MXPA01007254A

MXPA01007254A - Disposable garment with three-dimensional leg flaps and waistbands

Info

Publication number: MXPA01007254A
Application number: MXPA/A/2001/007254A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Gompel Paul Theodore Van; Hsiang Huang Yung
Original assignee: Kimberlyclark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 1999-02-12
Filing date: 2001-07-17
Publication date: 2002-03-05

Abstract

An integral absorbent article, such as diaper (10), has a longitudinal article length (26) and a lateral article width (24). The article includes an absorbent composite (32) having first and second longitudinally opposed end regions (78 and 79), and at least a first longitudinally terminal end edge (82). The absorbent composite (32) includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer (30), a substantially liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and a retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The retention portion (48) has laterally opposed, terminal side edges (49), and the absorbent composite (32) includes a pair of laterally opposed side margins (80) which extend laterally beyond the side edges (49) of the retention portion (48). A first body panel (52) is joined to the first longitudinal end (78) of the absorbent composite (32). The first body panel (52) has a body side surface (54), an outward surface (56), a panel length (58) which is less than the article length (26), an outboard terminal end edge (60), and a relatively inboard terminal end edge (62). Each of the side margins (80) of the absorbent composite (32) is inwardly turned to provide a turned bodyside surface (100) and a turned outward side surface (102) of each side margin (80). At least a first portion of the turned bodyside surface (100) of each side margin (80) of the absorbent composite (32) is secured to the outward surface (56) of the first body panel (52) with a body panel attachment (42).

Description

DISPOSABLE GARMENT WITH LEG FLAPS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL WAISTBANDS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to garment articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, desirably to disposable absorbent articles, which are assembled and integrated to form a unitary structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional garment items, such as disposable diapers and other disposable absorbent articles, have typically employed mechanical fasteners or fasteners, which attach the waistband portions designated for articles around a wearer. In addition, various configurations of waist elastics, leg elastics, elasticated linings and elasticized outer cover have been employed on the garment articles to assist in producing and maintaining the notch of the articles around the contours of the wearer's body or user .

The external surfaces of such disposable absorbent products may include a fibrous or woven material or a matte finished film material. In some arrangements, patterned patterns have been formed on an outer surface of the outer cover to provide a decorative pattern. Other disposable garments have had outer cover composed of elastomeric fabrics.

In the particular configurations of the disposable absorbent articles, the inner elasticated pretinal fins have been incorporated along the side surface to the body of the article. The inner waistband component may extend along a part of the lateral width of the waistband section of the article, and may have a lateral extension which is equal to or greater than the lateral extension of the outer cover of the article.

In other configurations, the article may include an absorbent assembly attached to the inner surface of a relatively large waistband member. The pretinder member is typically elasticized and positioned at one end of the absorbent assembly. The waistband member extends beyond the bord end of that end of the absorbent assembly, and also extends beyond the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent assembly.

Conventional garment items, such as those described above, have not provided desired levels of notch, absorbency, drainage resistance, low cost and ease of manufacture. As a result of this, there has been a continued need for more effective garments having improved combinations of such properties.

Brief Description of the Drawings Stated generally, the present invention provides an absorbent article having a longitudinal article length and a lateral article width. The article includes an absorbent composite having the longitudinally opposite end regions, and at least a first longitudinally terminal end edge d. The absorbent compound includes a bottom sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid, a top sheet layer substantially liquid permeable, and a retaining portion positioned in a sandwich between the bottom sheet and top sheet layers. The retaining portion has the laterally opposite terminal edge edges, and the absorbent composite includes a pair of laterally opposed side margins, which extend laterally beyond the lateral edges of the retaining portion. A body panel is attached to a longitudinal end of absorbent composite, the body panel has a body side surface, an outer surface, an outer end edge, and a relative end inner end edge. In particular aspects of the invention each of the lateral margins of the absorbent composite can be turned inward to provide a surface of the turned body and a side surface to the outside of each lateral margin. In additional aspects, at least a first part of the turned side-to-body surface of the lateral edge of the absorbent composite can be secured to the outer surface of the first body panel.

By incorporating its various aspects, the article to the present invention can provide an article having improved notch, improved absorbency, and improved drainage resistance. The item can also be produced at a lower cost and greater efficiency. In particular, expandable junction sections, which attach the absorbent compound to the body panel may allow the absorbent compound to increase in volume during use while allowing the body panel to maintain a closed and conformal fit around the waist and the body torso of the user. The body panel also can better provide a more effective barrier between the wet absorbent composite and the user's skin, wherein the elasticized strand bands and the expandable sections of the absorbent composite are located in the intermediate crotch portion of the diaper. Expandable part can also allow your absorent to grow in volume essentially without affecting the notch of the elasticized leg bands around the user's legs.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and of the drawings, in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a view in the interior plane partially in a body side section of an article of the invention.

Figure IA representatively shows a schematic and expanded lateral cross section taken with respect to line A-A of Figure 1; Figure IB representatively shows a schematic and expanded lateral cross section taken with respect to line B-B of figure 1 in which a lateral extension of the upper sheet layer equals approximately a lateral extension of the lower leaf layer; Figure 1C shows representatively a lateral cross section, schematic and expanded alternate of Figure IB in which the lateral extension of the upper sheet layer is less than the lateral extension of the lower sheet layer; Figure ID representatively shows a schematic and expanded side cross section taken with respect to line D-D of Figure 1; Fig. 2 representatively shows a view in the exterior plane, partially in section of the exterior side of the article of the invention; Figure 3 shows representatively a cross section, longitudinal and schematic with respect to line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 representatively shows a plane view partially cut away from the body side surface of an article of the invention including the leg elastic members, - Figure 5 representatively shows a schematic and expanded side cross section of an article of the invention having the elastomeric members attached to the lateral margins turned inward of absorbent composite, with respect to line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 5A representatively shows a cross-sectional, lateral, schematic and expanded view of an article of the invention having another configuration of the elastomeric members attached to the margins turned inside the absorbent composite.

Figure 5b representatively shows a cross-sectional, lateral, schematic and expanded view of an article of the invention having a elastomeric component provided separately which is assembled and joined to each of the lateral margins turned inwards of absorbent compound.

Figure 6 representatively shows a plan view partly in section of the side surface of the inner body of an article of the invention, which includes another system of the elastic leg members attached to the lateral margins of the absorbent composite; Figure 7 representatively shows a lateral, schematic and expanded cross section of article of the invention having the system of elastomeric members attached to the lateral margins turned inside the absorbent compound, with respect to line 7-7 d the figure 6; Figure 8 representatively shows a plan view partially in section of the side surface of the inner body of yet another article of the invention which includes the turned lateral margins that have been turned around the non-parallel turning lines; Figure 9 representatively shows a side cross-section view of an article having the flipped side margins formed by a separately provided member.

Brief Description of the Invention The various aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. However, it is readily apparent that the present invention can also be employed with other articles such as feminine care articles, children's underpants, incontinence garments and the like. Typically, disposable items are intended for limited use and are not intended to be washed or otherwise cleaned to be reused. A disposable diaper, for example, is discarded after it has been soiled by the user. Optionally, a disposable diaper may include a single use absorbent insert, and a limited outer wear cover which may be reused several times.

It should also be noted that, when employed in the present description, the terms "comprises" "comprising" and other derivatives of the term "comprises" are intended to be open terms which specify the presence of any declared characteristics, elements, integers , steps or components, but that do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, elements, integers, steps, components or group thereof.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, an article such as the integral and illustrated absorbent article provided by diaper 10 shown representatively, has a longitudinal article extension 26 and a side article width 24. The article includes an absorbent composite 32 qu has the first and second longitudinally opposite end regions 78 and 79, and at least one first longitudinally terminal end edge 82. The absorbent composite 32 includes a bottom sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid. , a top sheet layer essentially permeable to liquid 28, and a retaining portion 48 positioned between the lower leaf and upper leaf layers. The retaining portion 48 has the laterally opposite end edges 49 and the absorbent component 32 includes a pair of laterally opposite margins 8 which extend laterally beyond the side edges 49 of the retaining portion 48. body 52 is attached to first longitudinal end 78 of absorbent composite 32. First body panel 52 has a body side surface 54, an outer surface 56, or outer terminal end edge 60, and a relatively inner terminal end edge 62 In desired aspects, the first body panel may have a panel length 58, which is less than the length of article 26. In particular aspects of the invention, each of the lateral margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 may be turned over. into a longitudinal line extending longitudinally of article to provide a side surface to the overturned body 100 and a surface beats externally rotated 102 d each lateral margin 80. In additional aspects, at least a first part of the turned side-to-body surface 100 d each side margin 80 of the absorbent composite 32 can be secured to the outer surface 56 of the first body panel 52. Such securing may, for example, include a body panel fastener 42. Desirably, the securing may include a predetermined system of the body panel joints.

In additional aspects of the invention, each of the lateral margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 can be turned inward or can be turned inward in another manner in an essentially C-shaped (flipped in C) manner to provide a flipped section 92 that it has the surface d facing the turned body 100 and the flipped outer side surface 102 of each lateral margin 80. AdditionallyThe body panel junction 42 can be located near the longitudinally extending end side edge 81 of the corresponding side margin 80. Such placement can help facilitate and accommodate the expansion of the absorbent compound to absorb the liquid. As shown representatively, each flipped section 92 can provide a corresponding expandable junction section along at least a portion of each associated lateral region 80 of absorbent composite 32 to the first end region 78 of the absorbent composite. The expandable junction section may be expandable at least outwardly or at least along the lateral transverse direction of the width of article 24, and each expandable junction section may be configured to secure its correspondingly bound lateral edge region of the composite. Absorbent to the exterior surface 56 of the first body panel 52.

With reference to Figures IA to 1C, at least one of the upper and lower sheet layers 28 and 30 respectively may extend laterally beyond the side edges 49 of the retaining portion 48 to provide lateral side margins Opposites 80 of the absorbent composite 32 in an alternate configuration, each side margin 80 can be a separately provided member 68 which is operatively assembled to the absorbent composite to provide side margins 80, as shown representatively in Figure 9.

The first body panel 52 is desirably a separately provided member which is attached and extends across the surface of the side of the car body into the first end region 78 of the absorbent component. The first body panel can be attached to absorbent compound and be arranged to provide the back side part 12 of the article. Alternatively, the first body panel 52 may be attached to the absorbent composite arranged to provide the front waistband portion 14 in the desired configurations, the first body panel 52 may have an outer longitudinally extending end edge 60 which is essentially coterminous with a first end edge longitudinally terminal of the article. The absorbent composite 32 is bonded to extend and lie on an outer surface 56 of the first body panel 52. As representatively shown in FIG. 1, the first body panel 52 can be attached to provide the rear waistband portion 12 of the article. , and its second body panel 53 can be attached to a longitudinally opposite end of the absorbent composite 32 to provide the front waistband portion 14 of the article.

The second body panel 53 may also be a separately provided member, which is attached to extend across the side surface to the body of the second end region 79 of the absorbent composite. The second body panel 53 has a longitudinal panel extension 5 which is smaller than the article extension 26, and the second body panel is longitudinally spaced outward from the first body panel 52. In the desired configurations, the second panel body 53 may have a longitudinally outer end edge 61 which is essentially coterminous with the second longitudinal end end edge of the article. The absorbent composite 32 is attached to extend and lay on an outer surface 56 of the second body panel 53 and as representatively shown the absorbent composite can be operatively extended to interconnect and lie between the first and second body panels.

As shown representatively (e.g. in Figures 1 to IB), a corresponding expandable junction section, such as provided by the flipped section 92, may be provided along at least a portion of the associated side region 80 of the absorbent composite 32 in the second end region 79 of the absorbent composite. The expandable junction section can be expanded at least outwardly or at least along the lateral transverse direction of the width of article 24, and each expandable junction section can be configured to secure its correspondingly attached bord region of the absorbent compound. to the exterior surface 56 of the second body panel 53.

In the desired arrangements, the article may have a first waistband part 12 placed on the back rear side of the diaper, and a second waistband part or front waistband part 14 positioned longitudinally opposite the first waistband part 12. A crotch part intermediate 16 interconnects the first and second waistband parts, 12 and 14 respectively. In the configurations shown, the intermediate part is operatively provided by the absorbent composite 32. Leg openings, which are provided in the laterally opposite side margins of the intermediate part of the article, can be elastised with the leg elastics (for example, figures 4 to 7). A fastening system, such as a system including the fasteners 3 is configured to provide a back-to-front fastener in which the rear waistband portion 12 can be arranged in a superimposed relationship with the front head portion 14 for thereby surround the user's body and keep the diaper secure on the wearer during use. Optionally, the joining system can use the fastener appendages 36 which are configured to provide a back-to-back fastener, which arranges and joins the front end portion 14 in a superimposed relationship with the rear end portions 12 for thereby surround the user's body during use.

The various aspects of the present invention (individually and in combination) can advantageously assist in providing an article having improved notch, improved absorbency and improved drainage resistance. The article can also be produced at a lower cost and with greater efficiency. In particular, the expandable union of absorbent composite for the panel of a body may allow the absorbent composite to increase the volume during use while maintaining a closed and consistent notch of body panel around the waist and torso of the body of the body. user. In addition, the body panel can provide improved a more effective barrier between the absorbent compound wet the wearer's skin. Whereby the leg elastics and the designated portions of the expandable joining sections are provided in the lateral side margins of the absorbent composite in the intermediate crotch portion of the diaper those stretchable and expandable side margins may allow the absorbent composite to grow in volume outside, away from the user, essentially without affecting the placement or the closed notch of the elastic loops around the user's legs. As a result of this the article of the invention can advantageously provide an improved absorbency with a reduced runoff.

As shown representatively, the front waistband section 14 of the diaper 10 has a opposite laterally opposite pair of side edge regions 88, and the rear waistband section 12 has a rear pair laterally opposite side edge regions 86. The middle section 1 interconnects the front and back waist sections provides a diaper crotch region which is typically placed between the user's legs. The article may have a designated fastener placement form 50 l which is placed on the exterior surface of the article. The positioning zone can be integrally formed with a component, such as the lower sheet layer 30 or the second body panel 53. As representatively shown in Figure 2, the positioning zone 50 can alternatively be a separately provided member which it is, for example, disposed on the outer surface of the lower leaf layer 30. The liquid-permeable upper sheet layer 2 is superimposed in a front relation with the lower leaf layer 30 and the designated holding portion 48 of the structure. Absorbent is operably connected and fixed between the lower sheet layer 30 and the upper sheet layer 28. In particular arrangements, the upper sheet layer 28 and the retention portion 48 can be constructed to be essentially non-elastomeric can be operatively joined to the member of lower sheet 3 to substantially restrict excessive stretching of lower sheet member.

Figures 1 and 2 show typical plan views of the representative disposable diaper 10 in its n-contracted and generally planar state (eg, having essentially removed all elastic-induced shrinkage and shrinkage), and in Figure 1 the diaper side-to-body surface, which is intended to make contact with the user, facing the observer. The outer edges of the cloth define a periphery with the regions or margins of lateral bord extending longitudinally and laterally opposite 20; and the end edge regions or margins extending laterally and longitudinally opposite 22. The lateral edges define the leg openings for the diaper and are optionally curvilinear and contoured. The end edges are shown as straight, but optionally curvilinear.

With regard to the designated article surfaces and components, the various interior surfaces are configured to face the user's body when the article is placed around the user. The various exterior surfaces are configured to be away from the user's body when the article is placed around the user.

The diaper 10 typically includes a topsheet essentially permeable to liquid and porous 28; a lower sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 30; a retention part 48 positioned and connected between the upper sheet and the lower leaf; an emergence management part 46 operatively located to one side of the retention portion; the system d elastomeric folding members such as a system that includes the leg elastics 34 and the waist elastics. The emergence management part 46 is placed in liquid communication with at least one main face surface of the retaining portion 48, and the upper sheet 28, the lower sheet 30, the retaining portion 48, the operating part of emergement 46, leg elastics 34, and any waist elastics or other elastomeric members may be assembled together in a variety of well-known diaper configurations. The diaper may additionally include a system of containment fins (not shown) and a system of region members ear or side panel 38, which may be elastically elastomerized or otherwise made.

The examples of the articles, which includes the elastized side panels and the selectively configured fastening appendages are described in the application of the United States of America patent, Series No. 168,615 of T Roessler et al., Entitled "DIN ENCLOSURE DIAPER MICO ", filed on December 16, 1993 (lawyer case No. 10,961). Various techniques for forming the desired fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,219 to T. Roessler et al., Entitled "METHOD FOR MAKING A DYNAMIC ENTICING CLAMP" and issued on 21 March 1995 (plea issue No. 11,186); in the United States patent application of America, Series No. 286,086 of D. Fries, entitled "A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTICIATED EARS", and filed on August 3, 1994 (attorney's case No. 11,169) which was granted as a patent of the United States of America No. 5,540,796; and U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 415,383 to D. Fries, entitled "A ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR A LAMINATED TAPE" and filed on April 3, 1995 (attorney's matter No. 11,950), which it was issued as the patent of the United States of America No. 5,595,618. The descriptions of the aforementioned documents are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is here consistent (not in conflict).

The diaper 10 generally defines the longitudinally extending extension dimension d 26 and the laterally extending width d dimension 24, as shown in FIG. 1 in a representative manner. The diaper can have any desired shape, such as rectangular, d shape. I, a generally hourglass shape or a T shape. With the T-shape, the transverse bar of the "T" may comprise the front waistband portion of the diaper, or alternatively may comprise the rear waistband portion of the diaper.

The top sheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 may be generally coextensive, and optionally may not be coextensive. Either or both of the topsheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 may have length and width dimensions which are generally larger and extend beyond the corresponding dimensions of the retention portion 4 to provide the margins or regions of the backsheet. end edge 7 and 79, and lateral edge margin regions 80 of absorbent composite 32. In particular aspects, the side edge margins of the absorbent composite can be configured to provide at least a portion of the lateral regions 20 of the article. As representatively shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, for example, the lateral margins of absorbent composite 32 can provide the lateral margins of the article along the intermediate part 16 of the article. The upper sheet 28 is operatively asated with the lower sheet 30 and superimposed thereon, defining by tant the periphery of the diaper. The waistband regions comprise those parts of the diaper, which when worn, cover completely or partially surround the lower middle user's waist or torso. In the representatively shown configurations the first and second body panels 52 and 53 are arranged to provide the rear and front waistband regions 1 and 14, respectively. The intermediate crotch region 16 of article lies between the waistband regions 14 and 12 and interconnects it, and comprises this part of the diaper, which when worn is placed between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. Thus, the intermediate crotch region 16 is an area where repeated liquid surges typically occur in the diaper or other disposable absorbent article.

The lower sheet 30 may typically be located along a side-to-side surface of absorbent composite 32 and may be composed of a liquid permeable material, but desirably comprises a material which is configured to be essentially liquid impervious. For example, a typical bottom sheet can be manufactured from a thin plastic film, or from another material essentially impermeable to liquid and flexible. As used in the present description, the term "flexible" refers to materials which are docile and which readily conform to the general shape of the contours of the user's body. The lower sheet 30 prevents the exudates contained in the absorbent compound 32 from wetting the articles such as the bed sheets and the garments, which contact the diaper 10. In the particular embodiments of the invention, the lower sheet 30 can Include a film, such as a polyethylene film, that has a thickness of about 0.012 millimeter (0.5 mil) around 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mil). For example, the bottom sheet film can have a thickness d around 1.25 mils.

The alternate constructions of the lower sheet may comprise a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer, which has been constructed or has been treated in whole or in part to impart the desired levels of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent to the absorbent compound. . For example, the inner sheet may include a layer of non-woven permeable laminated gas permeable sheet a layer of polymer film which may or may not be permeable to gas. Other examples of fibrous cloth tip bottom sheet materials may comprise a stretched and thinned or stretched sheet material in thermal form composed of a cured polypropylene film of 0.6 mils (0.015 millimeters thick) and a yarn bonded material d polypropylene 0.7 oz per square yard (23.8 grams per square meter) (two denier fibers). The material of that tip has been used to form the outer cover of a HUGGIES ULTRATRIM cloth, which is commercially available from Itimberly-Clark Corporation. The lower sheet 30 typically provides the outer cover of the article, and the nonwoven sheet layer typically provides the outer surface of the article. Optionally, however, the article may include a separate outer cover component member, which is additional to the lower sheet.

The lower sheet 30 may include a microporous "co-breathability" material which allows the gasses such as water vapor to escape from the absorbent compound 3 while essentially preventing liquid exudates from passing through the sheet. lower. For example, the lower breathable sheet may be composed of a woven fabric or a microporous polymer film, which has been coated or otherwise modified to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. For example, a microporous film may be a PMP-1 material, which is available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., a company having offices in Tokyo, Japan; or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 available from 3M Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bottom sheet can also be engraved or otherwise provided with a matte pattern or finish to exhibit a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In the various configurations of the invention, e where a component, such as a lower sheet 30 or the containment fins are configured to be permeable to ga while having a limited resistance and permeability to aqueous liquid, the liquid resistant component may have a construction which is capable of sustaining a hydro head selected essentially without dripping through it. A suitable technique to determine the resistance of a material to the penetration of the liquid is the Standard of Test Method -Federal FTMS 191 Method 5514, 1978, or an equivalent thereof.

The lower sheet member 30 is sufficiently impermeable to liquid or semi-liquid materials to essentially prevent the desired runoff of waste materials, such as urine and feces. The lower leaf member may desirably hold a hydro head at least about 45 centimeters (cm) without essentially a runoff. The lower blade member 30 can alternatively hold a hydro head of at least about 55 centimeters, and optionally can hold a hydro head of at least about 60 centimeters or more to provide the improved benefits.

The size of the lower sheet 30 is typically determined by the size of the absorbent composite 32 and the particular diaper design selected. The lower sheet 30 may generally have a T-shape, a generally I-shape or a modified hourglass shape, and may extend beyond the terminal edges of the retaining portion 48 by a selected distance, such as a distance within the rang of around 1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters (around d 0.5 to 1.0 inches), to provide at least a part of the end margins.

The upper sheet 28 has a surface facing the body which is docile, soft feeling and n irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 2 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent composite 32, and sufficiently porous or may be permeable to the liquid allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through the thickness to reach the absorbent compound. A suitable top layer 28 can be made from a wide selection of woven materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foam, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), fibers synthetics (for example polyester fibers or polypropylene), or a combination of synthetic natural fibers. The top sheet layer 28 is typically employed to help isolate the user's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent composite 32.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 28. For example, the topsheet may be composed of a fabric bonded with spinning or blowing co-melting of the desired fibers, and may also be a knitted and bonded knit. The various fabrics can be composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations thereof.

For the purposes of the present description, the term "non-woven fabric" means a fabric of the fibrous material which is formed without the aid of a knitting or textile knitting process. The term "fabric" is used herein to refer to all woven, knitted and knitted fibrous fabrics.

The top sheet fabrics may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant processed in another manner to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment the top sheet 28 is a woven polypropylene fabric with nonwoven yarn composed of fibers of about 2.8 - 3.2 denies formed in a fabric having a basis weight of about 2 grams per square meter and a density of around 0. gm / cubic centimeter. The fabric can be treated on the surface with an operative amount of surfactant, such as about 0.28% Triton X-102 surfactant. The surfactant may be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying and pressure, brush coating or the like.

The top sheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 are connected or associated together in another manner in an operable form. As used herein, the term "associated" encompasses configurations in which the upper sheet 28 is attached directly to the lower sheet 30 by attaching the upper sheet 28 directly to the lower sheet 30., and configuration wherein the upper sheet 28 is indirectly attached to the lower leaf 30 by fixing the upper sheet 28 to the intermediate members, which in turn are fixed to the upper sheet 30. The upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 may, for example, be joined to each other in at least a portion of the periphery of the diaper through joining mechanisms (not shown) such as adhesive bonds, sonic joints, thermal bonding, pinning, stitching or with any other joining techniques known in the art, as well as combinations thereof. For example, a continuous and uniform adhesive layer, a patterned layer of adhesive, a pattern of sprayed adhesive or an array of separate lines, swirl or construction joint points can be used to secure the upper sheet 28 to the lower sheet 30 You should easily appreciate that the joining mechanisms described above can also be used to assemble to interconnect and / or properly secure together the various other component parts of the articles, which are described herein.

The composite or absorbent body 32 provides an absorbent structure which includes a retention portion 48 for containing and storing the absorbed liquids and other waste materials, such as the absorbent pad shown composed of selected hydrophilic fibers and the high absorbency particles. The absorbent composite is positioned and sandwiched between the upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 to form the diaper 10. The absorbent sheet has a construction, which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin. , able to absorb and retain body exudates. It should be understood that, for the purposes of this invention, the absorbent composite structure may comprise a single integral piece of material, or alternatively, may comprise a plurality of individual spaced pieces of material which are assembled together operably.

Various types of wettable hydrophilic fibrous material can be used to form the component parts of absorbent composite 32, particularly the retentate portion 48. Examples of suitable fibers include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of intrinsically wettable material, such as fibers. cellulose; synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized through appropriate means. The fibers may be hydrophilized, for example, by treating with silica the treatment with a material which has a suitable hydrophilic mite and is not easily removable from the fiber, by sheathing the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after the formation of fiber. For the purposes of the present invention, it is contemplated that mixtures selected from the various types of fibers mentioned may also be employed.

As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or fiber surfaces, which are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved The equipment and the appropriate techniques for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials can be provided by the Surface Force Analyzer System KSFA- 222, or an essentially equivalent system, when fibers with contact angles of less than 90 degrees are designated "wettable", while fibers having contact angles greater than 90 ° are designated "n humidifying".

The absorbent composite structure 32 can comprise a retention portion having a hydrophilic fiber matrix, such as a cellulose fluff fabric, mixed with particles of high absorbency material. In particular arrangement, the retention portion 48 of the absorbent compound 32 may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and synthetic polymer meltblown fibers, or a mixture of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous coform material comprising a mixture of natural fibers and / or synthetic polymer fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers, or they can not be mixed uniformly. For example, the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a non-stepwise gradient across an essential part of the thick (z-direction) of the absorbent structure., with the lower concentrations towards the body side of the absorbent composite and the relatively higher concentrations towards the outer side of the absorbent structure. Suitable z-gradient configurations are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,823 issued Oct. 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al., The complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict) with the present description. Alternatively the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a gradient not in a stepwise direction, through an essential part of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure, with the higher concentrations to the body side of the absorbent compound and the concentrations relatively lower towards the outer side of the absorbent structure. The superabsorbent particles can also be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbent d can be selectively placed in several places within or along the fiber matrix.

The high-absorbency material may comprise absorbent gelation materials, such as superabsorbents. The absorbent gelation materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. In addition, the absorbent gelation materials may be inorganic materials such as silica gels, organic compounds such as cross-linked polymers. The term "crosslinked" refers to any means for effectively making materials normally soluble in water essentially insoluble by water-swellable. Such media may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations, such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van Der Waals forces.

Examples of the polymers of synthetic absorbent material include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ethers) copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethers of vinyl and alf olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone) poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent composite include natural and modified natural polymers, such as grafted starch of hydrolyzed acrylonitrile, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums, such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and the like Mixtures of the total and partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be used in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelation materials are described by Assarsson et al. In U.S. Patent No. 3,901,236 issued August 26, 1975. The processes for preparing the synthetic absorbent gelation polymers are described in the US Pat. United States No. 4,076,663 issued on February 28, 1978 to Masuda and others and United States of America No. 4,286.08 issued on August 25, 1981 to Tsubakimoto et al.

Synthetic absorbent gelation materials are typically xerogels, which form hydrogels when wetted. The term "hydrogel", however, has been commonly used to refer to both the wetted and unmoistened forms of the material.

As previously mentioned, the alt absorbency material used in the absorbent composite 32 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles may be any desired shape, for example spiral or semicircular, cubic, rod-type, polyhedral, etc. Shapes having a larger dimension / larger size ratio, such as needles, leaflets, and fibers, are also contemplated for use here. The particle conglomerates of absorbent gelation material can also be used in the absorbent composite 32. The particles are desired to be used having an average size of from about 20 microns about one millimeter. The "particle size" as used here means the heavy average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles.

The hydrophilic and high absorbency particles can be configured to form an average compound basis weight which is within the range of about 400-900 grams per square meter. In certain aspects of the invention, the average composite basis weight is within the range of about 500-80 grams per square meter, alternatively it is within the range of about 550-750 grams per square meter to provide the desired performance.

To improve the containment of the high absorbency material, the absorbent composite structure 32 may include an overwrap, such as the wrapping sheet 74., which is immediately placed on one side and around the retention part 48, and which can be attached to the absorbent structure and to the various other components of the article. The wrapping sheet is preferably a layer of absorbent material, which covers the side-to-body surfaces and the main exterior side of the retaining portion, and preferably encloses essentially all of the peripheral edges of the retaining part to form a wrapping. essentially complete around them. Alternatively, the wrapping sheet can provide an absorbent wrap which covers the side-to-body surfaces and the main exterior side of the retaining portion, and essentially encloses only the side-side edges of the retaining portion. Therefore both the linear and arcuate inward portions of the lateral side edges of the wrapping sheet would be closed around the retaining portion. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the wrapping sheet may not completely encircle the end edges of the absorbent composite in the waistband regions of the article.

For example, the entire wrapping sheet 74, at least the side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise a meltblown fabric composed of meltblown fiber, such as meltblown polypropylene fibers. Another example of the absorbent wrap 7 may comprise a cellulosic fabric of low porosity, such as a tissue composed of a mixture of approximately 50/50 d fibers of hardwood / softwood.

The absorbent envelope 74 may comprise a multi-element wrapping sheet which includes a separate side-to-body wrapping cap and a separate outer-side wrapping layer, each of which extends beyond some of the edges. peripherals of the retaining portion 48. Such a configuration of the wrapping sheet can for example, facilitate the formation of an essentially complete seal and a seal around the peripheral edges of the retaining portion 48. In the back pretinal portion of the diaper illustrated, the absorbent wrap may also be configured to extend an increased distance away from the periphery of the retention portion to add opacity and strength to the back side sections of the diaper. In the illustrated embodiment, the side-to-body and side-side layers of the absorbent wrapper 74 may extend for at least about one-half inch beyond the peripheral edges of the retaining portion to provide a bonding area of type. of rebord protruding outwardly on which the periphery of the part on the side of the body of the absorbent casing may be fully or partially connected to the periphery of the side to outside part of the absorbent casing.

The side-to-body and side-to-side layers of the wrapping sheet 74 may be composed of essentially the same material or may be composed of different materials. For example, the outer side layer of the wrapping sheet may be composed of a relatively lower base weight material having a relatively higher poroside, such as a wet cellulose tissue composed of soft wood pulp. The cap on the side of the wrapping sheet body may comprise one of the previously described wrapping sheet materials, and which has a relatively low porosity. The low porosity side-by-side layer can better prevent migration of the superabsorbent particles onto the user's skin, and the side-to-side cap of lower base weight of superior porosity can help reduce costs.

The diaper 10 can also include an emergence management layer 46 which helps decelerate and diffuse liquid surges that can be introduced into the absorbent composition of the article. The emergence layer 4 can also temporarily contain the liquid for a limited period of time, extend and direct the liquid distribution, and then release the liquid for absorption into the retention portion 48. In the illustrated embodiment, for example , the emergence layer 46 can be located on a side surface facing the body up to the inside of the upper sheet cap 28. Alternatively, the emergence layer 4 can be located on one side of an outer surface of the upper sheet 28 to interpose between the upper blade 28 and the holding portion 48. Examples of suitable emergence management layer 46 are described in the United States of America patent application, Series No. 206,286 of C. Ellis and D Bishop, entitled "CAPA DE SURGIMIENT FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC FOR ABBOROBILE ARTICLES FOR E PERSONAL AND SIMILAR CARE ", presented on March 4, 199 (attorney's case No. 11,256) which corresponds to the patent of the United States of America No. 5,486,166; and the patent application of the United States of America, Series No. 206,069 of C. Ellis and R. Everett, entitled FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC OF IMPROVED EMERGENCY HANDLING FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES FOR PERSONAL AND SIMILAR CARE, filed March 4 of 199 (attorney's issue No. 11,387), which corresponds to the patent of the United States of America No. 5,490,846; the complete descriptions of which are incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herein.

Each body panel 52 and 53 may have a desired shape, which may be generally rectangular or rectangular. As shown representatively, each body panel may extend longitudinally beyond its corresponding end edge of the top sheet layer 28 and / or may extend laterally beyond its corresponding end edge of the bottom sheet layer 30. Optionally , either or both of the body panels may have the longitudinally outer edges which are essentially coterminous with their corresponding end edges of the upper sheet layer 28 and / or the lower sheet layer 30. The side end sections Opposite laterally of the body panel can extend transversely beyond the side edges of the absorbent composite 32 to provide the article extending ear portions 38. Thus, each body panel can extend through essentially the width in the full transverse direction of its corresponding waistband portion of the article. Each body panel may extend laterally beyond the lateral edges of the upper sheet layer 28 and / or may extend laterally beyond the side edges of the lower sheet layer 30. The particular arrangements, the body panel may be configured with the lateral end sections which have a tapered shape to provide the tapered ear portions. Each of the tapered ear portions may have a relatively large longitudinal extension on one side of the lateral mar of the absorbent composite, and a relatively shorter longitudinal extension on the laterally distal ends of the ear portion.

In the desired arrangements, at least one medial part 64 of the laterally longitudinally extending interior edge 62 of the first body panel 52 may be essentially unattached to the side-by-side surface of the absorbent composite 32. Similarly, the second The body panel 53 may have an end edge longitudinally inside end 63 and at least a middle portion 6 of the end edge 63 may be essentially without being secured to the absorbent compound 62. Any or both of the inner edges may be essentially straight or curved . In particular aspects, at least a portion of the inner edge of either or both of the body panels 52 and 53 can be arranged in a configuration which is concave inwards, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown representatively, the Designated concave curvature may beat each lateral marof the absorbent composite and may generally traverse laterally through the absorbent composite with a middle portion of the curvature displaced to the longitudinal end of the article. The curvature can help to provide an improved conformation of the body panel with the contours of the user's body.

In other aspects of the invention, the first longitudinally end-end bord 82 of essentially complete absorbent composite 32 may be relatively inwardly spaced from the outer longitudinally terminating end edge 60 of the first body panel 52. Po thus, the panel The body may extend longitudinally beyond and project longitudinally beyond its corresponding generally adjacent terminal end edge 82 of absorbent composite. Similarly, the second longitudinally terminal end edge 83 of essentially the entire absorbent composite 32 may be relatively inwardly spaced from the outer longitudinally terminating end edge 61 of the second body panel 53. Thus, the second body panel may extend longitudinally further and project longitudinally beyond its corresponding generally adjacent terminal end edge 82 of the absorbent composite.

During the conditions of ordinary use, the expandable junction sections provided by the flipped sections 92 may advantageously permit and provide a controlled expansion of the volume of the absorbent composite 32, especially after the absorbent compound has begun to absorb the liquids. In the various configurations of the invention, each expandable joining section may be a separately provided member which is assembled in the article or may be formed integrally from designated portions of other existing components of the article. For example, the expandable joining section may be formed of designated portions of the lower sheet 30, the upper sheet 28 or d operative combinations thereof. In particular aspects of the invention, the various expandable junction sections may be essentially free of absorbent materials, such as a hydrophilic fiber and superabsorbent polymers. Optionally, the various expandable sections may include a selected amount of absorbent materials.

With reference to Figures 1 to 1C, for example, the expandable junction section of the article may include at least one member or part folded at C or otherwise folded at C 92, and the portion folded at C may be provided at each region of lateral margin 80 of absorbent composite 32 to provide the surface of the turned-over side 100 and the turned-sided exterior surface 102 of each lateral margin 80. In the arrangements shown representatively, for example, the turned-over part in C can provide a predetermined arrangement of layers or panels, which can be flattened together to provide an initial low volume configuration for the absorbent composite 32. During use especially during liquid absorption, the layers can be operatively moved and separated in an outer direction and / in a lateral direction to provide an essentially continuous seri of one or more incrementally higher volume configurations for cooperation with a volume and increase of the absorbent compound, particularly the volume increased from the retention part 48.

In particular aspects, the extendable joining section may include a separately provided flipped component 68 which is assembled and joined to interconnect between the absorbent composite 32 and the outer surface 56 of the first body panel 52, as shown in the figure. 9. Alternatively, the essentially turned part at C 92 may be provided by the designated side margin sections of the upper leaf layer 28 and / or the lower sheet layer 30, which extend laterally beyond the terminal side edges. of the holding part 48. As shown representatively in FIGS. 1A and IB, the portion flipped over C may include the lateral marginal sections of both the upper sheet layer 28 and the lower sheet layer 30. In this example, the lower margins of both the lower sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 30 and the upper sheet essentially permeable to liquid 28 may extend laterally beyond and project beyond the terminal lateral edges of the retaining portion 48 and the wrapping sheet 74. The combined side margins of the lower sheet and upper sheet layers projecting may then be turned in C to form the desired expandable junction section.

As representatively shown in FIG. 1C, the C-turned part may alternatively include the lateral marginal sections of only the lower sheet layer 30. In this example, the lateral margins of the lower sheet essentially impermeable to the liquid 30 may extend further there. and beyond the terminal side edges of the retention portion 48 and the wrapping sheet 74. The extended side margins of the lower sheet layer 30 can then be turned in C along a direction laterally to the inside to form the section. Optional expandable union optionally, either or both of the lower foil layer 30 and the upper foil layer 28 can be configured to be laterally extendable. For example, either or both of the lower sheet layer 30 and the upper sheet layer 28 can be configured to be essentially elastomeric. In particular arrangements, at least one lateral region marginal of either or both of the lower sheet layer 30 and the upper sheet layer 28 may be configured to be laterally extendable.

The relatively outer edge of each part turned in C 92 may be operatively attached to its associated body panel 52 or 53 at a location which is laterally disposed inside its end lateral edge extending longitudinally of the associated body panel. Thus, the expandable junction section provided by the voltead portion 92 can provide a mechanism to allow the absorbent comprest 32 to expand outwardly and outwardly from the body panels and from the wearer's body.

With respect to the members essentially turned in C 92, the members turned in C can extend longitudinally along the length of the article 26. Com was shown representatively, the turned members 92 s extend essentially continuously along the length of the article, but may optionally be extended in a discontinued configuration. Desirably, the regions of face-to-face panels immediately adjacent to the C-part of the flipped sections 92 are essentially if they are clamped together. Optionally, a small amount of adhesive or other type of bond can be used to lightly join together two or more adjacent panels. Such clamping between the panels, however, must be configured with a distribution resistance which does not excessively inhibit the desired expansions and movement to separate from the joining sections. When the retention part absorbs the liquid and increases the volume, the resulting expansion the retaining part exerts tensile stress on the expandable joint sections. Subsequent expansion of the overturned sections 9 operatively relieves the applied stresses and increases the volume of the retaining portion 48 in a manner which allows the retaining portion to As a result of this, the first and / or second body panels can maintain their desired notch closely around the body of the user, and can better resist the formation of separations or draperies that could allow unwanted and excessive runoff.

In particular aspects, each of the side margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 can include a separately provided component 68 which is assembled and attached to the article, as representatively shown in Figures 5B and 9. The side margin component 68 can it is formed of various suitable materials such as creped woven or non-woven fabrics, polymer films, creped films, perforated films, knitted fabrics and the like, as well as d combinations thereof.

In particular aspects of the invention, the expandable junction section (e.g., each flipped part of C-92) can provide a transverse elongation (along the lateral direction 25) of at least about one centimeter when subjected. to an applied tensile force of 30 grams-force (gmf) per inch in length and transverse direction of the expandable joint section (about 12 grams-force per centimeter in length in transverse direction, about 0.12 Ne tons per centimeter of longitu in transversal sense). Alternatively, the expandable joining section can provide an elongation of at least about 2 centimeters and optionally an elongation of at least about 4 centimeters under the applied traction force to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the expandable joining section can provide elongation of no more than about 12 centimeters under an applied tensile force of 50 grams force per inch d length in the transverse direction of the expandable junction section (about 20 grams). force per centimeter in length and transverse direction, around 0.19 Newtons per centimeter d length in the transverse direction). Alternatively, the expandable junction section can provide an elongation of no more than about 10 centimeters, and optionally it is no more than about 8 centimeters to allow for improved benefits. For the purposes of this elongation parameter the length in the transverse direction of the expandable junction section was measured perpendicular to the applied tension force. For a sample taken from the illustrated configurations of the invention, the length in the transverse direction of the sample will already be generally along the longitudinal direction of article 27.

A suitable technique for generating an extension curve against a representative tension load, to determine the amount of retraction force and / or elongation parameters of a selected component or material, may employ a Standard Test Method ASTM D882 (Method d Tension for Tension Properties of Thin Plastic Sheet Material), dated December 1995, with the following characteristics. The "width" of the test sample will be wide in the transverse direction which can conveniently be obtained from the product being tested, and desirably from about 2 inches (about 5.0 centimeters). The test sample width is perpendicular to the direction of the applied tensile force during the test. In relation to the configurations shown, for example, the test sample width generally corresponds to the dimension and longitudinal direction of the expandable section along the longitudinal direction 27 of the article. The initial separation of the jaws of the tension tester is 3 inches (7.6 centimeters), and the moving jaw moves at a constant rate of 50 mm / min. The moving jaw is stopped at a 5 millimeter extension for a period of 10 seconds, and then the new jaw is returned to its initial start position at a rate of 50 mm / min. The force-extension curve for the complete retraction voltage cycle can be recorded on a conventional computer equipped with a commercially available program, such as TestWorks for Windows, Version 3.09, which is available from MTS System Corporation, a business that is located at 14,000 Technology Drive, Eden Praine, MN. The data obtained is normalized and reported in units of force per unit of appropriate length, such as grams-force per inch or grams force (or Newtons) per centimeter of "width" of sample.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and IB, each expandable flipped section 92 may be joined or otherwise secured to its correspondingly associated region of the body panel with an operative lateral fastener 42. Each side fastener 42 may be essentially continuous or discontinuous, or may it was distributed to the orange blossom or in a pattern of selected area. Additionally, each body panel joint 42 can be located near a longitudinally extending end side edge 81 of its corresponding side margin 80.

The article of the invention may further include a first laterally extending end joint 44, which is distributed along at least a portion of the first end region 78 of the absorbent composite 32 to assist in securing the end of the absorber. absorbent composite to body panel d 52. End joint 44 can also be configured to provide an auger connection to the liquid and d seal which can help resist a liquid passage between the absorbent compound and the exterior surface 56 of the first panel of the absorber. body 52. Similarly, a second laterally extending end joint 44 may be distributed along at least a portion of the second end region 79 of the absorbent composite 32 to secure the second end of the absorbent composite to the second body panel. 53, and to assist in resisting a passage of liquid between the absorbent component and the outer surface 56 of the second body panel 53.

The side seals 42 and end connections 44 can be provided by several suitable mechanisms. For example, each of the side seals 42 and the end joints 44 may include the adhesive bonds, the thermal bonds, the ultrasonic joints, the pins, the staples, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

In the representatively shown configuration, each end joint 44 is provided by a plurality of separately spaced individualized thermal or ultrasonic joints arranged in a selected pattern. The bonding pattern may be regular or irregular in distribution, and is operatively configured to provide the desired securing, expansion and / or runoff resistance in the article. Each end joint 44 may alternatively include a laterally extending joint which is essentially continuous along a main part the lateral width of absorbent compound.

Similarly, each lateral securing 4 may include a longitudinally extending joint, which is essentially continuous along a major part of the longitudinal extent of the article part in which each expandable joint section is operably fixed as corresponding associated body panel.

In particular aspects of the invention, either or both of the body panels 52 and 53 may be composed of a wide range of materials with various weight and properties. For example, the body panel material may include knit fabrics or other woven fabrics, woven fabrics, polymer films, laminates, and the like as well as combinations thereof. You should easily appreciate that each of the individual body panels can be composed of different materials or essentially the same material.

In the various configurations of the invention, the base passage of the body panel material may be at least 10 g / m2. Alternatively, the basis weight may be at least about 20 g / m 1, and optionally, may be at least about 40 g / m 2 to provide the improved benefits. In additional aspects, the basis weight of body panel material can be no more than a minimum d around 100 g / m2. Alternatively, the basis weight can be no more than about 80 g / m2 and optionally, it can be no more than about 60 g / m2 to provide improved performance.

In the different configurations of the invention, the body panel material can be essentially permeable to air or essentially impermeable to air. The body pane material can also be essentially permeable to liquid essentially impermeable to liquid. In particular arrangements, the body panel material can be essentially n elastomeric. In other aspects, the body panels 52 and / or 5 may include an elastomeric material which is stretchable elastomerically at least along the width of the side article 24. Examples of such elastomeric materials may include a bonded and narrowed laminate ( NBL), a stretched bonded laminate (SBL), a thermally bonded laminate or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Such laminates can provide an improved combination of elastomeric stretchability and fabric or cloth-like feel.

In the desired configurations, the elastomeric body panel material can provide a stretched elastomeric elongate which is at least about 3% and desirably at least about 5%.

Alternatively, the elongation and stretching may be at least about 10%, and optionally may be at least about 20% to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the elastomeric stretch elongation may be no more than about 200% and desirably may be no more than about 100%. Alternatively, the elongation and stretching may not be more than about 50%, and optionally may be no more than about 30% to provide improved performance.

The percentage of the elastomeric stretching or d other elongation can be determined according to the following formula: 100 * (L - L0) / (L0); where; L = elongated length, Ls = Initial length In addition, the amount of elongation-stretch was determined under an applied force of 250 grams force per inch width measured perpendicular to the direction of the applied tension.

With reference to Figure 1, the first panel d body 52 and / or the second body panel 53 may have a longitudinal extension 58, which is not more than a maximum d about 80% of the extent of the article 26. Alternatively, either or both body panels may alternatively have a longitudinal extension which is not more than about 65% of the length of article 26.optionally, it is not more than about 50% of the item length to provide the improved benefits. The desired arrangement, the longitudinal extension of the body panel may be more than about 40%. In additional arrangements, the longitudinal extension of the body panel may be more than about 35% and optionally no more than about 30% of the length of the article to provide improved performance.

In other aspects of the invention, the first body panel 52 and / or the second body panel 53 may have a longitudinal extension which is at least a minimum of about 5% of the length of article 26. Alternatively , at least one of the body panels (or both) may have a longitudinal extension which is at least about 10% of the article length, and optionally is at least about 15% of the length of the article. Article length pair provide improved performance. Desirably, at least one of the body panels, particularly the back body panel, can have a longitudinal extension which is at least about 2 centimeters. More desirably, the selected body panel may have a longitudinal length which is at least about 4 centimeters and optionally is at least about 6 centimeters to provide the improved notch and drying to the skin.

With reference to Figure 1, the side margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 can be turned inward along the corresponding turn lines 104 which are essentially parallel to each other. With respect to an alternate configuration shown representatively in FIG. 8, the lateral margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 can be turned inwardly along the corresponding overturning lines 104, which are not essentially parallel to one another. In the configuration shown representatively, the overturned lines 104 are relatively spaced from one another in the first longitudinal end region 78 of the absorbent composite 32 and compared to the distance between the turn lines 104 in the second longitudinal end region 79 of the absorbent composite. . In an optional configuration, the roll lines 104 may be positioned relatively closer together in the first longitudinal end region 78 of absorbent composite 32.

The width 106 of the absorbent composite 32 in the second end region 79 of the absorbent composite may be relatively smaller than the width of the absorbent compound of the first absorbent composite end region 78. In addition, a distance 108 between the terminal side edges 81 of The absorbent composite in the second absorbent composite end region 78 may be smaller than the distance between the side edges 81 of the absorbent composite in the first absorbent composite end region 78. The relatively smaller width 108a of the absorbent composite in the second end region d 79 of the absorbent composite can help provide an improved notch within the user's narrow crotch region. The relatively wider width 108 of the absorbent composite in its first end region 78 may help to provide a wider notch around the user's buttock area.

Each lateral margin 80 of the absorbent compound can have a width dimension turned inward 11 (for example, figure 1) which is at least about 0.5 cm. The turned width 110 of each side margin may alternatively be at least a minimum of about 1 centimeter, and optionally, may be at least and about 1.5 centimeters to provide improved performance. In additional aspects of the invention, each lateral margin 80 of the absorbent composite may have a width dimension turned inward 110 which is not more than a maximum of 7 centimeters. The turned width 110 of the lateral edge may not be alternatively of more than about 6 centimeters and optionally may not be more than about 5 centimeters to provide the improved benefits.

As shown representatively in FIG. 8, the width dimension turned 110 at one end of the article may be different from the width dimension flipped over at the opposite end of the article. For example, the width dimension 110 at the front waistband end designated 14 of article 1 may be larger than the width dimension of the rear waistband end designated 12 of the article.

In particular aspects, the distance 108 between the lateral edges placed inward 81 of the absorbent composite 32 can be at least 1 minimum of about 0.5 centimeters. The distance 108 between the side edges disposed inwardly 81 of the absorbent composite may alternatively be at least about 0.7 centimeters, and optionally, may be at least about 1 centimeter to provide improved performance. In further aspects of the invention, the distance 108 between the inboard side edges 81 of absorbent composite 32 may not be more than a maximum of about 4 centimeters. The distance 108 between the inboard side edges 81 of the absorbent composite may alternatively not be more than about centimeters, and optionally, may not be more than about 2.5 centimeters in diameter to provide the improved benefits.

As representatively shown in Figure 4, the absorbent article may further include at least one elastomeric member attached to provide a leg elastic, longitudinally extending and operative member 34. One of the elastic leg members 34 may be attached to the leg. operatively to an inner or outer surface of at least a portion of the lateral side edge regions 20 of article. In the configuration shown, for example, the lateral edge regions 20 of the article are provided by the lateral margins 80 of the absorbent composite 32 which extend laterally beyond the laterally opposite, terminal side edges 49 of the retaining portion 48. It should be readily appreciated that any of the conventional joining mechanisms described in the present description can be employed to secure the leg elastic members in the article. In the arrangement shown representatively, the joining mechanism may include a distributed pattern of unions.

The elastic members 34 may have any of a multitude of configurations. For example, the general width of the individual elastic members can be varied from about 0.25 millers (0.01 inches) to about 25 millers (1.0 inches) or more. The elastic members may comprise a single strand of elastic material may comprise several parallel or non-parallel strands 98 d elastic material and the elastic members may be applied in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement where the threads are not parallel, two or more of the threads they can intersect or otherwise interconnect with the elastic member. In particular arrangement, the elastic members may include the elastomeric yarns 98 which are optionally located laminated between the upper sheet layer 28 and the lower sheet layer 30 of the absorbent composite 32. The elastic members may be attached to the diaper in any of several layers. forms, which are known in art. For example, the elastic members can be ultrasonically sealed with heat and pressure using a variety of bonding patterns, or they can be adhesively bonded to the diaper 10 with spray patterns or swirling of hot melt adhesive.

In particular aspects, the at least one elastomeric member can be attached close to the side edge region 81 of each side margin 80 of the absorbent composite 3 as shown representatively in Figures 4 to 5B. In another aspect of the invention, the at least one elastomeric member may be attached to an outer lateral region 83 of the side margin 80 of the absorbent composite, as shown in FIG. 5A. In the desired configurations, the outer region 83 of each lateral margin 80 of absorbent composite 32 can be located laterally outwardly from a corresponding terminal lateral edge 49 of retention portion 48, and can be located laterally outside the corresponding terminal side edge 81 of compuent absorbent. A further aspect of the invention may include at least one elastomeric member attached near the terminal side edge 81 of each lateral margin 80 in combination with at least one elastomeric member attached to the outer region 83 of each side margin 80 of the absorbent composite.

With reference to Figures 5A and 5B, each of the elastic leg members 34 may be a composite which includes at least one carrier layer, such as a cloth cap 96, and a plurality of elastomeric yarns 98 which are operatively linked to the carrier layer. Several mechanisms, such as the adhesive, thermal bonds, sonic joints, or the like as well as combinations thereof can be employed to provide the desired links between the elastomeric yarns 98 and the elastic leg carrier layer 96. In the arrangement shown Representatively, the elastic leg member is a laminate composed of a plurality of elastomeric yarns placed in sandwich form and held between a pair of carrier layers. Cad carrier layer 96 may be composed of a knitted or woven fabric having a basis weight within the range of about 10-50 g / square meter, but optionally it may be composed of a polymer film material. For example, the carrier layers shown may be composed of a woven fabric bonded with polypropylene yarn, and the pair of carrier layers may be adhesively bonded together with a suitable adhesive pattern, such as a swirl pattern of adhesive sensitive to the adhesive. Pressure.

Where the leg elastic members 3 include a carrier layer or sheet to which are attached a bundle of elastics composed of a plurality of individual elastic yarns, the elastic yarns may intersect or be interconnected or be completely spaced apart from one another. The carrier layer may, for example, comprise a 0.002 centimeter thick polymer film, such as a film of etched polypropylene material. Elastic yarns can, for example, be made of LYCRA elastomer compounds available from DuPont, a business having offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic yarn is typically within the range of about 470-150 decitex (dtx), and can be around 940-1050 decitex. And particular embodiments of the invention, for example, three or four threads can be used for each elasticized band of leg.

As representatively shown in FIG. 5B, the at least one elastomeric member 34 can be a component provided separately and attached to the turned sided surface 100 of each side margin 80 of the absorbent composite 32, with each elastomeric member 34 including a fabric layer 96 located on the surface d side to the body of the elastomeric member 34. Optionally, another fabric layer may also be constructed and arranged to extend along an outer lateral surface of the elastomeric member. The fabric layers 96 of the elastomeric member 34 can be a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric or the like as well as combinations thereof. For example, the fabric layer 96 may be composed of a spunbonded fabric (eg, bonded with 1.0 oz. Polypropylene yarn per square yard) a spunbonded-melt-bonded spunbond fabric (e.g. spunblown-melt-bonded yarn with 1.0 oz. per square yard), a carded and bonded fabric (eg, 1.0 oz. per square yard polypropylene woven and bonded fabric) or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The fabric layers 96 can be configured to extend over a selected part of the side surface to the overturned body 100 d of each lateral margin 80 to provide a smooth surface for contacting the user's body. Alternatively, the fabric layers 96 may extend over essentially the side surface to the entire exposed body 100 of each lateral margin 80 of the absorbent composite 32.

FIGS. 6 and 7 representatively show an article having another system of elastic members of leg 34. In the illustrated arrangement, a section turned inwardly of the upper sheet layer 28 extends laterally into the terminal side edges. the lower sheet 30 along each lateral margin 80. Each lateral margin may include a layer of fabric (eg, a portion of the upper sheet cap 28) which is placed on the surface of the body side of either or both of the upturned sections of the upper sheet layer, and the fabric layer can extend from an area at or adjacent to its associated terminal edge of the lower sheet layer and, it can extend laterally outward beyond its corresponding flip line 104 to provide a side flap 94. Alternatively, each of the side flaps 94 may be provided by a lateral marginal part of the outer expandable cover layer 40. Co When shown representatively, each of the side flaps 94 may include the terminal side sections of both the designated fabric layer and the outer, extendable cover 40. A laterally inner edge of the tel layer may terminate at or near its edge. corresponding lateral side of the lower sheet layer, or it may be wrapped around the terminal side edge of the lower sheet 30. E the configuration shown, for example, the desired fabric layer is provided by the top sheet layer 28; the top sheet layer is wrapped around each of the terminal edges of the bottom sheet layer 30, and extended laterally outward to assist in forming the side flaps 94.

On each lateral side of the article, a designated elastic section 34a of the elastic leg member 34 can be placed on its corresponding lateral fin 94, and can extend longitudinally along the article. As shown representatively, each of the leg elastic sections 34 may include a designated set of one or more elastomeric yarns 98 which are sandwiched between the lateral marginal portions of the fabric layer and the lateral marginal portions of the fabric. the extendable outer cover. Additionally, another designated section of the elastic members 34 may be attached close to the terminal side edge region 81 of each side margin 80 of the absorbent composite 32, and may also include one or more elastomeric yarns 98.

By employing the selected fabric layer (e.g., the topsheet 28) and the extendable outer cover 40 to form the side flaps 94, the article can provide a leg fold which essentially excludes the bottom sheet layer 30. As a As a result of this, the leg fold can advantageously form a soft, breathable and conformable gasket.

In the various configurations of the invention, the leg elastics 34 may be generally straight, optionally curved. For example, the arched elastics can be arched inward toward the longitudinal center line of the diaper. In particular arrangements, the curvatur of the elastics may not be configured or placed symmetrically in relation to the lateral center line of the diaper. The arched elastics can have a reflex type of arcuate inward curved and outwardly arched, and the center in the direction of the length of the elastics can optionally be off-center by a selected distance towards either the front or back diaper waistband to provide the desired fit and appearance. In the particular embodiments of the invention, the innermost point (apex) of the set of arcuate elastics may be offset toward the front or back diaper waistband, and the reflective side buckled outward may be positioned towards the front end of the diaper.

The diaper 10 may also include a waist elastic (not shown) positioned on the longitudinal margins of either or both of the front waistband 14 and of the back waistband 12. The waist elastics may be composed of any suitable elastomeric material, such such as an elastomeric film, an elastic foam, multiple elastic threads, an elastomeric fabric or the like. For example, suitable elastic constructions are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,916,005 to Lippert et al., The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herein.

With reference to the representative configurations shown in Figures 1 and 6, the article may include a system of regions of "ear" or ear members 38. In particular arrangements, each member or region of ear 38 extends laterally in the regions of the ear. lateral and opposite ends of at least one waistband portion of the lower sheet 30, such as the rear waistband portion shown representatively 12, to provide the terminal side sections of the article. In addition, each ear region can extend essentially from a lateral waistband edge extending laterally 76 to approximately the location of its corresponding and associated leg opening section of the diaper. The diaper 10, for example, has a laterally opposite pair of leg openings provided by the arched margins of the ear regions in combination with the adjacent middle sections correspondingly of the pair shown of longitudinally extending side edge regions 20 (eg Figure 1). In alternate configurations, the ear regions may be provided by a system d separately provided ear members (not shown).

In the various configurations of the invention, the ear regions can be formed integrally with a selected diaper component. For example, the ear regions 38 may be integrally formed of the material layer which provides the bottom sheet layer 30, may be formed integrally of the material employed to provide the top sheet 28. In the alternate configurations, the ear regions 38 they may be provided by one or more separately provided members that are connected and assembled to the lower sheet 30, to the upper sheet 28, between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, or in various combinations of such fixedly attached assemblies.

In the particular configurations of the invention, each of the ear regions 38 can be formed from a separately provided piece of material which is then properly assembled and attached to the selected front and / or back portion of the diaper article. For example, each ear region 38 may be attached to the rear waistband portion of the bottom sheet 30 along an ear region joining area, and any or both of the bottom sheet and sheet components may be operably linked. Top of the article The region of the inner junction region of each ear region may be overlapped and laminated with the corresponding lateral end edge region of the waistband section of the article. The ear regions extend laterally to form a pair of opposite belt flap sections of the diaper, and are joined with suitable connecting means, such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, fasteners, staples, sewing or Similar. Desirably, the ear regions extend laterally beyond the terminal side edges of the lower leaf layer and the upper sheet layer in the corresponding bonded section of the article.

The ear regions 38 may be composed of an essentially non-elastomeric material, such as polymer films, woven fabrics, similar non-woven fabrics, as well as combinations thereof. In particular aspects of the invention, the ear regions 38 may be composed of an essentially elastomeric material, such as a stretched-bonded-laminated material (SBL, a bonded-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, or Elastomeric foam material, or the like, which elastomerically stretches at least along the lateral direction 25. For example, meltblown elastomeric fibrous fabrics suitable for forming the ear regions 38 are described in the US Pat. United States of America No. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 198 to T. Wisneski and others, the complete description of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Examples of composite fabrics comprising at least one layer of non-woven textile fabric secured to a fibrous elastic layer are described in the European patent application EP 0 217 032 A2 published on April 8, 1987 and which is listed to the inventors J. Taylor et al. others, whose full description of is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of the bonded, bonded and laminated materials are described in United States of America patent number 5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to Mormon, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned previously, various suitable constructions may be employed to join the ear regions 38 to the selected waistband portions of the article. Particular examples of constructions suitable for securing a pair of resiliently stretchable members to the side-side portions of an article to extend laterally outwardly beyond the laterally opposite sided regions of the outer shell and of the shell and shell components are An article can be found in the patent of the United States of America number 4,938.75 granted on July 3, 1990 to P. VanGompel et al., whose complete description is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herein.

Each of the ear regions "38" extends laterally at one of the opposite lateral ends of at least one waistband section of the diaper 10. In the embodiment shown, for example, a first pair of ear regions extends laterally into the ear. the opposite lateral ends of the rear waistband section of the lower sheet 30, and a second pair of ear regions extends laterally at the opposite lateral ends of the front waistband section of the lower blade. a tapered, arched or otherwise contoured shape in which the length d of the inner base region is larger or smaller than the length of its relatively outer end region.The ear regions may, for example, have a form essentially rectangular or an essentially trapezoidal shape.

The diaper 10 can also include a pair of elasticized containment flaps (not shown) which extends generally longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 27 of the diaper. The containment flaps are typically positioned laterally inwardly of the leg elastics 34, and are positioned essentially symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal center line, in the direction of the diaper length. In the illustrated arrangements, each containment flap has an essentially fixed edge portion and an essentially movable edge portion, and is operably elasticated with at least one elastomeric member to assist each containment flap to be formed and makes close contact with the flaps. contours of the user's body. Examples of suitable containment fin constructions are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is here consistent . The containment fins may be composed of a wettable or non-wettable material, as desired. In addition, the containment fin material may be essentially impermeable to liquid, only gas may be permeable or both gas and liquid may be permeable. Other suitable containment fin configurations are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20,816 to R. Everett et al., Filed March 4, 1994, and entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLE WHICH HAS IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (subject of Attorney No. 11,375), which corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 5,562,650, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herein.

An extendable outer cover 40 may be attached to extend over a major portion of the outer surface of the absorbent composite 32. The extendable outer cover is desirably capable of providing a selected elongation when subjected to an applied tension force. The extendable outer cover is also desirably capable of providing a sustained and selected deformation, when subjected to an applied tension force and then left to relax for a selected period of time after the applied tension force is removed. The measurement of the selected time period begins immediately after the removal of the voltage. Desirably, sustained deformation is essentially permanent deformation. Sustained elongation and deformation may occur at least along the lateral transverse direction 25 of the article. Optionally, the selected elongation and sustained deformation may occur along the longitudinal direction 27 of the article, or both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction of the article may occur along both.

In particular aspects, the extendable outer cover can provide an elongation of at least d about 1 centimeter when subjected to a tension force of 30 grams-force per inch (per 2.54 centimeters). The extendable cover can also provide an essentially permanent deformation of at least about 20 percent when subjected to a tensile force of 50 grams-force per inch (by 2.54 centimeters) and then left to relax, after removing the force of tension, for a period of 1 minute.

In additional aspects of the invention, the extendable outer cover 40 may be essentially elastomeric. Therefore, the extendable outer cover n has the characteristics of stretching and retraction of the natural rubber. In other aspects, the absorbent article may include an expandable flipped section 90 bonded along at least a portion of each lateral region 80 of the absorbent composite 32 in the first end region 78 and / or the second region 79 of the composite. absorbent. Each expandable flipped section 92 may be expandable at least outwardly or at least along the transverse direction 25 or at least along an exterior direction of said article, and each expandable junction section is configured to ensure its correspondingly attached lateral edge region of the absorbent composite to the outer surface 56 of the corresponding body panel 52 or 53.

The article of the invention incorporates a separately provided and distinctive outer extendable cover 4 which includes an expandable fabric layer which is unidably or otherwise held to extend over a major part of the outer surface of the article. In particular, the extendable outer cover 40 may extend over a major portion of the outer surface of the absorbent composite 32. Desirably, the outer outer shell may extend over substantially a full area of the exterior surface of the absorbent composite. The selected extension of the outer shell may allow the outer shell to accommodate and cooperate with the properties of the other materials or components to which the outer shell extending into the article is attached. In regions where the outer cover is not attached to the article, the outer expandable cover may be free to expand advantageously with a minimum force and a high amount of permanent deformation.

The extensible regions on the outer cover 40 are provided in areas where the outer cover n is attached directly to the article. In the article of the invention, the extensible regions may desirably be located on the regions of the absorbent compound which are designed for expansion during absorption of the liquids. For example, the absorbent compound may expand outwardly during use, and the outer cover may elongate and extend in correspondence with the expansion of the absorbent compound and / or other components of the article. In the desired aspects, the outer cover 40 may be extended along the transverse lateral direction 25. Optionally, the outer cover may be stretchable along the longitudinal direction 27, or along a combination of both of the longitudinal and lateral directions.

The elastic regions on the outer cover 40 can be created wherein the outer outer shell is fixed to an elastomeric component. For example, an elastomeric region may be created in the outer cover 40 e where the outer cover is fixed to an elastomerically stretchable body panel 52. The essentially non-stretchable regions in the outer cover may be created where the outer cover 40 is attached. an essentially non-stretchable component. For example, an essentially non-extendable region may be created in the outer shell 40 wherein the outer outer shell 40 is attached to an essentially non-stretchable component, such as an essentially non-stretchable substrate layer (e.g. upper blade 28 or blade). lower 30) of the article.

In the particular configurations, the essentially non-stretchable regions of the outer cover member 4 can be constructed by securing the non-woven fabric extending from the outer cover to the essentially n stretchable component, such as the bottom sheet layer essentially n non-stretchable 30. With reference to Figure 2, for example, the resulting non-extendable region can provide a region d of laying area 50 which is composed of an integral part of the non-woven fabric of the extendable outer cover. The lower sheet layer 30 of the absorbent composite 32 may, for example, be composed of an essentially non-stretchable polymer film, and the non-woven fabric of the outer expandable cover 40 may be adhesively bonded or otherwise fixed to the region of front waistband of the lower leaf layer with a selected outer cover joint, which may not be essentially extendable. The outer cover junction may be irregularly or randomly distributed, or it may be arranged in a predetermined pattern array, such as a swirl pattern shown representatively. The non-woven tel can therefore provide a complementary component of an interenganchante mechanical fastening system. For example, the fixed part of the outer cover in the laying area 50 can provide a female loop component of a mechanical loop hook fastening system. Attachment of the stretchable outer cover material to the polymer film can prevent the tapered fabric from elongating and extending excessively in the lateral direction during the ordinary operation of the joining system.

In particular aspects, the extendable outer cover 40 may be capable of providing an elongation d of at least a minimum of about 1 centimeter when subjected to a tensile force of 30 grams force per inch (0.116 Newtons per centimeter) of a length in transverse sense ("width") of a test sample. Alternatively, the extendable outer cover can provide an elongation of at least about 3 centimeters, and optionally, can provide an extension of at least about 5 centimeters to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the extendable outer casing 40 may be capable of providing elongation of no more than a maximum of about 30 centimeters when subjected to the tensile force of 30 grams-force per inch (0.116 Newtons per centimeter) or of a length in the transverse direction ("width") of a test sample. Alternatively, the extendable outer cover can provide an elongation of no more than about 20 centimeters, and optionally, can provide an elongation of no more than about 10 centimeters to provide additional improved performance.

In additional aspects, the extendable outer cover may be capable of providing essentially permanent deformation of at least a minimum of about 20 percent when subjected to a tens force of 50 grams force per inch (0.193 Newtons po centimeter) of a length in transverse direction of the test sample, and then the relax is allowed (after the removal of the applied tension force) for a period of one minute. Alternatively, the extendable outer cover can provide essentially permanent deformation of at least about 20 percent, and optionally, can provide essentially permanent deformation of at least about 30 percent to provide the improved benefits. In yet other aspects, the extendable outer casing can provide an essentially permanent deformation of no more than a minimum of about 60 percent when subjected to the tensile force of 50 grams-force per inch (0.193 Newtons / centimeter) of length. in transverse direction of the test sample, and then left to relax for a period of one minute after the removal of the applied tension force. Alternatively, the extendable outer cover can provide an essentially permanent deformation of no more than about 50 percent, and optionally, can provide an essentially permanent deformation of no more than about 40 percent to provide additional improved benefits. It should be readily appreciated that the described removal of the applied force results in an applied tensile stress of zero and an applied tensile force of zero.

It should be noted that the elongation, extension or permanent deformation properties of the outer shell are determined when the outer shell is dry. Additionally, the percentage of elongation, permanent deformation extension can be determined according to the following formula: 100 * (L - L0) / (L0); where: L = longitude, L0 = initial length.

The extendable outer cover member may be composed of several materials. For example, the extendable outer cover may be composed of a narrowed fabric, a creped fabric, a micro-crepe fabric, polymer films or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The fabrics may be woven or non-woven materials, such as fabrics bonded with yarn.

An example of a suitable extendable outer cover material is a material bonded with 60 percent tapered polypropylene yarn having a basis weight of about 1.2 ounces per square yard. The co-spun and bonded material had the physical properties shown representatively in the stress-strain curve set forth in the United States of America patent application No. 09/249., 434 entitled EXPANDABLE COVER GARMENT of P. T. VanGompel et al. Filed on February 12, 1999 (case of attorney No. 13,653). The properties of the co-bound material were determined with respect to a 2-inch-wide sample that is 3 inches in width extending between an initial 3-inch gap from the retention jaws of a conventional set of test equipment. tension.

Examples of suitable fabrication techniques and suitable narrowed non-woven fabric materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,965,122 entitled "REVERSIBLE ESTRECHAD MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR MAKING IT", by MT Morman, which was issued on October 23. October 1990. The complete description of this document is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent here.

For the purposes of the present description, the term "narrowed portion" or "narrowed portion below" refers to a proportion or percentage determined by measuring the difference between the pre-narrowed dimension and the narrowed dimension of a narrowable material, and then dividing that difference by the pre-narrowed dimension of the narrowable material. The percentage of narrowing (porcient of narrowing) can be determined according to the description contained in the aforementioned patent of the United States of America number 4,965,122 entitled MATERIAL ESTRECHAD REVERSIBLE AND PROCESS TO DO IT, by MT Morman which was granted on October 23 of 1990.

The tapered non-woven fabric can be configured to be essentially non-stretchable in a selected region of the outer cover member 40. For example, the tapered non-woven fabric can be used to construct an improved fastener placement zone 50 which includes the layer of united fabric with narrow yarn. More particularly, the bottom sheet cap 30 of the absorbent composite 32 can be composed of an essentially non-stretchable polymer film, and the bonded yarn bound fabric of the outer expandable cover 40 can be adhesively bonded to the front waistband region of the layer. of lower sheet. The spunbonded and tapered web can therefore provide the designated female terry component of a hook and loop fastening system, wherein the adhesive bond to the non-stretchable polymer film can prevent the material from being joined with tapered yarn. It extends laterally and extends during the ordinary operation of the joining system.

The fabric bonded with narrow yarn can provide a very fabric or cloth type feel for the outer cover 40. The narrowed fabric is desirably air permeable, and the breathable regions can be created where the outer covering material is extendable. it is attached to lie on a breathing capacity component which is placed on the side of the outer shell. For example, the extendable outer cover 40 can be attached to lie on a front body panel 52 composed of an SMS-laminated material (spunbond-melt-blown-attached) permeable to air. Since the front body panel joined with spunblown-melt-bonded yarn and the bonded and bonded spunbonded fabric have both ability to breathe, the overall composite of the SMS and bonded yarn materials can remain capable to breathe.

As shown representatively, the front waistband section 14 of the diaper 10 has a opposite side lateral pair of side edge regions 88, and the rear waistband section 12 has a laterally opposite rear pair of side edge regions 86. The middle section 16 interconnects the front and back waistband section provides a diaper crotch region which is typically positioned between the legs of the wearer. The article has a designated fastener member 50 which is positioned on the exterior surface of the article. In the example shown representatively in Figure 3, for example, the positioning member 50 may be positioned on the outer surface of the lower sheet layer 30. The liquid-permeable upper sheet layer 28 is superimposed in a face-to-face relationship the lower sheet layer 30, and the retaining portion 48 is operably connected and fixed between the lower sheet cap 30 and the upper sheet layer 28. In the desired arrangements, the upper sheet layer 28 and the retaining portion 48 they may be constructed to be essentially elastomeric and may be operatively joined to the lower sheet member 30 to substantially resist excessive stretching of the lower sheet member.

Examples of articles having extendable outer covers and expandable side margins absorbent composites are described in the United States of America patent application serial number 09 / 249,434 entitled EXPANDIBL COVERED GARMENT? of P. T. VanGompel others filed on February 12, 1999 (attorney's issue No. 13,653); and in the U.S. patent application serial No. 09 / 254,470 entitled "A DISPOSABLE CLOTHES HAVING DRY BARRIERS WITH EXPANDABLE UNION OR ABSORBENT P". T. VanGompel et al. Filed on February 12, 1999 (attorney's issue No. 13,612) whose full description of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herein.

To provide a desired resilient bonding system, the diaper 10 may include one or more designated location zone regions, such as a first primary positioning zone 50 (eg, Figures 2 and 3) which may provide an operable target area. to receive releasable and resubstable assurance of appendages d fastener 36 thereon. In the particular embodiments of the invention, the placement zone patch can be placed on the front waistband part 14 of the diaper and is located on the outer surface of the lower leaf layer 30. Alternatively, the patch of area, positioning it can be placed in the rear waistband portion 12 of article, or it can optionally be placed on a designated interior surface of the article, such as the surface of the body of the top sheet layer 28. The fastening mechanism between the laying area and the fastening appendages 36 can be adhesive, cohesive, mechanical or combinations thereof. In the context of the present invention, a mechanical fastening system is a system which includes the cooperating components which mechanically interengage to provide a desired securing.

The mechanical fastener components can be provided by mechanical fasteners such as hooks, buckles, snaps, similar buttons, which include mechanically interlockable and complementary components. For example, the mechanical fastening system can be a type of hook and loop fastening system. Such fastening systems generally comprise a male "hook" or hook-type component and a female "curl" or co-helical type component which engages and interconnects releasably with the hook component. Desirably, the interconnection is selectively releasable and resubstantial over several cycles. Conventional systems are, for example, available under the VELCRO mark. The elements of the hook component can be provided by a single or multiple hook configuration as provided by a type of mushroom head gantry type element. The terry component elements may be provided by a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a perforated or perforated layer, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. The many arrangements of such fastener systems have been collectively referred to as hook and loop fasteners.

A configuration which employs an inter-engaging mechanical joint system can, for example, locate the first component of the mechanical fastener, such as the material of hooks 70 (FIG. ID) on the fastener tab 36 and the second cooperating component of the mechanical fastener, such as or curl material 72 (Figure 3) on the placement area 50 It should be readily apparent that, in the various configurations of the invention, the relative positions and / or materials of the fastening component and its corresponding positioning zoning component they can be transposed. Therefore, the first component of the mechanical fastener can be located on the positioning zone 50 and the second mechanical fastener cooperating component can be located on the fastened appendix 36.

Examples of suitable hook and loop fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,019,073 issued May 28, 199 to T. Roessler et al., The complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner which is here consistent. Other examples of the hook and loop fastening systems are described in the United States patent application of America series number 366,080 entitled "HIGH-FELT APPENDIX D HOLDER", filed on December 28, 1994 by G. Zehne et al. of lawyer No. 11,571) which was issued as the patent of the United States of America number 5,605,735; and the patent application of the United States of America will be number 421,640 entitled MULTIPLE UNION CLAMPING SYSTEM SUBJECTED, filed on April 13, 1995 by P.

VanGompel and others; the full descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herein. Examples of fastening appendages constructed with a carrier layer are described in the United States of America patent application number 08 / 603,477 of A. Long et al., Entitled MECHANICAL FIXING SYSTEM WITH GRIP APPENDIX and filed on 6. March 1996 (attorney's case No. 12,563), now patent of the United States of America number 5,624,429, granted on April 29, 1997, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner which is here consistent.

In the various configurations of the invention, a separately provided tape fastener tab 36 may be located on either or both of the side end regions 86 and 88 of either or both of the waistbands 14 and 12 respectively. The representatively shown embodiment, for example, has at least one of the fastening appendages 36 located on each of the distal side edges of the posterior waistband 12. More particularly each of the fasteners 36 is assembled and joined to extend from a region. corresponding immediately adjacent ear provided at one of the laterally opposite distal ends of the first body panel 52.

In the hook and loop fastening system shown, the hook material is operably connected to clamping tab 36, and the loop material is employed to construct at least one cooperating positioning zone 50. The laying area can, for example, being positioned on the outer surface of the lower sheet 30. As shown representatively, the positioning area can be properly positioned on the exposed outer side surface of the second front body panel 53. An alternate configuration of the fastening system of hook and loop may have the loop material secured to the fastening tab 36 and the hook material is employed to form the collocation zone 50. The designated landing zone may be a proportioned member separately assembled to the appropriate body panel 52 or 53 , can be formed integrally with the body panel. For example, the outer surface of the body panel 53 can be composed of a fabric that provides a curl material operative for the fastening system.

In the various aspects and configurations of the invention, the hook element material can be of a type mentioned as a micro-hook material. A suitable micro-hook material is distributed under the designation CS20 and is available from the 3M Company, a business that has offices in St. Paul, Minnesota. The micro-hook material may have hooks in the shape of fungus "tops", and may be configured with a hook density of about 1,600 hooks per square inch; a height of hooks which is within the range d around 0.033-0.097 centimeters (about 0.013 to 0.03 inches); and a cover width which is within the range d around 0.025-0.033 centimeters (about 0.01 to 0.01 inches). The hooks are attached to a base film substrate having a thickness of about 0.0076-0.01 centimeter (about 0.003-0.004 inches) and a Gurley stiffness about 15 milligrams of force.

Another suitable micro-hook material is distributed under the designation VELCRO CFM-29 1058, and is available from VELCRO U.S.A. Inc., a business having offices in Manchester, New Hampshire. The micro-hook material can have hooks in the form of angled hook elements, can be configured with a hook density of about 264 hooks per square centimeter (about 1,700 hook per square inch); a height of hooks which is within the range of about 0.030-0.063 centimeters (around 0.012-0.025 inches); and a width of hooks which is within the range of about 0.007 to 0.022 centimeters (around 0.003 to 0.009 inches). The hook elements are constructed with a base layer substrate having a thickness of about 0.0076-0.008 centimeters (about 0.003-0.0035 inches) and the member of the hook material has a Gurley stiffness d about 12 milligrams of force (around 12 Gurida Unidade).

For the purposes of the present invention, stiffness values are determined with respect to a bent moment d produced by a force which is directly perpendicular to the plane essentially defined by the length the width of a component being tested. A suitable technique to determine the stiffness values described here is a Gurley Rigidity test, a description of which is established in the TAPPI standard test T 543 om-94 (Paper Bending Resistance (Gurley type tester)). A suitable test apparatus is a Gurley Digital Stiffness Tester; model 4171-manufactured by Teledyne Gurley, a business having offices in Troy, New York. For the purposes of the present description, the declared Gurley stiffness values are intended to correspond to the values that would be generated by a sample of "standard" size. Therefore, the scale readings of the Gurley stiffness tester are appropriately converted to the stiffness of a standard size sample, and are traditionally reported in terms of milligrams of force (mgf). Currently, a standard "Gurley unit" is equal to a value. d stiffness of 1 milligram of force, and can be used equivalently to report Gurley stiffness.

In the various aspects and configurations of the invention, the terry material may be provided by a non-woven, knitted or knitted fabric. For example, a fabric of suitable curl material may be composed of a two-bar warp knit fabric of the type available from Guilford Mills Inc., of Greensborough, North Carolina under the trade designation # 34285, as well as other fabrics. knitted. Suitable curl materials are also available from 3M Company, which has distributed a non-woven nylon curl under its SCOTCHMATE brand. The 3M Company has also distributed an unlined lining fabric with adhesive on the underside of the fabric and the 3M woven curl ribbon.

In particular aspects of the invention, the curl material does not need to be limited to a zone patch d discrete placement. Instead of this the curl material can for example be provided by an essentially continuous outer fibrous layer which is integrated to extend over essentially the total exposed surface area of a fabric type outer cover employed with the diaper 10. L sheet The resulting fabric or cloth type lower can 30 both provide the curl material for a mechanical fastening system of "hold anywhere".

In the various configurations of the invention, the engagement force between the particular fastening component and its designated positioning area component must be sufficiently large and durable enough to provide adequate securing of the article on the user during use.

Each of the fastening components and elements in the various constructions of the invention can be operably linked to its support substrate by employing any or more of the bonding mechanisms employed to build and hold together the various other components of article of the invention. The clamping elements in the various clamping regions, they can be formed integrally, such as by molding, co-extrusion or the like, together with the associated substrate layer. The substrate layer and the associated mechanical fasteners can be formed essentially from the same polymer material, and there is no need for a discrete step of attaching the fasteners to an initially separate substrate layer. For example, the individual hook elements can be formed integrally in a simultaneous fashion with a base layer of hooks by co-extruding the base layer and the hook elements of essentially the same polymer material.

It should be readily appreciated that the strength of the joint or other interconnection between the substrate layer and the attached fastening component must be greater than the pic force required to remove the fastening tab 36 from releasable securing of the designated article positioning area.

Example The following example is presented to provide a more detailed understanding of the invention. The example is representative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

A representative example of the invention provided a size 3 or medium-sized diaper for an infant weighing between 16 to 28 pounds. The diaper has the configurations and forms illustrated in Figures 1 to IC.

The front (second) body panel 53 measured 1 inch along the transverse direction and 4.5 inches along the longitudinal direction, and was composed of a fabric bonded with 1.0 oz polypropylene yarn per square yard (28 g / square meter) . The back (52) body panel measured 11 inches along the transverse direction and 5.75 inches along the longitudinal direction, and was made of a laminated, tapered, bonded material which had a basis weight of 77 g / square meter and laterally stretchable fu 20-40 percent in the transverse direction. The desired curvatures were formed along the middle portions of the inner edges 64 and 65 of the front and rear panels 52 and 53, respectively. Four, 0.25 inch wide strips of a 3M-927 double-sided tape were applied to join the flipped sections 92 of the absorbent composite to the front and back panels and the four side securing sections 42.

The absorbent body composite 32 included a bottom sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid 30 1 which measured 8 inches along the transverse direction and 1 inch in the longitudinal direction, and was composed of a 0.75 mil polyethylene film. of thickness. A cellulose tissue wrapping sheet 74 was placed on and wrapped around a retention portion 48 that was composed of a mixture of 63 percent cellulosic wood pulp fluff and 37 percent superabsorbent polymer (FAVOR 880 from Stockhausen). The wrapped retention part was deflated to a thickness of 0.2 inches, and cut into an hourglass form. The shaped retention portion measured 12 inches in the longitudinal direction, and had a tapered crotch which measured 3.5 inches in the transverse direction. The two longitudinally opposite ends of the retaining portion measured about 4 inches in the transverse direction. A layer of emergence material 4 was adhesively bonded to the front of the tissue wrap at a location spaced about 2 inches from the front edge of the tissue wrap. The emergence layer had a base weight of 2.5 ounces per square yard and a density of 0.024 g / c and measured 3 inches in the transverse direction and 6 inches in the longitudinal direction. A light spray of adhesive is applied to the lower sheet layer to attach the lower sheet layer to the wrapped tissue retaining portion. The front edge of the tissue wrapping sheet was placed at about 0.75 in. Towards the front and front edge of the lower sheet cap, and a light spray of adhesive joined the surface to the upper body of the layer. emergent 46 to the outer surface of the upper sheet layer permeable to liquid 28. The top sheet was composed of a polypropylene spun bonded yarn of 0.5 ounce per square yard treated with 0.3 percent surfactant, and was placed over the layer of emergence 46, on the wrapping sheet 74 and the retaining part 48. The topsheet was adhesively bonded to the various absorbent components and to the perimeter of the lower sheet layer to create the assembled absorbent body composite.

The side edge regions 80 of the upper sheet and lower sheet layers in the absorbent body composite 32 were folded and tucked in to create the turned-over portions at C 92. The upper face sheet portion made inside the bent portions in C was then attached to the facing surfaces facing away from the back front panels with 0.25 wide adhesive strips located in the four side securing sections 42. Thus, the absorbent body composite 32 was assembled and joined to interconnect and bridge between the spaced and spaced front body panel 53 and the rear body panel 52.

Each elastic leg panel 34 included two elastomeric yarns 98 of 940 decitex composed of LYCRA X SPANDEX. The elastomeric yarns were elongated at 300 percent elongation and adhesively laminated to a face member bonded with 0.4 ounce polypropylene yarn per square yard 96 with a Findley H2525A adhesive. The elastic leg member was stretched to the stop, and ultrasonically joined to the marginal marginal edges of the lower sheet 30. In particular, the elastic members were located on the face surface facing away from the lower leaf cap and the turned parts at C 92 were placed within a bend region d. The longitudinal end portions of each leg elastic member 34 were angled outwardly to extend laterally beyond the lateral edge regions 80 of the absorbent composite, ands fastened to the front and back body panels. Thus, the pair of elastic members of the opposite side leg 34 created a folded element in each diaper opening of the diaper.

The mechanical htype fastener appendages (36) were adhesively and ultrasonically bonded to the ear portions 38 of the diaper rear body panel 52. Preferably, the longitudinally-terminated edges of the fastener appendages were aligned essentially with the edge of the fastener. end 60 of the rear body panel 52 in the side edge regions of the waist band 86.

The placement zone patch 50 was composed of a fabric bonded with polypropylene yarn of 0. oz per square yard which was narrowed 60 percent cut to measure 3 inches in the longitudinal direction and 1 inch along the direction transversal The placement zone patch was sprayed with adhesive and bonded along the outer edge 61 of the front panel 53 to overlap the front end region 79 of the absorbent body composite 52. The end connections 44 composed of sonic joints fixed the terminal end edge regions of the absorbent composite to the front and rear panels.

Having described the invention rather in complete detail, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the attached clauses.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An integral absorbent article having a longitudinal article extension and a lateral article width, said article comprises: an absorbent compound having the first and second longitudinally opposite end regions d, and at least one first end edge longitudinally terminal, said absorbent compound includes a lower sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid, a top sheet layer essentially permeable to the liquid, and a retaining part sandwiched between said lower sheet and upper sheet layers, said retaining portion having the laterally opposite edges of the terminals, and said absorbent compound includes a pair of laterally opposite side margins which extend laterally beyond the lateral edges of said retaining portion; Y a first body panel attached to said first longitudinal end of the absorbent compound, said first body part having: a surface facing the body, an outer surface, a panel length which is less than dich article length, an outer terminal end edge, and an innermost terminal end edge; where each of said lateral margins of absorbent composite is turned inward to provide a turned face surface to the body and an overturned side surface to the outside of each lateral margin and at least a first part of said surface on the side to the overturned body of each lateral margin of said absorbing compound is secured to said outer surface of the first body panel.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that each said lateral margins of said absorbent composite is turned in C inward to provide said surface on the side to the turned body and said surface on the side to the exterior turned of each margin. side.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one of said upper sheet and lower sheet layers extends laterally beyond the lateral edges of said retaining portion to provide laterally opposite side margins of said absorbent compound.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first outer terminal end edge of said first body panel d is essentially coterminous with a first terminal end edge d of said article.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least a middle part of said inner end edge of said first body panel is essentially unattached to said absorbent component.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said prime end edge longitudinally of the absorbent component is spaced relatively inwardly from the outer terminal end edge of the first body panel.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 further characterized in that it includes at least one elastomeric member attached to a terminal side edge of each lateral margin of the absorbent compound

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 7 further characterized in that it includes at least one elastomeric member attached to an outer region of each lateral margin of the absorbent composite.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 further characterized in that it includes at least one elastomeric member attached to said turned side surface to the body of each lateral margin of the absorbent composite, each elastomeric member includes a layer of tel located on a surface from side to body of elastomeric member dich.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that said outer region of each lateral margin of the absorbent compound is located laterally outwardly from a corresponding lateral edge ends of said retaining portion.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said lateral margins of said absorbent compound are turned inside along corresponding turning lines which are essentially parallel to each other.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said lateral margins of said absorbent compound are turned inside along corresponding lines of turning which are essentially not parallel to each other.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said lateral margins of the absorbent compound are turned inwardly along corresponding voltaic lines which are not essentially parallel to each other, and said tumbling lines are relatively spaced apart from one another in said first longitudinal end region of the absorbent composite.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said lateral end-extending end seal is provided along at least a portion of said first end region of the absorbent compound to withstand a liquid passage between said absorbent composite and said outer surface of first body panel.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said prime body panel includes an elastomeric material which elastomerically stretches at least along the width of the lateral article.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first body panel has a longitudinal extension which is at least about 5 percent of the article length.

17. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 further characterized in that it comprises a second body panel provided separately attached to said second end region of the absorbent compound, and wherein said second body panel has an extension of part which is smaller than said article length, and at least a second part of the side surface to the overturned body d each lateral margin of said absorbent compound is secured to an outer surface of said second body panel with a corresponding body panel joint.

18. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said second body panel is longitudinally spaced from the first body part.

19. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized by said second body panel has an outer terminal end edge and which is essentially coterminous with a second end edge of said article.

20. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said second body panel has an inner terminal end edge, at least a middle part of which said absorbent compound is essentially unbonded.

21. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 further characterized in that it comprises an expandable junction section joined along at least a portion of each lateral region of the absorbent composite in said second end region of the absorbent composite, each section The expandable junction is expandable at least outwardly, and each expandable junction section is configured to secure its correspondingly bound edge region of the absorbent compound to the outer surface of the second body panel.

22. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said second body panel has a longitudinal extension which is not more than about 40 percent of the length of the article.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said second body panel has a longitudinal extension which is at least about 5 percent of the article length. SUMMARY An integral absorbent article, such as a diaper, has a longitudinal article length and a lateral article width. The article includes an absorbent compound having the first and second longitudinally opposite end regions, and at least one first longitudinally terminal extr border. The absorbent composition includes a bottom sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid, an upper sheet layer substantially liquid permeable, and a retaining portion placed in sandwich form between layers of bottom sheet and top sheet. The retaining portion has the laterally opposite terminal side edges, and the absorbent composite includes a pair of laterally opposite margins which extend laterally beyond the lateral edges of the retaining portion. A body pri panel is attached to the first longitudinal absorbent composite end. The first body panel has a body side surface, an outer surface, a panel length which is less than the article length, an outer terminal end edge, and a relatively inner extrusive edge. Each of the lateral margins of the absorbent composite is turned towards to provide a surface of the turned side and the lateral surface turned outward from each side margin. At least a first part of the side surface to the turned neck of each lateral margin. of the absorbent composite and secured to the outer surface of the first body panel a body panel joint.