MXPA00009429A - Elastic member and disposable garment having improved strength against stress applied during use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an elastic member, comprising an elastomeric scrim material having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and a first coverstock layer which is joined to the first surface of the elastomeric material. In on aspect of the invention, the elastomeric scrim material has an Elongation at Breaking (EB) of at least about 600%. In another aspect of the invention, the elastomeric scrim material has a Tearing Resistance (TR) of at least about 16 hours. The present invention is also directed to a disposable garment, comprising a chassis having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region;at least one pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly from the chassis in the front or back region;and at least one of the side panels comprising an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly from the chassis. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet associated with the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In yet another aspect of the invention, the elastomeric scrim material has an Elongation at Breaking (EB) of at least about 600%. In still another aspect of the invention, the elastomeric scrim material has a Tearing Resistance (TR) of at least about 16 hours.

Description

ELASTIC MEMBER AND DISPOSABLE DRESS THAT HAS IMPROVED RESISTANCE AGAINST THE EFFORT APPLIED DURING USE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to elastic members and disposable garments. Examples of these disposable garments include disposable undergarments, disposable diapers including pull-on diapers and training pants, and disposable panties for menstrual use. More specifically, the present invention relates to elastic members and disposable garments having improved resistance against the applied stress during the use of the products.

BACKGROUND The elastic members have previously been used in a variety of disposable products, including sweat bands, bandages, and disposable garments including disposable diapers and incontinence devices. As used herein, the term "elastic members" refers to an elastically stretchable single layer material, or two or more layered materials which is often called "elastic laminate" and includes at least one elastically stretchable single layer material. It is generally expected that these products provide good fit to the body and / or skin of the user using suitable elastic members during the total period of use of the products. Examples of these elastic laminates that have been previously used include composite materials made from materials capable of pursing together with an elastic material, composite materials made from mesh, tissue and microfibers, as well as composite materials made from a layer elastic core, a breathable material, and an adhesive layer. Examples of these laminates are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,863 to Keck et al. And in U.S. Patent No. 3,977,011 to Smith. These disposable products often use an elastic member comprising an elastomeric material to provide good adaptability to the wearer's skin or body. In some of these products, a "zero tension" stretch laminate for the elastic members is preferably used. In a manufacturing process for said stretch laminate with "zero tension", the elastomeric material is operatively linked to at least one component material which forms a part of the lateral honeycomb while being in a substantially unstressed condition (zero tension) . At least one part of the resulting composite stretch laminate is then subjected to sufficient mechanical stretching to permanently lengthen the non-elastic components. The composite stretch laminate is then allowed to return to its substantially unstressed condition. Therefore, the elastic member is formed in a stretch laminate with "zero tension". As used herein the term stretch laminate with "zero tension" refers to a laminate composed of at least two sheets of material that are secured to one another along at least a portion of their coextensive surfaces while in a substantially unstressed condition ("zero stress"); one of the sheets comprising material that is capable of stretching and elastomeric (i.e., it will substantially return to its unstressed dimensions after the applied tension force has been released) and the second sheet which is elongate (but not necessarily elastomeric) of such that when stretching the second sheet will be, at least to one degree, permanently elongated in such a way that when you release the applied tension forces, it will not completely return to its original, non-deformed configuration. The resulting stretch laminate is thus made elastically extensible, at least up to the initial stretch point, in the direction of the initial stretch. Apparatus and methods for making stretch laminates are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,167,897 issued to Weber et al. On December 1, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,156,793 issued to Buell et al. on October 20, 1990; and U.S. Patent No. 5,143,679 issued to Weber et al. on September 1, 1992. It should be distinguished that Japanese applications equivalent to those patent applications of the United States of America were published (placed in the public) in Japanese under the numbers of H6-505681, H6-505408 and H6-505446, respectively. In the manufacturing process for this stretch laminate with "zero tension", the elastomeric material tends to be mechanically damaged. If the elastomeric material does not have sufficient strength or toughness, the elastomeric material tends to be easily torn or torn by the stress applied to the elastomeric material during mechanical stretching in the manufacturing process and during the use of the disposable products. Therefore, it is desirable that the elastomeric material have sufficient strength or toughness such that it is not damaged by the mechanical stretching process and / or at least is not easily broken or torn by the stresses during mechanical stretching in the process. of manufacture and during the use of disposable products. However, it has not been died what property (or properties) need to be considered in order to achieve this benefit for elastic members and disposable products. In this way, none of the existing technique provides all the advantages and benefits of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an elastic member, comprising an elastomeric canvas material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a first layer of cover material which is attached to the first surface of the elastomeric material. In one aspect of the invention, the elastomeric canvas material has an Elongation to Break (EB) of at least about 600%. In another aspect of the invention, the elastomeric canvas material has a Rip Resistance (TR) of at least about 16 hours. The present invention is also directed to a disposable garment, comprising a chassis having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region; at least a pair of side panels extending laterally outward of the chassis in the front or rear region; and at least one of the side panels comprising an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly of the chassis. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet associated with the top sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular way and claiming the invention differently, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, which are taken in combination with the accompanying drawings and in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which: The Figural is a cross-sectional view of an elastic member 70 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the elastic member 70 shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a graph showing the two cycles of the hysteresis curves of an elastomeric material, in a preferred embodiment; Figure 4 is a graph showing the change in retention force at 50% extension in accordance with a lapse of time, in a preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pull-on disposable garment of the present invention in a typical configuration of use; Figure 6 is a simplified plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in its flat condition without contracting showing the different panels or zones of the garment; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 7-7 of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION All references cited are incorporated herein by reference in their totalities. The citation of any reference is not an admission with respect to any determination as to its availability as the prior art for the claimed invention. As used herein, the term "pull-on garment" refers to articles of use that have a defined waist opening and a pair of defined leg openings and which oppose in the user's body by inserting the legs inside. of the leg openings and pulling the article upwards on the waist. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe garments that are not intended to be washed or restored or otherwise used as a garment (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a simple use , and preferably, to be recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). A "unitary" pull-on garment refers to pull-on garments which are formed of separate parts joined together to form a coordinated entity, but the side panels are not separate elements attached to a separate chassis in which the side panels are formed by at least one layer that also forms the central panel or chassis of the garment (i.e., the garment does not require panels handled separately such as a chassis and separate side panels). The pull-on garment is also preferably "absorbent" to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. A preferred embodiment of the pull-on garment of the present invention is the unitary disposable pull-on garment, pull-on diaper 20, shown in Figure 5. As used herein, the term "pull-on diaper" is used. refers to pull-on garments usually worn by babies and other incontinent individuals to absorb and contain urine and faeces. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other pull-on garments such as training pants, incontinence briefs, garments or panties for feminine hygiene and the like. As used herein, the term "panel" is used herein to designate an area or item of the pull-on garment. (Although a panel is typically a different area or element, a panel may coincide (functionally corresponds) a bit like an adjacent panel.) As used herein, the term "joined" or "joining" encompasses configurations by which an element is it directly secures the other element by fixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations by means of which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an elastic member 70 of the present invention that is elastically extensible in at least one direction. The elastic member 70 comprises an elastomeric material 124 having a first surface 150 and a second surface 152 opposite the first surface 150, and a first layer of cover material 122 which is attached to the first surface 150 of the elastomeric material 124. In In a preferred embodiment, the first layer of the cover material 122 is attached to the first surface 150 of the elastomeric material 124 by an adhesive 160 as shown, for example, in Figure 2. Most preferably, the elastic member 70 further comprises a second layer of cover material 126 that is attached to the second surface 152 of the elastomeric material 124 by an adhesive 164. The elastomeric material 124 of the present invention can be formed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of a continuous flat layer. Preferred forms of the continuous flat layer include a canvas, a perforated film, or formed with openings, a woven or non-woven elastomeric material, and the like. In an alternative embodiment the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of wires (or cords) that are not connected together to form a continuous flat layer. The continuous flat layer can take any form that can be adequately provided in the side panels. Preferred forms of the continuous flat layer include a quadrilateral including a rectangle and a square, a trapezoid, and other polygons. The elastomeric materials that have been found to be especially suitable for the elastomeric material 124 are the canvas materials based on the styrenic block copolymer, perforated (or apertured) elastic films, preferably with a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. . Other elastomeric materials suitable for the elastomeric material 124 include synthetic "live" or natural rubber, other foams of natural synthetic rubber, elastomeric films (including thermo-shrinkable elastomeric films), woven or non-woven elastomeric webs, elastomeric composite materials, or the like. It has been found that the extension properties of the elastomeric material 124 such as the extension force in the first cycle at 100% extension (FCEF100%), the extension force in the first cycle at 200% extension (FCEF200%), and the strength of recovery in the second cycle at 50% extension (SCRF50%), are important considerations in the operation of disposable garments. The elastomeric material 124 of the present invention has extension properties within the defined ranges. The FCEF100% and the FCEF200% are measurements of the general perceived "lack of stretching" during the application / removal of disposable garments. These two properties also carry out the ability of the applicator to achieve an appropriate degree of application stretch. An elastomeric material 124 with a relatively high FCEF100% and FCEF200% may cause difficulty in applying the disposable garment on the wearer (ie, problem with ease of application). On the other hand, an elastomeric material 124 with a relatively low FCEF100% and FCEF200% can not achieve a level of adjustment, conformity to the proper body. The SCRF50% is also closely related to the fit / conformity to the body of the disposable garments for the user. An elastomeric material 124 with a relatively high SCRF50% tends to cause reddened marking on the user's skin and may be uncomfortable for the user during use. An elastomeric material 124 with a relatively low SCRF50% may not provide sufficient elastic force to hold the diaper in place on the wearer or may not provide good fit to the body. The values of FCEF100%, FCEF200% and SCRF50% can be measured using a voltage tester. The tension tester comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which is located below the upper jaw. The upper jaw is movable and is connected to a measuring element of the extension force. The lower jaw is fixed to a desk (or floor). The test specimen (ie, the elastomeric material to be measured) which is approximately 2.54 cm wide and approximately 12.75 cm in length is prepared and clamped between the upper clamp and the lower clamp in such a way that the length effective of the copy (L) (ie, the test length) is approximately 5.08 cm. The extension force is applied to the test specimen through the upper jaw. When extension force is not applied to the test specimen, the test specimen is at its original length (that is, 0% extension). A suitable tensile or tensile tester to be used is available from Instron Corporation (100 Royall Street, Canton, MA02021, USA) as code No. Instron 5564. Figure 3 shows a preferred example of extension and recovery force curves for the hysteresis of two cycles of the elastomeric material 124. The curve E1 shows the extension force in the first cycle, while the curve R1 shows the recovery force in the first cycle. Curve E2 (shown in dotted line) shows the extension force in the second cycle, while curve R2 shows the recovery force in the second cycle. The extension and recovery properties are measured as follows. In the first cycle, the test specimen is subjected to an initial extension force at a crosshead rate of 50.8 cm / min at approximately 23 ° C and maintained for 30 seconds at the extension of 200%. Then the test specimen is allowed to relax at the same rate to its original state (ie, 0% extension). The test specimen is allowed to remain unforced for one minute before being subjected to a second extension force (for the second cycle) at the same rate and conditions. In the preferred modalities, the FCEF100% of the elastomeric material 124 is at least about 100 grams / inch. More preferably, the FCEF100% is between about 120 to about 220 grams / inch, most preferably between about 150 grams / inch and 190 grams / inch to better suit the user. The FCEF200% is preferably from about 160 grams / inch to about 300 grams / inch, more preferably from about 180 grams / inch to about 260 grams / inch, and still more preferably between about 200 grams / inch and about 240 grams / inch. grams / inch. The SCRF50% of the elastomeric material 124 is preferably between about 40 grams / inch and about 130 grams / inch, more preferably between about 65 grams / inch and about 150 grams / inch, and still more preferably between about 75 grams / inch and approximately 95 grams / inch. It has also been found that the relaxation of the force of the elastomeric material 124 can broadly perform the operation of the relaxation of the force of the disposable products and / or garments. As used, the term "force relaxation" is used to imply the gradual reduction of the extension / recovery forces caused when the material is pulled to a certain extension force and held for a certain period of time. Under normal use, the disposable diaper is worn for a couple of hours, and sometimes for approximately 8 to 12 hours. It is important that the elastomeric material 124 used in the disposable garments maintain the majority of their extension / recovery forces during the entire time of use. The retention force that is defined as the second cycle of the extension force maintained after being retained for a certain period of time (for example, 12 hours) at 50% extension is a measure for the relaxation of the strength of the materials elastomeric The holding force sustained after 12 hours at 50% extension (RFH12H) is used here for said measurement. The RFH12H is defined as the extension force (gram / inch) of the elastomeric material after tensile force is applied for 50% extension to the elastomeric material for 12 hours. An elastomeric material with a relatively low RFH12H (in other words, high strength relaxation) can not provide sustained fit for disposable products and / or garments during use. Especially when the disposable garment is loaded with exudates from the body and becomes heavy, the elastomeric material used there with a relatively low RFH12H tends to cause the loosening or sliding of the garment from its position on the wearer's torso. The RFH12H is measured using the same voltage tester as the measurements of FCEF100%, FCEF200% and SCRF50% except that the measurement is carried out inside a constant temperature chamber. A constant temperature chamber suitable for use here is available from Instron Corporation, 100 Royall Street, Canton, MA02021, USA, under the type code 3119-005. The measurement is carried out at 37 ° C with a copy of 2.54 cm wide. The effective length of the specimen (test length) is 5.08 cm. During the measurement, the test specimen is subjected to an initial extension force at a crosshead rate of 50.8 cm / min and after reaching 200% extension it is retained for 30 seconds at 200% extension. The test specimen is then allowed to relax at the same rate up to the original state (0% extension). The test specimen is allowed to remain effortless for 1 minute and is then subjected to a second extension force (for the second cycle) to the 50% extension at the same crosshead rate and retained at the 50% extension for 12 hours. The elastomeric material 124 of the present invention has an RFH12H of at least about 40 g / in., preferably at least about 50 g / in, and most preferably at least about 60 g / in. A preferred example of changing the retention force of an elastomeric material is shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the vertical axis shows the holding force, and the horizontal axis shows the retention time of the length to 50% extension (from 0 hours to 12 hours). In the preferred embodiments where the elastomeric material 124 is provided in the "zero tension" stretch laminate such as, for example, the panel 46 shown in Figure 7, it is preferred that the elastomeric material 124 have sufficient strength or toughness to not be damaged by the mechanical stretching process. If the elastomeric material 124 is even partially damaged, the elastomeric material 124 tends to be easily torn or made into strips by the stresses that are applied consistently to the side panels, and thus the elastomeric material 124 during use of the garments. of disposable clothing. The elongation at break (EB) and the resistance to tearing (TR) are two mechanical properties to show the strength or tenacity of the elastomeric material 124 against the mechanical stretching process. An elastomeric material with a relatively low EB or a relatively low RT tends to be easily torn or made into strips during the mechanical stretching process or during the use of the disposable garments. In preferred embodiments, the elastomeric material 124 has an EB of at least about 600%, preferably at least about 800%. To measure the EB, a continuously increasing force is applied to a sample elastomeric material (ie exemplary) at a rate of 50.8 cm / min at approximately 23 ° C, and the applied force and the extension length are recorded (EL ). The specimen is approximately 2.54 cm wide and the test length is approximately 5.08 cm. The EB (%) is defined by the following expression: EB = (EL / OL) X 100 (%) (D where EL is the extension length when the specimen is torn by an application of excessive force, and OL is the original length (ie, the test length) of the specimen before the application of force. A tensile or tensile test to measure the EB here is available from Instron Corporation (100 Royall Street, Canton, MA02021, USA), under the trade name "Instron 5564". In another aspect of the present invention, the elastomeric material 124 has a (TR) of at least about 16 hours, more preferably at least about 24 hours. To measure the TR, a force that causes 100% extension to a sample elastomeric material (ie, the specimen) is continuously applied. In this way, the specimen is pulled up to 100% extension and kept in a constant temperature water bath at 37 ° C. A constant temperature water bath suitable for use herein is available from Yamato, Co., Tokyo, Japan, under the code name BK 43. The dimension of the copy is approximately 3.60 cm wide and approximately 3.81 cm long. The TR (hours) is defined as the time period between the time when force is first applied to the sample and the time when it tears when at least 30% of the sample width. It has also been found that the wet vapor transmission rate (respirability) of the elastomeric material 124 is very important to reduce the incidence of heat rash and other skin problems associated with heat and high humidity conditions during use. of disposable products. The elastomeric material 124 tends to have a direct impact on the moisture vapor transmission rate (i.e., breathability) of the disposable products. It is preferred that the elastomeric material 124 have a relatively high opening ratio (or aperture) to provide a high wet vapor transmission rate or high permeability for the disposable products. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of a perforated (or formed with apertures) film which has an opening (or opening) ratio of at least about 8%, preferably at least about 15%. The opening ratio OR (%) is defined by the following expression: OR = (OA / TA) X 100 (%) (2) where OA is the total area of the open portions (or openings) in the perforated film, and TA is the total area of the perforated film.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of a sheet having an opening ratio of at least about 30%, preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the elastomeric canvas 124 has a plurality of first yarns 125 and a plurality of second yarns 127. The plurality of first yarns 125 intersect the plurality of the second yarns 127 in the nodes 130 at an angle a, predetermined, forming an open structure similar to the net having a plurality of opening 132. Each opening 132 is defined by at least two first adjacent threads and at least two second adjacent threads, such that the openings 132 are substantially rectangular so. Other configurations of openings 132 may also be provided, such as parallelograms, squares, or circular arc segments. Preferably, the first and second wires 125 and 127 are substantially straight and substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the first wires 125 intersect the second wires 127 in the nodes 130 such that the angle a is approximately 90 degrees. The first and second yarns 125 and 127 are preferably bonded or linked at the nodes 90. A preferred elastomeric fabric 124 is manufactured by Conwed Plastics Company under the designation XO2514. This material has approximately 12 elastic threads per inch in structural direction B (ie, the first yarns 125) and about 7 elastic yarns per inch in the structural direction D (ie, the second yarns 127). This elastomeric canvas has an OR of about 50% to about 60%. This elastomeric canvas 124 also has an RFH12H of about 50 grams / inch to about 65 grams / inch, a FCEF100% of about 175 grams / inch, a FCEF200% of about 240 grams / inch, a SCRF50% of about 85 grams / inch, an EB of at least approximately 800%, and a TR of at least 24 hours. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the elastic member 70 comprises first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126, and elastomeric material 124 disposed in the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126. The first layer of cover material 122 has an inner surface 142 and an outer surface 144. The inner surface 142 of the first layer of cover material 122 is the surface that is placed giving the elastomeric material 124. The second layer of cover material 126 also has an internal surface 146 and an outer surface 148. The inner surface 146 of the second layer of cover material 126 is the surface that is placed giving the elastomeric material 124. The elastomeric material 124 also has two flat surfaces, first surface 150 and second surface 152, each of which are substantially parallel with the planes of the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126. The first surface 150 is that planar surface of the elastomeric material 124 that is very closely adjacent to the inner surface 142 of the first layer of cover material 122. The second surface 152 is that planar surface of the elastomeric material 124 that is very closely adjacent to the inner surface 146 of the second layer of cover material 126. Since the elastic member 70 will be subjected to mechanical stretching before and during use, the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126 preferably have an elongation at relatively high breaking, and are more preferably stretchable or stretchable, even more preferably capable of extending (but not necessarily elastomeric), without undue and preferably without any, tearing or cracking. In addition, the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126 are preferably docile, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin and give the article the feel and comfort of a cloth-wearing garment. Suitable materials for the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as plastic films, plastic films with openings, woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g. wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polyolefin fibers, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene), or a combination of natural and / or synthetic fibers, or woven or non-woven coated webs. Preferably, each of the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126 is an identical consolidated nonwoven material. An exemplary preferred nonwoven material is manufactured by FiberWeb Company under the designation Sofspan 200. This material has a basis weight of 25 g / m 2 before consolidation and a basis weight of approximately 63 g / m 2 after consolidation. As used herein, "basis weight" is the weight of one square meter of planar weft material. Alternatively, highly tensionable nonwoven materials can be used. Alternatively, the first and second layers of cover material 122 and 126 need not be identical materials, while the desired performance requirements, such as elastic performance, softness, flexibility, breathability and durability are met. As used here"consolidated nonwoven material" means a non-woven material that has been gathered or gathered under mechanical stress in the structural direction D such that the material can elongate in the structural direction D under low force. Figure 2 shows a fragmented, enlarged side view looking towards the structural direction B of the laminate 120 (ie, the elastic member 70). It has been found that when the laminate 120 is attached or otherwise fixed such that side anchoring zones A are created, said laminate 120 is both highly elastic and substantially free of delamination and creping, while providing good performance characteristics in all operating categories without exchange between any of the required performance characteristics. The lateral fastening is preferably performed by gluing laterally with beads of adhesive to clamp the elastomeric material 124 between the layers of cover material 122 and 126 as a part of the lamination process. Alternatively, lateral clamping can be performed by sewing, heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, needle punching, alternative gluing processes, or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. Another alternative is to laterally hold the layers of the laminated structure after the lamination of the elastomeric components and cover material has been performed. Preferably, laminate 120 can particularly provide very good soft feel for users and for the consumer. This is important because consumers value softness. In conventional laminates, attempts to eliminate creping have often required an unacceptable decrease in softness, often accompanied by an unacceptable decrease in the ability to activate. This is because these previous attempts (which failed to eliminate creping) have focused on the application of extrusion blown adhesive and additional blowing, often in a general coating pattern, in the attempt to reinforce the joints. This has generally resulted in an undesirable general rigidity of the laminate. However, the laminates of the preferred embodiments provide for crepe removal without loss of the smooth feel desired by the consumer and without compromising the activation ability. Referring to Figure 2, a first adhesive 170 is applied to the inner surface 146 of the second layer of cover material 126 in positions corresponding to each of the outer edges 180 of the laminated structure 120. The first adhesive 170 may alternatively or additionally it is applied to the inner surface 142 of the first layer of cover material 122. For ease of illustration, the description and the figures refer to the application of the second layer of cover material 126 only. This pattern creates lateral attachment areas A, which substantially eliminate the delamination and creping associated with previously known laminates and which allow the laminate 120 to experience superior efforts without creping or delaminating. It has also been found that by confining the first adhesive 170 to the areas of the edge 180 of the laminated structure 120, it is avoided to prevent the extensibility of the laminate 120 and also to prevent tearing in the cover material layers 122 and 126. Preferably, the first adhesive 170 is applied as a plurality of score 168, as shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the first adhesive 170 is a flexible adhesive with an amorphous and crystallized component. This preferred adhesive is made by Findley Adhesive Company under the designation H9224. More preferably, the laminate 120 includes a second adhesive 164. The second adhesive 164 is preferably applied to the second surface 152 of the elastomeric material 124., but can alternatively be applied to the first surface 150 of the elastomeric material 24. The second adhesive 164 is preferably applied in a spiral spray pattern 166, thereby forming attachment points 167b that are more discrete than would be formed by a linear spray application. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that most of the second adhesive 164 sprayed in this manner aligns in the structural direction D. It has been found that spiral spraying results in very good activation properties. As used herein, "activation" refers to the ability to stretch. It has been found that spraying the second adhesive layer 164 directly onto the second surface 152 of the elastomeric material 124 is more preferable than applying the second adhesive 164 to the opposite covering material layer 126 (ie, the second). This is because the second adhesive 164 tends to penetrate through any of the residual processing agents or oils that may remain on the surface of the elastomeric material 124. These residual materials, if allowed to remain on the elastomeric material 124, can weaken the adhesive bonds and thus the laminated structure 120 over time. For example, if residual materials are left intact, the joints used to form the laminate 120 may weaken during the time interval prior to purchase by the consumer of the product. The release values for the laminate 120 in the areas with spiral adhesives are typically higher when the spirals 166 are applied directly to the elastomeric material 124 than to the opposite material layer 126 (ie, the second). As used herein the term "release value" is required to the amount of force required to separate the two layers of the cover material, 122 and 126 from one another. The higher release values are typically matched to the lower chance of delamination during use. A third adhesive 160 may also be preferably applied to the inner surface 142 of the first layer of cover material 122. Preferably, the third adhesive 160 is an elastomeric adhesive. In a manner similar to that described with reference to the second application of the spiral adhesive 166, the first adhesive 160 is preferably applied in a spiral spray pattern 162, thereby forming attachment points 167a that are more discrete than those that they would be formed by a linear spray application. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that most of the first adhesive 160 sprayed in this manner aligns in the structural direction D.

Preferably, the second and third adhesives 160 and 164 are the same elastomeric adhesive. A preferred adhesive for use in the second and third spiral dew sprays 162 and 166 is made by Findley Adhesive Company under the designation H2120. Preferably, the added level for each of the second and third spiral sprays 162 and 166 is from about 4 to about 12 milligrams per square inch, more preferably about 8 milligrams per square inch. The elastic material 124 of the present invention is applicable to a variety of disposable products, including sweat bands, bandages, and disposable garments including disposable diapers and incontinence devices. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described only for disposable garments including pull-on disposable diapers herein below, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the applications of the present invention are not limited to those embodiments. Referring to Figure 5, a disposable garment 20 of the present invention comprises a chassis 41 having a front region 26; a posterior region 28 and a crotch region 30 between the frontal region 26 and the posterior region 28; and at least a pair of side panels 46 or 48 extending laterally outward of the chassis 41 in the front region 26 or in the rear region 28. At least one of the side panels 46 or 48 comprises elastomeric material 124 (not shown in FIG. Figure 5) extending laterally outwardly of the chassis 41. The chassis 41 comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 24, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 22 associated with the topsheet 24, and an absorbent core 25 (not shown in Figure 5). ) disposed between the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 22. The elastomeric material 124 has a holding force sustained after 12 hours to a 50% extension (RFH12H) of at least about 40 / g / inch, and may additionally have another preferred extension property of the elastomeric material 124 which has already been described. At least a pair of the side panels can be either a pair of front side panels 46 or a pair of rear side panels 48. In a preferred embodiment wherein the disposable garment 20 is a pull-on disposable diaper, at least a pair of the side panels comprises a pair of front side panels 46 provided in the front region 26 and a pair of rear side panels 48 provided in the rear region 28, and the disposable garment 20 further comprises seams 32 joining each corresponding edges of the side panels 46 and 48, thereby forming two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. In another preferred embodiment wherein the disposable garment 20 is a disposable diaper type tape, at least a pair of the side panels is the rear side panel 48. Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a disposable garment of the present invention. n (ie, a pull-on diaper 20). The pull-on diaper 20 comprises a chassis 41 having the front region 26, the back region 28 and the crotch region 30 between the front region 26 and the back region 28. The chassis 41 comprises the top sheet 24 permeable to the liquid, the liquid impervious backsheet 22 associated with the topsheet 24 and an absorbent core 25 (not shown in Figure 5 but in Figure 6) disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22. The pull-on diaper 20 comprises in addition the front side panels 46 each extending laterally outwardly from the corresponding side of the chassis 41 in the front region 26, and the rear side panels 48 extending each laterally outwardly from the corresponding side of the chassis 41 in the rear region 28. Preferably, at least one pair of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction. The pull-on diaper 20 further comprises seam panels 66 each extending laterally outwardly from each of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48.; and tear-opening tabs 31 each extending laterally outwardly from seam panels 66. Other preferred examples of pull-on diaper 20 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234 to Buell et al. on October 29. 1996. Preferably at least one of, more preferably both, of the pairs of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 is elastically extensible. As used herein, the term "extensible" refers to materials that are capable of extending in at least one direction to a certain degree without undue rupture. The terms "elasticity" and "elastically extensible" refer to extensible materials that have the ability to return to approximately their original dimensions after they withdraw the force that sent the material. As used herein, any material or element described as "extensible" may also be elastically extensible unless otherwise provided. The extendable side panels 46 and / or 48 provide a more comfortable and contour fit by initially comfortably adjusting the diaper to the wearer and holding this adjustment throughout the time of use even after the diaper is loaded with exudates because the Side panels 46 and / or 48 will allow the sides of the diaper to expand and contract. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are elastically extensible only in the lateral direction. In an alternate embodiment, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. A continuous belt 38 is formed by the front and rear side panels 46 and 48, and a portion of the chassis 41 around the waist opening 36. Preferably, the elasticized waist belts 50 are provided in both of the front region 26 and the belt. rear region 28. The pull-on diaper 20 further comprises elastic aspects for the leg 52. The continuous belt 38 acts to dynamically create forces of adjustment in the pull-on diaper 20 when placed on the wearer, to maintain the pull-on diaper. on 20 in the user even when loaded with the body exudates thereby maintaining the absorbent core 25 in close proximity to the wearer, and for distributing the dynamically generated forces during use around the waist thereby providing complementary support for the absorbent core 25 without omerating or stacking the absorbent core 25. The front and rear side panels 46 and 48 may be formed by eleme Units of the pull-on diaper 20 (ie, these are not separately manipulated elements secured to the pull-on diaper 20, but instead are formed from and are extensions of one or more of the various layers of the pull-diaper. on). In a preferred embodiment, each of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 is a projected member of the chassis 41 (shown more clearly in Figure 6). Preferably, the front side panels 46 and the rear side panels 48 comprise at least one unitary element or a continuous sheet material (e.g., the non-woven material of the backsheet 23 in Figure 7) that forms a part of the chassis 41 and extends continuously to the front side panels 46 and the rear side panels 48. In the preferred embodiments, each of the seam panels 66 is an extension of the corresponding front and rear side panels 46 and 48, or at least one of the component elements used there, or any other combination of the elements. Preferably, each of the tear-open tabs 31 is also an extension of the corresponding seam panels 66 or at least one of its component elements used therein, or any other combination of the elements. Alternately, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 may be discrete members (not shown in the figures) that do not have any unitary element that forms a part of the chassis 41. The front and rear side panels are formed by joining the discrete members to the edges interiors of the chassis 41. The pull-on diaper 20 further comprises stitching 32 joining each to the corresponding edges of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48, thereby forming two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. Preferably, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are sewn, preferably through the seam panels 66, in an overlapping manner to make an overlapping seam structure. Alternatively, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 may be sewn in a flat splice seam manner (not shown in the figures). The joining of the seams 32 can be accomplished by any suitable means known in the art appropriate for the specific materials employed in the front and rear side panels 46 and 48. In this way, sound sealing, heat sealing, bonding by pressure, the adhesive or adherent bond, the seam, the autogenous bond and the like can be appropriate techniques. Preferably, the seam panels 66 are joined by a predetermined pattern of heat / pressure or ultrasonic welds that withstand the forces and stresses generated on the diaper 20 during use. Figure 6 is a partially cut-away plan view of the pull-on diaper 20 of Figure 5 in its flat, non-contracted condition (i.e., with the contraction induced by the elastic pulled out except for the side panels 46 and 48 which they are left in their relaxed condition) with the topsheet 24 giving the viewer before the side panels 46 and 48 are joined together by the seams 32. The pull-on diaper 20 has the front region 26, the back region 28 opposite the front region 26, crotch region 30 positioned between front region 26 and rear region 28, and a periphery that is defined by the perimeter or outer edges of pull-on diaper 20 in which side edges are designated 150 and end edges or waist edges are designated 152. The topsheet 24 has a surface that faces the body of the pull-on diaper 20 which is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during use. The backsheet 26 has an outward facing surface or the pull-on diaper 20 which is positioned away from the wearer's body. The pull-on diaper 20 comprises the chassis 41 comprising the upper sheet 24 permeable to the liquid; the liquid impermeable sheet 26 associated with the topsheet 24; and the absorbent core 25 positioned between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. The diaper 20 further comprises the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 extending laterally outwardly of the chassis 41; elastic cuffs for leg 52; and elasticized waistbands 50. Upper sheet 24 and back sheet 26 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of absorbent core 25. Upper sheet 24 and back sheet 26 extend beyond the edges of absorbent core 25 for thus forming the periphery of the diaper 20. The liquid-impermeable backsheet 26 preferably comprises a liquid-impermeable plastic film 68 which is attached to the non-woven material of the backsheet 23. Although the topsheet 24 can be assembled, the backsheet 26 and absorbent core 25 in a variety of well-known configurations, exemplary chassis configurations are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 entitled "Shrinkable side portions for disposable diaper" which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 entitled "Absorbent Article Characteristic of Dynamic Elastic Waistband Having a Predisposed Resilient Flexure Joint" which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al. on September 29, 1992. .

The pull-on diaper 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 110. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the pull diaper. -on 20 which is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel with) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right halves when using the pull-on diaper 20. The terms "transverse" and "lateral" , as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the diaper that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (which divides the wearer into halves of the front and back body). The pull-on diaper 20 and its component materials also have a surface that faces the body which faces the wearer's skin during use and a surface that faces the outside which is the surface opposite to the surface that it gives to the body. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 7-7 of Figure 6. The pull-on diaper 20 comprises the chassis 41 comprising the topsheet 24 permeable to liquid; the liquid impermeable sheet 26 associated with the topsheet 24; and the absorbent core 25 positioned between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. The diaper further comprises front side panels 46 each extending laterally outwardly of the chassis 41; and the elastic cuffs for the leg 52. Although Figure 7 represents only the structure of the front side panel 46, preferably the rear side panels 48 have similar structures. Preferably, the chassis 41 further comprises an acquisition / distribution layer 82 and / or an acquisition / distribution core 84 between the topsheet 24 and the absorbent core 25. Each of the front side panels 46 is formed by the lamination of a extended part 72 of the barrier flap 56, an elastic member 70 and the non-woven material of the backsheet 74.

The absorbent core 25 may be any absorbent member that is generally capable of compressing, conformable, non-irritating to the user's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain exudates from the body. The absorbent core 25 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass-shaped, "T" -shaped, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of absorbent materials. liquid commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as crushed wood pulp which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; polymers extruded by melting and blowing including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 25 may be varied (eg, the absorbent core 25 may have varying gauge zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or acquisition zones with lower average density or lower average basis weight, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 can also be varied to encompass users ranging from babies to adults. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 must be compatible with the design load and intended use of the diaper 20. A preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 has an asymmetric absorbent core in the form of a modified hourglass 25 having ears on it. the front and rear waist regions 26 and 28. Other exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 25 which have achieved wide acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,610,678 entitled "High Density Absorbing Structures" issued to Weisman and others on September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent articles with cores in double layers" issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent Core Having A Dust Cap" issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled "High density absorbent members having lower density and lower basis weight acquisition zones", issued to Aleman and others on March 30, 1989. The chassis 41 may further comprise an acquisition / distribution core 84 of chemically hardened fibers placed on the absorbent core 25, thereby forming a dual core system. Preferred dual core systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,423, entitled "Absorbent article with elastic waist feature and improved absorbency" issued to Aleman and others, August 10, 1993; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345 entitled "High Efficiency Absorbent Handling Articles for Incontinence Management" issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor on September 15, 1992. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition / distribution core is provided. comprises chemically treated, hardened cellulosic fiber material, available from Weyerhaeuser Co. (EUA) under the trade designation of CMC. More preferably, the chassis 22 further comprises an acquisition / distribution layer 82 between the top sheet 24 and the acquisition / distribution core 84 as shown in Figure 7. The acquisition / distribution layer 82 is provided to assist reducing the tendency of the surface moisture of the upper sheet 24. The acquisition / distribution layer 82 preferably comprises carded, high-bulging, resin bonded nonwoven materials, such as, for example, available as code No. FT-6860 from Polymer Group, Inc., North America (Landisiville, New Jersey, USA) which is made of polyethylene terephthalate fibers of 6 dtex, and have a basis weight of approximately 43 g / m2. The topsheet 24 is preferably docile, gentle in feel, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 24 is permeable to liquid allowing liquids (eg, urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 24 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with openings; plastic films with openings, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams, cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers) or a combination thereof. natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 is preferably made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids that have passed through the topsheet 24 and are contained within the absorbent core 25 (i.e., prevent rewetting). If the upper sheet 24 of a hydrophobic material is made, at least the upper surface of the upper sheet 24 is treated to make it hydrophilic in such a way that the liquids will transfer through the upper sheet more quickly. This decreases the likelihood that the body exudates will flow out of the topsheet 24 instead of being drawn through the top sheet 24 and absorbed by the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 24 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with an agent surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet 24 with the surfactant and immersing the material within the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of said treatment and the hydrophilic capacity are contained in U.S. Patent No. 4, 988,344 entitled "Absorbent articles with multi-layer absorbent layers" issued to Reising, et al. On January 29, 1991 and in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent articles with fast acquisition absorbent cores" issued to Reising on January 29, 1991. In the preferred embodiments, the topsheet 24 is a nonwoven web that can provide the reduced tendency for surface moisture; and consequently facilitates keeping the urine absorbed by the absorbent core away from the user's skin, after it gets wet. One of the preferred top sheet materials is a thermally bonded carded web which is available as a No. P-8 code from Fiberweb North America, Inc. (Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA). Another preferred top sheet material is available as code No. S-2355 from Havix Co., Japan. This material is a composite material of two layers, and made of two types of synthetic two-component fibers treated with surfactant using carding technologies and placed with air. Still another preferred top sheet material is the thermally bonded carded web which is available as the No. No. Profleece code, style 040018007 from Amoco Fabrics, Inc. (Gronau, Germany). Another preferred top sheet 24 comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings for the topsheet 24 are preferred because they are permeable to body exudates and still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass through and re-wet the skin of the body. user. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorption structures having tapered capillaries" which was issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable absorbent article having a stain-resistant top sheet", which was issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Elastic plastic weft exhibiting fiber-like properties" which was issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic screen exhibiting non-glossy visible surface and fabric-like fingerprint" which was issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394"Multi-Layered Polymer Film" issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 22 comprises the liquid impervious film 68 as shown in, for example. example, Figure 7. The liquid impervious film 68 has a surface that faces the body and an outward facing surface. The liquid impermeable film 68 is preferably impermeable to liquids (eg, urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film. However, more preferably, the plastic film allows the vapors of the diaper 20 to escape. In a preferred embodiment, a microporous polyethylene film is used for the plastic film 68. A suitable microporous polyethylene film is manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Nagoya, Japan and is marketed in the trade as Espoir No. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid impervious film 68 (ie, the plastic film 68 in Figure 6) extends in the front, back and crotch regions 26, 28 and 30. Preferably, the plastic film 68 has a non-uniform width to form a first part 94 in at least a portion of the crotch region 30, a second portion 96 in at least a portion of the front region or back 26 and 28. The second portion 96 has a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the first portion 94 such that the plastic film 68 does not extend e towards the front side panels 46 or the rear side panels 48. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral width LW of the plastic film 68 gradually decreases toward the waist edges 152., as shown in Figure 6. A suitable material for the plastic film 68 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm, preferably comprising polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, the plastic film has a basis weight of about 5 g / m2 to about 35 g / m2. However, it must be distinguished that other flexible liquid impervious materials can be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will readily conform to the figure and general contour of the human body. Preferably, the backsheet 22 further comprises a nonwoven web 23 that is bonded to the outward facing surface of the plastic film 68 to form a laminate (i.e., backsheet 22). The nonwoven web (or the non-woven web of the backsheet) 23 is placed on the outermost part of the diaper 20 and covers at least a portion of the outermost portion of the diaper 20. In a preferred embodiment, the non-woven web 23 covers almost the entire area of the outermost portion of the diaper 20. The nonwoven web 23 can be joined to the plastic film 68 by any suitable joining means known in the art. For example, the non-woven web 23 can be secured to the plastic film 68 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, spirals or spots of adhesive. Suitable adhesives include a thermal fusion adhesive obtainable from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan as H-2128, and the thermal fusion adhesive obtainable from H.B. Fuller Japan Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan as JM-6064.In a preferred embodiment, the non-woven web 23 is a carded non-woven web, for example obtainable from Havix, Co., Ltd., Gifu, Japan as E-2341. The non-woven web 23 is made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PE / PET ratio is approximately 40/60. The PE / PET two-component fiber has the dimension of 2d x 51 mm. Another preferred carded nonwoven web is obtainable from Chisso Corp., Osaka, Japan. The non-woven outer cover 23 is also made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PE / PET ratio is approximately 30/70. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven web is a spunbonded non-woven web, for example obtainable from Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. The nonwoven web is made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). The PE / PP ratio is approximately 80/20. The PE / PP two-component fiber has the thickness which is approximately 2.3d. The backsheet 22 is preferably positioned adjacent the surface that faces the outside of the absorbent core 25 and is preferably attached thereto by any suitable fixation means known in the art. For example, the backsheet 22 can be secured to the absorbent core 25 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, coils, or spots of adhesive. The adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and they are marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment means comprising a network of open-pattern adhesive filaments is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Garment for Containment of Waste", which was issued to Minetola and others. on March 4, 1986. Other suitable joining means comprising several lines of adhesive filaments twisted in a spiral pattern are illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, and others on November 22, 1978; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the joining means may comprise heat bonds, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints or any other means of bonding. suitable binding or combinations of these joining means as are known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent core 25 is not attached to the backsheet 22, and / or to the topsheet 24 so as to provide greater extension capacity in the front region 26 and in the back region 28. The pull-on diaper 20 preferably further comprises elasticized cuffs for leg 52 to provide improved containment of liquids and other exudates from the body. Elastic leg cuffs 52 may comprise several different embodiments to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (The leg cuff can be and is sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds or elastic folds.) U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper that provides a collapsible leg opening. having a lateral flap and one or more elastic members to provide an elastic cuff for the leg (packing fist). U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Fins" issued to Aziz et al. On March 20, 1990, discloses a disposable diaper having vertical elasticized fins (barrier folds) to improve containment. the regions of the leg. U.S. Patent No. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbing article having double cuffs" issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987; and U.S. Patent No. 4,795,454 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Double Leak Resistant Cuffs" issued to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, discloses disposable diapers having double cuffs including a packing cuff and a barrier cuff . U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115 entitled "Disposable Garment for Containment of Waste" issued to Buell on November 3, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper or an incontinence garment having guarding channels against leaks in the body. the lateral edge configured to contain the free liquids inside the garment. Each of the elastic cuffs for the leg 52 may be configured to be similar to any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs described above, but it is preferred that each elastic cuff for the leg 52 comprise cuffs internal barrier 54 each comprising a barrier fin 56 and spacing means 58 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) as described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,909,803. In a preferred embodiment, the elasticized cuff for the leg 52 further comprises an elastic packing cuff 62 with one or more elastic yarns 64 (as shown in Figure 6), placed outside the barrier cuff 54 as described in the aforementioned US Patents Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454. The pull-on diaper 20 preferably comprises an elasticated waistband 50 which provides improved containment and fit. The elastic waistband 50 is that part or area of the pull-on diaper 20 which is intended to expand and contract elastically to dynamically adjust the wearer's waist. The elasticized waistband 50 preferably extends longitudinally outward from at least one of the waist edges of the absorbent core 25 and generally forms at least a portion of the end edge of the pull-on diaper 20. Preferably, the pull-on diaper 20 has two elastified waistbands 50, one placed in the back region 28 and the other placed in the front region 26, although other pull-on diapers can be constructed with an individual elasticized waistband. The elasticated waistband 50 can be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,515,595 entitled "Disposable diapers with elastically shrinkable waistbands" issued to Kievit et al. On May 7, 1985 and the aforementioned one. U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell. The waistbands 50 may comprise materials that have been "pretensioned", or "mechanically pretensioned" (i.e., subjected to some degree of mechanical stretching with a localized pattern) to permanently elongate the material. The materials can be pretensioned using deep enhancement techniques as are known in the art. Alternatively, the materials may be pretensioned by directing the material through an incremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,330,458 entitled "Absorbent article with elastic characteristic having a mechanically pre-stressed part" issued to Buell et al., July 19, 1994. The materials are then left to return to their substantially unstressed condition, thus forming a stretch laminate with zero tension that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretch. Examples of materials with zero stress are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,075,189 issued to Galligan on March 30, 1937; U.S. Patent No. 3,025,199 issued to Harwood on March 13, 1962; and in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,107,364 and 4,209,563 issued to Sisson on August 15, 1978 and June 24, 1980, respectively; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on September 29, 1992. Referring to Figure 7, at least one of the front and rear side panels (i.e., the front side panels 46 in this embodiment) comprise the elastic member 70 of the present invention. The elastic member 70 comprises the elastomeric material 124 which preferably extends laterally outwardly of the chassis 41 to provide good adaptability by generating an optimal (or sustained) retention force in the wearer's waist area. Preferably, the elastomeric material 124 is extensible in at least one direction, preferably in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction to generate a retaining (or sustained) force that is optimal to prevent the pull-on diaper. Drop, loosen or slide down from your position on the torso without causing red-hot marking on the user's skin. In the preferred embodiments, both of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 comprise the elastomeric material 124. The elastic member 70 comprising the elastomeric material 124 (not shown in Figure 7) is operatively attached to at least one of the nonwoven webs 72 and 74 on the front and back side panels 46 and 48 to allow the elastic member 70 to be elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic member 70 is operatively bonded to the non-woven webs 72 and 74 by securing them at least one, preferably both, of the non-woven webs 72 and 74 while they are in a substantially unstressed condition (zero voltage). The elastic member 70 can be operatively joined to the nonwoven webs 72 and 74, using either the intermittent link configuration or a substantially continuous link configuration. As used herein, an "intermittently bonded" laminate web means a laminated web wherein the webs are initially joined to each other at separate discrete separate points or a laminated web wherein the webs are substantially non-bonded to each other in discrete discrete areas apart. Conversely, a laminated web attached "substantially continuously" means a laminated web wherein the webs are initially bonded substantially continuously to each other in all areas of the web. Because it is preferred that the stretch laminate be bonded primarily or a significant portion of the stretch laminate such that the non-elastic webs (i.e., the non-woven webs 72 and 74) elongate or stretch without causing breakage, and the layers of the stretch laminates are preferably bonded in a configuration which maintains all the layers of the stretch laminate in relatively close adhesion to one another after the incremental mechanical stretching operation, the elastic panel members and the other sheets of the stretch laminate are substantially continuously joined together using an adhesive. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the selected adhesive is applied in a spiral pattern (as shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 (Sprague, Jr.) and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 (Werenicz )) at a basis weight of about 0.00116 grams / cm2. The spirals have a width of approximately 1.9 cm and are placed either just close to each other or slightly overlap (less than 2 mm). The adhesive is preferably an adhesive such as is available from Findley Adhesives under the designation H2120: Alternately, the elastic panel member and any other components of these stretch laminates may be intermittently or continuously bonded to one another using union with heat, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical dynamic bonding, or any method as is known in the art. After the elastic member 70 is operatively attached to at least one of the non-woven webs 72 and 74, at least a portion of the resulting composite stretch laminate is then subjected to sufficient mechanical stretching to permanently lengthen the non-elastic components which are, for example, the non-woven webs 72 and 74. The composite stretch laminate is then allowed to return to its substantially unstressed condition. At least one pair, preferably both of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are thus formed in the stretch laminates with "zero tension". Particularly preferred methods and apparatuses used to make the stretch laminates use cogged gear rollers to mechanically stretch the components. Particularly preferred apparatuses and methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,167,897 issued to Weber and others on the 1st. December 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,156,793 issued to Buell et al. on October 20, 1990; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,143,679 issued to Weber and others on the 1st. September 1992. It should be distinguished that the Japanese equivalent applications to these North American patents were published (open to the public) in Japan under the numbers H6-505681, H6-505408 and H6-505446, respectively. The elastic member 70 is preferably attached to, more preferably directly secured to the respective edges 78 of the liquid impervious film (i.e., the plastic film 68) through an adhesive 76 as shown in Figure 7. Preferably, the adhesive 76 is applied as a drop. In the preferred embodiments, the adhesive 76 is a flexible adhesive with an amorphous and crystalline component. These preferred adhesives are made by Findley Adhesive Company under the designation H9224. Alternatively, the elastic member 70 may be attached to the respective edges 78 of the plastic film 78 by another joining means known in the art which comprises heat bonds, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints, or combinations of these means of union. In a preferred embodiment, for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the elastic member 70 is attached to the second portion 96 which has a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the first portion 94. Preferably, the elastic member 70 is attached to the respective edges 78 of the plastic film 68 on the exterior facing surface 76 as shown in Figure 7. In an alternative embodiment, the elastic member 70 may be attached to the respective edges 78 of the film plastic 68 on the surface that faces the body 79 (not shown in the figures). It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes will be suggested by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. An elastic member elastically extensible in at least one direction, comprising: an elastomeric canvas material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a first layer of cover material that is bonded to the first surface of the elastomeric canvas material, wherein the elastomeric canvas material has an elongation of the break (EB) of at least about 600%.

An elastic member elastically extensible in at least one direction, comprising: an elastomeric canvas material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a first layer of cover material that is bonded to the first surface of the elastomeric canvas material, wherein the elastomeric canvas material has a tear resistance (TR) of at least about 16 hours.

The elastic member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second layer of cover material which is bonded to the second surface of the elastomeric canvas material.

The elastic member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the layer of cover material is a consolidated nonwoven web.

The elastic member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is formed from a stretch laminate with "zero tension".

6. The elastic member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastomeric canvas material has a recovery force in the second cycle at 50% extension (SCRF50%) of about 40 g / inch to about 130 g / inch.

The elastic member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastomeric canvas material has an extension force in the first cycle at 100% extension (FCEF100%) of at least about 100 g / inch, and an extension force in the first cycle at 200% extension (FCEF200%) of between about 160 g / inch and about 320 g / inch.

8. A disposable garment comprising: a chassis having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region, the chassis comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet impervious to liquid. liquid associated with the top sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; at least a pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly of the chassis in the front or rear region; and at least one of the side panels comprising an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly of the chassis; wherein the elastomeric material has an elongation at break (EB) of at least about 600%.

9. A disposable garment comprising: a chassis having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region, the chassis comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet impervious to liquid. liquid associated with the top sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; at least a pair of side panels extending laterally outwardly of the chassis in the front or rear region; and at least one of the side panels comprising an elastomeric material extending laterally outwardly of the chassis; wherein the elastomeric canvas material has a tear resistance (TR) of at least 24 hours.

The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least a pair of side panels is a pair of front side panels provided in the front region or a pair of rear side panels provided in the rear region .

11. The elastic member according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the side panels is formed from a stretch laminate with "zero tension".

The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least a pair of the side panels comprises a pair of front side panels provided in the front region and a pair of rear side panels provided in the region the backing, and the disposable garment further comprises seams that join each of the corresponding edges of the side panels, thereby forming two leg openings and a waist opening.

The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastomeric material has a recovery force in the second cycle at 50% extension (SCRF50%) of about 40 g / inch to about 130 g / inch.

The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastomeric material has an extension force in the first cycle at 100% extension (FCEF100%) of at least about 100 g / inch, and a extension force in the first cycle at 200% extension (FCEF200%) of between approximately 160 g / inch and approximately 320 g / inch.

15. The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastomeric material is an elastomeric canvas.

16. The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastomeric material is a perforated film.

17. The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the front and rear side panels comprises a continuous sheet material extending continuously from the chassis.

18. The disposable garment according to claim 17, wherein the web material is a non-woven material of the backsheet.

19. The disposable garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastomeric material is attached to the edge of the chassis.

20. The disposable garment according to claim 12, wherein the corresponding front and back side panels are sewn in an overlapping manner to form an overlapping seam structure.