MXPA00009472A - Elastic tab laminate - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an extensible elastic tab designed to be adhered to the edge of an article, formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer on at least a first face of the elastic layer with at least one face of the coextruded elastic film attached to at least a partially extensible nonwoven layer. The partially expandable, or extensible nonwoven layer has at least one first portion with limited extensibility in a first direction and at least one second inextensible portion in the first direction. The extensible elastic tab when stretched to the extension limit of the first portion or portions in the first direction will elastically recover at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 2 cm providing an elastic tab having a Useful Stretch Ratio (as defined in the Examples) of at least 30 percent. The Useful Stretch Ratio includes the portion of the elastic recovery length having an elastic recovery force of greater than 20 grams/cm force, but below a given extension which generally is 90 percent of the extension limit. Further the elastic tab in the region of the Useful Stretch Ratio preferably has an incremental extension force of less than about 300 grams/cm. The invention tab provides definable predictable elastic performance and is useful as a fastening tab used to join to surfaces requiring elastic engagement, particularly a person or animal. The tab is particularly useful as a diaper fastening tab.

Description

LAMINATE OF ELASTIC EARRINGS.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a stretchable elastic tongue usable as a fastening tongue for closing limited-use clothing products and disposable absorbent articles such as brief incontinence pads and underpants, training pants, diaper liners. , sanitary ware and similar articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The provision of elastic in or adjacent to body-fitting portions of limited-use clothing products and disposable absorbent clothing products is widely spread in both the patent and commercial products, where Generally, elastic films, strands, foam or non-woven materials are used. These elastic materials when applied directly to a limited-use clothing product or disposable absorbent article, in the proposed area to attach a portion of one's body REF. : 123240 that you use, are generally applied to the product or article of clothing in a more extended state. When the stretched elastic recovers its folds the material forming the portion engages the body, of the disposable absorbent article or limited wearing apparel or the like, in which the elastic is bonded. It has been proposed to provide only portions of the portion that engage the body with elastic. For example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,857,067; 5,156,973 and 4,381,781, it has been proposed that the elastic be provided only on a handle portion extending outward from a diaper. By placing the elastic in this loop portion that extends outwardly, the coupling effect of the elastic is not interrupted by the reinforcement with the absorbent core. For example, when the elastic is placed in a portion of the front band (where the elastic is commonly located), the elastic can be reinforced by the absorbent core structure below the band at the front. In U.S. Patent No. 4,857,067, the elastic used is preferably a heat shrinkable elastic, which is applied in an extended unstable condition and allowed to recover by the application of heat. This causes the inelastic material of the handle portion to join the folds. In U.S. Patent No. 5,156,743 the elastic material is an elastic like a conventional film, which is applied to a diaper on the handle portion in an unstressed state followed by a localized stretching of the resulting laminate at a location where the elastic it is joined by the pleated waves of the meshes, which are intermittently coupled and uncoupled with the laminated material in a direction towards the machine. The inelastic material of the handle is permanently deformed by this localized stretching and the folds of the deformed inelastic material when the stretched stretched elastic is recovered. In U.S. Patent No. 4,381,781, an elastic film is located in a handle portion of a diaper, in which the non-elastic material in the handle portion has been cut or removed, so that the elastic can be applied to the handle. a state not stressed and relatively unimpeded when extended. It has also been proposed to provide an elastic material outside the side edge of a disposable absorbent clothing product or the like, in association with a fastener. The fastening element when it is taken, tensioned and secured causes the elastic to extend. The stretched elastic then stresses the portion that engages the body to which it is operably attached. This approach is desirable, such that the elastic does not need to be attached to the inelastic elements of the article in an extended state, which becomes difficult and the elastic is not reinforced by the adjacent or adjacent inelastic material forming the article and its components. For example, a fastening tape or tongue having a specific elastic region, described in US Pat. No. 5,057,097, is provided, which proposes the formation of a fastening tab wherein the tongue backing is a multilayer film formed of a layer of elastic center and inelastic outer layers. The coextruded material described should stretch beyond a point or range of performance after which the coextruded material exhibits elastic properties in a central region. In general, the co-extruded materials described were elongated to approximately 400%. Generally, the force at 50% elongation for the second pull of the elastic material is a fraction of this 50% strength of the inelastic material for the initial elongation. This is not desirable for a material that can be used in the first pull. In addition, the operation of this material is unpredictable in use. The end user has no clear indication of whether the pulling of the elastic material can be stopped to achieve activation (for example, the initial strength at 50% elongation is substantially the same as the initial strength at 400% elongation). This initial elongation is important as the performance of the elastic in use (ie, in the second and subsequent pull), is dictated by the extent to which the materials are initially stretched. The user can choose the extension of the material at 50% or 700% or in some cases in bet. As such, the performance of the elastic in use is extremely variable, depending on the particular user and how broad he or she chooses to initially extend the tongue. Another elasticized fastening tape product is described in European Patent 704196, which indicates that conventional elastic fastening tapes are provided by laminating the ends of the stretchable and non-stretchable portions, which provide ineffective connections under industrial This patent proposes that the total stretchable elastic material will continuously bond to a central portion of a fastening tab in which the central portion is then selectively stretched subsequently as such portion of the laminated material passes through the pleated waves of the fibers. tights. This solution in progress results in some of the same problems as the binding of the elastic to the product of clothing itself. U.S. Patent No. 5,549,592, discloses a laminated fastening tape tab wherein the same problem of a weak bond bet the ends of an elastic panel and a fastening tab are directed to provide a reinforcing strip to this bond location. The provision of the elastic panels on the outside of a disposable absorbent clothing product is also disclosed in US Patent No. 5,669,897 (2 elastic panels are provided with different directions of extensibility attached at one end to a fastening tab and at the other end to the side edge of the disposable absorbent clothing product). The U.K. Patent Application 2,284,742, which is similar to U.S. Patent No. 5,549,592, provides a specific reinforcement material at the location near a fastening tab attached to a section of elastic panel. However, this reinforcement is provided in locations preferably directly at the point of attachment bet the locking tab and the elastic loaves, providing a "stretch beam section" facilitated in the distribution of forces through the elastic panel. U.S. Patent No. 5,399,219 also discloses an elastic panel fastening tab similar to that of 5,549,592, however a reinforcing material is provided which is attached to both the backing material of the tape and the side panels. In US Patents Nos. 5,593,401; 5,540,796 and Application U.K 2,291,783, the side panels are attached to bridge elements, which are connected to the side panels, laterally opposite.

Brief Description of the Invention The invention relates to an extendable tongue designed to adhere to the board of an article formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer in at least one first layer of the invention. elastic layer. One side of the coextruded elastic film is attached to at least one layer with no partially extensible fabric. The non-expandable or extensible nonwoven layer has at least a first portion with limited extensibility in a first direction, and at least a second portion inextensible in the first direction. The stretchable elastic tongue when stretched to the extension limit of the first portion or portions in the first direction, will elastically recover at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, providing an elastic tongue having a Stretch Ratio Employed (as is defined in the Examples) of at least 30 percent. The Stretch Ratio Used or Useful includes the portion of the recovered length of the elastic having an elastic recovery force greater than 20 grams / cm of force, but below a given extension, which is generally 90 percent of the limit of extension. In addition, the elastic tongue in the region of the Used or Useful Stretch Ratio preferably has a progressive extension force of less than about 300 grams / cm. The second layer of the coextruded elastic film is preferably a relatively inelastic material or a mixture and is provided on both sides of at least one elastic layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disposable absorbent article, using an extensible elastic fastening tab, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of a composite material of a stretchable elastic fastening tab, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an extensible resilient fastening tab formed from the composite material of Figure 2. Figure '4 is a side view of a composite material of an extensible resilient fastening tab, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an expandable non-woven fabric usable in an elastic fastening tab, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an extendable nonwoven fabric of Figure 5 in an extended state. Figure 7 is a side view of an extensible elastic fastening tongue material according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view of an extensible resilient fastening tab in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a side view of an extensible resilient fastening tab according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a method and apparatus for making the first embodiment of the composite material of the stretchable elastic fastening tab of Figure 2 of the present invention.

Figure 11 is an elongated sectional view of a portion of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a graph of the force against elongation of a coextruded elastic film usable in the laminate of the invention. Figure 13 is a graph of the Stretch Relationships Employed or Useful against the ratio of the core layer to the thickness of the liner layer of the coextruded elastic films usable in the elastic tab of the invention. Figure 14 is a graph of the force against elongation of a coextruded elastic film usable in the laminate of the invention, which is the force at an elongation of 90 percent in a second pull.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities The extensible elastic tongue of the invention, is formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer of a relatively inelastic material on at least one first face of the elastic film. The coextruded elastic film is bonded to at least one non-woven layer partially extensible on at least one side, which allows the elastic film to stretch in the extensible portion of the non-woven layer to an expansion limit of this portion of the non-woven layer. tissues. Beyond this expansion limit, the progressive forces required to further stretch the portion of the layer without extensible fabric, are generally increased by at least 100 grams / cm, preferably at least 200 grams / cm. This increase in force corresponds in a general way to the forces necessary to initiate the deformation of the nonwoven layer and provides a clear signal to the user to stop the pulling. In this manner the stretchable elastic tongue will have a predictable elastic operation from one user to the next by virtue of this force increase signal which causes users to uniformly extend the tongue to substantially the same extension limit. The stretchable elastic tongue, when extended to the extension limit provided by the expandable or extensible portions of the nonwoven layer, will elastically recover by the elastic forces provided by the coextruded elastic layer. For a given tab, the length of this recovered elastic is preferably at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 2.0 cm, and more preferably 2.0 to 7.0 for use in more limited use or disposable clothing products. Elastic recovery in this range, allows the elastic tongue to be placed on a wearer, in at least a partially extended state and accommodated for limited changes in dimension, caused by for example, breaths, muscle extensions or the like, without extending beyond the extension limit of the fabricless layer or below the relaxed dimensions of the elastic layer. For other uses, this elastic recovery can be more or less, depending on the range of expansion and adjustability that needs to be accommodated. Within this elastic recovery length there is generally a range where the elastic is used. By use it is suggested that the forces of elastic recovery and progressive extension forces be large enough to fit one that uses but not so high as to cause a stroke or red mark. The limit of the lower elastic recovery force is generally about 20 grams / cm of force and the upper extension force limit is generally in the range of about 300 to 350 grams / cm. However, the red marks depend on the individual and his susceptibility to the blow. Some individuals, mainly adults, may be subjected to higher forces without red markings, while some individuals may be marked red in lower forces, generally, children or infants and / or adults heal favorably. The used range of the elastic tongue is also limited by the extension limit of the layer without bound tissue. Generally, the elastic tongue in use will be used to an extent below its extension limit, generally to approximately 90 percent or less of the extension limit. The elastic range used for the elastic tongue of the invention can be expressed as a ratio of the range of elasticity used (for example, from 20 grams / cm of force up to 90 percent of the extension limit; provided that the progressive extension forces to this extent, are below the force limit of the red mark for the proposed use) divided by the total potential elastic range (for example, 90 percent of the extension limit). In general, this Stretch Ratio Used or Useful (USR) must be greater than 30 percent, preferably greater than 40 percent. This Stretch Ratio Used or Useful is determined first by the coextruded elastic. For example, the decrease in the potential stretch ratio employed may be due to the composition and thickness of the second layers of the liner, the degree of bonding of the elastic co-extruded to the extensible portion of the portion of the layer without extensible tissue and the degree if any to which the extension restricts the portion of the layer without extensible tissue of the elastic layer co-extruded before the extension limit is reached. With the materials of the thicker or stiffer liner layer, the USR decreases in a general way, also the forces of progressive extension increase substantially in the first one, as well as in the subsequent extensions, making the elastic more similar to the that cause the red marks. Thicker liners or stiffer liners also increase the degree of permanent series in the coextruded elastic. Lighter or thinner liner layers allow the elastic tongue to easily extend to low elongations and yet to have relatively relatively useful or useful Stretch Ratios, as well as relatively constant elastic properties on the Stretch Ratio used or useful (for example). example, loss by relatively low hysteresis and flattening strand tension properties). The nonwoven layer may be attached to only a portion of the coextruded elastic film; however, for aesthetics, ease of machinability and performance reasons, the nonwoven layer is generally coextensive with the coextruded elastic film. The expandable portion or portions of nonwoven layers generally extend for at least 30 percent of their original length, preferably at least 75 percent, wherein the preferred range of extensibility is 50 to 400 percent, more preferably from 75 to 200 percent. These lower extension or elongation percentages are made easier for an end user by fully extending the tongue to the extension limit of the extensible portions, which is provided for more predictable and reproducible elastic operation by the tongue. With reference to Figure 1, a perspective view of a conventional diaper is shown, which may employ the stretchable elastic tongue of the invention as a fastening tab on the diaper 1. The diaper 1 is of conventional construction, which it has a flexible backing 2, which may be impermeable to liquid or substantially impervious to liquid and is generally formed into a film or a laminate of a film and a nonwoven layer. The backing layer 2 may also be wet and gas permeable and liquid impervious. An absorbent core structure 9 is generally intermediate between the backing 2 and a liquid permeable face layer 3. The liquid permeable face 3 is generally a nonwoven web, but may also be a perforated film or the like. The extendable elastic tongue is provided as a locking tab 6 adjacent to the side edges 4 in an upper backrest portion 8 of the diaper 1. If necessary, a complementary fastener 5 is provided, which will engage with an undercarriage element. fastener provided at a distal end of the extensible elastic fastening tab 6. The stretchable elastic tab of the invention can be used with other disposable absorbent articles, limited use clothing products or the like, as a fastening tab, when provided with one or more fasteners. The extendable elastic tongue can also be used as a bandage material, an elastic connector or the like, with associated fasteners. When used with the fastening elements, the stretchable elastic tongue can also be used for elastic caps, clothing products, covers or covers, headboards, sports embroidery or the like. In these uses, one or both ends of the fastening tab should be permanently attached to the article to be elasticated such as by heat bonding, ultrasonic bonding, seams or the like. A first embodiment of an extensible resilient tongue of the invention as an extensible resilient tongue 10 material is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of an indefinite length of a laminated tongue 10 fastening material. . The individual locking tabs may be cut from this material, for example, by the use of a knife cutter, or the like, to slot the web of material 10 in the center, resulting in two continuous webs of fixing tab material extensible. The individual locking tabs 22, as shown in Figure 3, can be cut from the wide network materials of individual tabs by a die cutter or the like, with a preselected wide dimension. Generally, the stretchable elastic portion 7 of a single tab can have an amplitude 21 of 1 to 10 cm, preferably 2 to 7 cm. The individual tab 22 can be cut into a rectangular shape as shown in Figure 3. Other shapes are also possible, such as those described in European Patent No. 233704 (Bukhard et al); Japanese Patent Kokai Sho 63-249704 (Yamamoto et al.); European Patent No. 379,850 (Aronson et al.) And US Patent No. 5,312,387 (Rossini et al), and DES 377,979 (Paschko et al). In Rossini et al, fixation tabs are provided with a distal half of free end (maximum amplitude x-y), a proximal half (minimum amplitude y) and an elaborated end (amplitude x). The extensible free end portion of the elastic tab of the invention may preferably be provided in the proximal middle region of the free end form of the fixation tab of Rossini et al. The Rossini et al form can be included with free ends of opposite faces, so that the tabs can be cut from a standard roll of material with little or no debris. This ends in an outward way at the free end. Forms that end inward at a free end of attachment tab are described in Plaschko et al., And Aronson et al; however, these describe forms that are not included, so that the recovery material could be recovered. In Yamamoto et al., And Brukhard et al, similar shapes are shown in which the free ends end more dramatically, so that the opposite free ends can be included with each of the other tongues allowing them to be cut from opposite sides of the roll of the tape with the free ends included in an alternate arrangement, allowing for recovery or without waste. These designs are less desirable when the elastic regions may be generally wider than the region (the proximal half of the free end) provided with the fixation elements (the distal half of the free end). A thinner elastic may, sometimes, be necessary, so that this wider elastic can not cause the smaller fasteners to separate or cause red marks on the wearer. Thinner elastics, however, may result in loss of sturdy tabs that may curl and be more difficult to grasp and apply as a locking tab. The extendable elastic tongue is provided with one or more relatively inextensible zones or portions 18 and one or more relatively extensible portions or portions 7. The tensile zones 7 are elastic due to the material of the coextruded elastic film attached 11. By intextensible, it is suggested that zones 18 will not extend under the average tensions imposed by an average consumer. Generally, zones 18 will not significantly extend when placed under a force of about 300 grams / cm or less, preferably 400 grams / cm or less. This inextensibility is mainly provided by the nonwoven web layer 15 which in the inextensible zones 18 has at least a portion thereof coplanar with the underlying elastic layer in the direction in which the tab is intended to be extended. In Figure 2 the direction of the proposed extensibility is shown by the arrows and the nonwoven web layer 15 is coplanar with the coextruded elastic layer 11 in both the direction of extensibility and the transverse direction (i.e., on paper) . Although not shown in Figure 2, the nonwoven web layer may be coplanar with the elastic layer in one or more crossed directions, or even partially coplanar with the elastic layer 11 in the direction of extensibility, as far as the The nonwoven web layer reinforces the inextensible areas 18 to prevent extension of these areas under forces as described above. The expandable zones 7 are provided by the performance of the layer without substantially inelastic fabric 15 extensible in the extensible zones 7 in the direction, or directions of the proposed extensibility. In Figure 2, the modalities of this extensibility are provided in the zones 7 by making the non-coplanar web layer 15 non-coplanar with the underlying elastic layer 11 in the direction of extensibility. By not coplanar it is suggested that the length of the non-woven web layer 15 (in the plane of the network 15) in the direction of the proposed extensibility be greater than the length (in the plane of the film layer 11) of the underlying elastic film 11, such that the underlying elastic film layer 11 can be extended without permanent deformation of the volume of the nonwoven web layer 15. As such, the nonwoven web layer 15 is non-planar with the underlying elastic layer 11 together with the total, or substantially all the amplitude (the cross direction orthogonal to the direction of extensibility) of the tension that is subjected to the stretchable elastic tongue in the extensible zones 7. The non-woven layer 15 in Figure 2 of the embodiment, is intermittently bonded to the elastic film layer 11 to the linear joining regions 19 with sharp portions 17 projecting outward from the adjacent linear joining regions 19. The length of the non-woven web layer 15 in the curved portions 17 are greater than the length of the material of the elastic film 11 between the same two regions of adjacent joints 19. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the joining regions 19 are mutually p Aralella, substantially linear, equally spaced and orthogonal to the direction of extensibility. This is a preferred arrangement for uniform elastic properties; however, the joining regions 19 may be non-linear or intermittent (e.g., dot link, segmented link lines, circular links or the like) and / or randomly spaced and substantially parallel and still provide uniform elastic properties. Uniform elastic properties are also possible with links of points or regions of links placed in a uniform array or geometric pattern or with non-linear joined lines intersecting in a uniform geometric pattern. By uniform geometrical pattern, it is suggested that the amount of non-woven material between, or within a given bonding pattern, is substantially uniform across the length and breadth of the tensile portion 7. Non-uniform elastic properties may be provided upon delivery the union regions that are non-parallel. For example, the spacing of the joined region may vary in the cross direction of the stretchable elastic tongue, providing a tongue with different degrees of elasticity together with its amplitude. For example, the points or link lines may be randomly separated, converge, diverge or increase in size and / or frequency. Also, the elastic properties may be varied by changing the amplitude or size of one or more curved portions either in the direction of extensibility or the direction of amplitude. Generally, the length ratio of a curved portion to the adjacent elastic between the joined regions is substantially constant at any given point adjacent to the first direction. If this ratio is significantly less for a given curved portion, this particular curved portion may reach its extension limit without deformation, prior to other adjacent portions in the first direction. In addition, stretching could then occur in the remaining curved portions until their limit or extension limits are reached. However, any additional progressive extension force may tend to concentrate in this section of the non-woven web that reaches its extension limit by first making the elastic tab as a total less resistant to permanent deformation (at least in this section or sections). ) when they extend in the first direction. In general, the non-woven web layer 15 is a non-woven network having an initial tensile strength of at least 100 gram / cm, preferably at least 300 grams / cm. Suitable methods for making the nonwoven network include, but are not limited to, aerial laying formation processes, spinning linkage, spun belts, linked fusion networks and linked card networks. Spunbonded webs are made by extruding a thermoplastic fused as filaments from a series of fine die holes in a spinneret. The diameter of the filaments subjected to extrusion is rapidly reduced under tension by for example, by stretching of non-eductive or eductive fluid and other known spinning bonding mechanisms, such as are described in US Pat.

Nos. 4, 340,, 563 (Appel, et al); 3,692,618 (Dorschner et al.); 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 (Kinney); 3,276,944 (Levy); 3,502,538 (Peterson); 3,502,763 (Hartman); and 3,542,615 (Dobo et al). The network linked by spinning is preferably joined. The network layer. no fabric can also be made from linked card webs. Carded nets are made of separate secured fibers, in which the fibers are placed through a unit or combination or carding with separate fibers and aligning the fibers secured in the machine direction, thereby forming Generally, a network without fibrous tissue oriented in the direction of the machine. However, randomisations can be used to reduce this orientation in the machine direction. Once the carded network has been formed, it is then joined by one or more of several link methods to give the proper voltage properties. A binding method is the powder binding, where a powder adhesive is distributed through the network and then activated, usually by heating the network and the adhesive with hot air. Another bonding method is a bonding pattern where heated laminated rolls or ultrasonic bonding equipment are used to join the fibers together, usually in a localized bonding pattern even though the network can be bound across its surface complete if desired. In general, many of the fibers of a network are joined together, most of the tension properties of the non-woven network. Aerial placement is another process by which fibrous nonwoven webs can be made to be used in the present invention. In the aerial placement process, small fiber packages that usually have lengths ranging from about 6 to about 19 millimeters are separated and enter an air supply and then are deposited in a forming sieve, often with the assistance of supply of emptiness. The randomly placed fibers are then bonded to one another using for example hot air or spd adhesive. Blown webs or networks without spun-knitted fabrics known alternatively, or the like, can be used to form the fabric-free webs of the stretchable elastic tabs of the invention. The meltblown networks are formed by the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers from multiple nozzle orifices, in which polymer melt streams are immediately attenuated by air or hot high speed stream together with two nozzle faces immediately to the location in where the polymer leaves the orifices of the nozzles. The resulting fibers are entangled in a coherent network in the resulting turbulent air stream, prior to collection on a collection surface. Generally, in order to provide sufficient integrity and firmness for the present invention, meltblown networks may be further bonded in such a manner through the air, ultrasonic link or heat link, as described above. The elastic film layer 11 is a co-extruded elastic film, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,501,675; 5,462,708; 5,354,597 or 5,344,691, the substance of which are substantially incorporated herein by reference. These references show various forms of multi-layer co-extruded elastic laminates, with at least one elastic core layer and either one or two layers of relatively inelastic lining. The liner layers 13 and 14 can be stretched beyond an elastic limit of these liner layers (i.e., they are permanently deformed) and the co-extruded laminate subsequently recovered in the direction opposite to the direction of stretch by the forces of relatively superior elastic recovery of the elastic core layer. The core layers (13 and 14) recover little or at least less than the elastic core layer 12 and can form a microtextured or microstructured surface in the elastic core layer. This is similar to the folds but not in much larger scale and more regular. Microtexture or microstructure, mean that the core layer (13 or 14), contain irregularities of peaks and basins or folds which are large enough to be perceived by human eyes without help, to cause increased opacity during the opacity of a laminate before the Stretching and recovery. Irregularities are small enough to be perceived as flat or smooth on human skin and amplification is required to observe the details of microtexturing. The liner layers 13 and 14 are generally non-viscous materials or blends, formed of any semicrystalline or amorphous polymer or polymers which are less elastomeric than the elastic core layer, generally inelastic, and which will undergo relatively more deformation permanent that the core layer 12 to the percentage in which the elastic laminate 11 is stretched. Elastomeric materials such as olefinic elastomers, for example, ethylene-propylene elastomers, ethylene propylene dieylene polymer elastomers, metallocene polyolefin elastomers, or ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, or styrene / isoprene, butadiene or block copolymers ethylene-butylene / styrene (SIS, SBS, or SEBS) or polyurethanes or blends with these materials, can be used as long as the provided liner layers are generally non-viscous and preferably can act as barrier layers to any applied adhesive. Generally, the elastomeric materials used are present in a mixture with non-elastomeric materials in a weight percent range of 0-70%, preferably 5-50%. The high percentages of elastomers in the liner layers or linings, generally require the use of entiblock and / or anti-slit agents to reduce the viscose surface and the unrolled or rolled-up forces. Preferably, these layers of liners are polyolefin formed predominantly of polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer, however, these liner layers can also be completely or partially polyamides, such as nylon, polyester, such as terephthalate of polyethylene or the like, and suitable mixtures thereof. Generally, the material of the lining layer after stretching and recovery of the co-extruded elastic is in contact with the material of the elastic core layer in at least one of three suitable ways: first, in continuous contact between the elastic core layer and the micro-textured lining layer, second, in continuous contact between the layers with cohesive failures of the core layer material under the folds of the microtextured lining; and third, an adhesive failure of the liner layer to the core layer under the textured folds with the intermittent liner layer in contact with the core layer to the microtexturized fold basins. Generally, in the context of the present invention, all three forms of shell-to-core contact are acceptable. However, preferably the liner and the core layers are in substantially continuous contact so as to minimize the possibility of delamination of the liner layer or layers from the elastic core layer. Generally, the thickness ratio of the liner layer 12 (combined 13 and 14) to the core layer of the co-extruded film will be at least 1.5, preferably at least 5.0, but less than 100, and more preferably 5.0 to 200. Generally, the total diameter of the multilayer film is preferably 25 to 200 microns. The addition of the materials of the lining layer generally tends to reinforce the layer of the elastic film material as described in the above patent documents. However, in the present invention, the liner layers are provided to be sufficiently thin and / or soft, so that little or no reinforcement of the elastomeric core layer occurs and the co-extruded film is elastic in its initial elongation as well as in its second elongation subsequent to suitably low tension elongation forces and levels of loss of hysteresis when the elastic is recycled in use (for example, by dimensional changes caused by respiration). Generally, the coextruded elastic film has elastic properties in its first and preferably subsequent elongations similar to those of the elastomeric layer material itself, with no point or range of distinctive performance in the first elongation. The elastomeric core layer 12 is formed of a material, which exhibits elastomeric properties at ambient conditions. Elastomeric means that the material will substantially resume its original shape after being stretched. Preferably, the elastomer will sustain only a small permanent series after deformation and relaxation, in which, the series is preferably less than 30 percent and more preferably less than 20 percent of the original stretch of 50 to 500%. The elastomeric material can be either pure elastomer or mixtures with an elastomeric phase or content that will exhibit substantial elastomeric properties at room temperature. Suitable elastomeric thermoplastic polymers include block copolymers, such as those known to one skilled in the art as block copolymers of type A-B or A-B-A or the like. These block copolymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,265,765; 3,562,356; 3,700,633; 4,116,917 and 4,156,673, the substance of which are incorporated herein by reference. Styrene / isoprene, butadiene or ethylene-butylene / styrene block copolymers (SIS, SBS, or SEBS) are particularly employed. (Generally speaking, they are two or more blocks, at least one block A and at least one block B, wherein the blocks can be placed in any order, including linear, radial, branched or star block copolymers). Other elastomeric compositions employed may include elastomeric polyurethanes, copolymers of ethylene tlaes such as ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene / propylene copolymer elastomers or ethylene / propylene / diene terpolymer elastomers. Mixtures of these elastomers with each other or with non-modifying elastomers are also contemplated. The viscosity reducing polymers and plasticizers can also be blended with the elastomers, such as polymers and copolymers of low molecular weight polyethylene and polypropylene, or rubberized resins such as Wingtack ™., rubberized aliphatic hydrocarbons available from Goodyear Chemical Company. Gumming agents can also be used to increase the adhesiveness of an elastomeric layer to a lining layer. Examples of gumming agents include liquid gums of aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, gummed with polyterpene resins, and hydrogenated gum resin. Aliphatic hydrocarbon resins are preferred. Additives such as dyes, pigments, antioxidants, antistatic agents, bonding agents / heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, foaming agents, glass bubbles, reinforcing fibers metal salts and starch for degradability or microfibers can also be used in the lining or elastomeric core linings. The laminate of the invention of Figure 2 is provided by bonding the nonwoven web 15 to the coextruded elastic film 11. This can be done by the heat link, extrusion bond (as shown in Figures 10 and 11) , adhesive bond or similar. A suitable method for forming the laminate of the invention comprises (1) providing a first sheet of polymeric and / or natural fibers without fabrics that are internally bonded; (2) formation of extensible portions of the first sheet of the nonwoven material to have curved portions projecting in the same direction from separate joined regions of the first sheet of the nonwoven material; (3) fused thermoplastic materials subjected to coextrusion that elastically form a film when cooled (e.g., elastomeric core layers of polyester, polyurethane, polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene, polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene or polystyrene-poly (ethylene-butylene) -polystyrene) in the joined regions and the inextensible portions of the first sheet of the material without fabric to form, when cooled and solidified, a coextruded elastic film thermally bonded to and extending between the joining region of the first sheet of the nonwoven material and thermally bonded to the inextensible portions of the nonwoven layer. In the method described above, the forming step (2) may comprise the steps of (a) providing a first and second pleated element generally cylindrical, each having an axis including a multiplicity of spaced ridges defining the periphery of the pleated element , the flanges have exterior surfaces and define spaces between the flanges adapted to receive portions of the flanges of the other pleated element in relation to the mesh with the sheet of the flexible material between them; (b) mounting the pleated elements in axially parallel relationship with portions of the ridges in relation to the mesh; (c) rotating at least one of the pleated elements; and (d) supplying the sheet of the non-woven material between the mesh portions of the ridges forming the sheet of the flexible material at the periphery of the first pleated element and forming the curved portions and the holding portions of the sheet of the material no fabric together with the beads of the first pleated element; and (e) retaining the nonwoven material in the first pleated element by a predetermined distance after the last movement of the mesh portions of the ridges. The extrusion step includes providing extruders which, through a nozzle or mold, co-extrude the fused thermoplastic materials into the bonded regions and the inextensible portions of the nonwoven material together with the periphery of the first pleated element within the predetermined distance. The stretchable elastic tongue according to the present invention may further include a second fabric sheet without fabric or other flexible material having thermally bonded regions bonded to the second binding locations of the face of the second elastic film subjected to coextrusion. In a second embodiment of the invention, the extensible resilient tongue material 20 of the invention, proposed to be used as a fastening tab is shown in Figure 4. In all respects, the identical numbers indicate the identical characteristics discussed relative to the embodiment of Figure 2. In an embodiment of Figure 4, the expandable portion 7 of the nonwoven web layer 15 is provided by compaction of the nonwoven web in the extensible portion 7, the compaction may be accompanied by example , by the use of the "Micrex / Microcreper" equipment available from Micrex Corporation, Walpole, Mass., which owns U.S. Patent Nos. 4,894,169; 5,060,349; and 4,090,385. The nonwoven web 15 is compressed, such that the sheet is compacted in a first direction next to its surfaces and can be easily expanded in such a first direction by partial stretching of the fibers in the nonwoven web. Figures 5-7 show a third embodiment of the extendable elastic tongue of the invention as a locking tab. In this embodiment again the identical numbers indicate identical characteristics discussed relative to the embodiment of Figure 2. In the embodiment of Figures 5-7, the extensible portion 7 is provided by the slotting jump of the nonwoven web 15 in the portion expandable 7 as described in PCT WO 96/10481. The slots 37 may be discontinuous as shown in Figure 5 and are generally cut into the nonwoven web 15 before the web is attached to the elastic film subjected to coextrusion 11. Although it is more difficult, it is also possible to create grooves in the nonwoven web layer after the non-woven web 15 is laminated to the elastic film subjected to extrusion, in such case, it is possible to form a groove that extends through the total width of the web. network without fabric. At least, a portion of the slots 37 in the nonwoven layer 15 should generally be perpendicular (or have a substantial perpendicular vector) to the proposed direction. of extensibility or elasticity (at least to a first direction) of the elastic layer subjected to extrusion 11. Generally perpendicular, it is understood that the angle between the longitudinal axis of the selected groove and the direction of extensibility is between 60 and 120 degrees A sufficient number of the grooves described are perpendicular in a general manner, such that the total laminate is elastic in the extensible portion 7. The provision of grooves in the two directions is advantageous when the elastic laminate 3Ó is proposed to be elastic in the less, two different directions. Figure 6 shows the nonwoven fabric network of Figure 5 after it has been stretched, allowing the grooves to open and expand in the direction of extension. Figure 7 shows a securing tab 30 using the nonwoven web 15 of Figure 5. The nonwoven fabric is bonded to the coextruded elastic film 11 in regions of bonds or junctions 39. In all of the embodiments discussed above, the The extendable elastic tongue of the invention has been illustrated as a fastening tab material provided with fasteners 16, which in these embodiments, are shown as an adhesive patch, generally a pressure sensitive adhesive patch. These patches can be applied as discrete strip coated areas directly on the backing of the coextruded elastic film without referring to the migration of conventional adhesives from the adhesive layer in the elastic film layer 12 because the liner layer 14 is selected for act as a barrier layer. The adhesive layer can be any conventional solution or heat-fused coated adhesive, such as a lightly gummed synthetic gum resin adhesive, an acrylate adhesive, a silicone adhesive, a polyalpha-olefin adhesive, blends or the like. The adhesive layer 16 can also be applied as a transfer adhesive or a double-cover adhesive with a backing. In Figure 8 one of the adhesive fasteners has been replaced with a mechanical fastening element 37, particularly a mechanical hook fastening element 37 having remaining hook elements 36 and a backing layer 38. This fastening element Mechanical 37 can be attached to the elastic film coextruded by the use of hot melt or pressure sensitive adhesives, heat bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or the like. Alternatively, interlocked mechanical fasteners, interlocking mechanical fasteners, or the like, may be used. Preferably, the mechanical fastener 37 will have a backing layer or film 38 which is a thermoplastic material for ease of bonding and recyclability. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the elastic locking tab material 50, the laminated layer of coextruded elastic film 51 has only one lining layer 54 and an elastic layer 52 attached to the non-woven layer 55. An elastic layer 52 is attached to the nonwoven layer 55 and the liner layer 54 is on the opposite side of the elastic layer 52 between the elastic layer and the adhesive of the connecting element 56. If only one layer of liner 54. is provided, the lining layer 54 is preferably placed between the provided fastening elements and the elastic film layer 52. The material of the lining layer can provide a migration barrier layer of the gummed and other molecular weight species low in the elastic layer and also creates a more stable surface for bonding the fasteners, particularly when the lining layer is an inelastic material. The lining layer is also less gummed than the material of the elastic layer so that it is not the same when it is attached to the wearer's skin. An apparatus for forming the stretchable elastic laminate of the invention as shown in Figure 2 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. The equipment for operating the method includes first and second pleated elements 63 and 60, each having an axis and including a multiplicity of spaced ridges (90, 91), which define the periphery of the pleated element 63 or 60. The flanges (90, 91) have exterior surfaces defining spaces 93 and 96, between the flanges (90, 91) . The flanges 91 of one of the pleated elements are adapted to receive portions of the flanges 90 of the other pleated element in mesh relation with the nonwoven material 71 therebetween. Means are provided for mounting the pleated elements 63 and 60 in axially parallel relation. Means are also provided for the rotation of at least one of the pleated elements 63 or 60. When the sheet 71 of the non-woven material is fed between the meshed portions of the flanges 90 and 91, the sheet 71 of the nonwoven material will generally conform the periphery 96 of the first pleated element 63 to form curved portions of the non-woven material 71 in the spaces between the ridges 90 of the first pleated element 63. The joined regions form together with the outer surfaces of the ridges 90 of the first pleated element 63. The surface 96 of the first pleated element 63 is generally uneven when sandblasted or chemically etched and heated to a temperature generally in the range of 10 to 150 Celcius above the temperature of the first sheet 71 of the nonwoven material. This helps retain the nonwoven material 71 together with the periphery of the first pleated element 63 by a predetermined distance after the last movement of the meshed portions of the flanges 90 and 91. A die 66 supplies the elastic thermoplastic material (e.g. elastomeric polyester, polyurethane, polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene, polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene or polystyrene-poly (ethylene-butylene) -polystyrene or the elastomeric polyolefin described in European Patent Application No. 416815 or elastomeric low density polyethylene, such as sold by Dupont Dow Downs in the trade name "Engage") by a first extruder 64, and at least one layer of relatively inelastic liner layer material by a second extruder or extruders 65 to form the coextruded elastic film 70 The fused coextruded film 70 is placed in the joined regions 19 of the first sheet 71 of the non-woven material. together with the periphery of the first pleated element 63 within the predetermined distance. The equipment further includes a generally cylindrical cooling coil 62 having an axis. The cooling coil 62 is rotatably mounted in axially parallel relation to the pleated elements 63 and 60. The periphery of the cooling coil 62 is closely spaced from this and defines a tightening 73 with the periphery of the first pleated element 63 at a predetermined distance from the meshes portions of the flanges 90. A tightening roller 50, or the like, moves the compound of the expandable elastic tongue 71 by a predetermined distance around the periphery of the cooling roller 62 after tightening 73 with the elastic film 70. It comes into contact with the cooling rollers which cool and solidify the elastic film 70.

Test Methods Stretch Ratio Used or Useful The Stretch Ratio Used or Useful is used to help define the elastic properties of the invention. A 2.54 cm x 10.2 cm piece of film, cut in the transverse direction, was mounted on a tension testing machine (Instron ™ Model 55R1122 available from Instron Corp.) with the upper and lower jaws 2.54 cm apart. The jaws in contact with the line are used to minimize the grooves and break in the jaws. The jaws are then separated at a ratio of 12.7 cm / min (first over load) by 2.54 cm (100% elongation), 5.08 cm (200% elongation) or 10.16 cm (400% elongation). The jaws are then held stationary for 1 second after which they return to the zero elongation position (first descending face). The jaws are again held stationary for 1 second, after which they return to 100% position, 200% or 400% elongation (second over load), at a ratio of 12.7 cm / min. The jaws are then again held stationary for 1 second after which they return to the zero elongation position (second down load) to conclude the test. The Stretch Ratio Used or Useful is calculated by subtracting the elongation at which the elastic recovery force is equal to 20 grams / cm during the first down load of 90% of the total initial elongation, dividing by 90% of the initial total elongation, and that expresses the result as a percentage. F9p; 2nd Overload. The potential for placing the red marks on the baby's skin is determined by the F90 on the second overload curve from the test mentioned above. It is defined as the progressive extension force in grams / cm to the point at which the second overload curve reaches 90% of the initial elongation (based on the 1st overload curve) and is reported in the following tables as grams / centimeters of the amplitude of the sample.

Thickness of the Film and Layer The individual layers of the films of this invention are typically very thin (usually <30 microns), and thus it can be difficult to measure its thickness by conventional photomicroscopy techniques. The thickness of the films in the following tables, except the samples of the films 17-20, were determined via the weight and density calculations. A 2.54 cm x 15.24 cm film strip was weighed at 4 decimal places on a Sartorius Analytic Model # A120S scale (Brinkman Instruments, Inc. Westbury NY) and then dissolved in toluene for 24 ñoras. The elastomer component of the block copolymer and the polystyrene component are soluble in toluene, while the polyolefin components are not soluble. The toluene solution was filtered through a Buchner ™ funnel to collect the insoluble fraction of the filter paper. The filter paper was dried for 1 hour at 70 ° C, allowed to equilibrate at room temperature for 1 hour, and then weighted to 4 decimal places on the Sartorius Analytic scale mentioned above. By using the weight (before and after the dissolution), the area, and the density, the thickness of the layer was calculated. The layer thickness of the samples of the film 17-20 was determined by fracturing the films under liquid nitrogen, taking a photograph with an optical microscope, and measuring the layers in the photograph with the length measurement software.

Core: Ratio of thickness The thickness of the core of the elastic layer for each sample is divided by the total thickness of the two layers of the liner added together to carry the Core Thickness Ratio: Reduction Tension Lining25o; 1st Overload The capacity of the co-extruded elastic films, used in the elastic tabs of this invention to retain a given force after stretching (first overload) over time, is determined by the Declining Tension test.; 1st Overload A piece of 2.54 cm x 10.2 mm film, cut in the cross direction, is mounted on a tension testing machine (Instron ™, Model 55R1122 available from Instron Corp) with the upper and lower jaws of 5.08 cm apart. The jaws in contact with the line are used to minimize the grooves and break in the jaws. The jaws are then separated at a ratio of 50.8 cm / min by 12.7 cm (250% elongation). The jaws are then held stationary for 1 second after which they return to the position of zero elongation. The elastic recovery force is measured at the point where the sample initially reaches 250% elongation and at the end of the 1 minute maintenance period. The difference between the initial force and the termination force is expressed as a percentage of the initial force and is referred to as the Decrease Stretch25o; 1st Overload ..

Decrease Stretch7o; 2nd Overload The capacity of the coextruded elastic films, used in the elastic tabs of this invention to retain a given force after stretching (first overload) with time, is determined by the Tension Tension test; 1st Overload A piece of 2.54 cm x 10.2 cm film, cut in the cross direction, is mounted on a tension test machine InstronM Model 55R1122 available from Instron Corp) with the upper and lower jaws of 5.08 cm apart. The jaws in contact with the line are used to minimize the grooves and break in the jaws. The jaws are then separated at a ratio of 50.8 cm / min by 2.54 cm (100% elongation), remaining stationary for 1 second and then returning to the position at 60% elongation (1.52 cm). The jaws are then held for 20 seconds and then separated at a ratio of 50.8 cm / min by 0.25 cm (70% elongation based on the length of the original sample 2.54 cm). The jaws are then held stationary for 1 minute, after which they return to the position of zero elongation. The elastic recovery force is measured at the point at which the sample initially reaches 250% elongation in the curve of the second overload and at the end of the maintenance period of 1 minute. The difference between the initial force and the termination force is expressed as a percentage of the initial force and is referred to as the Decrease Stretch; 2nd Overload.

Strength without coiling The films of this invention are typically produced in large rolls. It is well known that elastic films may exhibit blockages. Blocking is the tendency of a film layer to adhere to an adjacent layer of the film that leads to difficulties in the roll without rolling. The force without winding or winding is used to measure the ease at which the film rolls of this invention can be non-spun. A roll of 15.24 cm wide film, containing approximately 100-200 meters of film, was placed in a free-spinning spindle which was attached at one end to a metal rod which is mounted on the lower jaws of a Instron ™ Model 4501 tension test machine. The outer end of the film in the roll is retained in the upper jaws. The jaws are then separated at a ratio of 50.8 cm / min to about 15.24 cm from the film that has been unrolled from the roll. The force against the displacement stain will typically show an initial region of the force that rapidly increases followed by a region of relatively constant force. The average force in the relatively constant region is divided by the width of the film roll and is expressed as the Force without winding in grams / cm.

Samples of Coextruded Elastic Films Film Samples 1-20 Three layers of films were prepared in an extrusion molding film line, using 3 extruders provided in a Cloeren ™ (Cloeren Co., Orange, TX) ABBBC supply block. The layers A (first layer of liner) of the samples of the film 1-20, were subjected to extrusion with an individual screw extruder of diameter 6.35 cm (24: 1 L / D) prepared by Sterling Extruder (BSP Process Equipment and Systems Sagina, MI). Thin 3825 polypropylene was used for layers A of film samples 1-7 and extruded at a melting temperature of 208 ° C. Layers B (the elastomeric core) of film samples 1-20 were extruded with an individual screw extruder of diameter 6.35 cm (32: 1 L / D) manufactured by U.S Extruded Ineorporated (Hawthorne, NJ). Shell Kraton ™ G1657 SEVS rubber was used for layers B of film samples 1-16 and extruded at a melting temperature of 214 ° C. C layers (second layer of liner) of the film samples 1 -twenty, were subjected to extrusion with an individual screw extruder of diameter 3.81 cm (24: 1 L / D) manufactured by Hartig (Battenfeld Blowmolding Machines, Boonton, NJ). The Fina 3825 polypropylene was used for the C layers of the film samples 1-7 and extruded at an average melting temperature of 180 ° C. DuPont Elvax ™ 3174 EVA was used for layers A of film samples 8-12 and extruded at a melting temperature of 197 ° C. DuPont Elvax ™ 3174 EVA was used for C layers of film samples 8-12 and extruded at a melting temperature of 190 ° C. Huntsman 1058 low density polyethylene was used for the layers A of the film samples 13-16 and extruded at a melting temperature of 207 ° C. The Huntsman 1058 low density polyethylene was used for the C layers of the film samples 13-16 and extruded at a melting temperature of 200 ° C. DuPont Elvax ™ 3174 EVA was used for layers A of film samples 17-20 and extruded at a melting temperature of 207 ° C. Layer B of the 17-20 film samples was a mixture of Dexco Vector ™ 4111 SIS (68%), Hunstman 11S12A polypropylene (30%), and Tech er 1642E4 LDPE / Ti02 (50:50) white concentrate (2). %) and subjected to extrusion at a melting temperature of 214 ° C. Fina 3825 polypropylene was used for the C layers of the film samples 17-20 and extruded at an average melting temperature of 200 ° C. The 3 films of the layer were subjected to extrusion in a tightening formed with a roll of rubber and a steel roll of pattern with the layer C being in contact with the steel roll. The extruder RPM and line speed were varied in the film samples 1-7, 8-12, 13-16, and 17-20 to produce four series of films with increased core-liner thickness ratios, but with relatively constant nucleus and a total film thickness.

Film Samples 21-32 Three layers of films were prepared on a coextrusion molded film line, using 2 extruders providing a Cloeren ™ (Cloeren Co., Orange TX) ABA delivery block. The two layers A (first and second layer of liner) were extruded with an individual screw extruder of diameter 2.54 cm (24: 1 L / D) made by Killion Extruders (Davis-Standard Corp. Cedar Grove, NJ) . The compositions of layer A were blends of Union Carbide 7C12N impact copolymers as a polyolefin base with Dexco Vector ™ 4211 SIS or Engage 8401 ULDPE with component percentages shown in Table 1 below. The antiblocking additives and grooves were also incorporated in the layers of liners in the film samples 30 and 31. The layers A were subjected to extrusion at 55 RPM and a melting temperature of 218 ° C. The B layers (the elastomeric core) were extruded with an individual screw extruder of 6.35 cm in diameter (24: 1 L / D) manufactured by Davis-Standard (Davis-Standar Corp. Pawcatuck, CT). A mixture of Dexco Vector ™ 4211 SIS (85%) and Huntsman G18 polystyrene (15%) was used for the B layers of the film samples 21-34 and extruded at 80-81 RPM and at a melting temperature of 238 ° C. The 3 films of the layer were extruded on a handle formed with a roll of rubber and a roll of chrome.

TABLE 1 15 20 25 Materials Polypropylene 30 MFI of homopolymer 3825, density 0.900, available from Fina Oil & Chemical Co. Dallas Texas. Styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer rubber Shell Kraton ™ G1657, 8.0 MFI, density 0.900, available from Shell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas. Polyethylene-co-vinylacetate from DuPont Elvax ™ 3174 8.0 MI, 18% VA, density 0.941, available from E.I. DuPo'nt Wilmington, Delaware. Huntsman 1058 low density polyethylene, 5.5 MI, density 0.922, available from Huntsman Chemical Corp. Chesapeake, Virginia. Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer rubber Dexco Vector ™ 411, 12 MFI, density 0.930, available from Dexco Polymers Houston, Texas. Huntsman polypropylene homopoly 11S12A, 12 MFI, density 0.900, available from Huntsman Polypropylene Corp. Woodbury, NJ. Low density polyethylene / Ti02 concentrated Techmer 1642E4, 50% Ti02, density 2.59, available from Techmer PM Rancho Domínguez California. 20 MFI impact copolymer 7C12N PP / EPR, density 0.900, available from Union Carbide Corp. Danbury, Connecticut. Dexco Vector ™ 4211, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer rubber, 13 MFI, density 0.940, available from Dexco Polymers Houston, Texas. Ethylene-octene copolymer DuPont-Dow Engage ™ 8401 ULDPE, 30 MI, density 0.885, available from Du-Pont-Dow Elastomers Wilmington, Delaware. Polypropylene / erucamide slurry agent (95: 5) concentrate ReedSpectrum 00062896, available from ReedSepctrum Co. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Concentrated anti-blocking Omyalene ™ G200 EPR / CaC03 (20:80), available from Omya GmbH, Cologne, Germany. General Purpose Polystyrene Huntsman G18, 18 MFI, density 1.05, available from Huntsman Chemical Corp. Chesapeake, Virginia. The effect of the Core Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90; 2nd Overload by a series of samples of films using polypropylene as two layers of liners are shown in Table 2, Figures 13 and 14, respectively.

TABLE 2 100% elongation test The effect of Core Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90; 2nd Overload by a series of film samples using ethylene-co-vinylacetate as two liner layers is shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 100% elongation test The effect of Core Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90; 2nd Overload by a series of film samples using low density polyethylene as two liner layers is shown in Table 4.

TAB A 4 100% elongation test The effect of Core Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90; 2nd Overload by a series of film samples using epolipropylene as the first layer of liner and ethylene-co-vinylacetate as the second layer of liner shown in Table 5. The film sample 20 the original elongation) instead of 70 percent and the ratio of the separation of the jaws was 12.7 cm / min. The results are shown in Figure 12. The second elongation is reflective of the elastic operation during use, wherein the elastic is placed on the user in a series of elongation and which expands and contracts from that point. The elastic has a relatively narrow range of elastic properties in such a range (ie, a relatively flat tension strand curve).

TABLE 5 100% Elongation Test Film samples 1-20 were tested as in Tables 2-5, except that an elongation of 400% (10.16 cm) was used. The Effect of Core Weight Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90, 2nd Overload is shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 15 The film samples 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 15, 19 and 25 were tested as in Tables 2-6, except that an elongation of 200% (10.16 cm) was used. The effects of the lining composition and the Core Thickness Ratio: Lining in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90, 2nd Overload is shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 200% elongation test The film samples 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 32 were tested as in Tables 2-5 using a 100% elongation (2.54 cm). The effect of the lining composition on Core Weight Relationships: Lining relatively high, in the Stretch Ratio Used or Useful and F90, 2nd Overload are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 100% elongation test Samples of films 1-5 and 21-34 were tested for their properties of Decrease Tension25o; Overload using an elongation of 250% (6.35 cm). Force without winding or rolling was measured in the film samples 21-32 in roll form. The effects of the lining compositions and the Core Thickness Ratio: Lining in the Decrease Tension250; The Overload and Force without Winding or Winding are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 15 twenty The samples of films 3, 23, 24 and 26 were tested for their properties of Decrease Stress70; 2nd Overload as in Table 9 except that the Decrease was measured in the 2nd overload curve as described in the test methods as Tension Decrease70; 2nd Overload. The properties of Decrease Tension25o; Overload are included by comparison.

TABLE 10 Example 1 An elastic / non-woven film laminate of a pleated area was prepared using a thermal bonding process. The film sample 20 described in Table 1 was laminated to a nonwoven polypropylene spunbond fabric of 34 grams / meter2, manufactured by Avgol Ltd. Nonwoven Industries of Holon, Israel (Distributed by John Cleaver &Assoc. Wayne, PA). The nonwoven fabric was crimped in line immediately prior to lamination in a tightening formed by the upper (11.6 ° C) and lower (149 ° C) pleated steel rolls, machined with circumferential edges spaced across the face of the roll. The ridges were separated to provide wide areas of 2.54 cm of pleated nonwoven fabrics separated by 5.08 cm from broad areas of non-pleated fabrics. The pleated rollers were positioned such that the circumferential ridges of the upper rollers between the meshes with the circumferential ridges of the lower roller. The amount of intermediate mesh was adjusted to provide nonwoven interlacing with approximately 100% elongation available. The pleated non-woven fabric and the film sample were supplied in a tightness formed by the lower pleated roll (149 ° C) and a smooth steel roll (99 ° C) and were laminated together using a tight pressure of 150 Newtons, resulting in a laminate having interlaced without laminated fabrics of approximately 1 mm in height, the film-free / tissue-free sites of approximately 0.7 mm in amplitude, and about 4 interlaced / cm in the pleated areas. Using the Stretch Ratio and F90; 2nd Overload, it was measured for the elastic / non-woven film laminate using a 100% elongation test and reported in the Table 11. The properties for film samples 1 and 20 are also included by comparison. TABLE 11 It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the foregoing, the property contained in the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS 1. An expandable elastic tongue, characterized in that it comprises a co-extruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer on at least one first side of the elastic layer, the coextruded elastic film is joined to at least one layer without fabric partially extensible in at least one side of the layer if partially extensible fabric has a first direction and a second direction to the layer without a partially extensible fabric having at least a first portion having limited extensibility in the first direction and at least a second inextensible portion in the first direction, wherein the stretchable elastic is stretched to the extent limit of the first portion or portions in the first direction will elastically recover at least 1.0 cm providing an elastic tongue having a Stretch Ratio Employed or Useful of at least 30 percent where the stretch employed inc The portion of the elastic recovery length having an elastic restoring force of more than 20 grams / cm of force, and in addition, wherein the elastic film has a progressive extension force of less than about 300 grams / cm up to 350 grams / cm. 2. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the layer of the second coextruded elastic film is an inelastic material or mixture, wherein the second layer inelasticly deforms in the first direction when it extends into the region connected to the first portion of the layer without fabric. The expandable elastic tongue of claim 1, wherein in the nonwoven layer at least a first portion extends at least 75 percent and wherein in the nonwoven layer at least a first portion extends at least 30 percent . 3. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the layer of the second co-extruded film is provided on both sides of at least one elastic layer and the ratio of the thickness of the first layer to the thickness of the second layer is greater than 1.5 and in wherein the nonwoven layer in at least a first portion extends at least 30 percent. 4. the stretchable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the first layer to the thickness of the second layer is from 5 to 1000, the elastic film co-extruded has a total thickness of from 25 to 200 microns and the non-woven layer in at least a first portion extends at least 75 percent and wherein the nonwoven layer in at least a first portion extends by at least 30 percent.

. The stretchable elastic tongue of claim 2, characterized in that the non-woven layer in at least a first portion, is bonded to the elastic film co-extruded at separate, separate binding sites, with the nonwoven layer of folds between the binding sites. 6. The stretchable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven layer in at least a first portion is attached to the coextruded elastic film and has a plurality of proportioned slots, which allow the non-woven layer to be stretched in the first layer. address. 7. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the extensible tongue has a fastening element in at least one fastening portion. The fastening portion forms at least a portion of the stretchable elastic tongue having the inextensible portion of the second layer. without tissue. 8. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 7, characterized in that the fastening element comprises an adhesive layer or a mechanical fastening element and the fastening element is attached to the second face of the coextruded elastic film. 9. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 6, characterized in that the nonwoven layer comprises a fibrous web wherein the fibers are mutually linked to each of the other insertion points.

. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the stretchable elastic tongue will elastically recover from 2.0 to 7.0 cm. 11. The extendable elastic tongue of claim 1, characterized in that the stretchable elastic tongue will have an Employed or Useful Stretch Ratio greater than 40%, and the second inextensible portion will not extend when placed under a force of 300 grams / cm and the strength Increased progressive is required to further stretch the extensible portion of the tongue beyond its extension limit is at least 100 grams / cm.

Claims (1)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An extendable elastic tab designed to be adhered to the edge of an article is provided, formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer on at least one first side of the elastic layer with at least one, one side of the coextruded elastic film bonded to at least one layer with no partially extensible fabric. The non-expandable or extensible non-woven layer has at least a first portion with limited extensibility in a first direction and at least a second inextensible portion in the first direction. The stretchable elastic tongue when stretched to the extension limit of the first portion of the portions in the first direction, will elastically recover at least

1.0 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, providing an elastic tongue having a Stretch Ratio Used or Useful (as defined in the Examples) of minus 30 percent. The Stretch Ratio Used or Useful includes the portion of the recovered elastic length that has an elastic recovery force greater than 20 grams / cm of force, worse below a given extent, which is generally 90 percent of the limit of extension. In addition, the elastic tongue in the region of the Used or Useful Stretch Ratio preferably has a progressive extension force of less than about 300 grams / cm. The tongue of the invention provides definable predictable elastic performance and is employed as a locking tab used to join surfaces that require elastic coupling, particularly a person or animal. The tongue is particularly used as a diaper fastening tab.