt end region 172. Alternatively, the length of the additional tension member 99 may be less than the length of the belt end region 172. However, the length of the additional tension member 99 is greater than the length of the side panel 90. Additionally, an approximate centering of the length of the additional tension member 99 along may be desired

-39 lengths of the belt end region 172. If an additional tension member 9 is used, it is capable of not lacing 90 and distributing the strength of a product such as diaper 20.

to absorb the force exerted by the lateral papa over a wider area of the base structure. This can prevent undesired concentricity under prolonging tension events that could tear or excessively deform the local areas of the diaper components 20.

During attachment of the diaper 20 to the baby, the fastener 44 is typically clamped and released from the tape material 74. Upon attachment of the user-bonded member 52 to the second attachment panel 202, see FIG. 1, the side sections 89 extend. so that the first and second mounting panels 200 and 202 are fixed around the user. It is desirable that the lateral extension of the first fastening panel 200 be due substantially to the side section 89 rather than the elastic band 3b, so that the first fastening panel 200 is easily stretched when clamped 44. The position and resilience of the side sections 89 allow improved fastening of the diaper 20. when the baby is lying down.

In one aspect of the invention, the characteristics of the side first belt portion 40 are selected so that the first fastening panel 200, see FIG. 1, may have the extension necessary to attach the fasteners 44 as well as substantially change the circumference of the child's waist. When the fasteners 44 are attached to the fastening zone 46, the first fastening panel 200 tends to be extended by about 2.54 cm so that the diaper 20 is tightly seated around the baby. Furthermore, when the child changes position, for example from a lying position to a sitting position, the waist circumference for the medium size of the child increases by about 5.08 cm. The first fastening panel 200 and diaper 20 are adapted for such an extension and for a special extension of about 7.62 cm for the medium size diaper 20 without exerting substantial retracting forces. The exact level of force at special elongation and the magnitude of the change in force at special elongation are controlled to prevent discomfort and red spots on the skin.

Thus, it is believed that proper attachment of the diaper 20 will improve when the first fastening panel 200 develops sufficiently low levels of resistance at particular lengths of extension. The method of determining the degree of resistance at a particular extension length is described below. However, it is considered desirable for the first mounting panel 200 to provide an elongation force in the first cycle of less than 1720 g, especially less than 1173 g, and in particular a mean value of not more than 1095 g at a side elongation of 27%. panel 200 should exert a desired elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1570 g, in particular less than 1116 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 1038 g. than 1003 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 929 g. At a lateral elongation of 22%, the first mounting panel 200 should exert an elongation force of less than 870 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 815 g. Develop a first cycle elongation force of less than 774 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 696 g.

Of additional importance for fastening the diaper 20 is the magnitude of the change in resistive plums during the first elongation cycle. Particularly at an elongation of 27%, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude change (increase) in force during the first elongation cycle of less than 650 g of force per 1% of elongation, especially less than 500 g /% elongation and especially not more than 350 g /% elongation. At 25% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force during the first elongation cycle of less than 130 g /% elongation, in particular less than 94 g /% elongation and in particular not more than 58 g /% elongation. At 20% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force during the first elongation cycle of less than 110 g /% elongation, in particular less than 84 g /% elongation, especially not more than 58 g /% elongation.

During the first retraction cycle, it is desirable for the first mounting panel 200 to exert, at 26% lateral elongation, a retraction force of the first cycle of less than 1080 g, especially less

-41 than 781 g, and in particular not more than 694 g. At 24% lateral extension the first fixing panel 2Q0 should exert a pulling force of the first cycle of less than 630 g, in particular less than 559 g and 2 not more than 495 g. the extension has a first mounting panel 290. exert a pulling force of the first cycle of less than 390 g, in particular not more than 356 g. At 20% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should exert a pulling force of the first cycle of less than 250 g and in particular not more than 29 g.

Additionally, during the first retraction cycle, it is desirable for the mounting panel 200 to exert a magnitude of change (reduction) in force of less than 180 g /% elongation, especially less than 139 g /% elongation, and especially not more than 97 g /% elongation at 25% elongation. í.

While the diaper 20 is in use, a large number of forces act on the first and second fastening panels 200 and 202 depending on the position and movements of the baby. Thus, the resilient properties of the first fastening panel 200 during repeated extensions are also a significant component. According to one aspect of the invention, the first mounting panel 200 exerts a tensile force of less than 1550 g, in particular less than 1033 g, in particular at a mean value of not more than 933 g at 27% lateral elongation. exert a second cycle elongation force of less than 1340 g. In particular less than 929 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 840 g. At a side elongation of 24%, the first mounting panel 200 should exert a second cycle elongation force of less than 970 g, in particular less than 753 g. a mean value of not more than 681 g. 22% of the lateral extension of the first fastening panel 200 is to exert a tensioning force of the second cycle of less than 660 g, in particular less than 609 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 542 g. the lateral extension of the first fastening panel 200 is to exert an elongation force of the second cycle of less than 480 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 411 g.

Another idea of the invention involves the magnitude of the change in resistance forces during the extension of the second cycle. At 27% elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force during elongation of the second cycle of less than 530 g /% elongation, especially less than 402 g /% elongation and especially not more than 274 g /% elongation. At 25% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force during elongation of the second cycle of less than 190 g /% elongation, in particular less than 139 g /% elongation, in particular not more than 87 g /% elongation. And at 20% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force during elongation of the second cycle of less than 75 g /% elongation, in particular less than 67 g /% elongation and especially not more than 59 g /% elongation.

During the second retraction cycle, the first fastening panel 200 should exert a retracting force of less than 1020 g at 26% lateral elongation, in particular less than 752 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 679 g. At 24% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should exert retraction force of the second cycle less than 590 g, in particular less than 535 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 480 g. At 22% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a second cycle shrinkage force of less than 360 g and in particular a mean value of not more than 341 g. Λ at 20% lateral extension has

p r v η í fasten panel you v smaller than 230 g and you're calling you Also during of the other < bread 1 200 at 25% side ho forces smaller than 170 g /%

and a first fixing g /% elongation and in particular not more than 101 g /% elongation.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first mounting panel 200 exerts an extension force of less than 1550 g, in particular less than 1251 g and in particular not more than 951 g, at 27% lateral elongation. of the third cycle less than 1370 g, in particular less than 1114 g and in particular not more than 858 g. At 24% lateral extension, the first fastening has.

The third fastening panel 200 should exert a tensile force of the third cycle of less than 630 g, in particular less than 586. At 22% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should exert a tensile force of the third cycle of less than 630 g, in particular less than 586. ga and in particular not more than 542 g.

As for the magnitude of the change in resistance force during the elongation of the third cycle, at 27% elongation, the first mounting panel 200 should develop a magnitude of change in force of less than 210 g /% elongation, especially less than 156 elongation and especially not more than 101 g /% elongation. At 25% lateral elongation, the first fastening panel 200 should develop a force change rate during elongation of the third cycle of less than 180 g /% elongation, in particular less than 131 g /% elongation, in particular not more than 81 g /% elongation.

The following examples are provided to provide a better understanding of the invention. Special values, ratios, mixtures and parameters are considered as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Example 1

The diaper 300 shown in Fig. 18 was constructed to illustrate particular embodiments of the three advantages of the present invention. The diaper 300 includes a backsheet 22, a topsheet 29, and an absorbent body 26 sandwiched between the backsheet 22 and the topsheet 24. The body and outer wrapper layers 30 and 32 cover most of the surfaces of the absorbent body 26 and are welded together along the side edges. An impact layer 84 is disposed between the body layer 30 and the topsheet 24. The diaper 300 also includes resilient members 34, an elastic band 36, and retaining flaps 82.

The resilient side sections 89 are formed by laterally spaced resilient panels 90. The panels 90 are operatively connected to the backsheet 22 by direct connection to the topsheet 24. which is attached to the back sheet 2 2. The clamp 44 includes a tension member 98 that is connected to the end free areas 92 of the side panels 90. The clamp 44 includes a user-bonded member

-4452, which is shown in Fig. 18 in a laterally unfolded and pierced position.

For the purpose of analyzing the lateral elasticity of the rear belt portion 4 (J), a test specimen, see Fig. 19, was cut from the diaper 300 using a paper cutter. The test specimen was selected from a belt portion containing fasteners 44. The test specimen had a longitudinal dimension parallel to The lateral width 88 of the diaper 300 included laterally extending portions of the fasteners 44. The test specimen had a maximum width of 7.62 cm, which is shown by arrows 302 in Fig. 19. The width of the test specimen was measured parallel to the longitudinal longitudinal dimension 66 of the diaper 300 at its median. Laterally outward from the centerline of the diaper 300, the width of the test specimen may be less than 7.62 cm due to the size of the fasteners, see Fig. 19, or the curvature (not shown) of the first end edge 106. The long edges of the test specimen were formed by the first end edge 106 of the diaper 300 and a straight edge that has been cut parallel to the width dimension 88, see Fig. 1, of the diaper 300. In view of the effort to test the resilient response of the first of the fastening panel 200 of the diaper 300. care was taken during the preparation of the test sample that the resilient components of the diaper 300 were not broken.

The test sample was. left flat and again without attempting to tension the elastic members of the diaper 300, the distance between the user-bonded portions 52 of the fasteners 44 was recorded. This distance represents the length of the first fastening panel 200 and is shown in FIG. 19 by arrow 304. For the illustrated diaper 300 , 94 cm.

The backsheet 22 was made of a 0.03 mm thick polyethylene film containing TiO 2. to increase opacity. The topsheet 24 was of a nonwoven polypropylene fabric consisting of 2.8 to 3.2 denier fibers processed into a web of -?

having a basic specific gravity of 20 g.m '. The fabric was surface treated with 0.27% Triton X-102 surfactant. The absorbent body 26 had a matrix of cellulosic fibers mixed with superabsorbent particles. The body side and the outer side of the cover layer 30 and 32 were a TISSL'E cellulose web. The resilient members 34 were composed of a support sheet to which four tubes of elastomer 740 decitex LYCRA would be attached. The elastic members 34 were curved so that the elastic bands 36 bent inward at the fork portion of the diaper 300. The impact layer 84 was sandwiched between the topsheet 24 and the absorbent body 26 and was a composite air permeable fabric bonded by carding. The fleece was composed of a mixture containing 40% polyester fibers of 6 denier and 60% of bicomponent fibers of 3 denier and less

La basis weight 51 gm The elastic band 36 had a longitudinal dimension of about 25 mm and a side dimension of about 102 mm, which were measured in the flat state of the diaper 300. The elastic band 36 was placed at each longitudinal end of the diaper 300 and consisted of a tension-9 bonded laminate. fabric weighing 72 gm fabric contained a meltblown fiber core of planar π hmot_ nost.i about 45 gm sandwiched between two spunbonded outer layers each had a basis weight of about 13 gm ^- ". The diaper 300 contained two impact flaps 82, each of which consisted of a nonwoven / meltblown / nonwoven laminate fabric having a total basis weight of about 29 gm -1, and each was sprung with two strips of 470 decitex LYCRA elastomer. The diaper components 300 corresponded to the components used in the manufacture of HL-GGIES LltraTrim diapers in March 1994 by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Visconsin.

The diaper 300 further included a pair of laterally opposed resilient side panels 90, which consisted of a tapered bonded elastomeric fabric. The fabric had a core of KRATON G 2755 elastomeric film of elastomer, which was sandwiched between two tapered nonwoven outer sheets. The core made of KRATON elastomer had a basis weight of 50 to 5 g.m and a complete composition. ,. ~ 9 ny laminate had a basis weight of 136 g.m “. The side panels were rectangular with a longitudinal longitudinal dimension of about 64 mm and an effective laterally extending width of stretchable material of about 19 mm. The adhesive fasteners 49 were composed of ET-4901 supplied by the company. AVERY International and the release-46vac and tapes 74 were also made of FT-44 30 supplied by Averv International.

Example 2

For comparison purposes, the lateral elastic properties of the first comparative diaper 320 shown in Fig. 21 were analyzed. The first comparative diaper 320 was obtained in Japan and sold by The Procter & Gamble Company under the tradename Pampers for Girls. The diaper 320 was introduced in the United States in the first quarter of 1994 and included a topsheet 322 attached to a backsheet 324 with an absorbent structure 326 disposed between the topsheet 322 and the backsheet 324. The absorbent structure 326 included fabric layers 328 against most of its surfaces. The sprung impact flaps 330 were attached to the topsheet 322 and the backsheet 324. The backsheet 324 was folded over the body surface of the diaper 320 along the side edge at 332.

The comparative diaper 320 included pairs of elastic members 334 located longitudinally at the side edges of the diaper 320. The comparative diaper 320 also included side elastic bands 336 and an elastic member 334 attached to the backsheet 324. The fastener diaper 320 included a fastening strap 342 and a release strap 344.

The test sample, see Fig. 22, was cut from the first comparative diaper 320 in the same manner as described above. The test specimen was selected from a strip portion containing clamps 340. The test specimen had a maximum width dimension 302 of 7.62 cm. The length 350 of the fastening panel cut from the first diaper 320, measured between the user-bonded parts of the fasteners 340, was determined to be 27.94 cm.

Example 3

For further comparison, the lateral elastic properties of the second comparative diaper 360 were analyzed. See Fig. 24. The second comparative diaper 360 was obtained from The Netherlands and sold to The Procter & Gamble Company. The Plena 360 had the trade name Pampers Strerch Ultra Thin. The second comparative diaper 360 was brought to the United States in the first quarter of 1994 and included a topsheet 362 attached to the backsheet 364 with an absorbent structure 366 interposed between the topsheet 362 and the backsheet 364. The layers of fabric were again deposited against most of the surface of the absorbent. The spring-loaded impact flaps 370 were attached to the upper sheet 362 and the backsheet 36 was folded over the body surface along one side edge at 372.

The comparison diaper 360 also included pairs of elastic bands 374 disposed longitudinally at the side edges of the diaper 360. The side elastic members 376 of the diaper 360 were disposed between the topsheet 362 and the backsheet 364, while the belt elastic member 378 was disposed at the upper end of the topsheet 362. The diaper 360 included fasteners 380 with fastening tapes 36 and release tapes 384.

Again, the test sample, see Fig. 25, was cut from the second comparative diaper 360 in the same manner as described above. The test specimen selected from the belt part contained a clamp 368 and had a maximum width dimension 302 of 7.62 cm. The length 390 of the fastening panel cut from the second comparative diaper 360 measured similarly between the user-bonded parts of the fasteners 380 was determined to be 27.94 cm. The side characteristics of the diaper extension 30 shown in Fig. 18 and the first and second comparative diapers 320 and 360 were evaluated by the following procedure.

Test method

The method generally determines the stress / elongation curve under cyclic conditions of the final elongation (for permanent load) of thermoplastic fabrics. The elongation-stress curve develops for a repeated number of cycles. The final elongation is then given for a predetermined load and the elongation at this point is measured. The test method is similar to ASTM D 4964-89, Standard Stress Test Method

-48a extensions of the elastic fabrics and may be in the form of a set of computer instructions and control of these functions in the standard control software of the test equipment. One suitable company experienced in these software is Sintech. Inc. of Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.

For driving

Any type of constant elongation tensile testing machine capable of being controlled by test software may be used. One suitable device is the Sintech Tensile Tester.

Test procedure

After calibration of the tensile testing machine according to the standard procedure, the length of the sample is set equal to the length of the fastening panel (304 in Fig. 19, 350 in Fig. 22, 390 in Fig. 25), which in the case of the above diaper examples was 27.94 cm in each example. The control software is activated and the following set of test conditions are implemented: crosshead size = 500 mm / min, full load = 11340 g, sample length = 279.4 mm in this case, sample width ~ 76.2 mm, cycle elongation = 27% (note: for diapers 300, 320 and 360, which have the same sample length this gives a total elongation of 75.4 mm, number of cycles = 2, end load (after the third elongation) = 2000 g, elongation points, at which force is printed = 7,8,14,20,22,24 and 26%.

The specimen to be tested is clamped in the jaws 306 of the tensile testing machine, as shown in Figures 20, 23 and 26, so that the jaws 306 are aligned with the innermost exposed portions of the attachment surfaces 68 of the chuck 48. The weight of the samples in this case would be 1 and about 5 g. The load on the samples before the test was in the range of 10 to 20 g to ensure that there was not too much sag or too much overload.

The test has begun. The jaws 306 are moved away permanently

-49 elongation size of 500 mm / miri at a sample elongation of a predetermined 27% (sample length in this case varied from 279.4 mm to 354.8 mm or 75.4 mm of total elongation, at which the crosshead is sent to you immediately returns at 500 mm / min to the original sample length of 279.4 mm, forming one cycle consisting of an extension part and a retraction part, at the end of the first cycle the crosshead stops again, changes direction and immediately begins the second extension and retraction cycle. When the cycle is complete, the crosshead is stretched to a predetermined load of 2000 g. The test is now complete and the crosshead returns to the preset sample length.

279.4 mm. There are therefore five separate parts of the stress / load curve determined by this test procedure; first cycle of elongation, from 0% to 27%, first cycle of elongation from 27% to 0% elongation, second cycle of elongation from 0% to 27% elongation, second cycle of elongation from 27% to 0% elongation and third cycle of elongation at load 2000 G.

When the test is completed, the data can be printed either in tabular form or in graphical form as a load in grams, depending on the percentage elongation.

A total of five samples of the first diaper 300 were tested. The first comparative diaper 520 and the second comparative diaper 360. Figs. 27-29 show graphs representing the tension characteristics of the diaper 300 test specimens, see Fig. 27, of the first comparative diaper 320 of Fig. 28. and a second comparative diaper 360, see Fig.29. The graphs refer to the last of the five samples tested for each type of diaper. The following are tables of strength versus elongation and gradients versus elongation values at different levels of percent elongation for the diapers tested. The siL data reported for the first and second cycles show each individual Test # 1-5 and the mean of the five test specimens. The slope and elongation data of the third cycle were recorded only for the last of the five samples tested.

-50First puncture stroke

Extension % 14r. 207. 22% 24% 26% 27% Strength (g) (name) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4

Plena 300 NO. 1 247 624 748 867 970 1029 No. 2 249 632 753 869 975 1029 No. 3 352 774 894 1003 1116 1,173 th most common No. 4 314 740 854 970 1085 1141 No. 5 295 712 822 934 1043 1105 Str. 292 596 815 929 1033 1095 Plena 320 e. i 457 893 1118 1388 1677 1828 No. 2 461 896 1134 1404 1660 1810 No. 3 452 894 1127 1397 1678 1827 No. 4 424 815 1033 1292 1578 1730 No. 5 467 912 1147 1410 1676 1813 Wed 452 882 1112 1378 1654 1802

Plena 360

C. 1 283 746 1009 1394 1799 1983 C. 2 325 801 1082 1456 1823 1985 C. 3 284 793 1083 1476 1865 2040 C. 4 261 703 933 1275 1664 1854 C. 5 243 665 880 1229 1549 1846 Stí 279 742 997 1366 1760 1942

-51_First cvkhj _s for towing

Extension%

147. 207. 227. 247, 267.

(mn) (39.1 55.9 51.5 67.1 72.5)

Plena 300

C. 1 62 237 357 500 703 C. 2 57 241 364 504 705 C. 3 48 166 257 383 532 C. 4 70 293 413 559 781 0. 5 67 258 330 529 751 Wed 61 239 356 495 694

Plena 320

C. 1 78 276 429 693 1149 C. 2 77 276 431 700 1158 -. C. 3 74 276 429 696 1156 C. 4 69 252 392 638 1083 C. 5 78 278 433 699 1149 Wed 75 271 423 685 1139

Plena 360

No. i 77 368 501 716 1211 No. 2 96 392 521 747 1241 No. 3 73 391 523 755 1253 No. 4 77 353 479 671 1136 73 337 468 661 1128 _i Stř 79 368 498 710 1196

-52Second stretching cycle

Extension% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% 27% (me) (35.1 55. 9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4) Strength (g) Plena 300 NO. 1 122 402 533 672 831 924 No. 2 119 410 . 543 680 836 926 No. 3 103 321 448 576 709 736 No. 4 144 476 609 753 929 1033 No. 5 135 446 580 726 895 995 S t ř. 124 411 542 681 840 933 Plena 320 NO. 1 207 530 743 1053 1432 1633 No. 2 207 538 760 1068 1447 1653 No. 3 200 536 758 1064 1447 1657 No. 4 187 483 685 975 1349 1555 No. 5 209 538 760 1066 1440 1641 Wed 202 525 742 1045 1423 1629 Plena 360 NO. 1 150 536 740 1102 1583 1831 No. 2 183 577 790 1164 1627 1848 No. 3 153 573 795 1189 1667 1902 No. 4 146 509 693 1014 1477 1717 No. 5 139 435 667 981 1461 1715 Wed 154 536 737 1090 1563 1803

'53 — second__cycle5 pull

Extension

* / · 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% (run) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67.1 72.6

Strength (g)

Plena 300 C. 1 57 213 337 474 672 C. 2 51 222 341 480 677 C. 3 47 163 276 405 577 C. 4 64 ' 276 392 535 752 C. 5 61 233 358 504 713 Wed 56 224 341 480 679 Diaper 320

C. i 68 254 397 649 1089 No. 2 65 255 402 661 1108 No. 3 64 252 398 653 1100 No. 4 59 231 364 601 1029 No. 5 68 254 399 654 1092 Str. 65 249 392 643 1034

Plena 360

C. 1 68 346 478 677 1153 C. 2 85 370 495 706 1196 C. 3 65 371 499 715 1216 C. 4 68 334 459 638 1095 C. 5 67 318 448 629 1084 Wed 70 348 476 673 1150

-54Third stroke cycle

Extension

* fi 14 * 20 * 22% 24% 26% 27% (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.0) (nm) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4) Sila tg) Plena 300 121 404 542 630 844 951 Plena 320 197 491 693 980 1373 1554 Plena 360 128 462 633 923 1391 1660 The first drilling drill

Extension

% 15% (1.7 (41.9 20% 2.2 55.9 25% 2.8 69.9 27% 3.0) 75.4) (Inches) (™) Slope g / ^ Diaper ; (g / mrn) 300 67 (24.0) 58 (20.8) 58 (20.8) 350 (125.3) Diaper 320 66 (23.6) 122 (43.7) 135 (48.3) 657 (235.1) Diaper 360 51 (18.3) 112 (40.1) 208 (74.4) 713 (255.2)

The first pull of the pull

Extension % 15% 20% 25% (Inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8) (m) (41.9 55.9 69.9) Slope g /? <(G / mm) Plena 300 15 (5.4) 59 (21.1) 97 (34.7) Plena 329 30 (10.7) 59 (21.1) 194 (69.4) Plena 360 22 (7.9) 59 (21.1) 184 (65.9)

-55P- £ JJtL ^ -Cvk 1 us stretching

Prod Leaching * / » 15% 20% (m) (41.9 55 Slope g / 5í (g / rrtm) Plena 300 37 (13.2) 59 Plena 320 37 (13.2) 103 Plena 360 29 (10.4) 81

25% 27% 9 69.9 75.4

(21.1) 87 (31.1) 274 (98.1) (36.9) 196 (70.2) 539 (192.9) (29.0) 249 (89.1) 625 (223.7)

Kind of a pulling stroke

Elongation% 15% 20% 25%

(nn) (41.9 55.9 69.9) Slope g / « (g / mm) Diaper 300 22 (7.9) 52 (18.6) 101 (36.1) Diaper 320 22 (7.9) 59 (21.1) 188 (67.3) Diaper 360 22 (7.9) 67 (24.0) 176 (63.0)

The third 'cvkltis stretched

Extension 15X 20% 25% .. 27% X (») (41.9 55.9 69.9 75.4) Slope g / k (g / mm) Diaper 300 34 (12.2) 74 (26.5) 81 (29.0) 101 (36.1) Diaper 320 47 (16.8) 80 (28.6) 188 (67.3) 215 (77.0) Diaper 360 34 (12.2) 87 (31.1) 249 (89.1) 257 (92.0)

In the first tensioning cycle, the diaper 300 not only has a lower tension force in the range of 20 to 27% elongation, but also a much smaller inclination compared to the comparative diapers 320 and 360. This combination of properties allows a significant improvement in the ease of use of the diaper, as the fastening system can be much more easily tensioned and attached to the locking area over a much larger range of extensions. In addition, a flatter stress / elongation curve (less slope) provides a wider range of attachment positions for the fastening system, for which the fastening tension is much more advantageous for reducing skin redness and possible skin irritation. The properties of the first tensioning cycle largely determine the location of the fastening system, which in turn provides a better fastening for each child. In the second and third tensioning cycles, the tensioning forces and inclinations are also smaller, for the diaper 300 compared to the comparative diapers that have been tested, especially for the elongation range of 20 to 27%. This combination of features contributes to improving the comfort of the child. This improvement in comfort becomes more apparent when considering that the size of the child's waist typically increases by more than 10% when the child is sitting compared to the size when the child is lying down.

The invention provides an improved range of tensioning and shrinking forces acting on a child's waist during normal behavior such as sitting and standing. This further improves the comfort of the child.

It will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such substitutions and modifications are within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

-57PATENT CLAIMS

1. A dynamic shaped diaper having longitudinal side edges

Claims (12)

PATENT CLAIMS A dynamic molded diaper having longitudinal side edges and first and second end edges extending between the side edges, a first waistband joined to a first end edge, a second waistband joined to a second end edge, and a middle piece joining the two waistband portions, the rear a sheet with an absorbent body supported on the back sheet. a fastener coupled to the backboard along each of the side edges in the first waistband portion, each fastener having a user-bonded portion adapted to fasten the diaper around the wearer &apos; s body during use, a pair of laterally spaced elasticized side portions of the diaper operably coupled to the backsheet in the rear the diaper, the side panels favoring the diaper with a spatial discontinuous lateral elasticity, the diaper comprising a fastening panel which is mounted in the rear waist panel and extends longitudinally from the first end edge at a distance of 76.2 mm and extends laterally between the user-bound clamp parts; produces an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1720 g at a side extension of 75.4 mm. Dynamic molded diaper according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening panel exerts an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1173 g with a lateral extension of 27%. The dynamic molded diaper of claim 2, wherein the fastening panel exerts an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1173 g at a side extension of 75.4 mm. The dynamic molded diaper of claim 3, wherein the fastening panel exerts a second cycle elongation force of less than 1033 g at a 27% lateral elongation. The dynamic molded diaper of claim 4, wherein the fastening panel exerts an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1173 g at a 27% lateral elongation. and an elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1003 g at a 24% lateral elongation. -58b. Dynamic shaped diaper according to claim 1, characterized in that. The fastening panel exerts a second cycle elongation force of less than 1550 g at a lateral extension of 27 Z. and a friction cycle elongation force of less than 1550 g at a lateral extension of 27%. 7. A molded diaper according to claim 1, wherein the fastening panel is formed. develops a mean elongation force of the first cycle of less than 1095 g at a lateral extension of 27 -7. and a mean elongation force of the second cycle of less than 933 g at. lateral extension of 27%. The dynamic molded diaper of claim 1, which defines a side width dimension and the side panels are separated by a distance equal to at least 50% of the side width dimension. A dynamic molded diaper according to claim 1, wherein the biased side sections comprise separate side panels attached to the rear panel. 10. The shaped molded web of claim 1, wherein the side panels are of a material that develops an elongation of at least 100% when subjected to a tensile force of 26.2 per 1 mm of length. A dynamic molded diaper having longitudinal side edges and first and second end edges extending between the side edges, an anterior waistband joined to the first end edge, a second waistband. coupled to a second end edge and a central panel joining the two waist panels, a backsheet with an absorbent body mounted on the backsheet, a fastener coupled to the backsheet along each of the side edges in the first waistband, each fastener having a user bonded portion adapted to be fastened diapers around the user's body during use, a pair of laterally spaced diaper lateral diaper sections operably connected to the backsheet in the back waist panel, the side panels favorably imparting a spatially discontinuous lateral elasticity to the diaper, the diaper comprising a fastening panel that from the first end edge longitudinally inwardly at a distance of 76.2 mm and extends laterally between the user-bonded fastener parts and produces a rate of change of force during the first elongation cycle of less than 650 g nti 1% elongation at. 27% lateral extension. The dynamic molded diaper of claim 11, wherein the fastening panel develops a force change rate of less than 500 g per 1% elongation at a 27% side elongation during the first elongation cycle. 1.3. Dynamic molded diaper according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening panel develops a force change rate of less than 402 g per 1% elongation at a side elongation of 27% during the second elongation cycle. 14. The molded foam according to claim 13, wherein the fastening panel develops a force change rate of less than 94 g per 1% elongation at 25% side elongation during the first elongation cycle and a force change rate less than 139 g per second during the second elongation cycle. 1% elongation at 25% lateral elongation.