MXPA01003369A - Elastic laminates and disposable garment employing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an elastic laminate which is elastically extensible in at least one direction. The elastic laminate (70) includes an elastomeric material (124) having a first surface (150) and a second surface (152) opposing the first surface. The elastomeric material includes a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer. The elastic laminate further includes a first nonwovenlayer (122) including component fibers which include a polyester. The elastomeric material (124) is bonded to the first nonwoven layer (122) through a continuous heat/pressure bond which is formed by application of a bonding temperature which is lower than the melting point of the polyester. The present invention is also directed to a disposable garment employing such an elastic laminate.

Description

ELASTIC LAMINATES AND DISPOSABLE GARMENT THAT USES THEMSELVES COUNTRYSIDE The present invention relates to elastic laminates. More specifically, the present invention relates to elastic laminates including an elastomeric material including a thermosetting polystyrene elastomer and a nonwoven layer including polyester. The present invention also relates to disposable garments employing these elastic laminates. Examples of these disposable garments include disposable undergarments, disposable diapers including stretched diapers and training pants, and disposable panties for menstrual use.

BACKGROUND Elastic laminates have previously been used in a variety of disposable products, including sweat bands, bandages, body wraps, and disposable garments including disposable diapers and incontinence devices. Here, "elastic laminate" refers to two or more materials in elastically stretchable layers, at least partially, that include 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 by using suitable elastic members during the period of total use! of the products. Those elastic laminates typically include, at least, a layer of fibrous material (e.g., a non-woven layer) and an elastomeric material bonded to the layer of fibrous material. These materials are typically bonded together through an adhesive bond (or glue) or a heat / pressure bond formed therebetween. The adhesive bond is frequently used to form elastic laminates. However, this has to cause several problems in its process or manufacturing processes and its use by consumers. For example, a manufacturing process that includes an adhesive application has to be more complicated than one that does not need it (for example, a heat / pressure bonding process). In addition, adhesive application tends to cause a contamination problem in manufacturing equipment or production lines due to the use of adhesive. In addition, an elastic laminate using an adhesive tends to cause a problem of odor to consumers of the disposable products, since some adhesive materials have a strong and / or uncomfortable odor. The heat / pressure bond is preferably used to form elastic laminates. For example, Japanese public open patent publication (Kokai) No. H10-165437 published on June 23, 1998 discloses a disposable diaper including a three-layer structure of non-woven material / elastomeric film / material ! nonwoven that are joined together through a number of non-continuous joining points. However, this structure tends not to provide sufficient bond strength or stiffness in the layered structure against the stresses that are generated in the use of the diaper (or which can be applied in the manufacturing process), thus causing a separation of the materials in layers. It is believed that this problem is caused because the layered structure has no resistance to the sufficient separation required by the disposable products. Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an elastic laminate that provides sufficient bond strength or stiffness between an elastomeric material and a layer of fibrous material (or a non-woven layer) against an effort that is generated within the use of the disposable products. (or which can be applied in the manufacturing process). Babies and other incontinent individuals wear disposable garments such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other exudates from the body. One type of disposable garments, which are often referred to as "tape type", has a fastener system for keeping the garment disposable in the wearer's waist area. As the fastener system, any of a tape system or a mechanical fastening system is frequently used. Recently, elastically stretchable ear panels tend to be used preferably in this type of disposable garment, because these provide a better fit to the user's waist area working in conjunction with the fastener system. Other types of garments discarded, which are sometimes called "short-sleeved" or "worn" , stretched ", have fixed sides and have become popular for use in children able to walk and often to those who are trained for bathing.This type of clothes that are stretched have ear panels the edges of which are sewn together to form two leg openings and a waist opening.These also have a stretchable waistband arranged along at least one of the end edges of the disposable garments.These stretched garments need to be tightly adjusted around the waist and the user's legs without falling, loosening or sliding down the position on the torso to contain body exudates.Examples of these stretched garments are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,171 , 239 from Igaue et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,610,681 to Strohbeen et al., WO 93/17648 published September 16, 1993, U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 Van Gompel et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,246,433 to Hasse et al., And to the United States Patent No. 5,569,234 of Buell et al.

The characteristics of the proper functioning of these stretchable ear panels and the waistband are important for these types of disposable garments. More specifically, the extension properties including the extension forces, recovery forces, retention forces, and available stretch (extension) of the ear panels and the waistband are important considerations in the operation of the fit for garments that They stretch. The extension properties provide the person who applies and the user with the global "stretch" perceived during use. They also effect the ability of the applicator to achieve an adequate degree of stretch application (i.e., for a "normally" perceived tension of the diaper during application, the total amount of the resulting stretch is that desired to achieve / maintain good compliance adjustment). To provide good running characteristics in the stretchable ear and waistband panels of the discarded garments, the elastic laminates that include a elastic material having the proper properties have been studied and applied to the disposable garments. For example, a PCT No.

PCT / US98 / 05895 entitled "Elastic material and disposable garment having improved body fit during total use" filed on March 26, 1998, discloses these elastic materials for discarded garments. It is generally expected that disposable garments provide good fit to the wearer's body and / or skin using suitable elastic laminates during the period of total use of the products. Those elastic laminates typically include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., a non-woven layer) and an elastomeric material bonded to the layer of fibrous material. These materials are typically bonded together through an adhesive bond (or glue) or a heat / pressure bond formed therebetween. The adhesive bond is frequently used to form elastic laminates. However, this has to cause several problems in its process or manufacturing processes and its use by consumers. For example, a manufacturing process that includes an adhesive application has to be more complicated than one that does not need it (for example, a heat / pressure bonding process). In addition, adhesive application tends to cause a contamination problem in manufacturing equipment or production lines due to the use of adhesive. In addition, an elastic laminate using an adhesive tends to cause a problem of odor to consumers of the disposable products, since some adhesive materials have a strong and / or uncomfortable odor. The heat / pressure bond is preferably used to form elastic laminates. For example, Japanese public open patent publication (Kokai) No. H10-165437 published June 23, 1998, discloses a disposable diaper that includes a three-layer structure of non-woven material / elastomeric film / non-woven material that are united together through a number of non-continuous joining points. However, this structure tends not to provide sufficient bond strength or stiffness in the layered structure against the stresses generated on the floor. use of! diaper (which can be applied in the manufacturing process), thus causing a separation of the layered materials. It is believed that this problem is caused because the layered structure has no resistance to the sufficient separation required by the disposable products. . Based on the foregoing, there is also a need for disposable garments that include ear panels or a waistband employing an elastic laminate that provides sufficient bond strength or stiffness between an elastomeric material and a layer of fibrous material (or a non-woven layer) against an effort that is generated within the use of disposable diapers (which can be applied in the manufacturing process).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, "- ** - ** In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an elastic laminate which is elastically extensible in at least one direction. AND! Elastic laminate includes an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The elastomeric material includes a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer. The elastic laminate further includes a first non-woven layer including component fibers including a polyester. The elastomeric material is bonded to the first nonwoven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond that is formed by the application of a bonding temperature that is less than the melting point of the polyester. In another aspect, the present invention is also directed to a method for forming an elastic laminate. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing an elastomeric material made from a polysilirene thermoplastic elastomer, the elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; b) providing a first nonwoven layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first nonwoven layer including component fibers that are made from a polyester; c) placing the first surface of the elastomeric material against the first surface of the first non-woven layer; and d) forming a continuous heat / pressure bond between the elastomeric material and the first non-woven layer, by applying a bonding temperature that is lower than the melting point of the polyester. The present invention is also directed to a disposable garment that it has a frontal region, a posterior region, a crotch region between the frontal region and the posterior region. The disposable garment comprises a chassis provided in the front, back and crotch regions, and having edge lines in the front and back regions. The chassis includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet associated with the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In one aspect of the present invention, the disposable garment further comprises at least a pair of extendable side panels extending laterally outwardly from! chassis in the front or rear region. At least one of the side panels includes an elastic laminate elastically extensible at least in the lateral direction. The elastic laminate includes an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the elastomeric material including a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer; and a first woven nc layer including component fibers including a polyester. The omeric material is bonded to the first nonwoven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond that is formed by the application of a bonding temperature less than the melting point of polyester. In another aspect of the present invention, the disposable garment further comprises a waistband disposed along at least one of the end edges of the disposable garment. The waistband includes an elastic laminate extendable elastically at least in the side direction !. The elastic laminate includes an eiastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the elastomeric material including a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer; and a first nonwoven layer including component fibers including a polyester. The elastomeric material is bonded to the first non-woven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond that is formed by the application of a bonding temperature that is less than the melting point of! poiiéster. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular manner and claiming the invention differently, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments that are combined with the accompanying drawings, and in which similar designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which: Figure 1 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of an elastic laminate of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before being formed or in the foil or elastic; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an elastic laminate of yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a portion of the non-woven layer has been removed to show the bonded structure; Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the elastomeric material; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a rolling device for forming the elastic laminate formed in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the disposable garment that is stretched of the present invention in a typical configuration of use; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the disposable garment being stretched of the present invention in a typical configuration of use; Figure 1 is a simplified plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 in its non-contracted planar condition showing the various panels or zones of the garment; Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a waistband 50 of a preferred embodiment, taken along section lines 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a waistband 50 of another preferred embodiment; and Figure 11 is a graph showing the two cycles of the hysteresis curves of an elastomeric material, in a preferred embodiment.

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 a prior art for the claimed invention. Here, "comprises", "includes" and "has" means that another element or elements and step or steps that do not affect the final result can be added. These terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". Here "gf means force grams" Here, "joined" or "joining" encompasses configurations by which one element is directly insured to another by fixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations by which the element is indirectly secured to another element The "layer" does not necessarily limit the element to a single stratum of material because a layer can actually comprise laminates or combinations of sheets or webs. Here, "fabric" can include any material that has been formed without the use of textile fabric processes that produce a structure of individual fibers that are interwoven in an identifiable manner. they include a process of non-woven material, bound by spinning, a process of non-woven material blown in the molten state, a process of carded nonwoven material, or the like.

A. Laminated structure The present invention relates to an elastic laminate which provides sufficient bond strength or stiffness between an elastomeric material and a non-woven layer (or a layer of fibrous material) against an stress that is generated within! use of disposable diaper products (or which can be applied in the manufacturing process). This and other advantages of the invention are described in greater detail here. Figure 1 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an elastic laminate 70 of a preferred embodiment, before being formed in the elastic laminate. (A preferred embodiment of the elastic laminate 70 after formation is shown in Figure 2.) Referring to Figure 1, the elastic laminate 70 of the present invention includes an elastomeric layer 124 having a first surface _ tt 150 and a second surface '152 opposite the first * surface 150; and a first non-woven layer 122 that is bonded to the first surface 150 of the elastomeric layer 124. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface 150 and the second surface 152 of the elastomeric layer 124 are substantially parallel with the plane of the first layer non-woven 122. The first non-woven layer 122 has an inner surface (or a first surface) 142 and an outer surface (or a second surface) 144. The inner surface 142 of the first non-woven layer 122 is the surface that is placed giving the elastomeric layer 124. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic laminate 70 further comprises a second non-woven layer 126 attached to the second surface 152 of the elastic material 70. The second non-woven layer 126 also has an inner surface 146 and an outer surface 148. The internal surface 146 of the second non-woven layer 126 is the surface that is placed giving the elastomeric layer 124. The second surface 52 of the elastomeric layer 124 is substantially parallel to the plane of the second non-woven layer 126. In a preferred embodiment, the non-woven layer 126 is formed by an identical non-woven material with that which is employed in the first non-woven layer 122. Alternatively, the non-woven layer 126 may be formed by a different material from that which is employed in the first non-woven layer 122. The elastic laminate 70 of the present invention is elastically extensible in at least one direction (first direction). For example, the elastic laminate 70 shown in Figure 1 is elastically extensible in the structural direction D. Here, "structural direction" (e.g., D and B) is intended to mean a direction extending substantially along and parallel to the plane of the first nonwoven layer 122. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic laminate 70 is also elastically extensible in the second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the elastic laminate 70 shown in Figure 1 is also elastically extensible in the structural direction B.

B. Nonwoven layers The first non-woven layer 122 of the present invention can be manufactured from a wide range of component fibers which are formed from a polyester. Preferred polyester materials include a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate and a polypropylene terephthalate, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first non-woven layer 122 further includes fibers of components formed from other materials (i.e., non-polyester materials) such as polyolefin and nylon. In a preferred embodiment, the individual fibers of components are formed from a type of simple material that is selected from the above materials (ie, the individual fiber is not made or from polyolefin and nylon).

Preferably, the component fibers are formed from a polyester, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate, or a relative thereof having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 60,000, preferably from about 10,000 to about 40,000, more preferably from approximately 14,000 to approximately 23,000. Alternatively, the component fibers can be formed from a mixture of two (or more) materials that are selected from the above materials. In one embodiment, the component fiber has a two-component fiber structure formed from two different materials of a polyester and a polyolefin. In an alternative embodiment, the component fiber has a two-component fiber structure formed from two different molecular weight materials of an identical material, for example, a polyester. Preferred two-component fiber structures may include a side-by-side two-component fiber structure and a two-component core wrap fiber structure known in the art. In one embodiment, the component fiber has a two-component fiber structure having a polyolefin core and a polyester shell. In a preferred embodiment, the first non-woven layer 122 has a basis weight of less than about 60 g / m2, and comprises fibers having a fiber diameter of less than about 50 μm. More preferably, for products such as disposable garments and the like, the first nonwoven layer 122 has a basis weight of from about 3 g / m2 to about 50 g / m2, more preferably from about 10 g / m2 to about 25 g / m2, and a fiber diameter of about 1 μm to about 30 μm, more preferably from about 3 μm to about 20 μm. The component fibers can be joined together by adhesives, thermal bonding, water jetting, sewing / felt, or other methods known in the art for forming non-woven fabrics. In a preferred embodiment, the first nonwoven layer 122 is formed from a nonwoven manufacturing process that handles continuous fibers of component or filaments known in the art. Preferred manufacturing processes are described in, for example, EP 0843036A1 (Kurihara et al.) Published May 20, 1998; U.S. Patent No. 5,312,500, entitled "Non-woven fabric and method and apparatus for making the same" issued to Kurihara et al. on May 17, 1994; Japanese patent publication open to the public (Kokai) No. H2-269859 published November 5, 1990; and Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. S60-25541 published June 19, 1985.

In a preferred embodiment, the. The first nonwoven layer 122 of the present invention is formed from component fibers that are bonded together. The component fibers have a primary fiber direction. The first nonwoven layer 122 has a fiber orientation ratio within about ± 20 degrees from the primary fiber direction (FOR20) of at least about 65%, more preferably at least about 75%; even more preferably at least about 85%. In a more preferred embodiment, the first non-woven layer 122 additionally has a fiber orientation ratio within about ± 10 degrees from the primary fiber direction (FOR10) of at least about 45%, more preferably at least approximately 60%; even more preferably at least about 70%. "FOR #" (for example, FOR10) indicates the proportion of the number of component fibers whose addresses are within ± ± degrees, (for example + .0 degrees) from the primary direction of the fiber with with respect to the total number of component fibers Here, "primary fiber direction" refers to an average direction of the component fibers in the non-woven layer. A preferred method for measuring the fiber orientation ratio of the non-woven layers is explained in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the first nonwoven layer 122 has a tensile strength ratio (TSR) of at least about 15, more preferably at least about 60. The TSR is defined by the following calculation: TSR = TS 1 / TS2 (1) where, TS1 (gf / inch): a tensile strength (TS) at the point of rupture in the primary direction of the fiber; and TS2 (gf / inch): a tensile strength (TS) at the point of rupture in the perpendicular direction, which is perpendicular to the primary direction of the fiber. The tensile strength (ST) is measured as the maximum value of the tensile strength recorded while the nonwoven layer 122 is stretched at a rate of about 20 inches / minute (approximately 50 cm / min) to its point of breaking off. The tensile strength of the first non-woven layer 122 is measured before the first non-woven layer 122 is bonded to the elastomeric layer 124. In a preferred embodiment, the first non-woven layer 122 has a lower tensile strength of about 200 gf / in (about 80 gf / cm) at 30% elongation with respect to the direction that is perpendicular to the primary direction of the fiber; more preferably less than about 100 gf / in (about 40 gf / cm), even more preferably less than about 50 gf / in (about 20 gf / cm). Preferred non-woven fabrics which are suitably applicable to the first non-woven layer 122 are available from Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, under the code numbers MBE7711-2; MBE6515-10; and MBE7922-1 which have the following properties.

Picture C. Elastomeric material The elastomeric layer 124 can be formed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and figures. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric layer 124 is in the form of a continuous flat layer as shown in, for example, Figure 1. Preferred forms of the flat continuous layer include a canvas, a perforated (or formed with openings), an elastomeric woven or nonwoven material, and the like. Preferably, the elastomeric layer 124 has a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm. The continuous flat layer can take any form that can be adequately provided in the products. Preferred forms of a continuous flat layer include a quadrilateral including a rectangle and a square, a trapezoid, and other polygons. In an alternative embodiment, the elastomeric layer 124 is in the form of discrete threads (or cords) that are not connected to each other. Preferred elastomeric materials of the present invention include two-block or three block copolymers based on polystyrene and unsaturated or fully hydrogenated rubber blocks., and their mixtures with other polymers such as poly-olefin polymers. Preferably, the polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of a styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, an elastomer styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene thermoplastic, a styrene-ethylene / propylene thermoplastic elastomer, a hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber, and a mixture thereof. A preferred styrenic block copolymer-based material contains from about 1% by weight to about 70% by weight of polystyrene, more preferably from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of polystyrene. In a preferred alternative embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is a macroscopically expanded, porous, three-dimensional elastomeric web 172 as shown in Figure 3. The web 172 has a first continuous surface 174 and a second discontinuous surface 176 opposite the first surface 174 The elastomeric web 172 preferably comprises a formed film interconnecting member 186 including at least two polymeric layers 1 78 and 182 The first layer 178 is substantially elastic and the second layer 182 is substantially less elastic than the first layer 178. minus one of the two polymer layers 178 and 182 is formed from a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer. The elastomeric web 172 exhibits a multiplicity of primary openings 184 in the first surface 174 of the web 172. The primary openings 184 are defined within the plane of the first surface 174 by a continuous network of the interconnect member 186. E! interconnection member 186 exhibits a cross section! concave upward along its length. The interconnection member 186 also forms secondary openings 188 within the plane of the second surface 176 of the weft 172. The openings 184 and 188 can have any shape. A preferred elastomeric web is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 816,106, filed March 14, 1997. An elastomeric porous material for the eiastomeric layer 124 is available from Tredegar Film Products under the designation X-25007 In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric layer 124 is in the form of a canvas 130 as shown in Figure 1. The elastomeric canvas 130 comprises a plurality of first yarns 125 which intersect or cross (with or without joining) a plurality of second wires 124 at the nodes 128 at a predetermined angle, thereby forming an open structure in a network shape having a plurality of openings 132. Each opening 132 is defined by at least two first adjacent wires 125 and at least two adjacent second threads 127 in such a manner that the openings 132 are substantially rectangular (preferably square) in shape. Other aperture configurations, such as parallelograms or circular arc segments, can also be provided. These configurations can be useful to provide non-linear elastic structure directions. Preferably, the first wires 125 are substantially straight and substantially parallel to one another; and, more preferably, the second wires 127 are also substantially straight and substantially parallel to one another. More preferably, the first wires 125 intersect the second wires 127 at the nodes 128 at a predetermined angle of approximately 90 degrees. Each node 128 is an overlapped node, wherein the first threads 25 and the second threads 127 are joined or linked preferably (although it is contemplated that binding or linking may not be required) at the point of intersection with the threads still individually distinguishable at the nodes 128. However, it is believed that other node configurations such as fused or a combination of fading and overlaying would be equally adequate. Although it is preferred that the first and second threads 125 and 127 be substantially straight, parallel, and intersect at an angle a of about 90 degrees, it is noted that the first and second threads 125 and 127 can be inserted at other angles, and that the first strands 125 and / or second strands 127 may be aligned in circular, elliptical or otherwise non-linear patterns relative to one another. Although for ease of manufacture it is contemplated that the first yarns 125 and the second yarns 127 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape prior to incorporation into the elastic laminate 70 (as shown in Figure 1), the first and second yarns 125 and 12. They may also have other cross-sectional shapes such as elliptical, square, triangular or combinations thereof. Preferably, the material for the first yarns 125 is selected such that the first yarns 125 can hold the second yarns 127 in relative alignment before the formation of the elastic laminate 70. It is also desirable that the yarn materials for the first and second yarns 125 and 127 are capable of being deformed (or initially formed) in the predetermined ways by applying a predetermined pressure or a pressure in combination with a thermal flux prior to the shape of the elastic laminate 70. These deformed shapes (e.g., second elliptical yarns, first substantially flat yarns and the like) can provide an elastic laminate 7Q that can be comfortably worn around the body without irritation or other discomfort. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second yarns 125 and 127 are formed from an identical eiastomeric material. For example, the first and second yarns 125 and 127 are formed from an identical polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer which is selected from the group consisting of a styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-isoprene thermoplastic elastomer. -styrene, a styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / propylene thermoplastic elastomer, a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene rubber or an unsaturated styrene-butadiene rubber , and a mixture of them. A preferred elastomeric canvas 124 containing a styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer is manufactured by Conwed Plastics Company (Minneapolis, Minn., USA) under the designation XO2514. This material has approximately 12 elastic threads per inch (approximately 5 threads / cm) in the structural direction B (ie, the first threads 125) and approximately 7 elastic threads per inch (approximately 3 threads / cm) in the structural direction D ( that is, the second wires 127) before lamination. Alternatively, the first and second yarns 125 and 127 are formed from two different materials. For example, one of the first and second yarns 125 and 127 is formed of one of the polystyrene thermoplastic elastomers described above, while the other of the first and second yarns 125 and 127 is formed from the different material or materials of the elastomer. thermoplastic polystyrene described above. This other material or materials can be either elastic or inelastic and is selected from suitable materials known in the art.

D. Bonding the non-woven material to the eiastomeric material The first non-woven layer 122 of Sa present invention is bonded to the first surface 50 of the elastomeric layer 124 forming a heat / pressure joint eritre the first non-woven layer 122 and the elasomeric layer 124. Here, "heat bonding / "Pressure" is any physical or chemical bond formed by an application of appropriate heat and pressure to two different members so that the two members may have a portion having an increased separation resistance by forming the joint. Here, "resistance to separation" refers to the amount of force required to separate the two members from one another.The higher separation strengths typically balance the lesser chance of delamination of the elastic laminates during the use of. To produce such a bond or heat / pressure bonds between the first non-woven layer 122 and the eiastomeric layer 124, any pressure can be applied to the first non-woven layer 122 and the elastomeric layer 124 at a certain temperature while that the physical and / or chemical properties of the resulting elastic laminate are not substantially impaired Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of an elastic laminate 70 of yet another embodiment, wherein a portion of the first layer has been removed woven 122 to show the structure of the bond by heat / pressure In Figure 2, the elastomeric canvas 130 which is formed by the first and second wires 125 and 127 is used as an example for the elastomeric layer 124. Referring to FIG. 2, the first non-woven layer 122 is attached to the first surface 150 of the elastomeric layer 124 forming a heat / pressure bond between the first non-woven layer. woven 122 and the eiastomeric layer 124. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic laminate further includes a second non-woven layer (not shown in Figure 2) which is attached to the second surface 152 of the elastomeric layer 124 forming another heat bond / pressure between them. The heat / pressure bond is formed by softening only the material of the elastomeric layer 124 (ie, without melting the component fibers of the first nonwoven layer 122). This heat / pressure bond is preferably formed by the application of a bonding temperature that is lower than the melting point of the material! of the first non-woven layer 122. This generally results in a decrease in the viscosity of the material which may or may not involve a "melting" of the material. As a result, the component materials of the elastomeric layer 124 are softened to form the heat / pressure bond. In a more preferred embodiment wherein the elastomeric layer 124 is formed from a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer that includes a polystyrene segment, a bonding temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the polystyrene. Polystyrene segment is applied to form the heat / pressure joint.

Figure 4 shows a preferred example of a lamination device for forming the elastic laminate 70 shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 4, the lamination device 800 includes a first pressure plate 801 having a first surface 803, and a second plate 802 having a second surface 804. The second pressure plate 802 is fixed, while the first pressure plate 801 is able to move to apply a pressure P to the first non-woven layer 122 and to the elastomeric layer 123 in cooperation with the second pressure plate 802. Preferably, the first and second surfaces 803 and 804 are substantially planar and are substantially parallel to each other. The first nonwoven layer 122 is juxtaposed with the elastomeric layer 124 such that the first non-woven layer 122 is immediately adjacent to the elastomeric layer 124. The two juxtaposed layers 122 and 124 are manually supplied to the lamination device 800. A device of preferred lamination 800 is available from Toyo Tester Industry Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, under the trade name "Heat Sealer". In the rolling process, the first surface 803 is heated to a temperature T1, while the second surface 804 is heated to a temperature T2. Preferably, the temperature T2 is from about 80 ° C to about 160 ° C, more preferably from about 100 ° C to about 130 ° C. The temperature T2 is preferably from about 30 ° C to about 60 ° C, more preferably from about 45 ° C to about 55 ° C. The pressure P is preferably from about 6 kg / cm2 to about 15 kg / cm2, more preferably from about 9 kg / cm2 to about 11 kg / cm2. The time period of application of pressure P is preferably from about 1 second to about 20 seconds, more preferably from about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds. Preferably, the application of the pressure P can be performed twice (or more) to increase the resistance to separation of the resulting laminate 70. By applying the temperatures T1 and T2 to the pressure P, the elastomeric layer 124 is joined to the first non-woven layer 122 through a heat / pressure bond which is formed by softening the material of the elastomeric layer 124 (e.g. , the thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer). The elastic laminate 70 of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of products where it is desired to provide elastic stretchability in at least one structural direction either partially or totally. Examples of these products include disposable products, including sweat bands, bandages, body wraps, and disposable garments including disposable diapers and incontinence products.

E. Test methods 1. Test Methods for Fiber Orientation The following method is preferably used to determine the fiber orientation ratio (FOR) of a nonwoven material. A sample nonwoven fabric (or layer) is placed over a specimen probe. The sample non-woven fabric is fixed on the specimen probe in a flat condition of ta! Thus, the primary fiber direction (to be defined hereinafter) of the sample non-woven fabric may be approximately aligned with the longitudinal direction of the photograph to be taken. An electronic scanning microscope (SEM) is used to take a photograph at a 50-fold magnification.

A preferred SEM is available from Japan Electron Optics Laboratory (JEOL) Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, under code No. JSM-5310. The following analysis is conducted on the photograph using a digitizer. A preferred digitizer is available from Graphtec Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, under code No. KD9600. A photograph is placed over the digitizer. A square area (500 μm x 500 μm) is chosen in the photograph on the digitizer. The both ends of each component fiber that can be seen in the square area are manually identified by an operator and the coordinates of the same are detected and recorded by the digitizer. This work is conducted on three different square areas (each having 500 μm x 500 μm) which are chosen at discretion within the photograph to obtain the coordinate data on all the fibers in the three different square areas. The orientation angle of each fiber is calculated based on the coordinate data. The primary fiber direction of the sample nonwoven fabric is determined by the average orientation angle, which is an average value of all the orientation angle data obtained from the three different square axes. fiber orientation within about ± 10 graffians (FOR10) is determined by the following calculation: FOR10 = NF10 / TNF x 100 (2) where, NF10: the number of fibers having orientation angle within approximately 10 degrees from of the primary direction of fiber; and TNF: the total number of fibers measured within the three different squares. Similarly, the fiber orientation ratio within 20 degrees (FOR20) is approximately determined by the following calculation: FOR20 = NF20 / TNF x 100 (3) where, NF20: the number of fibers having orientation angles within about 20 degrees from the primary direction of the fiber. 2. Test methods for tensile strength The following method is preferably used to measure the tensile strength of the materials. A voltage tester is prepared. The tension tester has an upper jaw and a lower jaw that is located below the upper jaw.

The upper jaw is movable and is connected to a force measuring extension means. The lower jaw is fixed in the tester. A test specimen (i.e., a non-woven fabric to be measured) which is approximately 2.5 cm wide and approximately 10.2 cm long is prepared and fastened with the upper jaw and the lower jaw in such a way that the The effective length of the sample (L) (ie, the measured length) is approximately 5.1 cm. An extension force is applied continuously to the test specimen through the upper jaw at a crosshead speed of approximately 50 cm per minute until the test specimen is physically broken. The applied extension force is recorded by a recorder (for example, a computer system). The tensile strength at the point of rupture is determined at the maximum value of tensile strength. A suitable voltage tester for use is available from Instron Corporation (100 Royall Street, Canton, MA02021, USA) as Instron code number 5564.

F. Disposable garments Here, "stretch garment" refers to articles of use that have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are placed on the wearer's body by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the item up on the waist. Here, "disposable" describes garments that are not intended to be washed or restored or reused in another way as a garment (ie, they are intended to be disposed of after a simple use and, preferably, to be recycled, formed in compost or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible way). A "unitary" stretch garment refers to the stretched garments that are formed of separate parts joined together to form a coordinated entity, but the ear panels are not separate elements attached to a separate chassis; instead, the ear panels are formed by at least one layer that also forms the garment chassis (ie, the garment does not require separately handled panels such as a separate chassis and separate ear panels). The garment that is stretched is also preferably "absorbent" to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. A preferred embodiment of the stretchable garment of the present invention is the garment that is stretched unitary disposable absorbent, garment that is stretched 120, shown in Figure 5. Here, "stretchable diaper" refers to garments that are stretched. They are usually stretched by babies and other incontinent individuals to contain and absorb urine and feces. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other stretched garments such as training pants, incontinence briefs, garments or panties for feminine hygiene, and the like. Here, "panel" denotes an area or item of the garment that is stretched. (Although a panel is typically a different area or element, a panel can match (functionally match) a bit with an adjacent panel). Here, "non-contracted state" is used here to describe the states of the garments that are stretched in their non-stitched condition (that is, the seams are removed), flat and relaxed where all the elastic materials used of them are removed. . Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a stretchable disposable garment of the present invention (ie, a disposable unitary diaper that is stretched 120). Referring to Figure 5, the disposable garment that is stretched 120 has a front region 26; a back region 28 and a crotch region 30 between the front region 26 and the back region 28. A chassis 41 is provided in the front, back and crotch regions 26, 28 and 30. The chassis 41 includes a permeable topsheet 24. to the liquid, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 22 associated with the topsheet 24, and an absorbent core 25 (not shown in Figure 5) disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22. The chassis 41 has side edges 220 that they form edge lines 222 in the front region 26. The stretchable garment 120 of the invention further includes at least a pair of extendable ear panels 45 each extending laterally outward from the corresponding sides of the frame 41. Each of the ear panels 45 has an outermost edge 240 that forms an outermost edge line 242. At least one of the outermost edge lines 242 has a non-uniform lateral distance from longitudinal center line 100 (not shown in Figure 5) in the contracted condition of garment 120. In a preferred embodiment, ear panels 45 extend continuously from corresponding sides of chassis 41 in back region 28 to the edges corresponding laterals 220 of the chassis 41 in the frontal region 26 as shown in Figure 5. Alternately, the ear panels 45 can extend continuously from the corresponding sides of the chassis 41 in the front region 26 to the corresponding side edges of the chassis 41 in the rear region 28 (not shown in Figure 5). The stretched garment 120 has the ear panels 45 attached to the chassis 41 to form two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. Preferably, the stretchable garment 120 further includes stitching 232 attaching each to the chassis 41 and to the ear panels 45 along the corresponding edge lines 222 and 242 to form the two leg openings 34 and the waist opening 36.

Figure 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a disposable stretch garment of the present invention (ie, a unitary disposable diaper that is stretched 20). Referring to Figure 6, the stretchable garment 20 includes a pair of extendable front ear panels 46 each extending laterally outwardly from the corresponding sides of the chassis 41 in the front region 26, and a pair of fascia panels. rear expandable ears 48 extending each laterally outwardly from corresponding sides of chassis 41 in rear region 28. Each of ear panels 46 and 48 has an outermost edge 240 that forms an outermost edge line 242 At least one of the outermost edge lines 242 has a non-uniform lateral distance LD from the longitudinal center line 100 (not shown in Figure 6 but in Figure 7) in the non-contracted state of the garment 20. The stretched garment 20 further includes stitching 32 joining together the front and back ear panels 46 and 48 along the corresponding edge lines 242 to form the two ab leg stitches 34 and waist opening 36. In a preferred embodiment, at least one, more preferably both, of the pairs of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction. In the alternative embodiments, the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Here, "extensible" refers to materials that are capable of extending in at least one direction to a certain degree without undue rupture. Here, "elasticity" and "elastically extensible" refers to the extensible materials that have the ability to return to approximately their original dimensions after the force extending the material is removed. Here, any material or element described as "extensible" may also be elastically extensible unless otherwise provided. The extendable ear panels 45, 46 and 48 provide a more comfortable and contour fit initially by comfortably adjusting the garment that is stretched to the wearer and holding this adjustment throughout the time of use even after the garment has been loaded. it is stretched with exudates since the ear panels 45, 46 and / or 48 allow the sides of the stretch garment to expand and contract. The ear panels 45, 46 and 48 can be formed by unitary elements of the garment that is stretched 20 or 120, that is to say, these are not manipulated elements separately secured to the garment that is stretched 20 or 120, but instead are formed to from and are extensions of one or more of different layers of the garment being stretched). In a preferred embodiment, each of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 is a projected member of the chassis 41 (shown more clearly in Figure 7). Preferably, the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 include at least one unitary element or a continuous sheet material (e.g., the nonwoven outer cover 74 in Figure 8) that forms a part of the chassis 41 and extends continuously toward the ear panels 45, 46 and 48. Alternatively, the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 can be discrete members (not shown in the Figures) which have no unitary element that forms a part of the chassis 41, and they can be formed by joining the discrete members to the corresponding sides of the chassis 41. In a preferred embodiment, the stretched garment 20 or 120 further includes seam panels 66 each extending laterally outward from each of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48; and tear opening tabs 31 each extending laterally outwardly from the seaming panel 66. In a preferred embodiment, each of the seaming panels 66 is an extension of the corresponding ear panels 45, 46 and 48, or at least one of the component elements used there, or any other combination of the elements. More preferably, each of the opening tabs, by tearing 31 is also an extension of the corresponding seaming panel 66 or at least one of its component elements used there, or any other combination of its elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding edge portion of the chassis 41 and / or the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 are sewn directly or indirectly (eg, through the seam panels 66), in an overlap manner for make an overlapping seam structure. Alternatively, the front and rear ear panels 46 and 48 may be sewn in a 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 chassis 41 and / or the ear panels 45, 46 and 48. In this way, the sonic seal, sealed with heat, pressure bonding, bonding with adhesive or adherent, sewing, autogenous bonding, and the like may 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 garment 20 or 120 during use. A continuous belt 38 is formed by the ear panels 45, 46 and 48, and a portion of the chassis 41 around the waist opening 36 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, elasticized waistbands 50 are provided in both of the front region 26 and the back region 28. The continuous belt 38 acts to dynamically create the adjustment forces on the garment that is stretched 20 or 120 when placed on the wearer, to keep the garment being stretched 20 or 120 on the user even when loaded with the body exudates, thereby maintaining the absorbent core 25 (not shown in Figure 6) in close proximity to the user, and to distribute the dynamically generated forces during use around the waist thereby providing support complementary to the absorbent core 25 without wrapping or stacking the absorbent core 25. Figure 7 is a partially cut away plan view of the stretch garment 20 of Figure 6 and n its non-contracted state (except in the ear panels 46 and 48 which are left in their relaxed condition) with the topsheet 24 giving the observer, before the ear panels 46 and 48 are joined together by the seams 32 The stretched garment 20 has a front region 26, the back region 28 opposite the front region 26, the crotch region 30 positioned between the front region 26 and the back region 28, and a periphery that is defined by the perimeter or outer edges of the stretched garment 20 in which the side edges are designated 150 and 240, and the end edges or waist edges are designated 152. The topsheet 24 has a surface that gives the body of the garment that is stretches 20, which is positioned adjacent the user's body during use. The backsheet 22 has a surface facing the outside of the stretched garment 20 which is positioned away from the wearer's body.

The stretched garment 20 includes the chassis 41 including the liquid-permeable upper sheet 24, the liquid-impermeable back sheet 22 associated with the upper sheet 24, and an absorbent core 25 positioned between the upper sheet 24 and the back sheet 22. The garment 20 further includes the front and rear ear panels 46 and 48 that extend laterally outwardly of the chassis 41, the elasticized folds for the leg 52, and the elasticized waistbands 50. The upper sheet 24 and the back sheet 22 have dimensions of length and width generally greater than those of the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 25 to thereby form the side edges 150 at the waist edges 152 of the garment 20. The liquid-impermeable backsheet 22 preferably includes a plastic film 68 impermeable to liquid. The stretched garment 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 110. Here"longitudinal" refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the stretched garment 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a wearer standing in left halves and Right when the stretched garment is worn 20. Here, "transverse" and "lateral" are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the stretched garment that is generally perpendicular to the garment. longitudinal direction (which divides the user into front and back body halves). The stretched garment 20 and the component materials thereof also have a surface that faces the body which faces the wearer's skin in use and a surface facing outward which is the surface opposite the surface that faces the body . Each of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 have an outermost edge line 242. Here, "edge line" refers to lines defining the contours of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 or the chassis 41 Here, "outermost" refers to portions that are furthest from the longitudinal center line 100. At least one of the edge lines 242 has a non-uniform lateral distance LD from the longitudinal centerline 100 in the state not shrunk from the garment 20. Although the upper sheet 24, the back sheet 22 and the absorbent core 25 can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, illustrative chassis configurations are generally described in the United States 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 Resilient Resilient Biased Arrangement" which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al. on September 29, 1992. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken to the section line 8-8 of Figure 7. The stretched garment 20 includes the chassis 41 which includes the liquid-permeable upper sheet 24, the back sheet 22 liquid impermeable associated with the upper sheet 24, and the absorbent core 25 positioned between the upper sheet 24 and the back sheet 22. The stretched garment further includes the front ear panels 46 extending each laterally outwardly of the chassis 41, and internal barrier folds 54. Although FIG. 8 represents only the structure of the ear front panel 47 the chassis 41 in the front region 26, it is also preferably provided in accordance with FIG. In a preferred embodiment, each of the ear front panels 46 is formed by a lamination of an extended portion 72 of the barrier flap 56, an elastic laminate 70 and an outer cover not woven 74. Elastic laminate 70 includes a flat elastomeric material 124 (not shown in Figure 8 but in Figure 10). Here, "flat elastomeric material" refers to elastomeric materials that extend continuously in two dimensional directions. Preferred flat elastomeric materials include a canvas, a perforated (or formed with apertures) film, an elastomeric woven material or nonwoven material, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, e! flat elastomeric material 124 includes at least one portion having a non-uniform lateral width. The absorbent core 25 may be any absorbent member that is generally compressible, capable of shaping, non-irritating to the wearer'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, T-shaped, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid absorbing materials commonly used in disposable stretchable garments and other absorbent articles such as crushed wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include accrete cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or entangled cellulosic fibers, tissue including tissue envelopes 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 24 may be varied (eg, the absorbent core 25 may have zones of varying gauge, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or acquisition zones with lower average density and lower average basis weight, or may include 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 garment 20. A preferred embodiment of the garment 20 has an absorbent core 25 in the form of a modified, asymmetric hourglass. having ears in the front and back 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 "Absorbing structures of high density "issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent articles with double-layered cores" 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 the patent of the United States No. 4,834,735 entitled "High density absorbent members having acquisition zones with lower density and lower basis weight" issued to Alemany et al. On May 30, 1989. The chassis 41 may further include an acquisition / distribution core. of chemically hardened fibers placed on the absorbent core 25, thereby forming a dual core system. In a preferred embodiment, the fibers are chemically hardened hydrophilic cellulosic fibers. Here, "chemically hardened fibers" means any of the fibers that have been hardened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous conditions. These means include the addition of chemical curing agents which, for example, coat and / or impregnate the fibers. Such means also include hardening the fibers by altering the chemical structure of the fibers themselves, for example, by interlacing the polymer chains. The fibers used in the acquisition / distribution core 84 can also be hardened by chemical reaction. For example, entanglement agents can be applied to fibers which, upon application, are induced to chemically form intrafiber lattice bonds. These lattice bonds can increase the stiffness of the fibers. While the use of intrafiber lattice bonds to chemically harden fibers is preferred, this does not mean excluding other types of reactions for chemical hardening of the fibers. In the most preferred hardened fibers, e! Chemical processing includes intrafiber interlacing with interlacing agents while such fibers are in a crimped, twisted, relatively dehydrated, defibrated (ie, individualized) condition. Suitable hardening chemicals include monomeric crosslinking agents including but not limited to C2-C8 dialdehydes and C2-C8 monoaldehydes having an acid functionality that can be employed to form the crosslinking solution. These compounds are capable of reacting with at least two hydroxyl groups in a single cellulose chain or in cellulose chains closely located in a single fiber. These entanglement agents contemplated for use in preparing the hardened cellulose fibers include, but are not limited to glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, formaldehyde, and glyoxylic acid. Other suitable curing agents are polycarboxylates, such as citric acid. The hardening polycarboxylic agents and a process for making the hardened fibers from these are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,190,563, entitled "Process for preparing individual fibers interlaced with polycarboxylic acid" issued to Herron, on March 2. from 1993. The effect of entanglement under these conditions is to form fibers that are rigid and that tend to retain their twisted, curled configuration, during use in the absorbent articles herein. These fibers, and the processes for making them, are cited in the previously incorporated patents. Dual core systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,423 entitled "Absorbing article with elastic waist feature and increased absorbency" issued to Alemany et al. On 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 shown in FIG. includes the chemically treated hardened cellulose fiber material, available from Weyerhaeuser Co. (USA) under the trade designation "CMC". Preferably, the acquisition / distribution core 84 has a basis weight of from about 40 g / m2 to about 400 g / m2, more preferably from about 75 g / m2 to about 300 g / m2. More preferably, the chassis 22 further includes an acquisition / distribution layer 82 between the top sheet 24 and the acquisition / distribution core 84 as shown in Figure 8. The acquisition / distribution layer 82 is provided to help reduce the surface moisture tendency of the top sheet 24. The acquisition / distribution layer 82 preferably includes resin-bonded, high-bulking, nonwoven materials bonded with resin such as, for example, available as FT-6860 Code No. of Polymer Group, Inc. ., North America (Landisiville, New Jersey, USA), which is made of polyethylene terephthalate fibers of 6 dtex, and has a basis weight of approximately 43 g / m2. A preferable example for the acquisition / distribution layer 82 and the acquisition / distribution core 84 is disclosed in European patent EP 0797968A1 (Kurt et al.) Published on the 1st. October 1997. The topsheet 24 is preferably flexible, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 24 is permeable to the 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 included from natural fibers (e.g., wool or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural fibers and synthetic.

The topsheet 24 is preferably made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from the liquids that have passed through the topsheet 24 and which are contained within the absorbent core 25 (i.e., prevent rewetting). If the topsheet 24 of a hydrophobic material is made, at least the top surface of the topsheet 24 is treated to be hydrophilic in such a way that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. This decreases the likelihood that the body exudates will flow out of the topsheet 24 instead of being drawn through the topsheet 24 and be absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet 24 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. . Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the top sheet material 24 with the surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of this treatment and the hydrophilic capacity is 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 the patent of United States No. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent articles with fast-absorbing absorbent cores" issued to Reising on January 29, 1991. In a preferred embodiment, top sheet 24 is a non-woven web that can provide reduced tendency for surface moisture; and consequently it facilitates keeping the urine absorbed by the absorbent core away from the wearer's skin, after it gets wet. One of the preferred materials of the top sheet is a thermally bonded carded web which is available as Fiberweb North America P-8 Code No., Inc. (Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA). Another preferred material of the topsheet 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 fibers of two components treated with surfactant using carding technologies and continuous air. Still another preferred material of the topsheet is a bonded thermal carded web which is available as the code No. Profleece Style 040018007 from Amoco Fabricas, Inc. (Gronau, Germany). Another preferred top sheet 24 includes a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are preferred for the topsheet 24 because they are permeable to body exudates and still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin. 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" issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable absorbent article having a top sheet resistant to dirt", issued to Mullane, et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient plastic weft exhibiting fiber-like properties", issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic screen exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface and a fabric-like tactile impression", 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 a preferred embodiment, the backsheet 22 includes the liquid impervious film 68 as shown in, for example. example, Figure 8. Preferably, the liquid impermeable film 68 extends longitudinally in the front, back and crotch regions 26, 28 and 30. More preferably, the liquid impermeable film 68 does not extend laterally in at least the ear panels 46 or 48. The liquid impermeable film 68 has a surface that gives a! body 79 and an exterior facing surface 77. The liquid impermeable film 68 is impervious to liquids (eg, urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film. However, more preferably the plastic film allows the vapors of the garment 20 to escape. In a preferred embodiment, a microporous polyethylene film is used for the liquid impermeable film 68. A suitable polyethylene microporous film is manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals , Inc., Nagoya, Japan and is commercialized as PG-P. In a preferred embodiment, a disposable tape (not shown in the Figures) is additionally attached to the outer surface of the topsheet 22 to provide convenient disposal after soiling.

A suitable material for the liquid impermeable film 68 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051, preferably including polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, the liquid impervious film has a basis weight of about 5 g / m2 to about 35 g / m2. However, it should be noted that other flexible liquid impervious materials can be used. Here, "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will easily conform to the figure and general outline of the human body. Preferably, the backsheet 22 further includes the nonwoven outer cover 74 which is attached to the surface that faces the outside of the film impervious to the liquid 68 to form a laminate (i.e., the backsheet 22). The nonwoven outer cover 74 is positioned in the outermost portion of the garment 20 and covers at least a portion of the outermost portion of the garment 20. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven outer covering 74 covers almost the entire area of the outermost portion of the garment 20. The nonwoven outer cover 74 may be attached to the liquid impermeable film 68 by any suitable joining means known in the art. For example, the nonwoven outer cover 74 can be secured to the liquid impervious film 68 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, coils, or spots of adhesive. Suitable adhesives include a thermal fusion adhesive obtainable from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan as H-2128, and a thermal fusion adhesive obtainable from H.B. Fuller Japan Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan as JM-6064. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven outer cover 74 is a carded nonwoven web, for example, obtainable from Havix Co., Ltd., Gifu, Japan as E-2341. The non-woven outer cover 74 is made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). The PE / PP ratio is approximately 50/50. The PE / PP two-component fiber has a dimension of 2d x 51 mm. Another preferred carded nonwoven web is obtainable from Chisso Corp., Moriyama, Japan. The non-woven outer cover 74 is also made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). The PE / PP ratio is approximately 50/50. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven web is a non-woven web linked by spinning, for example, obtainable from Mitsui Petrochemícal Industries Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. The nonwoven web is made of two-component fibers of a polyethylene (PEE) and a polypropylene (PP). The PE / PP ratio is approximately 80/20. The PE / PP two-component fiber has a thickness that is approximately 2.3d.

Another non-woven fabric linked by spinning is obtainable from Fiberweb France S.A., under No of code 13561 DAPP. 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 means of attachment 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, USA and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment means including an open-pattern network of filaments of adhesive is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Garment of Waste Containment" which was issued to Minetola et al. March 1986. Other suitable fixation means include various lines of adhesive filaments twisted in a spiral pattern as illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in the US Pat.

United States 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 fastening means may include thermal joints, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints, or any other means of securing. suitable fixation or combinations of these fixation 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 in order to provide greater extension capacity in the front region 26 and in the back region 28. The garment that is stretched Preferably further includes elasticized leg folds 52 to provide improved fluid containment and other body exudates. The elasticized leg cuffs 52 may include several different modalities to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (Leg bends may be and are sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds, elastic bends or packing folds.) U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 entitled "Shrinkable side portions for disposable diaper. "issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, describes a disposable diaper that provides a collapsible leg opening having a side flap and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticized leg fold. U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Fins" issued to Aziz et al. On March 20, 1990, describes a disposable diaper having "upright" elasticated fins (barrier folds) to improve the containment of leg regions. U.S. Patent No. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Double Folds" issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, and in the patent of the United States.

No. 4,795,454 entitled "Absorbent article having double leak-resistant folds" issued to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, discloses disposable diapers having double folds that include a gusset fold and a barrier fold. U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115 entitled "Disposable Garment of Waste Containment" issued to Buell on November 3, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper or incontinence garment having sidewall leakage protection channels configured to contain free liquids inside the garment. Although each leg elasticated fold 52 can be configured to be similar to any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds, or elastic folds described above, it is preferred that the elasticized leg fold 52 include an elastic fold of packing 62. with one or more elastic yarns 64 as shown in Figure 8, which is described in the above-referenced U.S. Patent Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454. It is also preferred that each leg elasticated fold 52 further includes internal barrier folds 54 each including a barrier flap 56 and a separation means 58 which are described in the aforementioned US Patent No. 4,909,803. The stretched garment 20 of the present invention further includes an elasticated waistband 50 which provides for improved fit and containment. The elasticized waistband 50 is that portion or area of the stretched garment 20 that is intended to expand and contract elastically to dynamically adjust the wearer's waist. The waistband 50 of the present invention includes an elastic laminate 70 which will be described in detail below. The waistband 50 is disposed along at least one, preferably both, of the end edges 152 of the disposable garment 20. The elasticized waistband 50 preferably extends longitudinally inward from the end edge 152 of the garment that is worn. stretches 20 towards the waist edge 154 of the absorbent core 25. Preferably, the garment that is stretched has two elastified waistbands 50, one placed in the back region 28 and another placed in the front region 26, although modalities of the diaper can be constructed which is stretched 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. United States Patent No. 5,151,092 issued Buell. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 9-9 of Figure 7. As shown in Figure 9, both backsheet 22 and top sheet 24 extend further aila of the waist edge 154 of the absorbent core 25 to define a waist flap 156.

Preferably, the juxtaposed areas of the backsheet 22 and the topsheet 24 are joined together by an adhesive (not shown in the Figures). In a preferred embodiment, the waistband 50 is attached to the waist flap 156. Preferably, the waistband 50 is disposed on and is attached to the top sheet 24 as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the waistband 50 may be arranged and joined between the backsheet 22 and the top sheet 24 as shown in Figure 10. The waistband 50 can be attached to the top sheet 24 (and the backsheet 22) by an adhesive means (not shown in the Figures) such as those well known in the art. For example, the waistband 50 can be secured to the waist flap 156 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or a separate lines or adhesive bond arrangement. A preferred adhesive to be used is available from Ato Findley Inc., Wl, USA, under the designation H2085. In a preferred embodiment, the waistband 50 is secured to the waist flap 156 in an elastically contractible condition such that in a normally unrestricted configuration the waistband 50 will effectively contract or collect the waist flap 156. The waistband 50 can securing the waist flap 156 in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways. For example, the waistband 50 can be stretched and secured to the waist flap 156 while the waist flap 156 is in an uncontracted condition. Alternatively, the waist flap 156 may be contracted, for example by bending, and the waistband 50 is secured to the contracted waist flap 156 while the waistband 50 is in its relaxed or unstretched condition. Still alternately, the waistband 50 is attached, in its relaxed or unstretched condition, to the waist flap 156 which is in an uncontracted condition, thereby forming a composite laminate with the materials of the backsheet 22 and the sheet top 24. At least a portion, preferably the entire portion of the composite laminate is then subjected to sufficient mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the non-elastic components, which are the backsheet 22 and the top sheet 24. The composite laminate then he is allowed to return to his substantially unstressed condition. In this way, the composite laminate is formed into a "zero stress" stretch laminate that functions as the elasticized waistband 50. Here, "zero stress" stretch laminate refers to a laminate that includes at least two layers of elasticity. 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 layers including a material that is stretchable and elastomeric (i.e., will return substantially to its unstressed dimensions after the applied tension force has been released) and a second layer that is stretchable (but not necessarily elastomeric) of such way to! occur the stretch the second layer will be, at least to a degree, permanently elongated in such a way that upon the release of the applied tension forces, it will not completely return to its original configuration without deforming. The resulting stretch laminate is thus made elastically extensible, at least up to the initial stretch point, in the direction of the initial stretch. Particularly preferred methods and apparatus used to make the stretch laminates use corrugated gear rollers to mechanically stretch the components. Particularly preferred apparatuses and methods are described in U.S. Patent No. ,167,897 issued to Weber and others 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. In a preferred embodiment, the waistband 50 extends through essentially the total lateral width of the absorbent core 25. Here, "side width" refers to the dimension between the side edges of the components of the disposable garments. . Here, "essentially through" is used in this context to indicate that the waistband 50 does not need to extend absolutely across the total width of the absorbent core 215 as long as it extends sufficiently to a width of the same to provide the elasticised waistband. . Preferably, the waistband 50 extends through only a portion of the lateral width of! absorbent core 25, more preferably at least between the portions in ear panels 46 and 48 (as shown in Figure 7). In a preferred embodiment, the waistband 50 extends across the total lateral width of the garment 20 (not shown in the Figures). The extent to which the waistband 50 extends on the inside from the end edge 152 of the garment 20, and in this way the longitudinal stretch of the resulting waistband, can vary according to the particular construction of the garment 20. The stretch or longitudinal extension of the waistband 50 is at least about 5mm, preferably from about 6mm to about 60mm, more preferably from about 15mm to about 30mm.

At least one of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 includes the elastic laminate 70 of the present invention. For example, each of the ear front panels 46 shown in Figure 8 includes the elastic laminate 70, which includes the elastomeric material 124 (not shown in Figure 8) preferably extending laterally outwardly of the chassis 41 to provide the good fit generating the optimal retention (or sustained) force in the user's waist and lateral areas. Preferably, the elastomeric material 124 is extensible in at least one direction, preferably in the lateral direction to generate a retaining (or sustained) force that is optimal to prevent the stretched garment from loosening, falling, or sliding downwardly. of its position on the torso without causing the reddened marking on the user's skin. In a preferred embodiment, each of the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 includes the elastomeric material 124. The elastic laminate 70 is operatively bonded to at least one of the nonwoven webs 72 and 74 in the ear panels 45, 46 and 48 to allow the elastic laminate 70 to be elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic laminate 70 is operatively bonded to the nonwoven webs 72 and 74 by securing them to at least one, preferably both, of the non-woven webs 72 and 74 while they are in a substantially unstressed condition (zero effort ). The elastic laminate 70 can be operatively joined to the non-woven webs 72 and 74, using either an intermittent attachment configuration or a substantially continuous bonding configuration. Here, "intermittently bonded" laminated weft means a laminated web wherein the webs are initially joined to each other at discrete discrete points or a laminated web wherein the webs are substantially non-bonded to one another in discrete discrete areas. Conversely, a "substantially continuously bonded" laminate web means a laminated web wherein the webs are initially substantially continuously bonded to one another in all areas of the interface. It is preferred that the stretch laminate be bonded especially or a significant portion of the stretch laminate in such a way that the inelastic webs (i.e., the non-woven webs 72 and 74) elongate or stretch if they cause breakage, and the layers of the stretch laminates are preferably bonded in a configuration that keeps all layers of the stretch laminate in relatively close adherence to each other after the operation Ncremental mechanical stretch. Accordingly, the elastic panel members and the other layers of the stretch laminate are preferably substantially continuously bonded together using an adhesive. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the selected adhesive is applied with a control coating sprinkling pattern to a basis weight of about 7.0 grams / square meter. The width of the adhesive pattern is approximately 6.0 cm. The adhesive is preferably an adhesive such as is available from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, under the designation H2085F. Alternatively, the elastic panel member and any other component of the stretch laminate may be intermittently or continuously joined to each other using thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical dynamic bonding, or any other method as is known. in the technique. After the elastic laminate 70 is operatively bonded to at least one of the nonwoven 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 components non-elastic which are, for example, the nonwoven 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 ear panels 45, 46 and 48 is thus formed in the "zero stress" stretch laminates. (Alternatively, the elastic laminate 70 can be operatively joined in a stressed condition and then subjected to mechanical stretching; although this is not preferred as a "zero stress" stretch laminate). The elastic laminate 70 is preferably bonded to, most preferably secured directly to the respective edges 78 of the liquid impervious film (ie, the liquid impermeable film 68) through an adhesive 76 as shown in Figure 8. In a preferred embodiment, while the liquid impermeable film 68 extends longitudinally in the front, back and crotch regions 26, 28 and 30, it does not extend laterally toward at least one of, preferably, each of the panels. ear extensibles 45, 46 and 48. In a more preferred embodiment, the elastic laminate 70 is attached to the respective edges 78 of the liquid impermeable film 68 on the exterior facing surface 77 as shown in Figure 8. In In an alternative embodiment, the elastic laminate 70 may be attached to the respective edges 78 of the liquid impermeable film 68 on the body-facing surface 79 (not shown in FIG. as Figures). Preferably, the adhesive 76 is applied in a spiral bonding pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive 76 is a flexible adhesive with an amorphous and crystallizing component. Such a preferred adhesive is made by Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, under the designation H2085F. Alternatively, the elastic laminate 70 may be attached to the respective edges 78 of the liquid impermeable film 68 by other joining means known in the art which include thermal joints, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints, or combinations of these joining means. 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 (18)

1. An elastic laminate elastically extendable in at least one direction, rising: an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the elastomeric material including a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer; and a first nonwoven layer including onent fibers including a polyester; wherein the elastomeric material is bonded to the first non-woven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond which is formed by the application of a bonding temperature which is less than the melting point of the polyester.

2. The elastic laminate according to claim 1, wherein the polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer includes a polystyrene segment, and wherein the bonding temperature is greater than the vitreous transition temperature of the polystyrene segment.

3. The elastic laminate according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer is a styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / butylene-thermoplastic elastomer. styrene, a styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / propylene thermoplastic elastomer, a hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber, and a mixture thereof.

4. The elastic laminate according to claim 1, wherein the polyester is a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polypropylene terephthalate or one of its relative, or mixtures thereof.

5. The elastic laminate according to claim 4, wherein the polyester has an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 60,000.

6. The elastic laminate according to claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is in the form of a continuous flat layer or a yarn. The elastic laminate according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material contains from about 1% by weight to about 70% by weight of polystyrene. A method for forming an elastic laminate, rising the steps of: a) providing an elastomeric material made from a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer, the elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; b) providing a first nonwoven layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first nonwoven layer including onent fibers that are made of a polyester; c) placing the first surface of the elastomeric material against the first surface of the first non-woven layer; and d) forming a continuous heat / pressure bond between the elastomeric material and the first nonwoven layer, by applying a bonding temperature that is less than the melting point of the polyester. 9. A disposable garment having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region, rising: a chassis provided in the front, back and crotch regions and having edge lines in the regions front and rear, the chassis rising a liquid-permeable 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; and at least a pair of extendable side panels extending laterally outward of the chassis in the front or rear region, wherein at least one of the side panels including an elastic laminate elastically extensible at least in the lateral direction, the elastic laminate including : a) an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the elastomeric material including a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer; and b) a first non-woven layer including component fibers including a polyester; wherein the elastomeric material is bonded to the first non-woven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond that is formed by the application of a bonding temperature that is less than the melting point of the polyester. 10. A disposable garment having a longitudinal centerline, longitudinal edges, end edges, a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front region and the back region, comprising: a chassis provided in the frontal regions, back and crotch and having edge lines in the front and rear regions, the chassis comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet impervious to! liquid associated with the top sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and a waistband disposed along at least one of the end edges of the disposable garment; wherein the waistband includes an elastic laminate: a) an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the elastomeric material including a thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer; and b) a first non-woven layer including component fibers including a polyester; wherein the elastomeric material is bonded to the first non-woven layer through a continuous heat / pressure bond that is formed by the application of a bonding temperature that is less than the melting point of the polyester. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising stitching joining the chassis to the side panels to form two leg openings and a waist opening. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one pair of side panels comprises a pair of extendable front side cuffs extending laterally outward of the chassis in the frontal region, and a pair of rear side panels extendable extending laterally outwardly of the chassis in the posterior region, and the disposable garment further comprises stitching by joining each the front and back side panels to form the two leg openings and the waist opening. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10. wherein the polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer includes a polystyrene segment, and wherein the bonding temperature is greater than the vitreous transition temperature of the polystyrene segment. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the thermoplastic polystyrene elastomer is a styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene thermoplastic elastomer / butylene-styrene, a styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-ethylene / propylene thermoplastic elastomer, a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene rubber, and a mixture thereof. 15. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the polyester is a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polypropylene terephthalate or one of its relatives, or mixtures thereof. 16. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the polyester has an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 60,000. 1

7. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the elastomeric material is in the form of a continuous flat layer or a yarn. 1

8. The disposable garment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the thermoplastic material contains from about 1% by weight to about 70% by weight of polystyrene.