JP3440091B2 - Absorbent article having elastic side panel - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, etc., and more particularly to providing a dynamic fit around a wearer while at the same time providing an absorbent article. An absorbent article having elastic side panels that improve the inclusion properties of the article.

[0002]

Infants and other incontinent persons wear absorbent articles such as diapers that receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent articles perform both the function of containing exudates and the function of separating the exudates from the wearer's body and the wearer's clothing and overwrap. Many disposable absorbent articles with different basic designs are well known in the art.

For example, US Reissue Patent No. Re. 26,152, entitled "Disposable Diapers," granted to Duncan and Baker on January 31, 1967, had widespread acceptance and commercial success. A disposable diaper is described. U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled "Collapsible Sides for Disposable Diapers" awarded to Buell on January 14, 1975, is a widely accepted and commercially successful disposable with elastic leg cuffs. A diaper is listed.

However, absorbent articles tend to hang or slide off the wearer's body during use. This sagging or slipping is caused by the downward force generated when the exudate of the body is discharged to the absorbent article due to the relative movement of the wearer when the wearer breathes, moves, or changes position. , And the deformation of the material of the absorbent article itself when such wearer movement is applied.

Such sagging or slipping of the absorbent article results in premature breakage leakage and poor wearability around the wearer in the torso and leg areas of the absorbent article. In order to fit the absorbent article more snugly around the wearer's torso, certain commercially available absorbent articles are provided with an elastic torso device.

An example of a disposable diaper with a widely accepted and commercially successful elastic body device is 1985.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 granted to Kibito and Osterhage on May 7, 1987. The elastic body device typically has an elastic body band made of an elastic member that is shrinkably attached between a top sheet and a back sheet. The elastic torso band expands and contracts according to the wearer's movements to keep the absorbent article fit around the wearer's torso during use (i.e., to maintain a dynamic fit). Be designed).

[0007]

However, it has been found that absorbent articles having an elastic body device tend to hang or slide off during use.

Further, the elastic torso device has a tendency that the front side of the diaper is rolled up or curled inward, thereby impairing the wearability of the wearer around the torso.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and improves wearability, reduces leakage, and maintains a dynamically fitted state around the wearer's torso during wearing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article as described above.

In addition to the fact that the absorbent article or the entire absorbent core is less likely to slip on the wearer during use, the present invention not only allows the body region of the diaper to hang down, slide down, or rewind, Alternatively, it is an object to provide an absorbent article that is less likely to be rolled inside.

Another object of the invention is to allow relative flexural bending between the zones of the elastic torso band and to restore these zones elastically back to their essentially pre-used configuration.
By providing a pre-positioned elastic torso band flexure hinge zone that provides moments, it is an object to provide a unique elastic torso device with an elastic torso band that remains in such a dynamic fit.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a closure device which maintains / creates lateral tension over at least a portion of the unique elastic body device for maintaining a dynamic fit. Is.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a disposable diaper, incontinence brief, diaper holder having a unique elastic body device that improves the dynamic fit of the elastic body band and the inclusion characteristics of the absorbent article. , Etc. are provided.

The absorbent article of the present invention comprises a containment assembly and an elastic side panel located in the second waist region and elastically stretchable in the lateral direction, the containment assembly comprising a liquid permeable topsheet. The backsheet, and the absorbent core positioned between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet, the elastic side panel has a zero strain stretch laminated portion, the zero strain stretch laminated portion is A material having at least two material layers secured to one another in a substantially tension-free state, one of the material layers being a stretchable material and the other of the material layers being an elastomeric material To allow the wearer to first stretch its contours to conform to its contours by increasing the mechanical stretch of the diaper permanently and stretching the strain-free stretch laminate portion elastically in at least the transverse direction. Put on, To and fit snugly yet comfortably by maintaining the state.

The elastic side panels further increase and maintain the wearing force (tension) and increase the tension created and maintained by both the main fastening system and the torso closure system. In particular, the elastic side panels help pre-tension the elastic torso band and more effectively attach the diaper. Although each elastic side panel can be made in many configurations, the elastic side panels are preferably "zero strain".
Of the stretched laminate. Further, the elastic side panels are preferably extended to prevent tension from being concentrated over the side panels so that they do not dent, rub or scratch the wearer's skin during use. Having a panel adjacent to the wearer's leg.

The elastic side panel is provided with an extension panel to prevent tension from being concentrated over the side panel so that the wearer's skin is not dented, rubbed or scratched during use. Adjacent to the wearer's legs.

The absorbent article of the present invention has an inclusion assembly having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core, an elastic member, and an ear flap joined to the elastic member in the second waist region. A diaper configured with a lateral side elastically extensible elastic side panel positioned and a closure device having a mechanical closure member joined to the elastic side panel to create lateral tension. The wearer is first fitted to the wearer to match its contour and maintained in this condition for a more comfortable and snug fit.

The absorbent article is provided with a closure device for dynamically creating / maintaining lateral tension across the elastic body band, the lateral tension being dynamically created and maintained by the closure device. Urges the stretched portion of the elastic torso band, which allows the elastic torso band to extend and contract more dynamically as the wearer moves.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

"Absorbent article" as used herein
The term refers to a device for absorbing and containing exudates of the body, and more particularly against or on the body of the wearer to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. A device placed near the human body. The term "disposable" is used herein to mean absorbent articles that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (ie, after these absorbent articles have been used once). To be disposed of, preferably recycled, spoiled, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). A "single-piece" absorbent article is an absorbent body formed of separate parts that are united with each other to form a harmonious entity so as not to require separate handling parts such as separate holders and liners. Refers to an article. A preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention is the single-piece disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in FIG. As used herein, the term "diaper" generally refers to absorbent articles worn by infants and incontinent persons, ie, absorbent articles worn around the wearer's lower limbs. However, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene napkins, and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates the diaper 20 of the present invention in its flat, uncontracted state (ie, the elastic contraction has expanded except for the side panels in which the elastic body is relaxed). It is a top view shown. In order to more clearly show the structure of the diaper 20 in FIG. 1, some parts of the diaper structure are cut away so that the part of the diaper 20 remote from the wearer, ie the outer surface 52, is facing the viewer of FIG. .

The diaper 20 has a containment assembly 22, as shown in FIG. The containment assembly 22 is preferably a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a liquid impermeable backsheet 26 joined to the topsheet 24, and an absorbent body positioned between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. And a core 28. The diaper 20 further includes an elastic side panel 30, an elastic leg cuff 32, an elastic body device 34, and a closure device 36, which typically comprises a multi-layer dual tension fastening system. Double tension fastening system 36
Preferably has a main fastening system 38 and a torso closure system 40. Main fastening system 38
Preferably has a pair of fixing members 42 and landing members 44.

FIG. 1 illustrates a torso closure system 40, which preferably comprises a pair of first mounting component 46 and second mounting component 48. Further, the diaper 20 preferably has a locating patch 50 disposed under each of the first attachment components 46.

The diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1 has an outer surface 52 (facing the viewer of FIG. 1), an inner surface 54 opposite to the outer surface 52, a first torso region 56, and a first torso region 56. It has a second torso region 58 on the side opposite to and a periphery 60 formed by the outer edge of the diaper 20. The longitudinal edges of the perimeter 60 are labeled with reference numeral 62 and the edges are labeled with reference numeral 64. (Those skilled in the art believe that a diaper is generally described as having a pair of torso regions and a crotch region between these torso regions, but for purposes of simplicity, the diaper 20 will be referred to herein. The inner surface 54 of the diaper 20 is described as having only a torso region and each of the torso regions typically includes a portion of the diaper shown as part of a crotch region.
A diaper 20 positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during use
Of the topsheet 2 (ie, the inner surface 54 is
4 and other components joined to the topsheet 24). The outer surface 52 constitutes the portion of the diaper 20 located away from the wearer's body (ie, the outer surface 52 is formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 26 and other components joined to the backsheet 26). ). Each of the first torso region 56 and the second torso region 58 extends from an edge 64 of the perimeter 60 to a lateral centerline 66 of the diaper 20. Each of these torso regions consists of a central region 68 and a pair of side panels, which side panels form the outer lateral portions of the torso region. First trunk region 56
The side panel located at is labeled 70
Reference numeral 72 indicates the side panel located in the second torso region 58.
Is attached. (In the following discussion, diaper 20 has a pair of side panels in each torso region unless otherwise noted. A pair of side panels or each side panel need not be the same, but Preferably they are mirror images of each other.) In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second
The side panel 72 located in the trunk region 58 is the elastic side panel 30, which is elastically stretchable in the lateral direction. Here, the lateral direction (x-axis direction or width direction) is defined as a direction parallel to the lateral center line 66 of the diaper 20, and the length direction (y-axis direction or length direction) is defined as the length direction center line 67. It is defined as a parallel direction, and the axial direction (z-axis direction or thickness direction) is defined as a direction extending through the thickness of the diaper 20.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20, in which the length and width of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 are greater than the length and width of the absorbent core 28. The top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 are
It extends beyond the edges of the absorbent core 28 and forms a perimeter 60 of the diaper 20. The perimeter 60 consists of a longitudinal edge 62 and an end edge 64, the outer circumference of the diaper 20, ie the diaper 20.
Constitutes the edge of.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper 20 of the first torso region 56 taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
The structure of the elastic body band 35 of FIG. Elastic body band 35
Are shown in a contracted or relaxed state in FIG. The elastic torso band 35 is preferably a portion of the topsheet 24, preferably a portion of the mechanically stretched backsheet 26, and an elastomeric member 76 located between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. And a two-layer laminated material composed of an elastic member 77 positioned between the back sheet 26 and the elastomer member 76. Furthermore,
The elastic body band 35 is provided with a fixing region 78 for joining the backsheet 26 and the topsheet 24 to the two-layer laminated material including the elastomer member 76 and the elastic member 77. Because the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 are gathered, when the two-ply laminate material is in its relaxed state, a differential anchoring area forming pleats 80 is formed.

The diaper 20 taken along the line 5-5 in FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred elastic body device structure of the first body region 56. FIG. 5 schematically shows the absorbent core 28 and shows the furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28. The top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 are absorbent cores 28.
And extends outward in the length direction beyond the furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28 to form a furring flap 89 and an end edge 64.

The elastic body device 34 extends longitudinally outwardly from the body edge 83 of the absorbent core 28, at least in the central region 68, and forms at least a portion of the edge 64.
The elastic torso device 34 includes an interconnecting panel zone 130, an interconnecting panel zone 130, and a curb 8 of the absorbent core 28.
First flexure hinge zone 132, elastic body band 35, and elastic body band 3 that connect to the containment assembly 22 adjacent to 3.
5 comprises a second flexible hinge zone 134 connecting the 5 to the interconnecting panel zone 130. As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic torso band 35 includes a shaping panel zone 136, a waistline panel zone 138, and a prearranged elastic torso band bending hinge zone for joining the shaping panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138. It consists of 140.

As shown in FIG. 5, the interconnecting panel zone 130 comprises a portion of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26, and the elastic torso band 35 comprises a portion of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 and an elastomeric member 76. And a two-layer laminated material including the elastic member 77.

FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged plan partial view of the first torso region 56 of the diaper 20, schematically illustrating the various zones and elements of the elastic torso device 34. The absorbent core 28 having a furring edge 83 and side edges 82 is shown schematically. The panel zone of the elastic body device 34 is generally shaded. The panel zones include interconnecting panel zone 130, shaped panel zone 136 and waistline panel zone 13.
8 and an elastic body band 35. The flexure hinge zone consists of a zone of some width so as to exhibit bending / flexural deformation, but is shown generally by lines. The flexible hinge zones are the first flexible hinge zone 132 and the second flexible hinge zone.
It comprises a flexible hinge zone 134 and a torso band flexible hinge zone 140. The closure device is shown as having a pair of first mounting components 46 longitudinally aligned with the elastic body band 35 to maintain / create lateral tension through the elastic body band 35. The first attachment component 46 preferably comprises a separate material patch joined to the backsheet 26, preferably a hook fastening material.

The containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20 includes a diaper 2
It is shown in FIG. 1 as constituting a main body (chassis) of zero. The inclusion assembly 22 includes at least the absorbent core 2
8 and preferably an outer cover layer consisting of a topsheet 24 and a backsheet 26. When the absorbent article has separate holders and liners, the containment assembly 22 is
Consists of a holder and a liner (ie, the containment assembly 22 is composed of one or more layers of material that make up the holder, and the liner is composed of an absorbent composite such as a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core). . For integral absorbent articles, the containment assembly 22 constitutes the main structure of the diaper and other features are added to form a composite diaper structure. Diaper 2
The inclusion assembly 22 of 0 is, as a whole, the topsheet 2
4, a back sheet 26, and an absorber core 28.

The absorbent core 28 is entirely compressible,
It may be any absorbent means that is contoured, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 28 includes a clothing surface 100 and a body surface 1.
01, a side edge portion 82, and a furring strip portion 83.

The absorbent core 28 is of various sizes and shapes from various liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as finely ground wood pulp, commonly referred to as air felt. (For example,
Rectangle, hourglass shape, T shape, asymmetrical shape) can be manufactured. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulosic paper cotton, meltblown polymers including coforms, crosslinked cellulosic fibers, tissue paper including laminates of tissue paper wraps and tissue papers, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbents. Body polymers, absorbent gelling agents, or any similar materials or combinations of these materials are included. Absorbent cores of various configurations and structures can be used (eg, the absorbent core may have regions of varying thickness, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, low average densities, and low average basis weights). May have an amount of trapping zones and may consist of one or more layered structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 must be suitable for the design load or given application of the diaper 20. Further, the size and absorption capacity of the absorbent core 28 may be changed according to the wearer in the range from infants to adults.

The preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 has an asymmetrically deformed T-shaped absorber core 28 having ears 102 in the first torso region 56 but substantially rectangular in the second torso region 58. With this configuration, the wide elastic side panel 30 can be provided in the second trunk region 58. An exemplary absorbent structure for use as the widely accepted and commercially successful absorbent core 28 of the present invention is described in "High Density Absorber" to Wiseman and Goldman on September 9, 1986. U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled "Structure". U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,673,402, entitled "Absorbent Articles with Dual Core Layers," granted to Wiseman, Houghton, and Gelato on June 16, 1987.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231 entitled "Absorber Core With Dusting Layer", issued to Anstat on December 19, 989, also describes an absorber structure useful in the present invention. The absorbent core 28 is preferably a "high density absorbent article with low density and low basis weight capture zones" given to Almany and Berg on March 30, 1989.
Is a commercially successful absorbent article described in US Pat. No. 4,834,735. The contents disclosed in these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26 is located adjacent to the garment surface 100 of the absorbent core 28, and is preferably attached by means of attachment (not shown) well known in the art.
8 to the clothing surface 100. For example, the backsheet 26 may be secured to the absorbent core 28 with an even and continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Is good. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory include Century Adhesive Co., Columbus, Ohio, and H. H., St. Paul, Minnesota. HL-1 manufactured by B Fuller
It is an adhesive sold as 258. The attachment means preferably has an open pattern of filaments of adhesive as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste Inclusion Apparel" to Minnetra and Tucker on March 4, 1986. It consists of a network. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

An exemplary attachment means comprising an open pattern network of filaments is 197.
U.S. Patent No. 3, granted to Splake on October 7, 1993,
No. 911,173, U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 granted to Zecker et al. On November 22, 1978, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,66 granted to Wellenitz on June 27, 1989.
It consists of several lines of filaments of adhesive that are spirally wound into a spiral pattern as illustrated by the apparatus and method shown in No. 6. By reference to these patents, the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the attachment means comprises thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable mounting means or combination of these mounting means as is known in the art. Is good.

The backsheet 26 is impermeable to liquids (eg urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film. However, other liquid impermeable flexible materials may be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to a material that is flexible and easily conforms to the overall shape or contour of the human body. The backsheet 26 prevents the exudates absorbed by the absorbent core 28 and contained within the absorbent core 28 from wetting articles such as bed sheets and underwear that are in contact with the diaper 20. Thus, the backsheet 26 may comprise a woven or non-woven material, a polymeric film such as a thermoplastic film made of polyethylene or polypropylene, or a composite material such as a film coated non-woven material. Preferably, the backsheet is from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051.
It is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of 2.0 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to provide a "zero strain" stretch laminate that forms the elastic side panel 30 and to pre-strain the portion of the backsheet that is consistent with the elastic body device, Mechanical stretching has been applied to at least a portion of the backsheet 26. Thus, the backsheet 26 is preferably stretchable, most preferably stretchable, but need not be made of elastomer. As such, the backsheet 26, when subjected to mechanical stretching, is at least somewhat permanently stretched and does not return to its original undeformed form. In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet can be mechanically stretched without undesired tearing or tearing. The maximum elongation against breakage of the backsheet 26 is ASTM D-63.
Preferably, it is at least about 400% to about 700% as measured in the cross machine direction using the method according to 8.
Thus, the preferred polymeric film for use as a backsheet comprises a high concentration of linear low density polyethylene. A particularly preferred material for the backsheet is about 45
% To 90% linear low density polyethylene and about 10% to 55% polypropylene. Exemplary films for use as the backsheet of the present invention are manufactured by the Tredega Industry of Terreute, Indiana, under the designation RR8220 blend for blown film and RR5475 blend for cast film. The backsheet 26 is preferably embossed (typically about 0.1 to provide a cloth-like appearance.
27 mm (up to 5.5 mils) and / or a matte finish. Further, the backsheet 26 is capable of dissipating vapors (ie breathing) from the absorbent core 28, but impermeable to exudates.

The size of the backsheet 26 depends on the size of the absorbent core 28 and the exact design selected for the diaper. In the preferred embodiment, the backsheet 26 is
It has a deformed hourglass shape that extends a minimum distance of at least about 1.3 cm to about 2.5 cm (about 0.5 inch to about 1.0 inch) about the entire circumference 60 of the diaper and beyond the absorbent core 28. Preferably, the backsheet 26 has a second torso region 58.
Therefore, the side panel 72 of the second body region 58 is wider than the side panel 70 of the first body region 56 in the lateral direction as a whole.

The topsheet 24 is located adjacent to the body surface 101 of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably attached to the absorbent core 2 by attachment means (not shown) well known in the art.
8 is joined to the body surface 101 and the back sheet 26. Suitable attachment means are described above with respect to joining the backsheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. The term “joined” as used herein,
A form in which one element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching this element to another element, and another element by attaching one element to an intermediate member and attaching this intermediate member to another element Indirectly fixed form is included. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 are either directly bonded to each other at the perimeter 60 of the diaper or they are bonded directly to the absorbent core 28 by attachment means (not shown). Are indirectly joined to each other by.

The topsheet 24 is soft, soft to the touch and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 24 is liquid permeable and is liquid (eg urine).
Can easily pass through the thickness of the topsheet. Suitable topsheets include porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, or natural fibers (eg wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers) or blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as. Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material to shield the wearer's skin from the liquid contained within the absorbent core 28.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of topsheet 24 is mechanically stretched to provide a "zero strain" stretch laminate that forms elastic side panel 30. Thus, the topsheet 24 is preferably
It is stretchable, and most preferably stretchable, but need not be made of elastomer. As such, the topsheet 24 does not permanently return to its original form when mechanically stretched, at least to some extent permanently stretch. In the preferred embodiment, the topsheet 24 does not cause undesired tearing or tearing of the topsheet.
Mechanical stretching can be added to the. Thus, the topsheet 24 preferably has a low yield strength in the cross machine direction.

The topsheet 24 can be manufactured using various manufacturing techniques. For example, the topsheet 24 may be a nonwoven web of fibers. If the topsheet is made of a non-woven web, the web should be made of spunbonded material, carded material, wet-laid material, meltblown material, hydroentangled material, combinations of these materials, etc. . A preferred topsheet is a material that has been carded and heat bonded by means well known to those skilled in the textile arts. A preferred topsheet is made of staple length polypropylene fibers of about 2.2 denier. As used herein, the term "staple filaments" refers to fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferred topsheets have a basis weight of about 18 g / m @ 2 to about 25 g / m @ 2. A suitable topsheet is manufactured by Veratech, Inc., a division of International Paper, Inc. of Walpole, Mass., Under the designation P-8.

The diaper 20 is preferably an elastic leg cuff 32 for improving the inclusion of liquids and other body exudates.
Have. The elastic leg cuff 32 may consist of several different types of embodiments to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg region. (Leg cuffs may be referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs).

US Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled "Contractile Sides for Disposable Diapers" issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, includes side flaps and elastic leg cuffs (gasket cuffs). Disposable diapers are described that provide a retractable leg opening having one or more elastic members for performing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,909 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Articles With Elastic Flap", granted to Aziz and Braney, Mar. 20, 1990.
No. 803 describes a disposable diaper with “standing” elastic flaps (barrier cuffs) to improve leg area containment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorptive Articles With Double Cuffs" issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987 describes a disposable diaper with double cuffs including gasket cuffs and barrier cuffs. ing. 1
U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,115 entitled "Disposable Body Containing Apparel," issued to Buell on November 3, 987, discloses a side-edge-leakage shaped to contain liquid in its unabsorbed state. -Disposable diapers with protective gutter or clothing for incontinence are described. By reference to these patents, the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Although each elastic leg cuff 32 may be formed similar to any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs described above, each elastic leg cuff 32 is At least the US patents cited above
Barrier flap 85 as described in 4,909,803
And preferably has an inner barrier cuff 84 consisting of a spacing elastic member 86. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic leg cuff 32.
Additionally has an elastic gasket cuff 104 with one or more elastic strands 105 located outside the barrier cuff 84 as described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278.

In addition, the diaper 20 has an elastic body device 34 which improves wearability and inclusion. Elastic body device 34
Extends longitudinally outward from at least one furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28 in the central region 68 and forms at least a portion of the end edge 64 of the diaper 20 as a whole. Thus, the elastic torso device 34 comprises at least a portion of the diaper extending from the torso 83 of the absorbent core 28 to the end edge 64 of the diaper 20 and is positioned adjacent to the wearer's torso.

The disposable diaper 20 is generally made with two elastic body devices, one located in the first body region and one in the second body region. Although the disposable diaper of the present invention may be made to have a single elastic body device that surrounds the wearer, discussion regarding the elastic body device has been made in accordance with the present invention, at least one, and preferably both. Squeezed into a diaper with a pair of elastic body devices.

Furthermore, the elastic body device 34, or any of its components, may comprise a separate element attached to the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, while the elastic body device 34 is a backsheet 26 or top. The elastic torso device 34 will be described with respect to a preferred embodiment made as an extension of other elements of the diaper, such as the seat 24, preferably both the backsheet 26 and the topsheet 24.

The elastic body device 34, as shown in FIG.
The elastic torso device 34 is preferably provided, although it need only be made of an elastic torso band and a flexible hinge zone that joins the elastic torso band to the containing assembly.
It has some additional zones. In particular, the elastic torso device 34 includes an interconnecting panel zone 130, a first flexure hinge zone 13 that joins the interconnecting panel zone 130 to the containment assembly 22 adjacent the tongue 83 of the absorbent core 28.
2, elastic band 35, and a second flexure hinge zone 134 joining elastic band 35 to interconnect panel zone 130. The interconnecting panel zone 130 preferably provides a flexible link between the elastic body band 35 and the containment assembly 22. The elastic torso band 35 maintains a predetermined area covered, contacts the wearer's torso, and dynamically fits the wearer's torso for improved wearability and to the wearer. A member that is elastically extensible at least in the lateral direction is configured so as to match the shape of the body portion.

As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic body band 35 is
It comprises a shaped panel zone 136, a waistline panel zone 138, and a pre-placed elastic torso band flexure hinge zone 140 joining the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138. As used herein, the term “zone” is used to indicate an area or element of the elastic body device 34. Although the zones of the elastic body device 34 are different types of regions or elements, typically the zones of the elastic body device overlap somewhat with the adjacent zones. (For illustration purposes, these zones are bounded by parentheses in FIG. 5).

The interconnecting panel zone 130 is a link that allows the elastic torso band to rotate and translate so that the elastic torso band can be moved in a functional contact position and contoured to the wearer's torso. Between the elastic body band 35 and the containing assembly 22. Interconnection panel zone 1
30 is preferably flexible so that the interconnecting panel zones allow the elastic torso band 35 to remain in contact with the wearer's torso and wear the absorbent core 28 itself. It is free to deform over its length and width so that it can be located therein. Interconnection panel zone 1
Although 30 has a large edge compression stiffness, in the preferred embodiment the interconnect panel zones are flexible, and the edge compression stiffness of the interconnect panel zones is preferably shaped panel zone 136 and waistline. It is much smaller than the panel zone 138.

The interconnecting panel zone 130 is approximately 50 gr.
It is preferred to have an edge compressive stiffness of less than or equal to amsf, and more preferably less than or equal to about 25 gramsf. Typically, the interconnected panel zones (consisting of a portion of topsheet 24 and a portion of backsheet 26 joined together) have an edge compressive stiffness of about 10 grams or less. Further, the interconnecting panel zone 130 may be elastically stretchable in the lengthwise direction, the transverse direction, or any other direction, but the interconnecting panel zone preferably includes the elastic torso band 35. It is non-extensible in the longitudinal direction to provide a fixed dimension length with the assembly 22. The length of the interconnecting panel zone 130 is preferably at least about 4.75 mm (about 3/16 inch) for an M size diaper, and more preferably about 6.25 mm (about 1/4 a) to about. 12.5 mm
(About 1/2 inch).

The interconnecting panel zone 130 may be made of a separate material flexibly bonded to the containment assembly 22 and / or the elastic torso band 35, or other of the diaper 20. It may be made as an extension of the element. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the interconnecting panel zone 130 includes topsheet 24 and backsheet 2 that extend beyond the skirt 83 of the absorbent core 28.
It consists of both parts of 6. The backsheet 26 and topsheet 24 are preferably attachment means (not shown).
Are joined together at the interconnecting panel zone 130 at, so that the sheets act as a unit rather than behaving separately. The attachment means for fixing the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 to each other are preferably made of an open pattern network of adhesives applied in a spiral or loop pattern, although Other attachment means described in the text may be used.

The interconnecting panel zone 130 flexes into the containment assembly 22 and the shaping panel zone 136 to allow the elastic body band 35 to translate and rotate axially (Z-axis). Flexible hinge zone 13
2 and second flexure hinge zone 134 respectively) so that they can flex. As used herein, the term "flexibly joined" refers to a joint or panel zone between panel zones that is allowed to flex freely relative to each other between the panel zones. Means the junction between the containing assembly. As discussed below, the flexure need not be such that the panel zone returns to its previous configuration when the force that causes the flexure is removed (ie, the panel zone need not be elastic). .

The flexible hinge zone can be created in various ways. The flexible hinge zones consist of structurally discontinuous zones between the panel zones. The cross-sectional morphology of the panel zones may be varied to allow flexural bending between the panel zones. For example, the material forming the panel zone may be scored, compressed, embossed, scored, folded, bonded, thinned,
It may be cut, provided with notches, provided with slits, or omitted to form the flex-bending axis. Typically, these methods concentrate the stress / tension on a particular line or axis, which causes flexural bending. Lines of lesser extension or restraint lines may be formed between the zones to form the hinge zones. Alternatively, the flexible hinge zones may consist of discontinuous material zones between the panel zones. For example, the materials forming the panel zones provide different areas or zones of flexural resistance that allow flexural bending between the panel zones (different flexural rigidity between the zones) and therefore have different bending or elastic moduli. Is good.

As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic body band 35 (shaped panel zone 136) is connected to the interconnecting panel zone 130.
The second flexure hinge zone 134 that joins to is formed into a structurally discontinuous zone due to the elimination of the elastomeric member 76 and elastic member 77 from the interconnecting panel zone 130. Thus, the second flexure hinge zone 13
4 is formed adjacent to the bottom edges of the elastomeric member 76 and the elastic member 77. A first flexure hinge zone 132 joining the interconnect panel zone 130 to the containment assembly 22.
Are formed in structurally discontinuous zones due to the absence of absorber core 28 in interconnecting panel zones 130.

The elastic torso band 35 elastically extends and contracts to dynamically fit the torso of the wearer.
0 part or zone. The elastic body band 35 may be a separate element flexibly joined to the interconnecting panel zone 130, although the elastic body band 35 may be.
Is preferably a topsheet 24 and a backsheet 26
Of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. Elastic body band 35
Is preferably the portion extending from the second flexible hinge zone 134 of the elastic body device 34 to the edge 64 of the diaper 20. The elastic torso band 35 includes the edge portion 64 of the diaper 20.
Preferably, it does not have to extend to the edge 64 of the diaper 20.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the elastic torso band 35 has a pre-positioned shaped panel zone 136, a waistline panel zone 138, and a join between the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138. The elastic torso band comprises a flexible hinge zone 140.

The shaped panel zone 136 is the portion of the elastic body band 35 located between the body band flexure hinge zone 140 and the second flexure hinge zone 134. Thus, the shaped panel zone 136 typically constitutes the "lower segment" of the elastic torso band 35. The shaped panel zone 136 is elastically stretchable at least laterally to allow the elastic torso band to dynamically expand and contract during use. In addition, the shaped panel zone 136 preferably has a relatively high edge compression stiffness, as described below, so that the shaped panel zone 136 twists, deforms, or contracts during use. Without losing its shape and resisting compression and buckling during use of the elastic torso band.

The waistline panel zone 138 is the portion of the elastic torso band 35 that is positioned from the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 toward the edge of the diaper.
Thus, the waistline panel zone 138 constitutes the “upper segment” of the elastic waistband 35. The waistline panel zone 138 is preferably the diaper 20.
Forming at least a part of the edge portion of. The waistline panel zone 138 is designed to fit snugly on the wearer's torso, dynamically move, and expand and contract according to the wearer's torso. The waistline panel zone 138 is elastically stretchable at least laterally.

The edge compressive stiffness of the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138 determines the overall resistance of the elastic body band 35 to compressive deformation and bending in each zone. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaped panel zone 136 is predetermined so that it can withstand the compressive and bending forces applied and maintain the shape of the elastic torso band when worn on the wearer. It has a large edge compression rigidity. Further, the edge compression stiffness of the shaped panel zone 136 is preferably greater than or equal to the waistline panel zone 138. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138 are made of the same material, so the edge compression stiffness of the shaped panel zone 136 is the edge compression stiffness of the waistline panel zone 138. Is almost equal to. The shaped panel zone 136 preferably has an edge compressive stiffness of greater than or equal to about 100 gramsf, more preferably greater than or equal to about 115 gramsf, and most preferably greater than or equal to about 130 gramsf. Typically, in the preferred embodiment of the invention,
The edge compression rigidity of the shaped panel zone 136 is about 130 gr.
amsf to about 170 gramsf. The edge compressive stiffness of the panel zone of the elastic body device 34 can be determined using the method described below.

The waistline panel zone 138 is formed by the body band bending hinge zone 140 and the shaping panel zone 13.
6 is elastically / flexibly joined. As used herein, "elastically /
The term `` flexibly joined '' means the joint between panel zones or between the panel zone and the containment assembly that allows relative flexural bending between the panel zones when a force is applied. Of joints, which joints provide a restoring force / moment that elastically returns the panel zones to their previous configuration when the force is removed.
This restoring force / moment causes the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138 to assume their pre-use (prior to tension) configuration, and the elastic torso band worn over the entire wear time. It is important for the function of the elastic torso band in order to dynamically follow the movement of the wearer's torso with a slight slip on the wearer, and the elastic torso band is not to be used during its intended use during use. Don't crumple things up in a way that causes them to lose functionality.

The torso band flexure hinge zone 140 is shaped by the shaping panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138 when the force generated by the torso of the wearer is applied during use.
The flexible panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138 are essentially pre-use (before tension is applied) when they can be flexed to flex and when these forces are removed by applying a restoring force / moment. ) Is elastic so that it can be returned to its original form. Figure through Figure 5
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 is made resilient by providing the torso band 35 with an elastic member 77. Bending of the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 to provide the necessary elasticity to the torso band flexure hinge zone and to overcome the normal forces encountered while wearing the diaper to reduce rolling and inward curling. Bending flexure res
The toring force) is about 20 gramsf or more, more preferably about 25 gramsf or more, and most preferably about 30 gramsf or more. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the torso band flexure hinge zone has a flexural flexure restoring force of from about 30 gramsf to about 50 gramsf. Means for measuring the bending-bending restoring force of the flexure hinge zone, in particular the torso band flexure hinge zone, will be described below.

The torso band flexure hinge zones 140 are pre-positioned, so that the waistline panel zone 138 and the shaped panel zone 136 will have elastic waist bands for each given force applied to the elastic waist band 35. Bends to flex in a predetermined zone or axis of band 35. Thus, because the torso band flexure hinge zones 140 are pre-positioned, the torso band must be deflected without wrinkling the material forming the torso band or without compromising the flexural rigidity of the torso band. And can follow the body of the wearer. Thus, the pre-positioned torso band flexure hinge zones make the elastic torso band less likely to bend or break in any zone or axis during use. The pre-positioned torso band flexure hinge zones are determined by the diaper manufacturer so that flexure deflectors occur at a given hinge zone. Body band flexure hinge zone 1
The formation of 40 itself typically pre-positions the flexure bending axis or zone within elastic band 35. As discussed above, the flexible hinge zone may be made up of structurally discontinuous zones or material discontinuity zones. These discontinuous zones constitute the flexion bending axis.
By way of example, the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 may comprise an axis or line created by embossing, wrinkling and folding the elastic torso band along a predetermined line. For example, the elastic torso band may be pre-folded by the manufacturer of the contents of the article package to preform the flexible hinge zone in the elastic torso band. By prepositioning the torso band flexure hinge zones, by providing spaced bands or wires made of glue, thread, or other material forming a structural discontinuity therebetween,
A less extensible line (i.e., the opposite of the extensible line and the non-extensible enclosing region) may be formed to form the torso band flexure hinge zone. Laminations, bonding patterns, or changes in technology also form the torso band flexure hinge zones.
Any other method for forming the flexible hinge zones discussed above in the specification may be used to form the torso band flexible hinge zones.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4,
The torso band flexure hinge zone 140 is formed by a structural discontinuity between the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138. As shown in FIG. 4, the materials forming the elastic body band 35 are fixed to each other in the lateral region of the fixing portion 78. The anchors 78 are preferably made up of a pattern of discretely spaced anchoring zones 79, most preferably anchoring zones of dynamic mechanical connections. Due to the combined effect of the body band connection pattern and the formation of pleats, the elastic body band 35
Have a tendency to bend to more easily flex along some areas of the pattern with some joints. Thus, the pattern for dynamic mechanical coupling is such that, as shown in FIG. 4, transverse lines longitudinally displaced along the elastic body band meet the joint except at the desired location of the body band flexure hinge zone. It is designed as an overlapping row, which is staggered in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the torso band flexure hinge zone 14
The 0s preferably consist of (formed by) discontinuities in the pattern of spacing of the fixed zones 79.

The elastic torso band 35 can be made in a number of different configurations, including the configurations described herein with respect to the formation of elastic side panels. In the preferred embodiment, FIG.
As shown at, the elastic torso band 35 is preferably made of four materials laminated together. The elastic torso band 35 is preferably part of the topsheet 24, part of the backsheet 26 (this part of the backsheet is preferably mechanically prestressed with the elastomeric member 7).
6 and the elastic member 77. Preferably, the elastomeric member 76 and the elastic member 77 are joined together to form an elastic laminate, preferably by a dynamic mechanical bond, prior to being combined with the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26. This two-layer laminate is preferably arranged between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 with the elastic member 77 facing the backsheet 26 and the elastomeric member 76 facing the topsheet 24. Is located in. Thus, the elastomeric member 76
Preferably, the topsheet 24 is located between the prestrained backsheet 26 and the elastic member 77 is preferably located between the prestrained backsheet 26 and the elastomeric member 76. It

The elastomeric member 76 allows the elastic torso band 35 to be elastically stretchable laterally by the elastomeric member 76 and to retract back to its substantially unconstrained configuration. , Preferably in operative association with the elastic torso band 35 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. Elastomer member 76
Can be operatively associated in various ways with the elastic body band 35. As an example, the elastomer member is the elastic body band 35.
The elastomeric member can be operatively associated in a resiliently contractible condition such as to gather or contract the elastic body band. (For a detailed description of how to elastically shrinkably secure an elastomeric material to an absorbent article, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, and March 28, 1978. Can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301 to Buell, Inc. By reference to these patents,
The contents disclosed in these patents are incorporated herein by reference. ) For example, the elastomeric member 76
Expands the elastomeric member 76 in the lateral direction, so that the elastomeric member 76 extends over the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26.
Either or both of these and allowing the elastomeric member 76 to assume its relaxed or contracted orientation, it can be retractably attached to the elastic torso band 35.

In a modification, the elastomer member 76 is not tensioned substantially.
To the topsheet 24, backsheet 26, or both of these sheets, and then the elastomeric member 76.
A mechanical stretch sufficient to permanently stretch the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 components of the laminate is applied to at least a portion of the laminate comprising, and thereafter the composite or elastomer laminate is substantially tensioned. The elastic torso band 35 can be elastically associated by returning to the unloaded state. Thus, the elastic body band 35
Is formed into a "zero strain" stretched laminate. (In a variation, as discussed below, the elastomeric laminates are associated under tension and mechanically stretched to form a mechanically stretched pre-tensioned stretched laminate. 2. In a particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, elastomeric member 76 may be operatively associated in its uncontracted state and then treated to contract. In this embodiment, the elastomer member 76 is made of a material that contracts in an indeterminate direction,
It may be made elastic by applying a specific treatment such as heating. An example of such a material is June 2, 1974.
US Patent No. 3,819 granted to Massenger et al. On the 5th
No. 401 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,565 issued to Koch et al. On Oct. 14, 1975. A more detailed description of the method for using heat-shrinkable elastomeric members is set forth in US Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kibito and Osterhage on May 7, 1985. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference. Typically, the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 2
6, the elastomeric member 76, and any other components are secured to one another in the uncontracted state. Then
The laminate is heated (such as with heated air) to return the elastomeric member 76 to its relaxed or contracted orientation.

Elastomeric members useful in the present invention come in many different sizes, shapes, features and materials. For example, the elastic torso band may be formed from one or more elastomeric members operatively associated between the topsheet and backsheet, which may vary in width and length. Alternatively, the elastomeric member may comprise relatively narrow strands of elastic material or large area patches of elastomeric material. One elastomeric material known to be suitable for use as an elastomeric member is Bridgestone SG, available from Bridgestone Corporation of Yokohama, Japan.
An elastomeric foam, such as a polyurethane foam, such as a polyurethane foam. Other elastomeric materials suitable for use as the elastomeric member include "elastic" synthetic or natural rubber, elastomeric films (including heat-shrinkable elastomeric films),
Molded elastomeric scrims, etc. are included. In a particularly preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the elastomeric member 76
Consists of a heat-shrinkable elastomeric film such as that sold by Exxon Chemical Co. of Florham, NJ.

The elastic member 77 is a layer which enhances the shape recovery characteristics and bending rigidity of the elastic body band 35. Elastic member 77
Provides compression / buckling resistance in the longitudinal direction (machine direction) because the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 is elastic to provide the restoring force / moment. Further, the elastic member 7
7 is Z to fill a part of the wrinkles of the pleats 80, that is, the elastic body band 35 so as to optimize the elasticity of the elastic body band.
It has a relatively large thickness that provides axial bulk. Further, the elastic member 77 is preferably hydrophobic in order to prevent liquid from seeping out from the elastic body band 35. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastic member 77 is centered about a predetermined bending axis of the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 to reduce gather resistance in the cross machine direction so that the heat-shrinkable elastomeric member can easily contract. The fibers are oriented in the machine direction (longitudinal direction of the diaper) to increase the compression resistance.
Made of non-woven material oriented in

The elastic member 77 is preferably located between the elastomer member 76 and the backsheet 26, as shown in FIG. 5, but in a modified embodiment, the elastic member 77 is a modification of the topsheet 24 and the elastomer member 76. In between, on the outside of the backsheet 26, on the outside of the topsheet 24, or in many other configurations. Elastic member 7
7 is preferably located between the backsheet 26 and the elastomeric member 76 to increase the compression / buckling resistance acting on the backsheet side of the elastic torso band 35. This is to provide bending resistance about the lateral axis of the elastic body band, and to optimize and reduce leaching in the laminate material forming the elastic body band,
This is to fill wrinkles or pleats 80 along the longitudinal axis between the bond locations.

The elastic member 77 may be made of a number of different sizes, shapes, features and materials. For example, the elastic member may be formed of one or more elastic members, and the elastic member may have various widths, lengths, thicknesses, and shapes. The elastic member 77 preferably comprises a separate piece of material located on the elastic body band. Alternatively, the elastic member may comprise any or all of the materials forming the elastic body band 35 including the elastomeric member 76, the topsheet 24, or the backsheet 26. In a specific modification, the elastic member 77
Are made of the same piece as the elastomeric member 76, which is composed of a relatively thick elastomeric foam.

The elastic member 77 of the elastic body band 35 of the present invention.
Materials suitable for use as woven webs, non-woven webs, foams, laminating materials including film laminates made of non-woven laminates of two or more non-woven layers,
Included are scrims, corrugated materials that provide rigidity in at least one direction, and any combination of the above materials or other materials known in the art.

A particularly preferred material for elastic member 77 is (as measured using ASTM B1388-64).
It comprises a hydrophobic nonwoven web having a drape of at least about 4 cm in the cross machine direction and at least about 12 cm in the machine direction. An exemplary material is about 23.92 g / m 2 to 53.92.
It consists of a carded hydrophobic nonwoven web having a basis weight in the range of 82 g / m 2 (about 20 to 45 g per square yard). The fibers are oriented in the machine direction to enhance buckling / compression resistance in the machine direction. The non-woven web can be a 3 denier heterostructure fiber made of polyester core material and copolyolefin sheath material available from Hoecht as CELBOND staple fiber, or polypropylene core material and polyethylene sheath material available from Danakulon or Hercules. And 3 denier heterophasic structure fibers. After the non-woven web is carded to orient the fibers in the machine direction, the non-woven web is passed through an air-thru bonding process to impart bulk (loft or thickness) to the elastic member to provide elasticity. Increase the resilience of parts. (An example of a high loft non-woven web made of air-through bonded heterophasic thermoplastic fibers is 1989.
Patent Granted to New Kirk on November 28, 2010
No. 4,883,707, and the disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference. ) An exemplary nonwoven web made of hetero-structured thermoplastic fibers with air-through bonded carding is available from Fiberweb North America, Inc., Greenville, NC, or Veratech, Inc., Walpole, Mass. Available from the company.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.
The portion of the back sheet 26 forming the elastic body band 35 is pre-strained or mechanically pre-strained. (Ie, partially locating pattern bonded to topsheet). The resulting topsheet / elastomer / elastic member laminate is added to a pre-strained backsheet and dynamically mechanically coupled together to form an elastic torso band 35. The diaper web is passed through a heat shrink device to shrink the shrinkable elastomeric member.

The elastic body band 35 has a lateral region of the fixing portion 78 which is schematically shown in FIGS. A detailed description of the lateral regions of the anchor and variations on these regions is found in US Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kibito and Osterhage on May 7, 1985. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The lateral region of the fastening portion 78 extends essentially across the entire width of the elastic body band 35, in particular of the elastomeric member 76. The term "essentially crossing" is used herein to mean that the lateral region of the anchor portion extends as long as the lateral region of the anchor portion extends sufficiently to provide the functionality described below. Used to indicate that it need not extend completely across the entire width of elastic member 76. As shown, the lateral regions of the securing portion 78 are shown to be arranged essentially at right angles to the lateral centerline 66 and the lateral direction of the elastic body band 35. This is the preferred orientation. However, it is possible to depart from true laterality without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, the lateral areas of the fastening portion 78 are webs of the material forming the elastic waistband 35 (in the preferred embodiment topsheet 24, backsheet 2).
6, the elastic member 77, and the elastomeric member 76) are shown as discrete spaced fixation zones 79 that effectively attach to each other. The fixed zone 79 is preferably circular, although the shape of the fixed zone may vary.
It has an oval, elliptical, rectangular, or square shape. The fixation zones 79 are preferably in an evenly spaced pattern (except where the torso band flexure hinge zones 140 are formed as shown in FIG. 4),
It may be non-uniformly spaced. Fixed zone 79
The device for providing the can be easily mechanically stretched to permanently stretch the portion of the backsheet that forms the elastic torso band 35. The pre-strained backsheet improves not only the elongation of the elastomeric member 76, but also the heat shrinkability of the preferred elastomeric member 76.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the prestrained backsheet has no prestrained between ribs 142 (the strained portion) and each rib and between each row of ribs. It has a pattern including the gap 144. This pattern depends on the method and equipment used to pre-strain the backsheet. In the preferred embodiment, the rib length is about 6 mm (0.25 inch), the rib width is about 0.75 mm (0.030 inch), and the rib depth is about 3 mm (0.125 inch). Inch) and the spacing between each rib is about 2.5 mm (0.100 inch).
The pre-strained area of the backsheet is preferably about 140 mm (5.5 inches) wide and about 25 mm (about 1 inch) long.

The backsheet 26 of the present invention is "zero strain".
Pre-straining the backsheet by passing it through a mechanically increased stretching system prior to incorporating the backsheet into a finished diaper product, similar to the operations described herein with respect to forming the stretch-laminated elastic side panel 30 of FIG. You can The corrugated or grooved segments on the roll are interrupted to form a pattern of ribs in the machine and cross machine directions. The alignment of the web of the backsheet is such that the backsheet is to be prestrained as it passes between the segments of the upper corrugated roll and the lower corrugated roll with corrugations or grooves. It is done so that the parts substantially coincide with the corrugated or grooved segments provided on the upper corrugated roll. The backsheet, in a variant, is pre-strained by using deep embossing techniques well known in the art.

In a preferred method for making the diaper of the present invention, the backsheet web is pre-strained, then the backsheet web is removed from the corrugated combination roll, and the spray glue is subsequently applied to the backsheet web. Application. The elastic laminate comprising the elastic member and the heat-shrinkable elastomeric member is dynamically and mechanically selected by those skilled in the art.

Examples of such attachment means include adhesive attachment, heat sealing, solvent sealing, self-bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, ultrasonic welding and the like. Preferably, the lateral region of the fastening part 78 consists of discrete fastening zones 79 of oval (rounded rectangle) shape, preferably a dynamic mechanical connection. This is US Pat. No. 4,919,738 entitled "Dynamic Mechanical Coupling Method and Apparatus" granted to Balls, Gorates, and Zorbs on April 24, 1990.
No. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The fixation zones 79 are arranged in rows and columns to form the torso band flexure hinge zone 140,
One row may be missing or unequally spaced. The fixed zone 79 is preferably about 2.0.
mm (about 0.078 inch) x about 1.3 mm (about 0.52 inch), preferably with a lateral center-to-center spacing of about 7.
0mm (0.275 inch) to about 8.9mm (0.375
Inches) and the center-to-center spacing in the length direction is about 1.9 mm
(0.375 inches) to about 3.8 mm (0.15 inches). (To form a torso band flexure hinge zone 140, a longitudinal gap having a center-to-center distance of about 1.0 mm (about 0.040 inches) to about 3.8 mm (0.150 inches) is formed, (One row of bond locations is eliminated for each column.) In the most preferred embodiment, the lateral center-to-center spacing of the fixed zones 79 is about 8.3 mm (0.32 mm).
5 inches) and the center-to-center spacing in the length direction is approximately 2.8 mm.
(0.112 inch), and the stagger gap spacing between the centers of adjacent rows is about 0.71 (0.028 inch) in the length direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the elastomer member 76
The separate fixation zones 79 on either side of are aligned (ie, these zones are coextensive). Although this is the preferred orientation, the separate fastening zones 79 of the topsheet 24 attached to the elastic laminate material are offset from the adjacent separate fastening zones 79 of the backsheet 26 attached to the elastic laminate material. Good.

In a variant, a single piece made of elastomeric material is used for the side panel 72 of the second barrel region 58 and the central region 68.
The elastic torso band (or the first torso region 56 if the elastic side panel is arranged) of the second torso region 58 and the elastic side panel 30 can be formed by fixing the diaper 20 with both of them. Thus, the elastic body band 35 and the elastic side panel 30 may be formed from the same piece of material to form a unitary structure. Such an elastic torso band / side panel configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,067 issued to Wood et al. The contents disclosed in the above are incorporated herein by reference.

In another modification of the present invention, the elastic body band 3 is used.
5 should have differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when stretched in the transverse direction. The differential extensibility of the elastic torso band 35 may allow some sections to be stretched laterally more than others extend along the longitudinal axis. The differential extensibility of the elastic torso band can provide a flexible elastic torso band, or "inflatable ponpon panel", to the abdomen, which allows the elastic torso band to take various shapes, allowing the wearer to move or move. As it sits or stands up, it can expand and contract to move with the lower abdomen of the wearer. The differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when the elastic body band is stretched in the lateral direction is determined by the elastic side panel 3
It can be obtained in many ways as discussed for 0. Figure 9
As shown in Figure 3, the preferred elastic torso band with differential extensibility has a pentagonal shape.

Furthermore, the diaper 20 is preferably provided with closure devices (tensioning means) for dynamically creating / maintaining lateral tension in the elastic torso band 35. The lateral tension dynamically created and maintained by the closure device "activates" the stretch of the elastic torso band 35, which allows the elastic torso band to expand and contract more dynamically as the wearer moves. To do so. Furthermore, sagging of the elastic torso band is reduced by the activated stretching. This is so that the elastic torso band remains tensioned and the diaper fits snugly on the wearer's torso both when initially worn and on the wearer. Furthermore, the tension created / maintained by the closure device reduces the unrolling of the elastic body band. Thus, the closure device improves the wearability and containment of the diaper.

The closure device may take a number of forms such as adhesive tape tabs, mechanical closure tape tabs, fixed position fasteners, or any other means known in the art for applying tension to the elastic torso band. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the closure device preferably includes a torso closure system 40 comprising at least one typically a pair of first attachment components 46 and at least one second attachment component 48. Have. More preferably, the closure device further comprises a main fastening system 38 such that the diaper 20 has a dual tension fastening system 36. A preferred embodiment of a diaper having a dual tension fastening system is commonly assigned to Weil et al., Entitled "Absorber Article with Fastening System to Provide Dynamic Elastic Trunk Band Attachment," filed concurrently with this application. P & G Case 4412, a pending US patent application
No. The specification and drawings of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

The dual tension fastening system 36 forms both a side closure and a torso closure. Thus, the dual tension fastening system 36 consists of a main fastening system 38 for providing side closures and a body closure system 40 for providing trunk closures. The main fastening system 38 includes a first torso region 5 to maintain lateral tension around the diaper to maintain the diaper on the wearer.
6 and the second barrel region 58 are maintained in an overlapping configuration. The torso closure system 40 dynamically maintains lateral tension across the elastic torso band 35 to improve wear and containment of the diaper 20 by reducing sagging and unwinding of the elastic torso band 35. Form the body closure that creates the body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main fastening system 38 forms a part of the outer surface 52 and a fixing member 42 disposed adjacent to each longitudinal edge 62 of the second barrel region 58. And at least one landing member 44 disposed in the first body region 56. Each fixing member 42
Preferably comprises a tape tab 92 and a first fastening component 112. The landing member 44 is preferably the first fastening component 1 of the fixing member 42.
Complementary second fastening component 11 capable of engaging 12
Have 4. An exemplary main fastening system, in which each of the first and second fastening components is a mechanical closure element consisting of hook fastening material and loop fastening material, is disclosed in Scripps on September 26, 1989. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,724 entitled "Mechanical Fastening System for Disposable Absorbent Articles with Agent Tape Handling Means". Further, the main fastening system using mechanical closure elements is 19
U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815 entitled "Disposable Diapers with Improved Fastening Devices", granted to Scripps on July 11, 1989, and January 16, 1990.
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060 entitled "Disposable Diapers With Improved Hook Fastener Articles" granted to Nest Guard on the date. Primary fasteners with combined adhesive / mechanical closure elements are described in US Pat. No. 4,946,527 entitled “Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Fasteners and Method of Making The Same” issued to Batorell on August 7, 1990. . By reference to these patents, the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.
The main fastening system 38 includes an adhesive attachment layer 96.
An adhesive tape tab fastening system comprising a tape tab 92 having a landing member 44 comprising a reinforcing strip 116 joined to the backsheet 26. An example of such an adhesive tape tab fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594 entitled "Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diapers" issued to Buell on November 19, 1974. The strip and indicia means are 198
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. B14,662,875 entitled "Absorbent Article" granted to Hirotsu and Robertson on May 5, 1995. By reference to these patents, the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Each fixing member 42 of the main fastening system 38 has a fixed, preferably variable positioning of the diaper 20.
Fastening means are provided for engaging the landing member 44 to provide a side closure. Thus, the fastening member 42 comprises at least one fastening component. Further, each securing member 42 preferably has means for positioning the fastening components adjacent to the landing member 44 to obtain an optimum seat closure. Thus, the securing member 42 provides a side closure for the diaper, such as a patch or strip of fastening components arranged to form part of the inner surface of the diaper, or a tape tab with the fastening components located on the top. It may comprise any of the well-known forms and means for doing so. As shown in FIG. 1, each fixing member 42
Preferably comprises a tape tab 92. Any form and construction of tape tab may be used with the present invention. For example, an exemplary tape tab is described in detail in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,594 issued to Buell on November 19, 1974. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

A particularly preferred tape tab 92 has a fastening surface 98 and a backing surface 99. The fastening surface 98 is the surface of the tape tab 92 designed to engage the landing member 44 of the present invention. Thus,
The fastening surface 98 of the tape tab 92 as a whole
It is oriented to face the inner surface 54 of the diaper 20.
The backing surface 99 is the surface opposite the fastening surface 98 and generally facing the outer surface 52 of the diaper 20. Thus,
The lining surface 99 is entirely exposed while the diaper 20 is worn.

A preferred tape tab 92 is a fixed portion 93.
(That is, the tape tab 9 joined to the diaper 20 during manufacture.
It is joined to the back sheet 26 of the diaper 20 so as to form the second end portion. The tape tab 92 is the tab portion 9
4 (ie, the ends of the tape tabs 92 that extend outwardly beyond the lengthwise edges 62 of the diaper 20 and are gripped by the wearer of the diaper when securing the diaper to the wearer). It has another element. The distal edge 97 of the tape tab 92 is preferably rounded to eliminate the possibility of the rough edges of the lower abdomen coming into contact with the wearer's skin. Further, the preferred tape tab 92 of the present invention has a release portion 95 joined to the topsheet 24 of the diaper 20. This release portion 95 allows the tab portion 94 to be folded inward during manufacture to protect the adhesive attachment layer 96 from becoming soiled or peeled off before use. The release part 95 is
Since the load supported by the tape tab 92 is transmitted to the elastic side panel 90 from the longitudinal edge portion 62 of the diaper 20 to further effectively disperse the load (wearing stress), it is preferable to extend to a part of the elastic side panel member 90. Inwardly extending and juxtaposed over a portion of the elastic side panel member 90. Further, the tab portion 94
Are preferably laterally shorter (narrower) than the release portion 95, which makes it easier for the wearer of the diaper to grip the tab portion 94 first.

The fastening components of the fixing member 42 are
A closure is formed between the securing member 42 and the complementary fastening component of the landing member 44. The fastening components engage the complementary fastening components of the landing member 44 to engage the first and second barrel regions 56 and 5.
It provides a means for keeping the 8 in the overlaid configuration and providing a fixed closure for the diaper 20. Furthermore, the diaper should be suitable for people of different sizes and the fastening system should be simple and easy to use. Therefore, the fastening component must be able to variably position the zone of the closure so that the diaper can fit a range of sizes while being easily clipped with minimal effort. The fastening component comprises any of the well-known attachment means for adjustably locking the position, as defined below. Examples of such position-adjustable attachment means include adhesive attachment layers, hook fastening materials or loops, such as pressure sensitive adhesives well known in the art, as described below with respect to torso closure system 40. Mechanical closure elements, such as fastening materials, any cohesive material known in the art,
Alternatively, an adhesive / mechanical closure element combination is included.

The fastening component is arranged on the fixing member 42 such that it is joined to the fixing member 42 and is a separate member associated with the fixing member or an integral member of the fixing member 42. For example, topsheet 24 or backsheet 26 may be manufactured from a material that mechanically engages landing member 44 (topsheet 24 or backsheet 26 being an integral fastening component).
Alternatively, discrete material patches or strips may be joined to the securing member 42 (separate fastening components). Preferably, the first fastening component 112 is a separate material such as an adhesive attachment layer or mechanical closure element located on and joined to the tape tab 92. The first fastening component 112 preferably comprises an adhesive attachment layer 96 coated on the tape tab 94 to form a fastening surface 98.

Further, the first fastening component 112.
May be located anywhere on the securing member 42. For example,
The first fastening component 112 may be located on the side panel 72 of the second barrel region 58 adjacent the longitudinal edge 62. (An illustrative example of this structure is US Pat. Nos. 4,610,682 and 1964, issued to Cup on September 9, 1986.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,141, granted to Faris on July 21,
It is shown in No. 161. By reference to these patents, the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. ) When the fixing member 42 includes the tape tab 92, the first
The fastening components 112 are preferably located on either all or at least some of the fastening surfaces 98 of the tab portion 94. The first fastening component 112 includes an adhesive attachment layer and a fastening surface 9
8 may comprise an adhesive / mechanical closure element combination having a mechanical closure element adjacent a distal edge 97 of a tape tab 92 located on another area of a tab portion 94 provided on the same. . An exemplary embodiment of this feature is 1989.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,724 entitled "Mechanical Fastening System for Disposable Absorbent Articles with Adhesive Tape Handling Means" issued to Scripps on September 26, 2014. By touching on the patent,
The disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The landing member 44 of the main fastening system 38 is for fixing itself to the fixing member 42 to form a side closing body, and for maintaining the first trunk region 56 and the second trunk region 58 in the overlapping configuration. Provide the means. The landing member 44 may be located anywhere on the diaper 20 so long as it can engage the fixation member 42 to provide a side closure, preferably a variable positioning side closure. For example, the landing member 44 may be arranged to form a portion of the outer surface 52 of the first barrel region 56, to form a portion of the inner surface 54 of the second barrel region 58, or a securing member. It may be located on any other portion or element of diaper 20 that is arranged to engage 42. The landing member 44 preferably determines the location of where the securing member 42 should be placed for optimal fit, so that the landing member 44 is preferably in the first torso region so that the diaper fits a range of physiques. The torso closure system 40 such that an overlap between 56 and the second torso region 58 is obtained and that the torso closure is formed by forming the torso when the torso is formed. Of the side closures are positioned to provide variable positioning of the mounting components so that they engage one another. The landing member 44 preferably has its center on the longitudinal centerline 67 of the first barrel region 56 and extends laterally outwardly to approximately the longitudinal edge 62.

The landing member 44 may be either a separate element joined to the diaper 20 or a piece of material integral with the elements of the diaper 20. Thus, the landing member 44 may be, for example, the topsheet 2
4 or the backsheet 26. The landing member 44 can take various sizes and shapes, but is preferably the backsheet 26 in the first torso region 56.
Consisting of one or more patches of material joined to each other, this allows for maximum fit adjustment of the diaper 20 to the wearer. In the preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1, the landing member 44 has an elongated rectangular shape,
It is fixed by an adhesive attachment means (not shown) in the central region 68 of the first body region 56. The landing member 44 is
It has a fastening component (second fastening component 114) engageable with the fastening component (first fastening component 112) of the fixing member 42. The fastening components of the landing member 44 (second fastening components 114) can be made from a wide variety of materials and have a wide variety of configurations that can be fixedly engaged with the fastening components of the fastening member 42 (first fastening components 112). To have.

If the first fastening component 112 of the securing member 42 comprises an adhesive attachment layer 96, then the second fastening component 114 of the landing member 44.
Preferably comprises reinforcing strips 116 and / or backsheet 26. If the first fastening component 112 of the fixing member 42 comprises a mechanical closure element,
The second fastening component 114 also comprises a mechanical closure element. Thus, the first fastening component 112
If the hook fastening material is made of a hook fastening material, the second fastening component 114 is preferably made of a loop fastening material.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the landing member 44 preferably comprises a reinforcing strip 116 which is releasably engageable with the adhesive attachment layer 96 of the tape tab 92. Strengthening strip 11
6 may comprise any of a number of features and materials secured to the backsheet 26 of diaper 20.
The reinforcing strips 116 are preferably backsheet 2
6 is a separate member that is fixed to 6 and forms a part of the outer surface 52 of the diaper 20. A preferred reinforcing strip 116 is
It consists of a biaxially oriented polypropylene film sheet.

In addition, the reinforcing strips 116 preferably include indicator means 118 for helping the person wearing the diaper to wear the diaper on the wearer so that the torso and leg openings fit optimally. It is provided. The instruction means 118 may be any type of line, pattern, decorative design,
Individuals, either by symbols, scripts, color codes, or by themselves or in additional markings, can help the individual wearing the diaper on the wearer quickly locate the desired attachment point for a particular tape tab fastener. It should be another mark. Such indicating means 118
U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,6 entitled "Absorbent Article" granted to Hirotsu and Robertson on May 5, 1987.
More fully described in 62,875. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference. The indicating means of the present invention are preferably a combination of different geometric shapes, colors and objects such as Sesame Street and Disney characters.

The dual tension fastening system 36 further includes a torso closure system 40 for forming a torso closure adjacent the edge 64 of the diaper 20. The body closure is
A part of the span of the edge 64 is fixed. Furthermore, diaper 2
If 0 has an elastic torso band 35, the torso closure dynamically creates / maintains lateral tension through the elastic torso band 35.

The torso closure secures a part of the span of the edge 64 of the diaper 20, preferably a part of the extensible span of the elastic torso band 35. (That is, the first and second attachment components of the torso closure system 40 act to lock the positional relationship of the elastic torso band 35 with respect to the elastic side panel 30.) The term "lock" once closes. Used to mean that the mounting component constitutes an adjustable positioning fastener that provides a closure with sufficient shear resistance such that there is little or no shear slippage or movement between the mounting components when . The positional relationship of the elastic torso band 35 with respect to the elastic side panel 30 (ie, the geometrical relationship between the fastening zones of the first attachment component 46) determines the predetermined torso perimeter dimension adjacent the edge 64 of the diaper 20. This is the main fastening system 3
It is different (spaced longitudinally) from the perimeter of the side closure formed by 8. This different predetermined torso perimeter dimension creates / maintains the required fit dimension at the upper edge of the diaper 20 (adjacent to the edge 64). Thus, the torso closure system 40 of the present invention allows the elastic torso band (e.g., torso shield or non-stretchable) to keep the end edge 64 (upper edge) of the diaper 20 attached without stretching. It is also advantageous for use in diapers that do not use a flexible torso device. Further, the fixing provides a means for transmitting a shearing force (tension) between the elastic body band 35 and the elastic side panel 30 so as to increase the initial pre-tension created in the elastic body band 35. To do.

The torso closure further creates / maintains lateral tension through the elastic torso band 35. The body closure is
It contributes some portion of the initial pretension (lateral tension) of the elastic torso band 35 so that the elastic torso band 35 can fit snugly on the wearer's torso during initial wear.
The elastic body band 35 maintains some of the pre-tension created in the elastic body band by the body closure during use. To maintain some of the pre-tension created on the elastic torso band, the elastic torso band moves the wearer's body so that the diaper stays snug against the wearer's torso during use. Can be repeatedly expanded and contracted according to. In particular, when in the worn condition, the elastic torso band must follow the movement of the wearer's torso and therefore must contract to its untensioned state (pre-tension towards zero). As the mounting components remain engaged, further movement or movement of the wearer recreates the pretension within the elastic torso band.
It differs from conventional elastic torso bands in that it is not pretensioned to prevent it from contracting further to dynamically fit the wearer. By initially applying and maintaining the pretension, the gap is reduced and the elastic band is held in a better fit. Further, the lateral tension created / maintained by the torso closure creates a restoring force within the elastic torso band, which reduces the effect of "rewinding" of the torso band or of "rewinding" of the torso band. Add a reaction to the effect. Thus, the torso closure system 40 forms a closure around the wearer's torso, improving the initial and dynamic fit and containment properties of the diaper in the torso region.

As shown in FIG. 1, the torso closure system 40
Has at least one, and preferably a pair of first mounting components 46 and at least one second mounting component 48. As shown in FIG. 1, the first attachment component 46 is configured so that the lateral tension created / maintained by the torso closure system 40 during use is in response to the elastic torso band 35.
It is longitudinally aligned with the elastic body band 35 so as to extend therethrough. In addition, the mounting components of the torso closure system 40 provide a fixed torso member 42 and a landing member of the main fastening system 38 to provide different torso circumference dimensions of different types and two lateral tension zones of different types for the diaper. Spaced longitudinally from 44. A tension zone formed by the main fastening system 38 secures the garment to the wearer, and a tension zone dynamically created / maintained by the torso closure system 40 dynamically moves the upper torso closure during wear. maintain.

At least two fastening zones 122 are created by the mounting components during formation of the barrel closure. These two fastening zones 122 are laterally spaced from one another by all or at least part of the elastic body band 35 located between the fastening zones 122. The lateral spacing of these fixed zones can be determined in a number of different ways. For example, fixed zone 12
The lateral spacing between the two is such that a pair of first mounting components 46 are laterally spaced from each other and a second mounting component 48 (eg, a first mounting component 48 that can be adjustably positioned with respect to the first mounting components 46). 2 mounting components are relatively wide) can be secured by providing the torso closure system 40. In this embodiment, the lateral spacing of the first mounting components 46 is fixed, so that the lateral spacing of the first mounting components 46 determines and sets the lateral spacing of the locking zones. In a variation, the torso closure system 40 includes a pair of second laterally spaced apart from each other.
The mounting components 48 and the first mounting components 46 (eg, the first mounting components are relatively wide) may be adjustably positionable with respect to these second mounting components 48. In this example, the lateral spacing of the fixation zones is determined by the size of the wearer's torso and the overall size / shape of the diaper. This is because the position at which the second mounting component 48 engages the first mounting component 46 is determined by the overlap of the side panels of the second barrel region 58 and the first barrel region 56.

The preferred lateral spacing of the fastening zones 122 is such that the torso closure can act passively when the side closure is formed, and the elastic torso band provides fit and containment of the diaper at the torso. It is designed to maintain a vertical force applied to the wearer's torso to reduce the tendency of the elastic torso band 35 to irreversibly unroll while stretching an effective amount for improvement. . Lateral spacing of the fixation zones is desirable to maintain the vertical force on the elastic body band that provides resilience to the elastic body band and minimizes flipping out of the tensioned body band. Is kept to a minimum. However, in order to maximize the amount of stretch of the elastic body band, the lateral spacing of the fixation zones is preferably chosen to be maximum. Thus, the lateral spacing of the fixation zones is thus selected so that the need to maintain vertical force is balanced with the need to provide the elastic body band with an effective amount of stretch.

Infant of size M (5.4 kg to about 10.8
In the embodiment of the diaper shown in FIG. 1 designed to fit kg), the lateral spacing between the fastening zones 122 (between the first attachment components 46) is at least about 25 mm. More preferably, the lateral spacing is at least about 50 mm.
Is. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lateral spacing of the first mounting components 46 is most preferably about 100 mm to about 200 mm. The lateral spacing of the fixed zones 122 is
When the elastic body band is in its contracted state, the distance from the innermost fixing line of one fixing zone (ie, the line closest to the longitudinal centerline 67) to the innermost fixing line of the other fixing zone is It is determined by measuring. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lateral spacing is one first
The innermost edge of the mounting component 46 to the first of the other
It is determined by measuring the distance to the innermost edge of the mounting component 46.

Each mounting component has fastening means that engage complementary fastening means to provide a passively acting barrel closure that can be variably positioned. As used herein, the term "variably positionable" closure body allows for a large variation in the position of one of the components to allow the user to form the closure body in a number of different locations. A fastening system that can be used. Thus, for example, one of the components may have a fixed position on the diaper (eg, the lateral spacing between the first attachment components 46 may pretension the elastic torso band 35). And fixed to act passively on the torso closure), where
The other component can have a variable mounting position relative to the fixed component. This is a fixed positioning closure, where both mating elements need to be locked in place so that the components must be joined in a specific position each time the closure is formed (snap and buckle). In contrast. Further, the torso closure system 40
Provide a passively acted torso closure. The term "passively acted" means that the person wearing the diaper will use the primary fastening system 38 to initially make the appropriate body / leg attachments (side closures) and then make little additional effort. Or it means that a functional torso closure is obtained with no need at all. Passive actuation of the torso closure system 40 not only engages the attachment components with each other to provide fixation with little or no additional effort, but also allows the attachment components to engage the elastic torso band 35.
It is required to be located on the diaper in a configuration that creates / maintains lateral tension therein.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting components are
Preferably, it comprises a mechanical closure element. As used herein, the term "mechanical closure element" means fastening means that mechanically engage one another to provide a variable position closure. Thus, the mechanical closure element may comprise any known means for providing a variable position closure by mechanical engagement, such as a hook-and-loop fastener or other hook-loop fastening material.

Where the first mounting component 46 comprises a mechanical closure element, the second mounting component 48 may comprise a "same" complementary mechanical closure element or a "different kind" complementary. It preferably comprises a mechanical closure element. As used herein, "same"
The term complementary mechanical closure element is used to define a mechanical fastening system in which the engagement means of the first and second components are of the same shape and structure to interlock. An example of such a system is 198.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,875 entitled "Two Strip Material Used to Form Fasteners", issued to Brown et al. The term "different type" of complementary mechanical closure element is used herein to refer to a hook fastening material and a loop fastening material in which a first component is different from but engageable with a second component. Used to define mechanical fastening systems, such as For example, if the second attachment component 48 is made of loop fastening material, the first attachment component 46 is made of hook fastening material and vice versa.

As used herein, the term "hook fastening material" is used to indicate a material that has an engaging element. Thus, the hook fastening material may be referred to as a male fastener. Further, the engagement element can be of any shape known in the art as long as it is adapted to engage a complementary mechanical closure element such as loop fastening material or other hook fastening material. It should be understood that the use of the term "hook" in the sense of goodness is not limiting.

The hook fastening material is preferably
Mechanically engages a fibrous element of loop fastening material to form a fixed closure. Thus, the hook fastening material according to the invention can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials. Suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination of these materials or other materials known in the art. A suitable hook fastening material is 3M from St. Paul, Minnesota.
F brand under the trademark "Scotch Mate"
It has a number of shaped engagement elements protruding from the backing material, such as the commercially available material labeled J3402. Alternatively, the engagement means may have hooks, "Ts", mushrooms, or any other shape known in the art. An exemplary hook fastening material is 19
U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815 entitled "Disposable Diaper with Improved Fastening Device", issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

Particularly preferred hook fastening materials are:
As shown in FIG. 1, it comprises a row of prongs 120 formed of a thermoplastic material. Hot Melt Adhesives Thermoplastic materials, particularly polyester hot melt adhesives and polyamide hot melt adhesives, are particularly suitable for forming the prongs of hook fastening materials. The prongs 120 are preferably printed using a modified gravure printing process in discrete units onto the substrate in the molten state of the thermoplastic material to stretch a portion of the thermoplastic material prior to cutting. It is produced by cutting the material in such a way that it is possible and "solidifying" the drawn molten material to form prongs. This preferred hook fastening material and method and apparatus for making such hook fastening material are described in further detail in Procter & Gamble European Patent Application No. 0 381 087, published Aug. 8, 1990. ing. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The loop fastening material provides a plurality of fibrous materials that engage the engaging elements of the hook fastening material. Loop fastening materials can be manufactured from a variety of materials that make up the fibrous element, preferably the loop.
Such suitable materials include nylon, polyester,
Included is polypropylene, or any combination of these materials or other materials known in the art. Suitable loop fastening materials are extruded from a backing material such as the commercially available material designated Nylon Woven Loop SJ3401 under the trademark "Scotchmate" available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota. It has a large number of fiber loops. Another commercially available loop fastening material is a nylon backing material such as the commercially available material labeled "Gilford 16110" available from Guilford Mills, Inc. of Greensboro, NC. It consists of a tricot fabric with a plurality of nylon filament loops protruding from it. Exemplary low cost loop fastening materials and methods of making such loop fastening materials are described in 19
It is described in Procter & Gamble European Patent Application No. 0 289 198, published Nov. 2, 1988. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.
Suitable loop fastening materials are woven or non-woven fabrics known in the art, or any other type of fibrous or loop material. Nonwoven materials suitable for use as the loop fastening material of the present invention are discussed with respect to materials useful as the topsheet 24 of the diaper 20. In the preferred embodiment, the loop fastening material is formed by the non-woven material of the topsheet 24.

The mounting component may, in a variant, consist of an adhesive mounting layer (adhesive material layer). The adhesives useful in the present invention are preferably pressure sensitive adhesives that are formulated to adhere to surfaces at ambient temperature with only mild pressure. A particularly preferred adhesive for use as an adhesive attachment layer in the present invention is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive as is well known in the art. Exemplary hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives are those found by Findley Adhesives, Inc. of Elm Grove, Wisconsin 990 or H-2085.
Adhesive, like the adhesive sold under the trademark
An adhesive based on Kraton containing a tacifier and other additives.

The mounting component may further comprise an adhesive / mechanical closure element combination. For example, the attachment component may be a hook fastening material and an adhesive attachment layer juxtaposed with the hook fastening material,
Alternatively, the adhesive layer may comprise a combination fastener, such as a mechanical closure element, such as a hook fastening material coated on a portion of the hook fastening material. An exemplary fastener having a mechanical / adhesive combination system is a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener having a textured fastening surface such as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,946,527 issued August 7, 1990 to Buttrel. Is.

In a variation, the mounting component further comprises any other cohesive material known in the art to provide a variable positioning fastener that can be passively acted upon. For example, the cohesive strip or material may be foam, rubber such as crepe rubber or latex, other adhesives, or high static vinyl materials (highs).
tatic vinyl mat-erial). Separable fasteners made of high static vinyl material
Further details can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,613 issued to McLaughlin and Crane Smith on December 25, 1990. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The attachment component may consist of a separate component joined to the diaper 20 or may be a component integral with one of the other components of the diaper. For example, topsheet 24 may be manufactured from a material (eg, a nonwoven web) that can mechanically engage other attachment components (eg, hook fastening material). The backsheet 26 is formed over a portion of the backsheet surface to form a mechanical / adhesive combination fastening as shown in the above-referenced US Pat. No. 4,946,527 to Buttrel. It is preferably formed from a web having a woven pattern coated with an adhesive layer. In each of these cases, the mounting component is integral with the other components of the diaper. In a variant,
The attachment component may consist of discrete strips or patches joined to the diaper. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each first mounting component 46 is
The backsheet 26 so as to form part of the outer surface 52.
A second separate patch of hook fastening material joined to the second mounting component 48
It is an integral element that forms part of the topsheet 24 of the torso region 58.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of an M size diaper, such as the diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1, a torso closure system 40.
Preferably has a pair of first mounting components 46. Each first mounting component 46 comprises a patch of hook fastening material having a width (generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 67) of about 12 mm and a length of about 19 mm.
The first mounting component 46 is preferably about 171 mm.
Are located to have a lateral spacing of. Further, each first mounting component 46 is longitudinally spaced from the edge 64. If the longitudinal spacing of the first mounting components (measured from the edge of the diaper to the nearest edge of the first mounting component) is too small, the first
The attachment component is too high on the diaper and is in contact with the wearer's skin. If the longitudinal spacing is too large, the first mounting component will be low, causing some retraction of the elastic body band.

The first attachment component is preferably about 3 mm (1/8 inch) to about 15 mm from the edge of the diaper.
(5/8 inch), preferably about 6 mm (1/4 inch)
Are spaced apart. The hook fastening material used for the first attachment component 46 is preferably a thermoplastic prong 1 formed in a backing material.
A prong 120 of each hook fastening material in a row of 20 is most preferably the engagement means is a diaper 2.
It is oriented in a state of being directed inwardly toward the center line 67 in the longitudinal direction of 0. In addition, the torso closure system 40 has a single second attachment component 48 of loop fastening material formed by a portion of the nonwoven material of the topsheet 24.

The diaper 20 includes a first mounting component 46.
It further has a positioning patch 50 arranged on the back of the. This locating patch 50 lifts the first mounting component 46 in the Z-axis (thickness) direction so that the first mounting component 46 can make good contact with the second mounting component 48, further facilitating the torso closure system. Allow it to be closed (with little effort). Thus, the torso closure system 40 can be operated more effectively and passively. In addition, the locating patch 50 reduces the tendency of the flexible ear flap 88 to fold over the first attachment component 46, thereby preventing the hooks from locking during diaper wearing, a zone of high flexural rigidity. Make up. The positioning patch 50 may comprise any element that provides the first component 46 with a Z-axis protrusion.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the positioning patches 50 is formed from a rectangular piece located on the back of the first mounting component 46. The positioning patch 50 is the first
The locating patch 50 is preferably located between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26, although it may be located directly below the mounting component 46. To create a flexible and rigid perimeter around the wearer's torso,
The lateral edges of the locating patch may abut or slightly overlap the side edges 75 of the elastic waistband member 76. Positioning patch 50 preferably comprises an elastomeric foam patch 38 mm wide and 32 mm long. More preferably, during manufacturing of the diaper, the locating patch 50 is formed by forming the elastic side panel members 90 of one diaper and the adjacent diaper locating patch 50 from the same material segment, which is then cut after the diaper is completed. Are made of the same material as the elastic side panel member 90. Thus, the positioning patch 50 extends inwardly from the edge 64 of the diaper 20 toward the center of the diaper 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the diaper further comprises an elastic side panel 30 located in the second waist region 58. As used herein, the term "disposed" refers to a diaper element as a unitary structure with other elements of the diaper at a particular location or as a separate piece joined to other components of the diaper. Used to mean formed (joined and positioned) as an element.

The elastic side panel 30 constitutes an elastically extensible device. In this device, the diaper is first fitted according to the outer shape of the wearer, and when the diaper absorbs exudates in this wearing state. For a more comfortable and contoured fit by staying well over the wear time. This is because the elastic side panels allow the sides of the diaper to extend and contract. Furthermore, the elastic side panel 30 creates and maintains a wearing force (tension), which wears the main fastening system 38 and the torso closure system 4.
Increases the tension created and maintained by both 0's, keeping the diaper 20 on the wearer and increasing the fit of the torso.

The elastic side panel 30, in particular, helps to initially pretension the elastic body band 35. This typically means that when the diaper 20 is worn by a wearer, the person wearing the diaper will experience tension when the elastic side panel 30 contracts from the elastic side panel 30 through the torso closure system 40 to the elastic torso band 34. This is because the side panel 30 is stretched. The elastic side panel 30 allows the diaper 20 to be applied more effectively. This is because the diaper 20 will "self-adjust" during wear even if the person wearing the diaper pulls one elastic side panel 30 more (asymmetrically) than the other during application. In the diaper 20 of the present invention, the elastic side panel 30 is preferably located in the second torso region 58, but in a variant the diaper 2
It is preferable that the elastic side panel 30 is arranged in the first body region 56, or in both the first body region 56 and the second body region 58.

Although the elastic side panel 30 can be made in a number of shapes, an example of a diaper in which the elastic side panel is located at the ear portion (ear flap) of the diaper is 1989.
US patent entitled "Disposable diapers with pleated ears" granted to Wood et al.
4,857,067. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The elastic side panel 30 can be formed in a number of other configurations in alternative embodiments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781 issued to Sucia Raffa et al. On May 3, 1983, the elastic member has openings in both the topsheet and backsheet of the diaper so that the stretch of the elastic member is not constrained by the inelastic material. Disclosed is a diaper having an elastic body positioned in the section. Although the Sciaraffa et al. Patent teaches the importance of removing both the topsheet and backsheet portions of the diaper in areas that coincide with the elastic members, the inventor has found that the topsheet and backsheet coincide Satisfactory elastic performance can be obtained when only one of the portions is removed, or when neither is removed, especially when the mechanical gradual stretching operation described below is applied to the portion of the diaper web including the elastic member. I learned that I can do it. Another example of a diaper showing elastic side panels is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,753 issued to Van Gompel et al. On July 3, 1990.
This patent discloses a pant-like garment with stretchable side panels formed by attaching separate stretchable members to the side edges of the main body of the garment. Thus, the elastic side panel 30 of the present invention may comprise a laminate that is joined to a separate elastically stretchable material or diaper. As shown in FIG. 1, each elastic side panel 30 preferably includes an ear flap 88 and an elastic side panel member 90 operatively associated therewith.

As shown in FIG. 1, each ear flap 88 is
It consists of the portion of the side panel 72 extending laterally outwardly from the side edge 82 of the absorbent core 28 to the longitudinal edge 62 of the diaper 20 along the side edge. The ear flap 88 generally forms a portion (a lengthwise edge portion 62) that forms a leg opening from the end edge portion 64 of the diaper 20 to the lengthwise edge portion 62 of the diaper 20.
This segment of the is shown as leg edge 106)
Extend in the length direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
Each ear flap 88 of the second torso region 58 has an absorbent core 28.
Of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 extending beyond the side edges 82 of the.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic side panel member 90 comprises a diaper 20 and an ear flap 88, so that the elastic side panel member 90 allows the elastic side panel 30 to be elastically stretched laterally. Preferably, there is an operative association between topsheet 24 and backsheet 26. As used herein, the term "elastically extensible" means in at least one direction when tension is applied, typically the lateral tension acting on the side panels and torso band. Means a segment or portion of the diaper that extends (preferably laterally to the side panels and torso band) and returns to approximately its previous size and shape when the tension is removed. Generally, the elastomeric materials useful in the present invention, when stretched and immediately released, will have a viscosity of about 5%.
At least about 75 of its original form within seconds or less
Shrinks back to% (ie is "snappy" elastic).

The elastic side panel member 90 can be operatively associated with the ear flap 88 in many different ways.
For example, the elastic side panel member 90 may be operatively associated in an elastically contractible manner such that the elastic side panel member 90 gathers or contracts the ear flaps 88. For a more detailed description of the method of elastically contracting an elastomeric material, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on January 14, 1975.
And U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301 issued to Buell on March 28, 1978. By virtue of reference to these patents, both the disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

For example, the elastic side panel member 90 can be stretched laterally and joined to either or both of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 so that the elastic side panel member 90 can assume its relaxed or contracted orientation. By doing so, the elastic side panel member 90 is attached to the ear flap 88.
It can be attached to the.

Alternatively, the elastic side panel member 90 may be operatively associated in its uncontracted state and then treated to contract. For example, it is preferable that the elastic side panel member 90 is made of a material that contracts in an indefinite direction and becomes elastic when a specific treatment such as heating is applied. Examples of such materials are U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,401, issued to Massengale et al. On June 25, 1974, and 1975, 1
U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,56 granted to Koch et al. On Oct. 14
No. 5 is disclosed. A more detailed description of the method for using heat-shrinkable elastic materials is given in US Pat. No. 4,515, Quibit and Osterhage on May 7, 1985.
It is listed in No. 595. By virtue of reference to that patent, the disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference. Typically, the topsheet, backsheet, elastic side panel members, and any other components are secured to one another in the uncontracted state. The laminate is then heated (such as with hot air) to return the elastic side panel member to its relaxed or contracted orientation.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastic side panel member 90 is attached to the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the elastic side panel member 90 in a state where tension is not substantially applied to the elastic side panel member 90.
Or by joining to both of these systems,
An elastic side panel member 90 is operatively associated with the ear flap 88. Then, at least a portion of the resulting composite elastomeric laminate including the elastic side panel member 90,
Add sufficient mechanical stretching to permanently stretch the topsheet and backsheet components (non-elastic components) of the laminate. Next, the elastic side panel is "zero strain"
To form a stretched laminate. (Alternatively, the elastic side panel members may be operatively associated under tension and then mechanically stretched, which is not preferred as a "zero strain" stretch laminate.) As used herein, the term "zero strain" stretch laminates are secured to each other in a substantially untensioned ("zero strain") condition along at least a portion of the surface of the same stretch. It refers to a laminate composed of at least two material layers. One layer of the laminate is made of a stretchable and elastomeric (ie, releasing the applied tensile force returns to approximately its untensioned dimensions) material, and the second layer is It is stretched at least to some extent permanently upon application of stretch, so that it is stretchable (but not necessarily elastomeric) so that upon release of the applied tensile force it does not completely return to its original undeformed configuration. This allows the resulting "zero strain" stretch laminate to be elastically stretchable in the initial stretch direction to at least the initial stretch point.
An example of such a "zero strain" stretched laminate is given in US Pat. No. 2,075, issued to Garrigan et al. On Mar. 30, 1937.
No. 189, U.S. Pat. No. 3,025,199 granted to Harwood on Mar. 13, 1962, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,107,364 and 1989 granted to Sison on Aug. 15, 1978.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,74 granted to Sabby on May 30, 2013
It is described in No. 1. By reference to these patents, the disclosure of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

A "zero strain" stretched laminate is used as a topsheet,
A particularly preferred method and apparatus used to make backsheets and elastomeric members located between the sheets uses interdigitated corrugated rolls that mechanically stretch the components. For a discussion of suitable equipment and methods for mechanically stretching a portion of a diaper, see 19 above.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,10 granted to Sison on August 15, 1978
7,364 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,741 granted to Sabby on May 30, 1989. A particularly preferred apparatus and method is a commonly assigned, ongoing, 1
U.S. patent application entitled "Method and apparatus for progressively stretching a" zero strain "stretched laminated web to impart elasticity to the web" filed by Gerald M. Webster et al. On February 28, 991. No. 07 / 662,536 (P & G Case No. 4339), Kenneth B. on February 28, 1991.
No. 07 / 662,537 entitled "Method and apparatus for progressively stretching a zero strain stretched laminated web in a non-uniform manner to impart a variable degree of elasticity" filed by Buell et al.
Issue (P & G Case No. 4340), February 28, 1991
U.S. patent application entitled "Method and Apparatus for Sequentially Stretching a Zero Strain Stretched Laminated Web and Giving Elasticity to This Web Without Breaking This Web," filed by Gerald M. Webster et al. 07/662, 543 (P & G
Case No. 4341), and the content disclosed in these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference to these patent applications.

Details of a particularly preferred gradual stretching system that can be used to make "zero strain" stretch laminates into the elastic side panels of the present invention are shown in FIG. A fully assembled diaper web 810, including a "zero strain" side panel web,
It is fed through a progressive stretching system.

Referring to FIG. 11, a side panel member (elastomer patch 804) that is substantially untensioned.
The timing of the diaper web 810 including the diaper web 810 is such that the segment 824
And a corrugated roll 8 on the lower side continuously provided with corrugations or grooves
The elastomeric patch 804, which is substantially untensioned as it passes between the upper corrugated roll 82 and the upper corrugated roll 82,
5 corrugated or grooved segment 824
It is the timing that substantially coincides with.

In a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus, the portion of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 adjacent the elastomeric patch 804 of the diaper 20 (ie, where the extension panel 110 is formed) is provided with a degree of extensibility. In addition, the overall length of the grooved segment 824 is longer than the elastomeric patch 804, as measured in the machine direction. Furthermore,
The grooved segment 824 is preferably not long enough to extend into the first torso region of the adjacent diaper. This is an adjacent diaper positioning patch 5
This is because it is preferable not to give some stretchability to the portion of the elastomer patch 804 forming 0.

The exact shape, spacing and depth of the complementary grooves in the upper and lower corrugated rolls depend on factors such as the desired amount of elasticity in the "zero strain" stretch laminate section. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a ridge groove pitch of about 3.81 mm (0.15 inches), an included angle of about 12 ° measured at the ridges, and about 7.62 mm (0.300 inches). The depth of the groove between the mountain and the valley is used. The outer peak of each corrugation provided on the above corrugated roll is typically about 0.254 mm (0.0
The inner groove having a radius of 10 inches and formed between adjacent corrugations typically has a radius of about 1.016 mm (0.040 inches). The facing peaks of the corrugated rolls are about 3.81 mm (0.150 inch) to about 4.44 each other.
Adjusting the corrugated rolls to 5 mm (0.175 inch) overlap, the polymer backsheet was 1 mil thick on both sides and about 21.53 g / m2 to 23.92 g / m2 (about 18 to 20 g per square yard). Good elastic properties are produced in the laminated webs of the present invention consisting of 80 mil thick elastomeric polyurethane foam patches continuously bonded to a basis weight polypropylene fiber nonwoven topsheet.

Of course, the degree of overlap between the facing peaks of the corrugated rolls described above produces more or less extensibility in the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminated web.
It can be adjusted as desired. Approximately 1.27 mm (0.05
Crest overlap depths in the range of 0 inch to 5.72 mm (0.225 inch) are possible.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, the diaper web 8
10 is wound around the lower corrugated roll 821 by idler rolls 872 and 874. This wrapping is sufficient to cover the working vacuum port 822 (see FIG. 8) located immediately adjacent to each successive set of grooves 823 provided in the lower corrugated roll 821. The vacuum port 822 is positioned to substantially coincide with the grooved segment 824 provided on the upper corrugated roll 825 so that the grooved segment 824 of the upper corrugated roll 825 acts on the diaper web 810. The interior is connected through a roll 821 to a pair of vacuum manifolds 826 that exert a suction force on the diaper web when applied.

An adhesive used to secure the untensioned elastomeric patch 804 to the topsheet web 806 and backsheet web 805, or to secure matching portions of the topsheet web and backsheet web together. In order to minimize the formation of any of the adhesive used in the above, the segment 824 with the groove provided in the upper corrugated roll 825 and the continuous groove 823 provided in the lower corrugated roll 821 are made of Teflon ( Or a self-lubricating low friction material such as Permalon 503 spray coating available from Micro Surfaces, Inc. of Morris, Illinois.

The vacuum port 822 provided on the lower corrugated roll 821 is preferably 2.286 mm (0.09 mm).
(0 inch) mesh covered with a porous material, such as honeycomb cone 844, which is a diaper web 81.
Provides a good gripping surface to the web that supports zero vacuum areas and prevents the web from sliding or moving laterally across the honeycomb surface whenever the web is under vacuum. To do.

In an optimal environment, the elastomer patch 80
The maximum degree of incremental stretching that can be applied to the "zero strain" portion of the side panel including 4 is that the groove provided in segment 824 of upper corrugated roll 825 and lower corrugated roll 82.
1 is determined by the depth of engagement with the continuous groove 823. However, if the stretched laminated web is not prevented from slipping or shrinking in a direction substantially parallel to the stretching direction of the web as it passes between intermeshing corrugated rolls, the optimum degree of incremental stretching is not achieved. I know that. Therefore, in the most preferred form, the incremental stretching operation of the web is constrained to the outermost portions of all three layers that make up the "zero strain" stretch laminate, as shown schematically in the cross section of FIG. Have joined,
It is designed to prevent slipping or shrinking in a direction parallel to the desired direction of stretching as the "zero strain" stretched laminate portion of the diaper web passes between a set of interdigitated corrugated rolls positioned in sequence. It will be carried out in a closed state.

However, if desired, the invention may be practiced by constraining only the stretchable or stretchable layer of the composite, ie, the outermost portion of the elastomeric patch during the incremental stretching operation. It is not an absolute requirement to restrain even. In the latter case, the stretchable or stretchable layer is permanently stretched during the incremental stretching process, but when the stretch tension is removed, the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminated web is obtained. At S, the bulkiness in the Z-axis direction is rather small. This is because the elastomeric patch undergoes lesser initial stretching during such a process. Therefore, only the same amount of contraction is added when returning to its undistorted form.

Examples of "zero strain" stretch laminates of the type described above are further applied to stretchable webs with some unbalanced local strain, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the edges of the elastomeric patch. Is preferably formed in the area. In the case of opaque polymeric backsheet webs, these disproportionately deformed portions may be thin enough to have a clear appearance despite being unruptured. In such cases, the functionality (eg, impermeability) of the "zero strain" stretched laminate portion of the diaper web is not compromised. The latter type of example is typically used when the aesthetic appearance of the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminate portion of the diaper is obscured by or visible to the diaper design or feature. It is used when the user of the diaper does not pay attention.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminated web is for its intended purpose even if one or more of the stretchable inelastic webs is torn. Does not become unacceptable (eg, as long as one of the other plies of the laminated web provides the desired function in the finished article, tearing of the backsheet does not necessarily impair the laminated web's function for its intended purpose. ). For example, if the stretchable backsheet web is torn to some extent, the impermeability of the resulting diaper web is not compromised if the elastomeric patch is also made of a liquid impermeable material. . This is especially true for the "zero strain" stretched laminated web example using a substantially continuous bond between the layers. This is because the end users of the diaper or the person wearing the diaper find it difficult to detect such ply damage because the layers are relatively tightly adhered to each other after incremental stretching.

Diaper web 81 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
0 is substantially impermeable to the passage of air due to the presence of the uppermost backsheet web 805, so vacuum port 822 covered with porous honeycomb material 844 is below the vacuum port 822 if desired. It can be used immediately next to each set of grooves 823 oriented in the machine direction of the corrugated roll 821. If the elastomeric patch 804 is sufficiently permeable to the passage of air, then the upper backsheet 805
The suction force created by the vacuum passes through the topsheet 806 and the elastomeric patch 804 so as to hold the portion of In this case, during the incremental stretching operation, all three layers that make up the "zero strain" stretch laminate portion of the diaper web are constrained.

If the elastomeric patch is not substantially permeable to the passage of air, then (a) suction forces are passed through the topsheet web 806 to the backsheet web 805.
Vacuum ports 822 and the honeycomb material 844 provided on these ports to be positioned just outside the edges of the elastomeric patch 804, or (b) "zero strain" of the diaper web. It is necessary to constrain all three layers that make up the stretch-laminated portion of the above with a suitable clamping device capable of acting on both sides of the diaper web.

The vacuum port 822 is the porous honeycomb material 8
Diaper web 81 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 through 44
The suction force acting on zero diaper web 810 including elastomeric patch 804 that is substantially untensioned.
Part of the segment 824 slides laterally inward as it passes between the intermeshing portions of the continuous groove 823 in the lower corrugating roll 821 and the grooved segment 824 in the upper corrugating roll 825. And do not shrink.

The "zero strain" stretch-laminated portion of the diaper web 810, including the elastomeric patch 804, is laterally constrained during the sequential web stretching operation so that the web is provided on the lower corrugating roll 821. Continuous groove 823
And between the segment 824 with the groove provided in the upper corrugated roll 825, the increased stretch is substantially present in all parts of the "zero strain" stretched laminated web located midway between the constraining points. Evenly added to. This maximizes the effectiveness of the incremental stretching operation of the web by forcing the stretchable topsheet web and backsheet web secured to the elastomeric patch to the maximum extent possible during the stretching operation. In addition, the topsheet web and / or the backsheet web fixed in the areas immediately adjacent to both edges of the elastomeric patch are not subjected to disproportionately high deformations.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative incremental web stretching system that can be used. In the incremental web stretching system shown in FIG. 14, a pair of elastically compressible discs 940 are provided with grooves 924 on the upper corrugated roll 825.
Adjacent to each side of. The compressible discs 940 hold the diaper webs 910 snugly as shown schematically in cross-section in FIG. 15, and the fluted webs of the lower corrugated roll 921 conform to the discs without the grooved portion of the lower corrugated roll 921. Hold it fixed to. Figure 1
A compressible disk 940 and lower roll 921, similar to the vacuum port and porous honeycomb material of Example 1.
The clamping effect created by the matching ungrooved portions of the diaper prevents the portion of the diaper web 910 containing the elastomeric patch 904 from shrinking in a direction parallel to the stretch direction as the web passes between interdigitating corrugated rolls. To The embodiment of FIG. 14 can be used with equal ease for laminate structures made of webs that are either permeable or impermeable to the passage of air.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it provides the benefits described herein for the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminate portion of the resulting diaper web. Therefore, it is preferable to use the above-mentioned restraint methods individually or in combination with each other.

As described herein, it may be made entirely of "zero strain" stretched laminated web portions or one or more separate, independent "zero strain" stretched laminated web portions. It is clear that the improved method and apparatus can be advantageously used to manufacture a wide range of diapers that either contain or include.

Although the accompanying drawings show a pair of interlocking corrugating rolls with corrugations generally aligned with one another, the present invention uses a pair of corrugating rolls in which the corrugations are not oriented parallel to one another. It will be appreciated that the same can be done with the same ease. Furthermore, the corrugations provided on these corrugated rolls need not necessarily be aligned parallel to either the machine direction or transverse to the machine direction. For example, a single-use diaper made using the "zero strain" stretch lamination technique disclosed herein, where a curved torso or leg band portion is desired, the diaper The intermeshing teeth on the pair of corrugated rolls used to incrementally stretch the "zero strain" laminated web portion of the web provide elasticity along the desired curvilinear contour rather than a straight line. It may be arranged in a desired curvilinear form so as to produce it.

Although the preferred process disclosed herein uses cylindrical interdigitated corrugated rolls, interdigitated platens are used to incrementally stretch the "zero strain" stretch laminate portion of the web or article in question. The web restraint principle may be implemented using an intermittent stamping operation. In the latter case, the "zero strain" stretch to be stretched before the interlocking platens can exert sufficient force on the web to cause slippage or shrinkage in a direction parallel to the stretch direction. The only requirement is that the parts of the laminated web are properly restrained by suitable vacuum or clamping means.

The elastic side panel member 90 is the top sheet 2
4 or backsheet 26 or both of these sheets can be joined using either an intermittent bond configuration or a substantially continuous bond feature. As used herein, an "intermittently" laminated web means that the c4 plies are first bonded to each other at the spaced locations or the plies are at spaced areas. By a laminated web that is not substantially bonded to each other. Conversely, a "substantially continuous" bonded web is a laminated web in which the plies are bonded to each other substantially continuously over the interfacial region. It is generally desirable for the discontinuously bonded features to be capable of being stretched or stretched relatively large without breaking the substantially inelastic web of the laminate, and to overhang in the Z-axis in the finished laminate. Sometimes desirable for "zero strain" laminated webs. A continuous bonded feature is one in which the degree of Z-axis overhang of the finished laminate is not of primary importance, and stretches or stretches without breaking one or more relatively inelastic webs of the laminate. It has been found desirable for "zero strain" laminated webs where it is difficult. In the latter case, the substantially continuous bonded feature keeps all layers of the laminate relatively tightly attached to each other after the incremental stretching operation. Thus, the damaged portion of the relatively inelastic web will be relatively snug against the elastomer ply, even if one or more of the relatively inelastic webs is damaged to tear during the incremental stretching operation. Because of the adhesion, it is difficult for the end user to notice what damage is present. If the breakage of the relatively inelastic web does not impair the web's intended function (eg, impermeability), damage caused to the relatively inelastic web during the incremental stretching operation generally results in defects in the final product. Is not accepted.

Thus, the unexpected advantages gained by using continuous bonded features in particularly preferred "zero strain" stretched laminated webs are that diaper manufacturers use them satisfactorily with the laminates of this invention. It is possible to choose from a wider range of possible relatively inelastic webs. In essence, this makes it possible to use the relatively inelastic webs of the "zero strain" stretched laminated webs of the present invention that are not normally considered to be stretchable. Thus, the term "stretchable", as used herein, seeks to exclude relatively inelastic webs that become thin or damaged to some extent during an incremental stretching operation. is not.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic side panel member 90 comprises a topsheet 24 and a backsheet 26.
Both are bonded substantially continuously using an adhesive. Applying a substantially even and continuous adhesive layer to the backsheet 26 and / or the topsheet 24 in a predetermined area where the elastic side panel member 90 is disposed in a substantially untensioned state. It is better to use a glue applicator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the selected adhesive is stretchable and the glue applicator comprises a melt spray coating system.

An adhesive melt spray coating system that has been found to be particularly suitable for producing substantially continuously bonded "zero strain" stretched laminated webs is available from J & M Laboratories, Gainesville, GA. Is a model GM-50-2-1-GH melt-blown spray applicator. The latter system uses a nozzle with 20 orifices per linear inch measured transverse to the machine direction. The diameter of each orifice is approximately 0.
It is 508 mm (0.020 inch). Preferably, Findlay H-2176 hot melt adhesive, available from Findlay Adhesives, Inc. of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, is heated to a temperature of about 171.10 C (3400 F) and 6.45 cm for the backsheet and / or topsheet.
It is applied at a rate of about 7.5 mg to 10 mg per 2 (1 square inch). Hot compressed air at a temperature of about 425 ° C. (425 ° C.) and a gauge pressure of about 3.515 kg / cm 2 (50 psig) exits the secondary orifice of the adhesive nozzle to evenly distribute the adhesive fibrils during the coating operation. Help out.

Increasing the resulting "zero strain" stretched laminate portion of the diaper By contacting the hot sheet adhesive with the backsheet 26 intimately over the elapsed time prior to stretching,
The backsheet 26 is softened. For some webs, for example conventional polyethylene backsheet materials, this softening has been found to be advantageous in minimizing damage to the backsheet during the web's incremental stretching process. This is especially important if the web in question gives the diaper a certain function (eg impermeability).

In a modification, the elastic side panel member 90 and any other components that make up the "zero strain" portion of the diaper 20 are non-heated adhesive, heat bonded, pressure bonded, ultrasonic bonded, dynamic. They may be intermittently or continuously bonded to each other using mechanical bonding, or any other method known in the art.

The elastic side panel member 90 may be made of a number of different sizes, shapes, features and materials. For example, the elastic side panel 30 may be formed from one or more elastic side panel members 90 operatively associated with each ear flap 88, which may vary in width and length. Alternatively, the resilient side panel member may comprise relatively narrow strands or large area elastomeric patches of elastomeric material. One elastomeric material that has been found to be particularly suitable for use as the elastic side panel member 90 (especially in "zero strain" stretch laminates) has an elongation to break of at least about 40.
At 0%, a tensile force of about 200 g per inch of sample width results in an elongation of 50% of its undeformed length. Exemplary elastomeric foams that have been found suitable for use as elastic side panel members include (a) Ludlow composites such as those available from Fullflex, Inc. of Middletown, Rhode Island, or Fredmont, Ohio. Preferably about 50 in thickness, such as an elastomeric foam available under the trade name Baby Foam from a wood company.
Crosslinked natural rubber foam with a density of 0.214 g / cm3 (13.3 ft3 per cubic foot) in a mill, or (b) Bridgestone SG polyurethane foam available from Bridgestone Corporation of Yokohama, Japan. Of about 80 mils and a density of about 0.03, such as the elastomeric foam sold under the trademark Polyurethane Foam No. 40310 available from General Foam, Inc. of Paramus, NJ.
Includes 3 g / cm3 (2.06 pounds per cubic foot) of polyurethane foam. Elastic side panel member 90
Other materials suitable for use as "elastic" synthetic or natural rubber, other synthetic or natural rubber foams, elastomeric films (including heat-shrinkable elastomeric films), elastomeric scrims, elastomeric weaves. Included are webs or nonwoven webs, elastomeric composites such as elastomeric nonwoven laminates, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic side panel member 90.
Consists of a patch made of an elastomeric material (elastomer patch) that extends over most of the length of the ear flap 88 in the second torso region 58. The elastomeric patch preferably forms the elastic side panel member 90 of one diaper as well as the first of the adjacent diapers during manufacture of the diaper.
Positioned to form a locating patch 50 in the torso region. Thus, there is no alignment problem, as disclosed in the Wood, et al. Patent, cited above, for securing elastic side panel members to diapers at high speeds. Thus, the elastic side panel member 90 preferably extends inwardly from the edge 64 of the diaper 20 toward the leg edge 106 of the ear flap 88. The length and width of the elastic side panel member 90 depends on the functional design of the diaper.

The elastic side panel member 90 includes the ear flap 88.
Although extending longitudinally along its entire length, the elastic side panel member 90 preferably extends only a portion of the length of the ear flap 88 to form the extension panel 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the extension panel 1 which is a portion of the elastic side panel extending in the length direction from the base edge portion 108 of the elastic side panel member 90 to the leg edge portion 106 of the ear flap 88.
10 is also mechanically stretched at least to some extent to be stretchable (ie, the material forming extension panel 110 is pre-deformed, ie, permanently stretched). Due to the “pre-deformed” extension panel, excessive stretching of the “zero strain” stretch laminate of the elastic side panel may cause skin irritation or reddening of the leg near the wearer's leg area. This portion of the elastic side panel can be effectively stretched without creating tension in the.
(That is, when there is no "pre-deformed" extension panel, when the elastic side panel is extended, the extension panel 11
Tension concentrates along the line passing through 0. Elastic side panel 30
Although there are several ways to pre-deform the extension panel 110 of Figure 1, extension panel 110 is preferably pre-deformed in the same manner as the mechanical stretching performed on the "zero strain" stretch laminate. Is good. Although the extension panel 110 of the elastic side panel 30 can be made from many different materials, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extension panel 110 forms the ear flaps 88 of the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26. Formed from parts.

Elongation properties, including elongation force, elongation factor, and available elongation (elongation), and contraction force, elastic creep,
Elastic hysteresis and the amount of contraction of the elastic side panel 30 are
It has been found that there is an important factor to consider in the performance of both the elastic side panel 30 and the diaper 20. The extension properties give the person wearing the diaper and the wearer an overall perceived stretchiness during use. These affect the ability of the person wearing the diaper to moderately impart stretch (i.e., for a normally sensed pull of the diaper during donation, the total amount of stretch obtained is: This is a desirable amount to get / maintain good fit to match). Elastic side panels with a relatively high elongation factor can cause the wearer's skin to become red, while elastic side panels with a relatively high extension factor can cause sagging / sliding on the wearer. The elastic side panels that have too little stretch available cannot match the body contour to a reasonable level,
Make diapers difficult to wear because they are not comfortable to wear. A diaper with an elastic side panel that has very little shrinkage force or poor elastic creep or elastic hysteresis
It is unable to stay in place on the wearer and is prone to hanging / sliding on the wearer, resulting in poor fit and inclusion.

It has been found that for the elastic side panel 30 of the present invention, the extension characteristics of the extension force and the extension coefficient are preferably within a predetermined range. These extension forces range from about 6.25 mm (0.25 inch) to 31.25 mm
It is preferably generated with an extension of (1.25 inches).
For the most preferred embodiment, the elastic side panels are preferably between 6.25 mm (0.25 inches) and 18.75 mm.
Approximately 250 gramsf to about 5 mm extension (0.75 inch)
Has an extension of 00gramsf.

The maximum amount of material available to reversibly stretch the elastic side panel to conform to the contours of the wearer's body during wear is measured by the stretch available. Thus, the amount of stretch available is related to the maximum amount of stretch available to the person wearing the diaper to wear the diaper on the wearer. In addition, the maximum amount of stretch that can be restored is
Can be used to adapt the diaper to the wearer's body. The available stretch is calculated from the following equation ((stretch length-original length) x 100). The minimum amount of stretch available available for diaper application using elastic side panels is preferably at least about 35 for M size diapers.
%, At least about 50% for L size diapers
Is.

The sustainable shrinkage force (tension) that the elastic side panel exerts on the wearer is an important property of the elastic side panel.
An elastic side panel with insufficient contraction force causes the diaper to slip off after being worn and excreted. If the contraction force is too great, the comfort for the wearer is reduced,
Leave an impression on the wearer's skin. Shrink force is measured as the force per unit width that occurs when an elastomer composite of a particular elongation is relaxed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contraction force of the elastic side panel is preferably at least about 35.43 g / cm (90 g / inch) at 50% elongation (50% elongation means that the sample is It requires stretching to 1.5 times the length).

Typically, the elastomeric material has a stress-
In the strain characteristic, the force shows a hysteresis loop. That is,
For a given extension, the force required to uniaxially extend the elastomeric material (extension force) is greater than the force exerted by the elastomeric material when it is contracted from its pre-stretched state (contractile force). The former curve can be called a “loading curve” and the latter curve can be called a “non-loading curve”. A person wearing a diaper feels a “load” extension force (extension force) when the elastic side panel is stretched to attach the diaper to the wearer. Once the wearer wears the diaper, the wearer feels a “non-loaded” contracting force (contracting force).
Therefore, the hysteresis loss should not be so great that the contraction force is small enough that the diaper hangs or slips on the wearer.

All stressed / strained elastomeric materials have progressively decreasing forces over time (ie, elastic creep). Therefore, it is desirable that this reduction in wear over time does not fall below a minimum value for wear stability. Therefore, elastic creep should be kept to a minimum. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the final length of the elastomeric material should not be more than about 1.2 times the original length under tension for 30 minutes.

The extension force of the elastic body band 35 and the available stretch are important factors which must be taken into account in the performance of both the elastic body band 35 and the elastic side panel 30. The extension force of the elastic body band 35 is the elastic side panel 3
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the extension force at the desired extension of the elastic torso band 35 is less than or equal to the extension force at the desired extension of each elastic side panel 30, although it may be greater than zero. Is equal to this. With the elastic torso band 35 having a smaller extension force than the elastic side panel 30, the lower abdomen can be easily moved without shifting the diaper worn by the child. The elastic side panels with high extension force reduce dimensional changes above the buttocks and below the lower abdomen and keep the wearer comfortable while the product is under tension. This design improves wearability, reduces leakage, sags the front of the diaper,
The comfort for the wearer is improved by reducing the formation of gaps, re-rolling and inward curling, and all sliding / sliding on the wearer during the wearing of the absorbent core of the diaper. As discussed herein, FIG. 9 discloses a variation of the present invention, in which a shaped “expandable pop-on panel” is preferred over an elastic side panel. Has a small extension force [and / or a high available stretch],
It provides the improved performance discussed herein.

The elastic side panel 30 should have differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when stretched in the transverse direction. "Differential elongation" as used herein
The term is used to mean a non-uniform material whose elastic stretch properties are measured in the direction of stretch at various points along an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of stretch. This includes
For example, varying either or both the elastic modulus or the available stretch of the elastomeric material. The differential extensibility is preferably designed within the elastic side panel,
As a result, the lateral extensibility varies from the edge 64 of the diaper 20 to the leg 106 of the ear flap 88 in the lengthwise direction over at least a portion of the elastic side panel. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, the elastic side panels, due to the differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when stretched in the transverse direction, promote a retained fit during use and A fixed anchor may be configured around the wearer's buttocks to reduce leakage at the torso and legs while at the same time being stretchable differentially and conforming to the wearer's torso. With such a configuration, the buttock region is further “expanded”,
It can adapt to changes in the size of the wearer's body as the wearer moves or repositions (stands up, sits down, or lays down). In a variant, the degree of reduced lateral stretchability at the portion of the elastic side panel adjacent the edge 64 of the diaper 20 requires that the total stretch to be taken by the elastic torso band 34 is greater, This results in a larger local stretch of the elastic torso band 34 and a more flexible fit to the abdomen.

Differential extensibility can be obtained in many different ways. The elastic side panel 30 can have a number of composite elastomeric materials, and can take a number of configurations on the elastomeric material, with the elastomeric material or other material forming the elastic side panel having unequal elongation properties. Good. For example, more or less (variable) lateral extensibility is obtained in one portion of the elastic side panel, with elastomeric materials having varying elongation or contraction forces, elongation or contraction, or other inherent properties, Differential extensibility can be obtained in selected adjacent portions of the elastic side panel by using such that it is not available in adjacent portions. The elastomeric material may be variable in length, size and shape, which provides differential extensibility. Other methods known in the art for altering the properties of the material forming the elastic panel may be used.

A particularly preferred method and apparatus for imparting a variable degree of extensibility to a "zero strain" stretch laminate is to pass the "zero strain" stretch laminate through at least one pair of intermeshing corrugated rolls. . At least one of these corrugated rolls has a non-uniformly contoured corrugation along the point of contact with the "zero strain" drawn laminated web. As a result, the portions of the laminated web that pass between the pairs of rolls are stretched non-uniformly. This in turn creates a "zero strain" stretch laminate that is non-uniformly elasticized in a direction substantially perpendicular to the non-uniformly contoured corrugations.

The diaper 20 is preferably positioned with one torso region, preferably the second torso region 58, below the wearer's back and the rest of the diaper to the other torso region, preferably the first torso region 56. Attached to the wearer by pulling it between the wearer's legs so that it is positioned over the front side of the wearer. The tab portion 94 of the tape tab 92 is then released from the release portion 95. The person wearing the diaper then winds the elastic side panel 30 around the wearer. At that time, the tab portion 9
I'm still holding 4. The elastic side panels 30 are typically extended and tensioned during this operation to match the size and shape of the wearer. The first fastening component 112, the adhesive attachment layer 96, is secured to the second fastening component 114 of the landing member 44 to form a side closure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the torso closure is also automatically formed when the side closure is formed. That is, the torso closure is passively actuated.
The torso closure is formed by engaging the first mounting component 46 with the second mounting component 48. By forming a torso closure, the torso band 35 is typically pretensioned to provide the mounting and containment advantages described herein.

Typically, as shown in FIGS. 6A-D,
The torso device 34 of the present invention allows the wearer to be seated such that the edges are in the same general relationship with the navel of the wearer when the wearer sits, stands, or stands up after sitting. As it stands up and moves, it moves according to the body of the wearer and conforms to the shape of the body of the wearer. Therefore,
The following discussion relates to relative movement with respect to the navel.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the waistline panel zone 138 contacts the wearer's torso and, when first applied, fits tightly to the torso due to the tension created by the closure system on the elastic torso band. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the wearer begins to sit down, the interconnecting panel zone 130
Pivots about the second flexure hinge zone 132 and about the second flexure hinge zone 134 to move the elastic torso band out of its original plane. The furrow of the absorbent core tends to move towards the navel. As shown in FIG. 6C, as the wearer continues to sit, the absorbent core is pushed further toward the navel, with the interconnecting panel zone 130
It tends to bend and fold around the absorbent core. The lower abdomen of the wearer also has a waistline panel zone 138.
Begins to flex outwards about the shaped panel zone 136 about the pre-placed torso band flexure hinge zone 140. As shown in FIG. 6D, when the wearer is fully seated, the absorbent core will move to the interconnecting panel zone 13
In the state where 0 is flexibly pressed against the inner portion of the absorbent core, it is pressed most against the belly.

The shaped panel zone 136 flexes into contact with the inner portion of the lower abdomen, where the waistline panel zone 138 is fully pressed and centered around the pre-placed elastic torso band flexure hinge zone 140. It conforms to the shape of the wearer's protruding torso. Thus, the elastic torso band and the wearer's torso are maintained in a snug fit. When the wearer stands up from the seated position, the elasticity of the torso band flexure hinge zone 140, which provides a restoring force / moment, causes the process to repeat in the reverse order, which causes the waistline panel zone 138 to move toward the wearer. Is kept in contact with the wearer's torso as the user continues to stand, and the shaped panel zone 1
36 and waistline panel zone 138 by friction against the shank to return these panels to their previous, in-use (pretensioned) configuration, and finally interconnect panel zone 1
30 is typically pulled up to approximately its original position with a snug contact between the torso band and the wearer's torso.
After several wear cycles, a state similar to that shown in Figure 6B is in the "neutral" position during standing, and then all further movements of the wearer are similar to those shown in Figure 6B-D. There is.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of a modification of the elastic body band of the present invention. The elastic body band 535 is preferably composed of a part of the back sheet 26 to which a strain is applied in advance, a part of the top sheet 24, and an elastic laminated body including the elastomer member 76 and the facing member 501. The elastomer member 76 is positioned between the back sheet 26 and the facing member 501, and the top sheet 24 is positioned between the back sheet 26 and the elastic member 76. The elastic torso band 635 preferably makes the diaper with the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 joined together,
A two-layer laminate comprising the elastomeric member 76 and the facing member 501 is formed in a separate step, and subsequently, the two-layer laminate is applied to the topsheet 24 of the topsheet / backsheet combination where the facing member 501 is the skin of the wearer. It is formed by joining the elastomer member 76 facing the top sheet 24 so as to come into contact with the top sheet 24. In this example, the elastomeric member 76 is preferably a heat-shrinkable elastomeric material, as described above herein. Facing member 501 is preferably a soft, non-irritating material, such as the materials described above for materials suitable for use as topsheet 24. The facing member 501 is preferably the topsheet 24.
A non-woven material similar to the non-woven material preferred for use as.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of another modification of the elastic body band of the present invention. The elastic torso band 535 is preferably a portion of the backsheet 26 that is preferably prestressed, the facing member 501, the elastomeric member 76 positioned between the backsheet 26 and the facing member 501, the backsheet 26 and the elastomeric member. And a part of the top sheet 24 positioned between the top sheet 24 and the elastomer member 76. The elastic torso band 535 is preferably the facing member 5
01, an elastomeric member 76 and an elastic member 77, the same as the materials discussed above in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 except that a three layer laminate is formed and then secured to the topsheet 24. Formed from material.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of the diaper and elastic body device of the present invention. The elastic body device 634 is included in the containing assembly 2
2 has a relatively high edge compressive stiffness interconnected panel zone 130 flexibly joined to it and elastically joined flexibly joined to the interconnect panel zone 130 at the containment assembly 22. Trunk band 635, "inflatable ponpon panel" and interconnecting panel zone 130
It comprises a second flexure hinge zone 134 flexibly joined to the elastic body band 635. As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic body band 635 has a deep “pentagonal” shape so as to form a “expandable ponpon panel”. The elastic torso band is long (longitudinal dimension) so that the main closure is formed below the region of motion of the lower abdomen. The longest dimension of elastic torso band 635 (measured longitudinally inward from edge 64) is preferably about 38 mm (1.5 inches) to about 88 mm (3.5 inches) for an M size diaper.
Inches), and more preferably about 50 mm (2.0 inches) to about 57 mm (2.25 inches). This shape is not only unique in lateral stretchability where the portion of the elastic torso band adjacent the edge 64 is more stretchable than the adjacent portion further away from the edge 64, as well as the wearer's lower Provides a torso band that moves and expands according to the abdomen. The elastic torso band 635 includes the shaped panel zone 136,
It consists of a waistline panel zone 138 and a pre-placed elastic torso band flexure hinge zone 140. The furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28 is substantially parallel to the end edge 64 (straight line) of the diaper, and is further distanced from the end edge 64 in the longitudinal direction, and is a deep "inflatable ponpon panel".
Make up. In an M size diaper, the furring strips of the absorbent core 28 are preferably about 5 longitudinally from the edge 64.
It is located between 0 mm (2 inches) and 57 mm (about 2.25 inches).

The embodiment of the diaper shown in FIG. 9 is a modified landing member 644 of the main fastening system, a longitudinally elongated first mounting component 646 and a first mounting component 646 disposed on the backsheet 26. Laterally wide locating patches 6 located on the back of each of the
Further having 50.

The elastic body band 635 is preferably a part of the backsheet 26, a part of the topsheet 24, the elastomeric member 76 located between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26, and the backsheet 26 and the elastomeric member. The elastic member 77 is positioned between the elastic member 77 and the elastic member 76. Elastomeric member 76 preferably comprises elastomeric foam and elastic member 77 comprises the non-woven layers discussed hereinabove. The two-layer laminated elastomer material composed of the elastomer member 76 and the elastic member 77 is
Preferably, it extends beyond the mechanically stretched edges of the elastic torso band 635 and forms part of the interconnect panel zone 130 and part of the containment assembly 22. This is because the two-layer laminated elastomeric material preferably extends longitudinally inward beyond the furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28. The overlap of the two-layer laminated elastomeric material and the absorbent core 28 stiffens the interconnecting panel zone 130, and the elastic torso band 635 of this embodiment is designed to reduce potential unrollability. . In the preferred M size diaper, the overlap between the elastomeric material and the absorbent core is 0 mm to about 6 mm (1/4 inch).

Elastic band 635 preferably comprises a stretch laminate so that the elastic band can be expanded beyond the original flat condition of the diaper. Elastic body band 635
Preferably fixes the elastomeric material between the topsheet and the backsheet (most preferably under tension) and allows the elastic body device (as described above for elastic side panels) to It is manufactured by mechanically stretching the sections into the desired shape to form the elastic cylinder band (ie, the grooves and lands of the corrugated roll match the desired pentagonal shape of the elastic cylinder band). This stretched laminate (preferably mechanically stretched and pre-tensioned stretched laminate) allows it to exceed the perimeter dimensions of the diaper formed by the main closure system and beyond the initial dimensions of the edge 64. The elastic torso band can be inflated (beyond the flatness of the diaper itself). (Ie, the elastic torso band expands beyond the perimeter of the side closure of a given size (even beyond the size of the material from which the diaper is first formed) to follow the movement of the lower abdomen of the wearer. This expansion can be done by "providing a window" in the elastic body device or it can be enhanced (for stretch laminates).

In this example, the interconnection panel zone 1
30 is relatively stiff and has a higher edge compression stiffness than the shaped panel zone 136 and the waistline panel zone 138. The elastic body device functions in a different manner than the elastic body device shown in FIGS. 6A-D. This relative rigidity of the interconnecting panel zone 130 further enhances the ability of the elastic torso band 635 to expand beyond the dimensions of the primary closure. Interconnecting panel zone 130 preferably comprises a portion of topsheet 24, a portion of backsheet 26, a portion of an elastomeric material comprising elastomeric member 76 and elastic member 77, and a portion of landing member 644. This is because the shape of the landing member 644 is changed so as to match the shape of the elastic body band 635. The landing member also extends beyond the shroud 83 of the absorbent core 28 and forms part of the containment assembly 22. The landing member 644 preferably allows the main closure system to be taped down to position the main closure (claim force lines) below the inferior abdominal movement region (at the lowest position of the elastic torso band). To extend far beyond the furring strip 83 of the absorbent core 28. The top edge (the edge closest to the edge) of the tape tab is located farthest in the length direction from the edge, and the tape is attached below this. In the preferred M size diaper, the tape tabs are preferably located about 39 mm (about 1.56 inches) longitudinally from the edges.

Shaped Panel Zone 1 of Elastic Body Band 635
36 denotes a part of the back sheet 26, a part of the top sheet 24, a part of the elastomer member 76, and the elastic member 77.
Consists of a part of. West Line Panel Zone 138
Is composed of a part of the top sheet 24, a part of the elastomer member 76, and a part of the elastic member 77. The waistline panel zone 138 does not include a portion of the backsheet 26. This is because part of the backsheet 26 is not in this area. The pre-placed elastic torso band flexure hinge zone 140 corresponds to the waistline panel zone 1
Formed by the structural discontinuity (windowed elastic body band) resulting from the elimination of the backsheet from 38. The window length is at least about 4.5 mm (about 3/16 inch), and preferably about 9 mm (about 3/8 inch) to about 16 mm (about 5/8) for the preferred M size diaper.
Inches) and the width is 125 mm (about 5 inches).
The waistline panel zone 138 can and will flex to flex around the backsheet free area. In a variant, the backsheet need not be removed and the bonding pattern that bonds the materials together forms a pre-positioned elastic torso band flexure hinge zone. When the backsheet is removed, the edge compression rigidity (extension force) of the waistline panel zone is less than or equal to the edge compression rigidity (and extension force) of the shaped panel zone. The edge compression stiffness of the shaped panel zone is less than or equal to the edge compression stiffness of the interconnected panel zone. The edge compression stiffness of the waistline panel zone is preferably less than or equal to about 100 gramsf, more preferably from about 20 gramsf to about 50 grams.
sf, most preferably about 35 gramsf, and the edge compression stiffness of the shaped panel zone is preferably greater than or equal to the edge compression stiffness of the waistline panel zone, most preferably about 50 gramsf. I know. The flexure restoring force of the torso band flexure hinge zone, and preferably the entire elastic torso band, is greater than or equal to about 20 gramsf, more preferably from about 40 gramsf to about 80 gramsf, and most preferably about 60 gramsf.

Based on the materials used and the method of forming the elastic torso band, the extension force at the designed "in-use" extension of the elastic torso band depends on the designed "in-use" of each elastic side panel. Is equal to or less than the extension force in the extension. Since the extension force of the elastic body band is equal to or less than the extension force of the elastic side panel, the lower abdomen can be moved further together with the elastic body band.

The available stretch of the elastic body band is typically greater than the available stretch of the side panels. For a preferred diaper, the extension force of the elastic torso band extending from about 25 mm (1 inch) to about 76 mm (3 inches), and more preferably from about 25 mm (1 inch) to about 50 mm (2 inches), is preferably , Equal to or less than about 250 gramsf. Most preferably, the elastic torso band extends from about 25 mm (1 inch) to about 76 mm (3 inches), and more preferably from about 25 mm (1 inch) to about 50 mm.
The extension force for an extension of (2 inches) is about 75 gramsf to about 250 gramsf. In the preferred embodiment of the elastic body device, the backline segment is removed to form the waistline panel zone, so that the extension force of the waistline panel zone is less than or equal to the extension force of the shaping panel zone.
Elastomeric compressive stiffness is also changed by providing this window. The extension force of the waistline panel zone is preferably about 75 gramsf to about 175 gr at these "in-use" stoneware extensions for the elastic torso band.
amsf and the extension force of the shaped panel zone is preferably about 175 gramsf to about 225 gramsf at these extensions.
Is. Most preferably, the extension force of the elastic torso band is about 150 gramsf at a 50 mm (2 inch) extension in the waistline panel zone and 50 in the shaped panel zone.
The extension of mm (2 inches) is about 200 gramsf. This is because the elastic side panel has a length of about 6 mm (0.25 inches) to about 76 mm (3 inches) equal to or less than about 250 gramsf, most preferably about 6 mm (0.25 inches) to about About 25 with 19mm (0.75 inch) elongation
In contrast to the extension force of elastic torso bands, it is desirable to have an extension force window of 0 gramsf to about 500 gramsf.

The positioning patch 650 is formed by the elastic body band 6
The diaper is arranged so as to abut the side edge 75 of the elastomer member 76 of 35 or extend beyond the side edge. Positioning patch 650 preferably comprises the same elastomeric foam material used for elastomeric member 76. In fact, the positioning patch 650 may comprise a portion of the elastomeric member 76, if desired. This placement of the locating patch adds additional rigidity to the first side panel 70, making the first side panel 70 less foldable and firmer in the groove between the elastomeric member 76 and the locating patch 650. Provide a rigid panel. In the preferred embodiment of the M size diaper, the locating patch overlaps the elastomeric member from 0 mm to about 3.1 mm (1/8 inch).

The first mounting component 46 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is preferably longitudinally elongated. This is due to the preferred shape of the elastic torso band, since it is desirable to pre-tension a larger area of the deep elastic torso band, and it is preferable to fix the main fastening system downwards. In the preferred embodiment of the M size diaper, the length of the first attachment component is preferably about 25 mm (about 1 inch).

FIG. 10 shows a modification of the elastic body device shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the furring strip 783 of the absorbent core 28 has an arc shape. The arc-shaped absorber core has an ear portion 700, and the ear portion 700 includes the elastic body band 7.
Extending above 35 to bound a portion of the elastic torso band and further stiffen the area adjacent to the elastic torso band 735 for additional inclusion.

In yet another variation, the elastic torso band includes a topsheet and an elastomeric member rather than an elastic member made of a non-woven material disposed between the backsheet and the elastomeric member as shown in FIG. It is formed similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except that it is arranged between.

A modification of the elastic body device further includes a waist cap device. Such a web cap device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,246 issued to Lawson on May 10, 1988 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 571,000 filed by Robertson on Aug. 21, 1990. There is. By virtue of reference to the above patents and patent applications, the contents disclosed in the above patents and patent applications are incorporated herein.

The waist cap is formed as an extension of the elastomeric material or laminate that forms the elastic body band. Thus, the elastic body device further comprises a waist cap zone extending longitudinally inward from the body edge of the absorbent core. The waistcap zone is joined to the containment assembly (preferably the topsheet) with the proximal edge adjacent the torso and absorbs the distal edge to provide a channel for containing body exudates. It consists of a barrier member that can be spaced from the body core (in the Z-axis direction).

Flexural Bending Test The flexural bending test uses an Instron Model 4502 available from Instron, Inc. of Canton, Mass., A specially configured T rod and a special test sample holder. As shown in FIG. 17, the T rod 1101 comprises a pair of mutually perpendicular metal rods having a diameter of 6.35 mm (1/4 inch), and preferably the drive rod 1102.
The end of the long rod (about 125 mm (about 5.25 inches) long) should fit around the push rod (the shorter rod about 75 mm (about 3 inches) long). It is tapered and the two rods are glued, welded and / or screwed together. The opposite end of drive rod 1102 is attached to an Instron crosshead unit. The test sample holder 1104 includes a fixed base 11 that positions and supports the support rod 1108.
Have 05. The fixed base 1105 is the base 1106.
And two rectangular supports 1107 mounted in parallel on this base 1106. Each of the base 1106 and the support 1107 preferably has a thickness of about 12.
7mm (1/2 inch) to 9.53mm (3/8 inch)
Made of Lexan (plexiglass) plates.
A support rod 1108 (a rod made of the same material as the T rod and having a length of about 150 mm (about 6 inches)) is mounted on each support 1107 of the fixed base 1105.
The support rods 1108 are attached so that the center-to-center distance is 16 mm. As shown in FIG. 17, the T rod 1101 has its center located between the support rods 1108.

Instron crosshead speed of 2 per minute
0mm, chart speed 400mm / min, full scale 5
Set to 00gramsf. Adjust the Instron so that the crosshead unit moves 6 mm downwards and backwards and the chart follows the crosshead unit downwards and backwards.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sample 1000 to be tested is removed from the elastic torso apparatus 34, preferably with the torso band flexure hinge zone 140 centered on the sample 1000. However, depending on the sample,
The torso band flexure hinge zone may not be centered. The (longitudinal) length of the sample 1000 is at least 16 mm, preferably 25 mm, or any length,
The width (lateral direction) is 50 mm. As shown in FIG. 17, the sample 1000 has a support rod 1108 so that the body band flexure hinge zone 140 is directly below the T rod 1101.
There is a center on the top. The outer surface (typically, the backsheet side) of the sample 1000 is arranged on the T rod 1101 side.

The T rod 1101 is "zeroed" with a light preload of a few g (1 gramsf to 4 gramsf) applied to the top of the sample 1000. This eliminates the warp of the sample and makes the T rod and the sample in good contact with each other. Each sample is tested in two cycles over a 6 mm stroke with a 30 second pause between cycles. A total of 10 samples were tested.

A graph of T-bar displacement force (gramsf) vs. T-bar displacement distance (mm) is prepared. An exemplary test of a sample showing two cycles is shown in FIG. The deflection force at 4 mm and 5 mm for each cycle determines the resilience curve. Four
Cycle recovery deflection force is calculated by averaging the recovery deflection force in mm and 5 mm. The average of the recovery distraction forces of both cycles for each sample determines the sample recovery distraction force. The flexural deflection recovery force for the structure is the average of the sample recovery deflection force values for 10 samples.

Edge Compression Stiffness Test Use an Instron Model 4502, available from Instron, Inc. of Canton, Mass., A special test sample holder and mounting adhesive. As shown in FIG.
The sample 1002 is attached to a 25 mm (1 inch) × 50 mm (2 inches) × 1.56 mm (1/16 inch) aluminum flat plate 1300 with an attachment adhesive 1302.
Mounting adhesive 1302 is available from Hartman Adhesives Company, Belleville, NJ Red-0400.
1 is a fast curing epoxy sold as a double bubble pack.

The Instron is provided with a compression load cell. (The load cell and Instron jaw plates must be inspected for flatness and squareness). Instron with a crosshead speed of 5 mm / min,
Set chart speed to 250 mm / min and full scale (if required) to 100 g or 500 g. The cycle length is 3.5 mm down and back and the chart follows the crosshead unit down and back.

As shown in FIG. 16, the sample 1002 to be tested is preferably the elastic body device 34 through the waistline panel zone 138, the shaped panel zone 13.
6 or interconnect panel zone 130, depending on which zone is being tested. Sample 1002
Has a length of 9 mm and a width of 25 mm.

The mounting adhesive 1302 is a flat plate 1300.
Spaced over using a doctor blade, width is about 8.5 mm (3/8 inch) and height is 0.5
Make a footprint of mm to 0.75 mm (0.020 inch to 0.030 inch). The sample 1002 is placed on the mounting adhesive 1302 and held perpendicular to the flat plate 1300 by blocks provided on either side of the sample. These blocks are carved at the base to prevent them from being caught by the mounting adhesive. After allowing the adhesive to cure for a time (approximately 1 minute or more), leave the mounted sample in a room at 22.780 C (730 F) / 50% relative humidity for 24 hours to completely cure the mounting adhesive. Let

The mounted sample is placed on the Instron jaw 1400 as shown in FIG. 1 for sample
Adjust the Instron to zero by preloading gramsf to 4 gramsf. Each sample undergoes a 3.0 mm diverting cycle twice with 30 seconds between cycles. Five samples are tested.

A graph of compression force (gramsf) versus compression displacement (mm) is created. An exemplary test of a sample showing two cycles is shown in FIG. The peak force for the test is measured as the highest force generated during both cycles. The average of the peak compression forces for the five cycles is the zone edge compression stiffness.

Extension Force Test The extension force test on both the elastic side panel 30 and the elastic torso band 35 uses an Instron Model 4502 available from Instron, Inc. of Canton, Massachusetts.

A. Elastic side panel Instron, crosshead speed 100mm / min, chart speed 500mm / min, full scale 100gram
Set to sf. The Instron can perform the desired, required or total elastic extension stroke of the side panels.
(If the total extension of the side panels is less than or equal to the required upper limit, the test is stopped at this extension, because the extension force in the non-extensible area must be taken into account, i.e. during use. The design extension limit has been reached.) The sample to be tested is attached to the actual diaper and measured. A standard 75 mm (3 inch) clamp is attached to the elastic side panel 30 adjacent the laterally closest edge to the longitudinal centerline 67 of the energized stretch of the side panel.
In many cases, this edge corresponds to the side edge 91 of the elastic side panel member 90. A standard 25 mm (1 inch) clamp is attached to the edge of the elastic side panel 30 opposite the energized stretch (typically, the side edge 91 'of the side panel member 90). Install. The 25 mm (1 inch) clamp is located in longitudinal alignment with the components of the main fastening system 38 located within the area of the 75 mm (3 inch) clamp and positioned adjacent the resilient side panel 30. . Thus, in the preferred embodiment, 2
The 5 mm (1 inch) clamp is longitudinally aligned with the securing member 42 so that the force applied by the Instron is similar to the force exerted by the user when wearing the diaper.

Each sample was cycled through the transfer cycle through the energized elastic portion of the elastic side panel to the desired, required,
That is, the test is performed up to the full extension. (The contraction force may be measured by contracting the sample.) A graph of extension force (gramsf) versus extension (mm) is created. A total of 10 samples are tested. The extension force at a given extension is the average of the values for 10 samples.

B. Elastic body band Instron, crosshead speed 100mm / min, chart speed 500mm / min, full scale 100gram
Set to sf. The Instron can provide the desired, required, or total elastic extension of the torso band. (If the total extension of the torso band is less than or equal to the required upper limit, the test is stopped at this extension, because the extension force in the non-extensible region must be taken into account, i.e. during use. The sample to be tested is removed from the elastic body band, preferably adjacent to the upper edge of the elastic body band (except for the particular panel zone to be tested). Be done. 100 samples
In order to test mm (4 inch) wide samples, preferably the length (longitudinal) is 25 mm (1 inch) and the width (transverse) is about 125 mm to about 150 mm. The length (longitudinal direction) of the elastic torso band 35 or the panel zone to be tested is 25 mm (1 inch) or less and 25 mm (1 inch).
If this is not possible, this is not a preferred situation, but the test may be performed using samples of varying size. The edge of the sample is a standard 25 mm
(1 inch) clamps are used, and the distance between the clamps is 100 mm
(4 inches) and clamped. (The sample does not have zones or regions that must be non-extensible except for the bond site.) Each sample is tested through the transfer cycle to the desired, required or full extension of the elastic cylinder band sample. (The contraction force may be measured by contracting the sample.) Extension force (grams
f) A graph of pairwise extension (mm) is created. A total of 10 samples are tested. A total of 10 samples are tested. The extension force at a given extension is the average of the values for 10 samples.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Ah It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a partially cutaway disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a backsheet portion showing a pre-strained mechanical stretch pattern of a disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the first torso region showing the elements of the elastic torso device of the disposable diaper according to the invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a simplified view of the function of the elastic body device during use when the wearer moves from a standing position to a sitting position.

FIG. 7 shows an elastic body band of a disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a modified example of the elastic body band of the disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a modified example of the elastic body device of the disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another modified example of the elastic body device of the disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus that uses a vacuum web restraint system to mechanically stretch a portion of a diaper web using interlocking corrugated rolls.

FIG. 12: 12 of FIG. 11 showing a method of winding a diaper web around a lower corrugated roll using an idler roll.
Schematic along line -12.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the degree of meshing of the corrugated rolls when the stretch-laminated portion with zero strain of the diaper web passes between the corrugated rolls.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a variation of a web restraint system that can be used in the incremental stretching process of the present invention.

15 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the center line connecting the upper corrugated roll and the lower corrugated roll of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic partial enlarged plan view of the first torso region showing a position for taking out a test sample from the elastic torso device of the disposable diaper according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a test device for measuring the bending-bending recovery force of the body band bending hinge zone of the elastic body device.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing deflection force versus deflection distance for two cycles of flexural bending test.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a test sample made according to a test procedure for determining the edge compressive stiffness of a panel zone of a flexible torso device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of an assembled device and test sample for determining the edge compression stiffness of the panel zone of an elastic torso device.

FIG. 21 is a graph showing compressive force versus compressive displacement for two cycles of edge compressive stiffness testing.

[Explanation of symbols]

22 Inclusion Assembly 24 Top Sheet 26 back sheet 28 Absorber core 30 elastic side panel 77 Stretchable material 78 Elastomer material

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Bueal, Kenneth Berkeley United States of America Ohio, Cincinnati, Brockdorf, Drive, 218 (72) Inventor Clear, Sandra Hinds United States Ohio, Mainville, Meadow, Drive, 9056 (72) Inventor Faulcon, Daniella Sleaes, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Avenue, No., 4, 4168, Ohio, USA (56) References JP-A-1-168902 (JP, A) JP-A-63-235504 (JP) , A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61F 13 / 15,13 / 49

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A disposable absorbent article having a first waist region and a second waist region, wherein the absorbent article is elastically stretched laterally located in the containment assembly and the second waist region. A flexible elastic side panel, wherein the containment assembly is located between a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet. An absorber core, the elastic side panel comprises a zero strain stretch laminate, and the zero strain stretch laminate comprises at least two material layers secured to one another in a substantially tension-free state. And one of the material layers is a stretchable material and the other of the material layers is an elastomeric material, the material layer having an increased mechanical stretch sufficient to permanently stretch the stretchable material. Received, Absorbent article being characterized in that as a zero stretch laminate elastically extensible at least in the transverse direction. 2. The elastic side panel includes an ear flap and an elastic side panel member joined to the ear flap, the ear flap is the stretchable material, and the elastic side panel member is the same as the elastic side panel member. The absorbent article according to claim 1, which is an elastomeric material. 3. The elastomeric material is at least 40.
2. Elongation to break at 0%.
The absorbent article according to. 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material returns to at least 75% of its initial profile within 5 seconds when the elastomeric material is stretched and immediately released. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the elastic side panel member has an elongation force of 250 grams or more at an elongation of between 6.25 mm and 31.25 mm. 6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastic side panel member has a contraction force of at least 90 grams per inch at 50% elongation. 7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article has an elastic body band arranged in the second waist region.