MXPA06010884A

MXPA06010884A - Absorbent article with improved opacity

Info

Publication number: MXPA06010884A
Application number: MXPA/A/2006/010884A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Mitchell Herron Carlisle; Erik Alexander Isele Olaf; Alan Young Terrill; John Milbrada Edward
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2006-09-22
Publication date: 2007-04-20

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed comprising a nonwoven laminate comprising a first nonwoven layer comprising first continuous filaments;a second nonwoven layer having a basis weight of less than 5 gsm, said layer comprising second continuous filaments;and a third nonwoven layer comprising fine fibers;wherein first and second continuous filaments have cross-sectional shapes that are distinct from one another. A fourth nonwoven layer may exist comprising second continuous filaments having a basis weight of less than 5 gsm. Alternatively, the first continuous filaments may comprise at least two distinct cross-sectional shapes;wherein at least 5%, by weight, of first continuous filaments in the first nonwoven layer are different in cross-sectional shape than the cross-sectional shape of the second continuous filaments in the second nonwoven layer.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED OPACITY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article containing a non-woven fabric matepal having an improved opacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The non-woven fabric sheets are useful for a wide variety of applications. Such non-woven fabric sheets are useful for cloths, towels, industrial garments, medical garments, medical cloths and the like. With higher base weights, the sheets are used in recreational applications such as tents, car covers, or industrial applications such as geotextiles. The disposable nonwoven webs have reached a particularly wide use in hospital operating rooms for surgical drapes, gowns, towels, booties, sterilization wrappings and the like. Also, disposable nonwoven webs are widely used in a wide variety of absorbent articles. Absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, trainers, incontinence products and feminine hygiene, use nonwoven fabric materials for many purposes, for example, liners, transfer layers, absorbent media, reinforcements and the like. For many such applications the barrier properties of non-woven fabrics play an important role, such as in the leg cuffs described in U.S. Pat. jointly assigned no. 4,900,317. As described therein, absorbent articles normally comprise three elements: a liquid permeable upper sheet intended to be placed next to the wearer's skin; a lower waterproof sheet that forms, during use, the outer surface of the absorbent article; and an absorbent element sandwiched between the upper canvas and the lower canvas. The reference further describes permeable folds (ie, leg bends, barrier folds, bends, etc.) that allow more or less steam-free passage (including air vapor and water) through them, while resisting the passage of liquid to a greater or lesser degree. Given the close closeness of the fold with the skin, it is desirable that the non-woven fabric sheet be smooth and comfortable. Non-woven fabric sheets, particularly those used in absorbent articles, are examined thoroughly to verify color consistency, smoothness and opacity. In order to respond to the acceptance of the absorbent articles, much effort has been made to increase the opacity of the sheets. Such laminas often require the use of pigments such as titanium dioxide to achieve a consistent and pleasant appearance for the consumer. Opacity is advantageous in that the higher opacity contributes to disguising the waste materials absorbed or contained in the layers underlying the non-woven fabric laminate. Obviously, another consideration is the ability to provide color consistency and opacity, as well as the other benefits mentioned above. Although nonwoven fabric laminates having some combination of the desired properties are available, it is desirable to create a nonwoven fabric laminate having a barrier protection, good skin feel, and increased opacity, while at the same time they minimize the cost and the basic weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an absorbent article that includes a nonwoven fabric sheet that can be made with extremely low weights and improved opacity. The non-woven fabric sheets include at least one layer of fine fibers and at least two layers of continuous filaments, wherein the layers of continuous filaments are composed of continuous filaments having different cross-sectional shapes. The nonwoven fabric laminate may comprise a first nonwoven fabric layer comprising continuous first filaments; a second nonwoven fabric layer having a basis weight of less than 5 grams per square meter, wherein the second layer comprises second continuous filaments; and a third layer of non-woven fabric comprising fine fibers such that, ideally, the total basis weight of the sheet does not exceed about 100 grams per square meter. The first and second continuous filaments of said non-woven fabric sheet have different cross-sectional shapes. The second layer of non-woven fabric is disposed between said first and third layers. Moreover, the nonwoven fabric laminate may have a fourth layer of nonwoven fabric that is substantially similar to the second layer of nonwoven fabric, wherein the third layer of nonwoven fabric is disposed between the second and fourth layers of fabric. non-woven In another embodiment, the absorbent article of the present invention includes a nonwoven fabric sheet comprising a first nonwoven fabric layer composed of a mixture of continuous filaments with different shapes in cross section; a second layer of nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of less than 5 grams per square meter; said second layer comprises second continuous filaments, and a third nonwoven fabric layer comprising fine fibers. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises at least 5%, by weight, of first continuous filaments in the first non-woven fabric layer which are different in cross-sectional shape than the second continuous filaments in the second non-woven fabric layer. The second layer of non-woven fabric is disposed between said first and third layers. Moreover, the nonwoven fabric laminate may have a fourth layer of nonwoven fabric that is substantially similar to the second layer of nonwoven fabric, wherein the third layer of nonwoven fabric is disposed between the second and fourth layers of fabric. non-woven BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a forming machine used to make the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention in a three layer configuration. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the nonwoven fabric sheets of Figure 2, with cutouts, to show the details. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention in a four-layer configuration. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the nonwoven fabric sheets of Figure 4, with cutouts, to show the details. Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the continuous filaments. Figure 7 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a diaper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used herein, the terms "continuous filament" or "continuous filaments" refer to a polymeric strand that does not break during the regular course of the formation. As used herein, the terms "fine fiber" or "fine fibers" refer to different polymeric strands, with an average diameter not exceeding approximately 10 μm. As used herein, the term "absorbent article" is related to devices that absorb and retain liquids and, more specifically, relates to devices that are placed on or near the user's body to absorb and retain the various body exudates. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction that extends parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article, and includes directions within ± 45 ° of the longitudinal direction. As used herein, the terms "lateral" or "transverse" refer to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. As used herein, the term "Z direction" refers to the direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse direction. As used herein, the term "x-y plane" refers to the plane congruent with both the longitudinal and transverse direction. As used herein, the term "disposable" is used to describe articles that, in general, are not intended to be washed or restored or reused as an article (ie, they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, converted into compost or disposed of in some other way that is compatible with the environment). As used herein, the term "disposed" is used to imply that an element is formed (joined and placed) in a particular place or position as a unitary structure with other elements or as a separate element attached to another element. As used herein, the term "attached" encompasses configurations by means of which one element is directly secured to another element by fixing the element directly to the other element, as well as configurations by means of which one element is indirectly secured to another. element fixing the element to intermediate members that in turn are fixed to another element. As used herein, the term "unitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles formed by separate parts that come together to form a coordinated unit, so that separate pieces are not required for handling, such as a fastener and liner separated. As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons around the lower torso. As used herein, the term "waterproof" generally refers to articles or elements in which the fluid does not penetrate through the entire thickness of the article in the Z direction, subjected to a pressure of 965 Pa (0.14 lb. / inch2) or less. Preferably, the fluids do not penetrate the article or waterproof element subjected to pressures of 3.4 kilopascals (0.5 pounds / inch2) or less. More preferably, the fluids do not penetrate the article or element subjected to pressures of 6.9 kilopascals (1.0 pounds / inch2) or less. As used herein, the term "laminar" generally refers to at least two layers of non-woven fabric that come into contact along at least a portion of their respective flat faces, whether or not they occur. not an interfacial mixture. The present invention is directed to improving lightweight nonwoven webs that include at least one layer with fine fiber components and at least two continuous filament layers, wherein the two layers of continuous filaments have a shape in cross section clearly different from each other. The first non-woven fabric layer comprises first continuous filaments with a denier (g / 9000 m) within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.5 (average filament diameter of about 12 μm to about 23 μm), and a weight base that ideally does not exceed approximately 95 grams per square meter (g / m²). Preferably, the basis weight does not exceed about 50 grams per square meter, and more preferably, the basis weight does not exceed about 20 grams per square meter. Advantageously for applications related to disposable personal care products, the first continuous filaments may have a denier within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.8 (average filament diameter of about 12 μm to about 21 μm) and a weight base within a range that varies from approximately 4 grams per square meter to approximately grams per square meter and, even more preferably, from approximately 4 grams per square meter to approximately 7 grams per square meter. The first continuous filaments also have a relatively uniform cross-sectional shape. However, in some embodiments, the first nonwoven fabric layer may comprise a mixture of continuous filaments with different shapes in cross section. The second layer of non-woven fabric comprises second continuous filaments with a denier within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.5 (average filament diameter of about 12 μm to about 23 μm), and a basis weight which ideally does not exceed about 5 grams per square meter. Advantageously for applications related to personal care disposable products, the continuous filaments may have a denier within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.8 (average filament diameter of about 12 μm to about 21 μm), and a weight base that does not exceed 4 grams per square meter. The second continuous filaments also have a relatively uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second continuous filaments is different from that corresponding to the first continuous filaments. However, in some embodiments, only 5%, by weight, of the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments needs to be distinct from the second continuous filaments. The third layer of non-woven fabric comprises fine fibers having an average diameter not exceeding about 10 μm and a basis weight which ideally does not exceed about 50 grams per square meter. Advantageously for the applications related to disposable products for personal care, the average diameter of the fine fibers can be in a range of up to about 5 μm, and the basis weight of the fine fibers can be within a range that varies from approximately 0.5. grams per square meter to approximately 5 grams per square meter. Optionally, a fourth layer of non-woven fabric comprises second continuous filaments with a denier within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.5 (average filament diameter within a range of about 12 μm to about 23 μm), and a weight base that ideally does not exceed approximately 5 grams per square meter. Advantageously, for applications related to personal care disposable products, the continuous filaments can have a denier within a range ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.8 (average filament diameter of about 12 μm to about 21 μm) and a weight base that does not exceed 4 grams per square meter. The second continuous filaments also have a relatively uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second continuous filaments is different from that corresponding to the first continuous filaments. The layers achieve a laminate with a total basis weight that ideally does not exceed approximately 100 grams per square meter, preferably does not exceed 55 grams per square meter and, more preferably, does not exceed 25 grams per square meter. However, additional layers may exist. Ideally, the layers may be joined, but the joining is not necessary. Advantageously for the applications related to disposable products for personal care, the base weight of the laminar is extremely low (preferably it should not exceed approximately 20 grams per square meter), and the fine fibers constitute a low proportion of the laminar, which varies within the range from about 5% to about 50% by weight. The resulting laminate has an improved combination of properties that include improved opacity and excellent feel. Preferred embodiments include webs of continuous filaments spun by bonding and webs of fine meltblown fibers as the respective continuous filament and fine fiber layers. In the commercial equipment, a three-layer laminate can be used by combining a first layer of non-woven fabric comprising first continuous filaments of 4.0 grams per square meter, a second layer of non-woven fabric comprising second continuous filaments of 4.0 grams per square meter , and a third layer of nonwoven fabric of fine fibers of 3.0 grams per square meter. A four-layer laminate can be made by adding a fourth layer made of continuous filaments of 4.0 grams per square meter. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a forming machine 10 used to make a preferred embodiment of a non-woven fabric sheet 12. It is shown that the forming machine 10 has a first folder 20 for the first continuous filaments 26 , a second folder 21 for the second continuous filaments 27, a third folder for the fine fibers 30, and an optional fourth folder 24 for the second continuous filaments 34. The forming machine 10 consists of an endless forming band 14 wrapped around rollers 16, 18 in such a way that the band is driven in the direction shown by the arrows. The first folder 20 produces the first continuous filaments 26, ideally using a conventional extruder for spinning by bonding with one or more spinning nozzles forming continuous polymer filaments. The formation of spunbond filaments and the design of such a spunbond forming folder are well known to persons with ordinary industry experience. The thermoplastic polymers include any polymer suitable for spunbonding, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof. The polymer is heated to become fluid, generally at a temperature of about 100-350 ° C, and extruded through holes in the spinneret. The extruded polymer filaments are rapidly quenched and quenched by air streams or mechanical tapers to form the filaments with the desired denier. The resulting filaments of the first folder are placed on the forming band to create the first layer of nonwoven fabric 25. The first folder 20 can include one or more spinning nozzles as a function of the speed of the process or of the polymer that is used in particular . The spinning nozzles of the first folder 20 have holes with different shape that impart a cross sectional shape to the continuous filaments. Spinning nozzles can be selected to achieve filaments with cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, circular, oval, rectangular, square, hollow, multilobal, irregular (i.e., asymmetric) and combinations thereof. Preferably, the spinning nozzles are selected such that the resulting filaments have a non-circular or hollow shape in cross section. Even more preferably, the filaments are trilobal in shape. Figure 6a-k shows several illustrative cross-sectional shapes that can be used. Figure 6a illustrates filaments with irregular shape. Figure 6b illustrates filaments practically circular in shape. Figure 6b illustrates filaments with substantially triangular and hollow shape. The Figures 6d-f illustrate multilobal filaments. Figure 6g illustrates filaments with practically irregular and hollow shape. Figures 6h-j illustrate filaments with virtually multilobal shape. Figure 6k illustrates filaments with irregular shape. However, Figure 6 should not be interpreted as limiting the selection of forms. Other cross-sectional shapes for the continuous filaments and the methods for making such filaments are presented in co-assigned U.S. patent application no. in series 10 / 736,271, entitled "Hollow Fiber Fabrics," issued to Bond et al., filed January 4, 2004, and U.S. no. 11/047346 entitled "Shaped Fiber Fabrics", issued to Bond et al., Filed on January 28, 2005. Moreover, the spinning nozzles can be selected in such a way as to result in a mixture of continuous filaments with different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the first folder 20 can comprise two spinning nozzles; one capable of forming continuous filaments with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and one capable of forming continuous filaments with a trilobal cross-sectional shape. Moreover, a spinneret could contain holes with two or more different cross-sectional shapes. Such forms are merely illustrative, and the invention is not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape. The second folder 21 produces the second continuous filaments 27, ideally for using a conventional extruder for spunbonding. The extruder has a design practically the same as that of the first folder 20. The second folder 21 can include one or more spinning nozzles depending on the speed of the process or the particular polymer that is used. The second folder 21 may require processing parameters other than those of the first folder. For example, the polymer used in the second folder 21 may be the same as or different from that used in the first folder. The temperature and the attenuation can be further modified for the first folder 20. The spinning nozzles of the second folder 21 have holes with a different shape imparting a cross-sectional shape to the continuous filaments. However, it should be noted that, generally, the spinning nozzles of the second folder 21 will achieve continuous filaments 27 with a cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments 26. The spinning nozzles can be selected to achieve filaments with a cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to, the shapes selected from the group comprising circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hollow, multilobal, irregular, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the spinning nozzles are selected such that the resulting filaments have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Figure 6 a-k shows several illustrative cross-sectional shapes that can be used; However, Figure 6 should not be interpreted as limiting the selection of forms. Other cross-sectional shapes for continuous filaments and methods for making such filaments are presented in U.S. patent application Ser. jointly assigned no. in series 10 / 736,271, entitled "Hollow Fiber Fabrics", issued to Bond et al., filed January 4, 2004, and US patent application Ser. no. 11/047346 entitled "Shaped Fiber Fabrics", issued to Bond et al., Filed on January 28, 2005. The resulting filaments of the first folder are placed on the first layer of non-woven fabric 25, which it is transported on the forming band 14 to create the second layer of non-woven fabric 28. The third folder 22 produces fine fibers 30., preferably blown fibers. As is known to those skilled in the industry, the melt blown process results in the extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer through a mold 31 containing a plurality of holes. Ideally, the mold 31 will contain from about 20 to about 40 holes per inch of mold width. As the thermoplastic polymer exits the mold, a high pressure fluid, usually air, attenuates and scatters the polymer stream to form fine fibers 30. The resulting fine fibers 30 of the third folder 22 are placed on the second layer of non-woven fabric. woven 28, which is on the first layer of non-woven fabric 25 carried by the forming band 14 to create the third non-woven fabric layer 32. The construction and operation of the third beam 22 for forming fine fibers 30 and the third layer of 32 non-woven fabric are considered conventional, and the design and operation are well known to people with ordinary industry experience.

Such knowledge is demonstrated in Report NRL 4364, entitled "Manufacture of Super-Fine Organic Fibers", by V. A. Wendt, E. L. Boon, and O D. Fluharty; Report NRL 5265, entitled "An Improved Device for the Formation of Super-Fine Thermoplastic Fibers", by K. D. Lawrence, R. T. Lukas, and J. A.

Young; and U.S. Pat. no. 3,849,241, issued November 19, 1974 to Buntin et al. Other methods for forming a nonwoven fabric web of fine fibers for use in the present invention are contemplated. In another preferred embodiment, the forming machine may include a fourth folder 24 to produce a fourth layer of nonwoven fabric 36 comprising second continuous filaments 34, ideal for use with a conventional joint spinning extruder. The joint spinning extruder consists of spinning nozzles forming continuous filaments of polymers; the extruder has a design practically the same as that of the second folder 21. The fourth folder 24 can include one or more spinning nozzles depending on the speed of the process or the particular polymer that is used. The four folder 24 may require different processing parameters. For example, the polymer used in the fourth folder 24 can be the same as or different from that used in the first folder 20. The temperature and attenuation can be further modified with respect to the first folder 20. The spinning nozzles of the fourth folder 24 have holes with a different shape that impart a different cross-sectional shape to the continuous filaments. However, it should be noted that, generally, the spinning nozzles of the fourth folder 24 will produce continuous filaments 34 with a cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments. Spinning nozzles can be selected to achieve filaments with cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, selected shapes of the group of circular, oval, rectangular, square, hollow, multilobal, irregular shapes, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the spinning nozzles are selected in such a way that they are identical to those of the second folder 21; that is, the resulting filaments will ideally have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Figure 6a-k shows several illustrative cross-sectional shapes that can be used. However, Figure 6 should not be interpreted as limiting the selection of forms. Other cross-sectional shapes for continuous filaments and methods for making such filaments are presented in U.S. patent application Ser. jointly assigned, no. in series 10 / 736,271, entitled "Hollow Fiber Fabrics", issued to Bond et al., filed January 4, 2004, and US patent application Ser. no. 11/047346 entitled "Shaped Fiber Fabrics", issued to Bond et al., Filed on January 28, 2005. The resulting filaments of the fourth folder 24 are placed on the third layer of non-woven fabric 32, which is transported on the forming band 14 to create the fourth non-woven fabric layer 36. The resulting non-woven fabric sheet 12 can be fed through bonding rolls 38, 40. The surfaces of one or both of the bonding rolls 38 , 40 may be provided with a raised pattern, such as stitches or grids. The bonding rolls are heated to a temperature such as to soften the polymer used to form the layers of the sheet 12. As the sheet 12 passes between the hot bonding rolls 38, 40, the material is recorded by the bonding rolls of Conformity with the pattern of the rollers to create a pattern with distinct areas, such as the 68 shown in Figures 2 and 4; said areas are joined layer by layer with respect to the particular filaments and / or fibers within each layer. Said distinct area or the joining of dots is well known in the industry and can be carried out as described by heated rollers or ultrasonic heating of the sheet 12 to produce distinct areas of filaments, fibers and thermally bonded layers. In accordance with the conventional practice described in Brock et al., U.S. Pat. no. 4,041,203, it is preferable that the fibers of the meltblown layer of the fabric melt into the bonded areas, while the thermally bonded filament layers retain their integrity for the purpose of achieving good strength characteristics. For laminates with higher basis weight, for example, ultrasonic bonding may be preferred, as described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,374,888. However, other joining methods known in the industry can be used. Moreover, it is envisaged that a non-woven fabric sheet can be created from different layers of non-woven fabric that are formed, rolled, and then laminated according to methods well known in the industry (including the stacking of different layers). unbound), rather than layers that are arranged in a single forming machine, as discussed above. The resulting nonwoven fabric sheet 12 can be subjected to a method for selectively perforating the sheet. As described in co-assigned U.S. Patents Nos. 5,628,097 and 5,916,661, and US Pat. no. in series 09/909486, the nonwoven fabric sheet can be weakened in a plurality of locations in said sheet by, for example, a patterned calender roll, in order to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations. The weakened sheet is subjected to an incremental stretching means, such as passage through an annular or branching roller, which causes the rupture of the nonwoven fabric sheet in a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations. The resulting nonwoven fabric sheet comprises a plurality of openings coinciding with a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations. While it is described that a non-woven fabric sheet preferably comprises between three and four layers of nonwoven fabric, a greater or lesser amount of layers can be used, and this is clearly envisaged in the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a non-woven fabric sheet. Figure 3 illustrates the same preferred non-woven fabric sheet in a perspective view, with cutouts, in order to show the details. A three-ply non-woven fabric sheet 12 created in the forming machine described above without the optional fourth folder is shown. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises a first layer of nonwoven fabric 25 which itself comprises first continuous filaments, preferably filaments spun by bonding. The first nonwoven fabric layer preferably has a basis weight ranging from about 4 grams per square meter to about 7 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the first non-woven fabric layer is about 4 grams per square meter. The first continuous filaments have cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, the selected shapes of the group of circular, oval, rectangular, square, hollow, multilobal, irregular shapes and combinations thereof. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape is non-circular or hollow. Most preferably, the cross-sectional shape is trilobal. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises a second layer of non-woven fabric which itself comprises second continuous filaments, preferably filaments spun by bonding. The second nonwoven fabric layer 28 preferably has a basis weight that does not exceed about 5 grams per square meter. With the highest preference, the basis weight of the second layer of non-woven fabric does not exceed approximately 4 grams per square meter. The second continuous filaments have a shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments. The second continuous filaments may have cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, the selected shapes of the group of circular, oval, rectangular, square, hollow, multilobal, irregular shapes, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the cross-sectional shape is practically circular. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises a third layer of nonwoven fabric 32 which, itself, comprises fine fibers, preferably blown fibers. The third layer of non-woven fabric preferably has a basis weight ranging from about 0.5 grams per square meter to about 5.0 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the third layer of non-woven fabric ranges from about 1.5 grams per square meter to about 3 grams per square meter. The total basis weight of the three-layer laminate ideally does not exceed approximately 100 grams per square meter. Preferably, the total basis weight of the three-layer sheet does not exceed about 55 grams per square meter. More preferably, the total basis weight of the three-layer sheet does not exceed about 25 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the total basis weight varies from about 11 grams per square meter to approximately 13 grams per square meter. The resulting sheet has the second layer of non-woven fabric sandwiched between the first and the third layer of non-woven fabric. The thermal bonds 68 (not shown in Figure 3) can be used to adhere one layer with another with respect to the filaments and / or fibers in particular within the layer. Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a non-woven fabric sheet. Figure 5 illustrates the same preferred nonwoven fabric sheet in a perspective view, with cutouts, in order to show the details. A four-layer non-woven fabric sheet 12 created in the forming machine described above with the optional fourth folder is shown. The first nonwoven fabric layer 25, the second nonwoven fabric layer 28, and the third nonwoven fabric layer 32 are substantially the same as the three layer laminate described immediately above. The nonwoven fabric sheet comprises a fourth layer of nonwoven fabric 36 which itself comprises second continuous filaments, preferably filaments spun by bonding. The fourth layer of non-woven fabric 36 preferably has a basis weight that does not exceed about 5 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the fourth layer of non-woven fabric does not exceed about 4 grams per square meter. The second continuous filaments have a shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments. The second continuous filaments may have cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, the selected shapes of the group comprising circular, oval, rectangular, square, hollow, multilobal, irregular shapes, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the cross-sectional shape is practically circular. The total basis weight of the four-layer laminate ideally does not exceed approximately 100 grams per square meter. Preferably, the total basis weight of the three-layer sheet does not exceed about 55 grams per square meter. More preferably, the total basis weight of the three-layer laminate does not exceed 25 grams per square meter. In the most preferred embodiment, the four-layer laminate has a basis weight ranging from about 15 grams per square meter to about 17 grams per square meter. The resultant sheet produces the second nonwoven fabric layer sandwiched between the first and second nonwoven fabric layer and the third nonwoven fabric layer sandwiched between the second and fourth nonwoven fabric layer. The thermal bonds 68 (not shown in Figure 3) can be used to adhere one layer with another with respect to the filaments and / or fibers in particular within the layer. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven fabric sheet is a three-layer sheet with two continuous filament layers and a layer of fine fibers, wherein the first nonwoven fabric layer can comprise a mixture of continuous filaments with sectional shapes different cross As with the three layer laminate presented above, the present embodiment comprises a first layer of nonwoven fabric, a second nonwoven fabric layer of second continuous filaments and a third layer of nonwoven fabric of fine fibers. The continuous filament layers may comprise a mixture of filaments with different shapes in cross section. Preferably, the first layer of non-woven fabric comprises continuous filaments with different cross-sectional shapes, such that at least 5%, by weight, of the first continuous filaments are different from the cross-sectional shape of the second continuous filaments of the second layer. For example, the first layer of non-woven fabric may comprise continuous first filaments of which 95%, by weight, of said filaments have the substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and 5%, by weight, of said filaments have the shape of trilobal cross section; the second layer of non-woven fabric may comprise second continuous filaments whose cross-sectional shape is substantially circular. However, the first nonwoven fabric layer can comprise continuous first filaments with different shapes in cross section according to variable ratios. Moreover, the first nonwoven fabric layer can include more than two filaments with different cross-sectional shapes. Preferably, the first continuous filaments are (in percentage by weight) 50% trilobal and 50% circular. The first nonwoven fabric layer preferably has a basis weight ranging from about 4 grams per square meter to about 7 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the first non-woven fabric layer is about 4 grams per square meter. The second nonwoven fabric layer preferably has a basis weight that does not exceed about 5 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the second layer of non-woven fabric does not exceed about 4 grams per square meter. The nonwoven fabric sheet comprises a third layer of nonwoven fabric which itself comprises fine fibers, preferably blown fibers. The third layer of non-woven fabric preferably has a basis weight ranging from about 0.5 grams per square meter to about 5.0 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the third layer of non-woven fabric is about 3 grams per square meter. The total basis weight of the three-layer sheet will ideally not exceed about 100 grams per square meter and, more preferably, not exceed 55 grams per square meter. Even more preferably, the basis weight of the three-layer laminate does not exceed approximately 25 g / m2. In the most preferred embodiment, the total basis weight of the three-layer sheet varies from about 11 grams per square meter to about 13 grams per square meter. The resulting sheet has the second layer of non-woven fabric sandwiched between the first and the third layer of non-woven fabric. The thermal bonds can be used to adhere one layer to another with respect to the filaments and / or fibers in particular within the layer. In another preferred embodiment, the nonwoven fabric laminate is a four layer laminate with three layers of continuous filaments and a layer of fine fibers, wherein at least one of the layers of continuous filaments comprises a mixture of continuous filaments with shapes in different cross section. The present embodiment comprises a first layer of non-woven fabric, a second layer of non-woven fabric of second continuous filaments, a third layer of non-woven fabric of fine fibers and a fourth layer of non-woven fabric of second continuous filaments. The continuous filament layers may comprise a mixture of filaments with different shapes in cross section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first, second and third nonwoven fabric layer are the same as those presented in the immediately preceding embodiment. In addition to the aforementioned three-ply non-woven fabric sheet, the non-woven fabric sheet comprises a fourth layer of nonwoven fabric which, itself, comprises second continuous filaments, preferably filaments spun by bonding. The fourth layer of non-woven fabric preferably has a basis weight that does not exceed about 5 grams per square meter. Most preferably, the basis weight of the fourth layer of non-woven fabric does not exceed about 4 grams per square meter. The total basis weight of the four-layer laminate will ideally not exceed approximately 100 grams per square meter and, more preferably, will not exceed approximately 55 grams per square meter. Even more preferably, the total basis weight of the four-layer laminate does not exceed about 25 grams per square meter. In the most preferred mode, the total basis weight of the four layer laminate varies from approximately 15 grams per square meter to approximately 17 grams per square meter. The resulting sheet produces the second layer of non-woven fabric sandwiched between the first and second non-woven fabric layer and the third non-woven fabric layer sandwiched between the second and fourth non-woven fabric layer. The thermal bonds can be used to adhere one layer to aer with respect to the filaments and / or fibers in particular within the layer. Figure 7 is a plan view of the diaper 720 of the present invention in its planar state, with portions of the cut structure to illustrate more clearly the structure of the diaper 720. The portion of the diaper 720 that contacts the wearer is oriented toward the observer As shown in Figure 7, the diaper 720 preferably includes a liquid permeable top sheet 724; a lower waterproof canvas 726; an absorbent core 728, preferably positioned between at least a portion of the upper canvas 724 and the lower canvas 726; side panels 730; folds of elasticized legs 732; a waist elastic 734; and a generally designated fastener system 740. The diaper 720 shown in Figure 7 has a first waist region 736, a second waist region 738 opposite the first waist region 736 and a crotch region 737 located between the first waist region 736 and second waist region 738. The periphery of diaper 720 is defined by the outer edges of diaper 720 in which longitudinal edges 750 run generally parallel to longitudinal centerline 100 of diaper 720 and edges of diapers 720. ends 752 run between the longitudinal edges 750, generally parallel to the lateral center line 110 of the diaper 720. The frame 722 of the diaper 720 comprises the main body of the diaper 720. The frame 722 comprises at least a portion of absorbent core 728 and preferably an outer cover that includes the upper canvas 724 and / or the lower canvas 726. If the absorbent article comprises a fastener and a lining separated, the frame 722 generally comprises the fastener and the liner. (For example, the fastener may comprise one or more layers of material to form the outer cover of the article, and the liner may comprise an absorbent assembly that includes an upper canvas, a lower canvas, and an absorbent core.In such cases, the fastener and / or the liner may include a fastener that is used to hold the liner in place during the time of use). For the unitary absorbent articles, the frame 722 comprises the main structure of the diaper with other features added to form the composite structure of the diaper. While the top sheet 724, the back sheet 726, and the absorbent core 728 can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations; Preferred diaper configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. no. 3,860,003 with the title "Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature" (Absorbing article with characteristics of elastic waist of frame type elastic structural film with multiple zones) granted to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; U.S. patent no. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; U.S. patent no. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. no. 5,554,145 with the title "Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature" (Absorbing article with characteristics of elastic waist of frame type elastic structural film with multiple zones) granted to Roe et al. on September 10, 1996; U.S. patent no. 5,569,234 under the title "Disposable Pull-On Pant" awarded to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996; U.S. patent no. 5,580,411 with the title "Zero Scrap method for manufacturing Side Panels For Absorbent Articles" (Negotiation method for the manufacture of side panels for absorbent articles) granted to Nease et. to the. on December 3, 1996; and U.S. patent no. 6,004,306 with the title "Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels" (Absorbing article with extensible multidirectional side panels) granted to Robles et al. on December 21, 1999; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The lower canvas 726 is in general the portion of the diaper 720 which is located adjacent to the surface 745 of the absorbent core 728 which is oriented towards the garment and prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling the articles that may be in the garment. contact with diaper 720, such as bedding and underwear. In preferred embodiments, the bottom sheet 726 is impervious to liquids (eg, urine) and consists of a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film with a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Suitable lower canvas films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation, Richmond, VA, and marketed under the trademark CPC2 FILM. Illustrative ventilated materials may include materials such as woven wefts, webs of non-woven fabrics, composite materials such as webs of non-woven fabrics with coating film, microporous films such as those manufactured by Mitsui Chemical Co., Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO. , and by Tredegar Corporation, of Richmond, VA, marketed under the designation EXAIRE., as well as monolithic films such as those manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH, under the designation HYTREL blend P18-3097. Some permeable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCT application no. WO 95/16746, published on June 22, 1995 in the name of E. I. DuPont; US patents no. 5,938,648, issued August 17, 1999 to LaVon et al .; no. 5,865,823 granted to Curro on February 2, 1999, and no. 5,571,096 issued to Dobrin et al. on November 5, 1996. The lower canvas 726 or any portion thereof may be elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the bottom sheet 726 may comprise an elastic structural film (SELF) frame, as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. no. 5,518,801, entitled "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior" (Frame materials exhibiting an elastic behavior), granted to Chappell, et al. on May 21, 1996.

In alternative embodiments, the bottom sheets 726 may comprise elastomeric films, foams, strands or combinations of these or other suitable materials with non-woven fabrics or synthetic films. Bottom sheet 726 may be attached to upper canvas 724, absorbent core 728 or any other diaper member 720 by any means of attachment known in the industry. For example, the joining means may include a continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a layer of adhesive with a pattern or an array of separate lines, spirals or spots of adhesive. A preferred adhesion means comprises an adhesive in the form of an open pattern which is a filament network as set forth in U.S. Pat. no. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment" (Disposable article of clothing for the containment of waste), granted to Minetola et al. on March 4, 1986. Other suitable adhesion means include those illustrated in the apparatus and methods described in U.S. Pat. no. 3,911, 173, granted to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; no. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978, and in U.S. Pat. no. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. The adhesives that are considered satisfactory are those manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, and are distributed as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. Alternatively, the joining means may include thermal joints, pressure joints, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical joints or any of the suitable joining means or combinations thereof as are known in the industry. The top sheet 724 is preferably placed adjacent to the body surface 747 of the absorbent core 728 and may be attached thereto or to the bottom sheet 726 by any means of attachment known in the industry. Suitable attachment means were described above in relation to the means for attaching the lower canvas 726 to other elements of the diaper 720. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper canvas 724 and the lower canvas 726 are directly bonded together in some sectors and indirectly in others through their direct connection to one or more elements of diaper 720. Upper canvas 724 is preferably adjustable, soft to the touch and does not irritate the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of the topsheet 724 is permeable to liquids, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through their thickness. A suitable top canvas can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as porous foams; cross-linked foams; perforated plastic films; or woven and non-woven fabric materials of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the upper sheet 724 includes fibers, the fibers may be spun by bonding, carded, wet-laid, blow-melted, hydroentangled or processed in some other manner known in the industry. A suitable top sheet 724 comprising a hydrophilically treated spin-linked polypropylene web is, for example, that manufactured by BBA Fiberweb, Old Hickory, TN, under the designation P10 or 055SLPI09E. Suitable shaped upper canvases are described in U.S. Pat. num. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1981; and 5,006,394, entitled "Multilayer Polymeric Film", issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Other suitable top 724 canvases can be manufactured in accordance with U.S. Pat. num. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643 granted to Curro et al. on September 2, 1986 and December 16, 1986, respectively. Such films formed are available in The Procter & amp;; Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as "DRl-WEAVE", and at Tredegar Corporation, of Richmond, VA, as "CLIFF-T." Another suitable top canvas is described in the US publication. no. 2004/0092902 A1, by Anja Hoffmann et al. Preferably, at least a portion of the upper sheet 724 is made of a hydrophobic material or having a hydrophobic treatment, to isolate the wearer's skin from the liquids contained in the absorbent core 728. If the upper sheet 724 is made of a material hydrophobic, preferably at least a portion of the upper surface of the upper canvas 724 has a hydrophilic treatment so that liquids are transferred more rapidly through said canvas. The upper canvas 724 can become hydrophilic when treated with a surfactant or by incorporating a surfactant into the upper canvas. Suitable methods for treating the top sheet 724 with a surfactant include spraying the top sheet material 724 with the surfactant and / or immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed description of said treatment and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Pat. no. 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multiple Layer Absorbent Layers" (Absorbent articles with multi-layer absorbent layers), issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991 and the US patent. no. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Rapid Acquiring Absorbent Cores" (Absorbent Absorbent Cores with Rapid Absorbent Cores) granted to Reising on January 29, 1991. A more detailed description of some of the suitable methods for incorporating a surfactant into the upper 724 canvas. is described in the regulatory register of US inventions. no. H1670, published July 1, 997 in the name of Aziz et al. Alternatively, the upper canvas 724 may include a film or screen with holes that is hydrophobic. Hydrophobicity is achieved by eliminating the step of hydrophilizing treatment from the production process and / or by applying a hydrophobic treatment to the upper sheet 724, such as flouryl, paraffin or silicone-based compounds, for example, Repellan ZN, manufactured by Cognis Corporation, or a hydrophobic lotion composition, as described below. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the holes be large enough to allow the penetration of aqueous fluids such as urine, without significant resistance. Any portion of the upper sheet 724 may be coated with a lotion, as is known in the industry. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in U.S. Pat. num. 5,607,760, granted to Roe on March 4, 1997; 5,609,587, granted to Roe on March 11, 1997; 5,635,191, issued to Roe et al. on June 3, 1997; 5,643,588, issued to Roe et al. on July 1, 1997, and 5,968,025, granted to Roe et al. on October 19, 1999. The lotion may work alone or in combination with another agent, such as the hydrophobicizing treatment described above. The top sheet 724 may also include or be treated with antibacterial agents, such as those described in PCT publication no. WO 95/24173 entitled "Absorbent Articles Containing Antibacterial Agents in the Topsheet For Odor Control", published on September 14, 1995 in the name of Theresa Johnson. In addition, the upper canvas 724, the lower canvas 726 or any portion of the upper canvas or the lower canvas may be embossed or matte-finished to give them a fabric-like appearance. The top sheet 724 may contain one or more openings to facilitate the penetration of exudates such as urine and / or feces (solid, semi-solid or liquid). The size of at least the primary aperture is important for achieving the desired waste encapsulation performance. If the first opening is too small, waste will not pass through it due to poor alignment between the waste source and the location of the opening, or because the fecal masses have a larger diameter than the opening. If the opening is too large, the surface of the skin can be contaminated because it increases the "rewetting" of the article. Normally, the opening should have an area of approximately 102 to 50 cm2. Preferably, the opening has an area of about 152 to 35 cm2. Moreover, the upper canvas 724 can be fully or partially elastic or it can be gathered to form a hollow space between the upper canvas 724 and the core 728. Illustrative structures that include elastic or gathered upper fabrics are described in greater detail in the patent from the USA no. 4,892,536, issued to DesMarais et al. on January 9, 1990; the U.S. patent no. 4,990,147, granted to Freeland on February 5, 1991; the U.S. patent no. 5,037,416, issued to Alien et al. on August 6, 1991; the U.S. patent no. 5,269,775, issued to Freeland et al. on December 14, 1993; the U.S. patent no. 6,482,191, issued to Roe et al., III et al .; US patent application no. 10 / 764,850, entitled "Articles with Elasticated Topsheets", filed January 26, 2004, in the name of Joerg Mueller et al., And US Pat. no. 10 / 703,239, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Articles With Masking Topsheet", filed on November 7, 2003 in the name of Anja Hoffmann et al. Moreover, a diaper may comprise more than one top canvas, as described in the US publication. no. 2004/0092900 A1, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article With Improved Topsheet", presented on November 7, 2003 in the name of Anja Hoffmann et al. The absorbent core 728 may comprise any generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating absorbent material for the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, such as urine and other body excretions. The absorbent core 728 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, "T", asymmetric, etc.) and can comprise a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials such as normally used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, which is usually referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers, including coform polymers; chemically modified, stiffened or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; tissue paper, including compressible laminates or tissue paper laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other material or combination of known absorbent materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 728 may also vary (e.g., the absorbent cores or one or more other absorbent structures may have zones of varying gauge, one or more hydrophilic gradients, one or more superabsorbent gradients or a lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). Illustrative absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 728 are described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,610,678 entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures" granted to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986, no. 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores" (Absorbent Articles with Dual Layer Cores), issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987, no. 4,834,735 entitled "High Density Absorbing Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones" (Absorbing members of high density that have low density and low base acquisition zones), granted to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989, no. 4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer", granted to Angstadt on December 19, 1989, no. 5,137,537 entitled "Absorbent Structure Containing Individualized, Polycarboxylic Acid Crosslinked Wood Pulp Cellulose Fibers" (Absorbent Structure Containing Individual Cellulose Fibers from Reticulated Wood Pulp of Polycarboxylic Acid), awarded to Herron et al. on August 11, 1992, no. 5,147,345 entitled "High Efficiency Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management", granted to Young et al. on September 15, 1992; U.S. patent no. 5,342,338 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article For Low-Viscosity Fecal Material", issued to Roe on August 30, 1994, no. 5,260,345 entitled "Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials" (Absorbent foam materials for aqueous body fluids and absorbent articles containing such materials), issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993, no. 5,387,207 entitled "Thin-Until-Wet Absorbent Foam Materials for Aqueous Body Fluids and Process for Making Same" (absorbent foam materials of the "thin to wet" type for aqueous body fluids and processes for making them), awarded to Dyer et al. . on February 7, 1995 and no. 5,625,222 entitled "Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Fluids Made From High Internal Phase Emulsions Having Very High Water-To-Oil Ratios" (Absorbent foam materials for aqueous fluids, made from high internal phase emulsions that have high proportions of water to oil), awarded to DesMarais et al. on July 22, 1997. The diaper 720 may also include a sublayer disposed between the upper canvas 724 and the lower canvas 726. The sublayer may be of any material or structure capable of accepting, storing or immobilizing body exudates. In this way, the sublayer can include a single material or several of them operatively associated with each other. Moreover, the sublayer can be integrated with another element of the diaper 720 or it can be constituted by one or more separate elements joined directly or indirectly with one or more elements of the diaper 720. In addition, the sublayer can include a structure separate from the core 728 or it may include or be part of at least a portion of the core 728. Suitable materials for use as a sub-layer may include large and open cell foams, high-strength, non-woven macroporous spongy non-woven materials, large particulate forms. size of open and closed cell foams (macro or microporous), high-fiber sponge non-woven fabrics, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane particles or foams, structures comprising a multiplicity of vertically oriented strands of eyelet fibers, absorbent core structures described above, having depressions or perforated holes, and the like. (As used in this document, the term "microporous" refers to materials that can transport liquids by capillary action.) The term "macroporous" refers to materials that have pores that are too large to carry out the capillary transport of fluids that, in general, they have pores with a diameter greater than 0.5 mm and, more specifically, having pores with a diameter greater than about 1.0 mm). One embodiment of a sublayer includes a mechanical fastening loop landing element, having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 mm, available as XPL-7124, from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other suitable absorbent and non-absorbent sublayers are described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,680,422, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having a Capacity to Store Low-Viscosity Fecal Material", issued to Roe on January 20, 2004, and US Pat. . no. 5,941, 864, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Improved Fecal Storage "(disposable absorbent article having improved fecal storage), granted to Roe on August 24, 1999. Furthermore, the sublayer or any portion thereof may include or be coated with a lotion or any other substance known to increase, improve or modify the performance or other characteristics of the element The diaper 720 may also comprise one or more waist elastics 734 to provide a better fit and containment.It is generally intended that the waist elastic 734 be expanded and elastically contracting to conform dynamically to the user's waist.The waist elastic 734 preferably extends at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist edge 762 of the absorbent core 728 and generally forms at least a portion of the waist. end edge 752 of diaper 720. Disposable diapers are often constructed to have s elastic waist elements, one located in the first waist region 736 and another located in the second waist region 738. In addition, although the waist elastic element 734 or any of its constituent elements may comprise one or more separate elements adhered to the diaper 720, the waist elastic member 734 may be constructed as an extension of other diaper elements 720, such as the bottom sheet 726, the top sheet 724, or both the bottom sheet 726 and the top sheet 724. Waist 734 can be manufactured with different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,515,595, issued to Kievit et al. on May 7, 1985, the US patent. no. 4,710,189, issued to Lash on December 1, 1987, no. 5,151, 092, granted to Buell on September 9, 1992; U.S. patent no. 5,221, 274, issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. Other waist configurations may include waist cap features such as those described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,026,364, issued to Robertson on June 25, 1991 and no. 4,816,025, issued to Foreman on March 28, 1989. The diaper 720 may also include a fastening system 740. The fastening system 740 preferably maintains the first waist region 736 and the second waist region 738 in a configuration such that they provide lateral tensions around the circumference of the diaper 720 to secure it to the wearer's body. The fastening system 740 preferably comprises a fastener which may be in the form of a tape tab, hook and eye fastening fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as loops and slots, buckles, buttons, snaps and / or male fastening components. female, although any other known means of attachment is generally acceptable. Some illustrative surface fastening systems are described in U.S. Pat. no. 3,848,594, awarded to Buell on November 19, 1974; no. B1 4,662,875, issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; no. 4,846,815, granted to Scripps on July 11, 1989; no. 4,894,060, issued to Nestegard on January 16, 1990, and no. 4,946,527, granted to Battrell on August 7, 1990; as well as the aforementioned US patents. no. ,151, 092, granted to Buell on September 9, 1992 and no. 5,221, 274, issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. An illustrative fastening system by interlacing is presented in U.S. Pat. no. 6,432,098, entitled "Absorbent Article Fastening Device", granted to Kline et al., On August 13, 2002. The fastening system 740 may also provide a means to maintain the article in a configuration such as is described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,963,140, issued to Robertson et al. on October 16, 1990. The 740 clamping system may also include primary and secondary clamping systems, as described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,699,622, entitled "Disposable Diaper Having An Improved Side Closure" (Disposable diaper having an improved side closure), issued to Toussant et al. on October 13, 1987. The fastening system 740 may also reduce the change of the overlapping portions or improve the fit as described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,242,436, entitled "Absorbent Article With Fastening System Providing Dynamic Elasticized Waistband Fit" (Absorbent article with fastening system that provides a dynamic elastic waist fit), granted to Weil et al. on September 7, 1993; no. 5,499,978 entitled "Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge" (absorbent article with dynamic elastic waist feature that has a predisposed elastic flexible hinge) awarded to Buell et al. on March 19, 1996; no. 5,507,736 titled "Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Comprising An Expansive Tummy Panel "(absorbent article with dynamic elastic waist feature comprising an expanding belly panel) issued to Clear et al on April 16, 1996; No. 5,591, 152 entitled" Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge "(Absorbent article with dynamic elastic waist feature that has a predisposed elastic flexible hinge) awarded to Buell et al on January 7, 1997. In alternative modalities, the article may be preformed by the The term "underpants" used herein refers to disposable garments that have an opening in the waist and leg openings designed for adults or children.A trousers can be placed in position on the user by inserting the legs of the same in the leg openings and sliding the pants in position around the user's lower torso. trousers may be preformed by any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, joining parts of the article using readjustable and / or non-adjustable fittings (e.g. seam, weld, adhesive or cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). While the term "panties" is used here, panties are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers," "pre-insured diapers," "easy-to-wear diapers," "training pants," and "diapers-pants." Suitable pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. no. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse, et al. September 21, 1993; U.S. patent no. 5,569,234, issued to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996; U.S. patent no. 6,120,487, granted to Ashton on September 19, 2000; and U.S. patent no. 6,120,489, issued to Johnson et al. on September 19, 2000; the U.S. patent no. 4,940,464 issued to Van Gompel et al. July 10, 1990; U.S. patent no. 5,092,861, issued to Nomura et al. on March 3, 1992; Patent application no. of series 10 / 171,249, denominated "Highly Flexible And Low Deformation Fastening Device", filed on June 13, 2002; U.S. patent no. 5,897,545, issued to Kline et al. on April 27, 1999; and U.S. patent no. 5,957,908, issued to Kline et al. on September 28, 1999. The diaper 720 may also comprise side panels 730. The side panels 730 may be elastic or extensible to provide greater comfort and better adapt to the body by fitting the diaper 720 appropriately to the wearer from the start and maintaining this fit during all the time of use, even long after the diaper is loaded with exudates, since the elasticized side panels 730 allow the sides of the diaper 720 to expand and contract. The side panels 730 can also provide a better placement of the diaper 720, since even when the caregiver places one of the side panels 730 elastically at a greater distance than the other panel, the diaper 720 is "self-adjusting" during use . The diaper 720 may be provided with side panels 730 disposed in the first waist region 736, in the second waist region 738, or both in the first waist region 736 and in the second waist region 738. The illustrative construction and the configuration of side panels 730 are described in U.S. Pat. no. 4,857,067, entitled "Disposable Diaper Having Shirred Ears" (Disposable diaper having ears, issued to Wood et al on August 15, 1989; No. 4,381, 781, issued to Sciaraffa et al on May 3, 1983; No. 4,938,753, issued to Van Gompel et al on July 3, 1990, and the US patents cited above, No. 5,151, 092, issued to Buell, US Patent No. 5,221. , 274, awarded to Buell, No. 5,669,897, in favor of LaVon et al., issued on September 23, 1997 entitled "Absorbent Articles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit" (Absorbent articles that provide a sustained dynamic adjustment), and no. 6,004,306 with the title "Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels" (Absorbing article with multilateral extendable side panels), granted to Robles et al. on December 21, 1999. The diaper 720 preferably includes leg cuffs 732 that allow better containment of liquids and other body exudates. The leg cuffs 732 are also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds or elastic folds. For example, the diaper may include one or more first folds that provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. The first folds are also called external leg bends, leg bands, side flaps, leg folds or elastic folds. U.S. Pat. no. 3,860,003 discloses a disposable diaper that provides a collapsible leg opening that has a side flap and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticated leg fold. In addition, the diaper may include one or more second folds that also provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. Secondary folds are also called barrier leg folds, internal leg folds or "raised" elasticated fins. U.S. Pat. num. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803, assigned to Aziz et al. on February 28, 1989 and March 20, 1990, respectively, describe disposable diapers that have "raised" elasticated fins that enhance containment of the leg regions. U.S. Pat. num. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987 and Dragoo on January 3, 1989, respectively, describe disposable diapers having dual folds, including the first fold and the second fold. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to treat all leg cuffs 732 or a portion thereof with a liquid cream, as described above. The leg bends can also be manufactured in different configurations, including those described in U.S. Pat. num. 4,636,207; 4,704,115; 4,900,317; 5,085,654; 5,492,751; 6,476,288, and SIR H1630. Any of the leg bends described herein, as well as other components of the absorbent article, may be fully or partially coated with a hydrophobic surface coating, as detailed in the co-pending US application. no. 11/055743, filed on February 10, 2005. Some embodiments may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, separators that provide voids for waste, barriers to limit the movement of waste in the article, compartments or holes that receive and retain waste materials deposited in diaper 720, and the like, or any combination thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,514,121, issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled "Diaper Having Expulsive Spacer" (Diaper having an expulsion spacer); no. 5,171,236, issued to Dreier et al. on December 15, 1992, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Core Spacers" (Disposable absorbent article having core spacers); no. 5,397,318, issued to Dreier on March 14, 1995, entitled "Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff" (Absorbing article having a pocket fold); no. 5,540,671, issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled "Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff With An Apex" (Absorbing article having a pocket fold with an apex); no. 6,168,584, entitled "Spacers For Use In Hygienic Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Spacer" (Spacers for use in hygienic absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such a spacer), issued to Alien et al. on January 2, 2001; no. 5,306,266, entitled "Flexible Spacers for Use in Disposable Absorbent Articles", issued to Freeland on April 26, 1994, and no. 5,997,520, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article With Selectively Expandable or Inflatable Component" (Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable component), granted to Ahr et al. on December 7, 1999. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in U.S. Pat. no. 4,968,312, entitled "Disposable Fecal Compartmenting Diaper" (Disposable diaper that compartmentalizes fecal matter), granted to Khan on November 6, 1990; no. 4,990,147, entitled "Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation" (Absorbent article with elastic lining for the isolation of waste material), granted to Freeland on February 5, 1991; no. 5,062,840, entitled "Disposable Diapers", issued to Holt et al. on November 5, 1991; no. 5,269,755, entitled "Trisection Topsheets For Disposable Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets" (Three-Section Top Canvases for Disposable Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Top Three-Section Canvases), issued to Freeland et al. on December 13, 1993, and the US patent application. no. 10 / 764,939, entitled "Articles with Cuffs", filed January 26, 2004, in favor of Joerg Mueller et al. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,554,142 titled "Absorbent Article Having Multiple Effective Height Transverse Partition" (Absorbing article having a multiple effective height transversal partition), granted on September 10, 1996 to Dreier et al .; PCT patent no. WO 94/14395, entitled "Absorbent Article Having An Upstanding Transverse Partition", published July 7, 1994 in the name of Freeland, et al., And US Pat. . no. 5,653,703, entitled Absorbent Article Having Angular Upstanding Transverse Partition (Absorbing article having an improved angular transverse partition), granted August 5, 1997 to Roe, et al. Examples of other structures especially suitable for the handling of low viscosity feces are described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,941,864 issued to Roe et al., August 24, 1999, and US Pat. num. 5,977,430, issued to Roe et al. on November 2, 1999, and 6,013,063, granted to Roe et al. on January 11, 2000. The non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used with a multiplicity of diaper elements, as described above. Preferably, the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used in place of any of the non-woven fabrics described in the diapers or diaper elements above. Moreover, the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used in place of other substrates where the opacity and / or barrier characteristics of the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention are needed. In one embodiment, the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used as a leg fold. The nonwoven fabric laminate of the present invention provides barrier and permeability protection while the high degree of opacity masks the underlying debris. In one embodiment, the non-woven fabrics of the present invention can be used as a barrier layer within an absorbent article. The non-woven fabric sheet can be used as a barrier layer, such as a lower canvas, upper canvas, anus fold, outer cover and barrier cover. Moreover, the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used as a substrate for a wet cloth. The construction of a typical wet cloth is illustrated in the US publication. no. 2004/009431 A1, entitled "Process for Making a Wet Wipe Using a Concentrated Emulsion", by S. Chamba et al., And in the US publication. no. 2005/0008681 A1, entitled "Composition For Wet Wipes Enhancing the Efficacy of Cleansing While Being Gentle To The Skin", by G.E. Deckner et al. In addition, the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention can be used in non-absorbent articles including, but not limited to, tents, car covers, industrial applications (eg, geotextiles), surgical drapes, gowns, booties and sterilization wrappings.

Contrast ratio method Opacity is a measurement of a material's ability to darken the background behind it. The equipment required for opacity measurement includes: • A spectrophotometer, such as the Hunter Labscan XE (Model No. D25DP9000, with optics adjustment 45 0 °), marketed by HunterLab Associates, Inc., Reston, VA, or a 4570 ° equivalent spectrophotometer, • standard black and white plates / plates for calibration and measurement (also marketed by HunterLab Associates, Inc., or another colorimetry company) • any soft, un-burned absorbent tissue or lotion, such as Puffs®, to clean the standard plates, and • a cutter to adjust the size of the samples (for example, an Alpha cutter, scissors, paper cutter). Since normal laboratory temperature and humidity ranges have a negligible effect on opacity, the samples do not require conditioning prior to analysis. However, samples and instruments must be kept in an area free of moisture and corrosive vapors. Moreover, the samples must be protected from dirt or lint contamination. The samples are prepared by cutting a portion of the weft or sheet to be analyzed, approximately 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm. Most samples are easily cut using a cutting mold with a hydraulic cutter, such as an Alpha cutter. Scissors or paper cutter can be used; however, care must be taken to ensure that the cut does not destroy the fabric of the product in case it is needed for further analysis. Individual samples of a sheet, approximately 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm, are cut from the web or sheet with the machine direction perpendicular and / or parallel to the cutting edges. A sample is selected for the test, which has no folds, wrinkles, tears or other obvious defects. The sample is placed so that the external surface of the product as it is, is the upper surface of the sample located directly below the platform of the instrument for the sample. If there is an orientation of the sheet, the samples should be placed so that the machine direction is identical for all samples. The spectrophotometer is calibrated using standard black and white plates supplied with the instrument, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or other standards accepted in practice before beginning the test. The color scale adjusts to XYZ, the observer adjusts to 10 °, and the illuminator adjusts to D65. The standard white plate and the sample are placed in or on the spectrophotometer in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The sample is placed between the hole of the spectrophotometer and the standard white plate without contaminating the test area of the sample. The light pulses and the measurements are made against the white plate. Then the sample is placed between the hole and the black standard plate, and the light pulses and measurements are carried out. The resulting data is read and processed in the spectrophotometer and the "Y" value (opacity) is recorded to the unit closest to 0.1. This procedure is repeated in a total of three replications representative of the sample. The three Y values are averaged to obtain the "Y" value of the determined sample. Opacity is reported as a percentage and is calculated by dividing the reflectance obtained from the sample with a black plate by the reflectance obtained from the sample with a white plate, which is then multiplied by 100; The equation is as follows: Opacity percentage = Y value with black plate Y value with white plate xlOO This method for calculating opacity is commonly referred to as the "contrast ratio method". Opacity is measured as a percentage. The opacity of the non-woven fabric sheet of the present invention will generally be greater by several percentage points than the opaqueness of the nonwoven fabric sheet containing continuous filaments with a single traditionally circular cross-sectional shape. The lamins of the present invention have a higher opacity than comparable laminar without shaped fiber (eg, comparative sheets with similar base weights made of continuous filaments, with substantially circular cross-sectional shape). Preferably, the sheet of the present invention has an opacity approximately 10% greater than comparable sheets without continuous filaments with different shapes; more preferably, an opacity approximately 20% greater than comparable laminar without continuous filaments with different shapes; and most preferably, an opacity approximately 30% greater than comparable lamins without continuous filaments with different shapes. The opacity can be measured in accordance with the TAPPI test method T 426 om-01, whose opacity data results are approximately proportional to the data presented in accordance with the method described above. The basis weight is the mass per unit area of the substrate. Independent measurements of the mass and area of a substrate specimen can be taken and used to calculate the mass ratio per unit area.

EXAMPLES All the examples below can be analyzed as lamellar prior to their inclusion in an absorbent article or as a particular component within an absorbent article. However, it is contemplated that the foils provided below can form at least a portion of an absorbent article, which are described in more detail above. Example 1 is a trilobal laminate by spunbond + meltblown / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond (S + SMMS) of the present invention. The shaped S-layer is a polypropylene weft with thermally bonded filaments with a mixture of filaments whose cross-sectional shape is different. The weft comprises a mixture of approximately 50/50, by weight, of trilobal shaped filaments and practically circular filaments. The basis weight of the shaped S layer is 8 grams per square meter, and the approximate denier (grams / 9000 meters) of the filament is 1.25. The plot is obtained from Hill, Inc., West Melbourne, FL. The S-shaped trilobal layer has virtually no dyes. The SMS layer comprises two melt-blown layers with a basis weight of 1 gram per square meter each, between two layers spun by bonding with a basis weight of 4 grams per square meter each. Within the SMMS layer, the M and / or S frames may also contain colorants (e.g., dyes and pigments such as TiO2) up to about 0.5%, by weight, if present. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together. Example 2 is a comparative circular laminate spunbond + spunbond / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond (S + SMMS). The shaped S layer is a polypropylene web with thermally bonded filaments having a basis weight of 6 grams per square meter and a denier (grams / 9000 meters) of about 1.5. The shape of the filaments in cross section is practically circular. The weft of the S-layer with substantially circular shape is obtained from Nordson Corp., Westlake, OH. The substantially circular-shaped S layer may contain colorants (e.g., TiO2) up to about 0.5%, by weight, if present. The SMMS layer is that of Example 1. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together. Example 3 is a laminar comparative circular spunbond + union spunbond / meltblown / blowblow / spunbond (S + SMMS). The shaped layer S is a polypropylene web with thermally bonded filaments having a basis weight of 10 grams per square meter and a denier (grams / 9000 meters) of approximately 2. The shape of the filaments in cross section is practically circular. The shape of the S-layer with virtually circular shape is obtained from Avgol Nonwoven Industries, Israel. The substantially circular-shaped S layer may contain colorants (e.g., TiO2) up to about 0.5%, by weight, if present. The SMS layer is ia from Example 1. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together.

Example 4 is a trilobal laminate by spunbond + meltblown / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond (S + SMMS) of the present invention. The shaped S-layer is a polypropylene web with thermally bonded filaments, with a mixture of filaments whose cross-sectional shape is different. The weft comprises a mixture of approximately 50/50, by weight, of trilobal shaped filaments and practically circular filaments. The basis weight of the shaped S layer is 16 grams per square meter, and the approximate denier (grams / 9000 meters) of the filament is 1.25. The plot is obtained from Hill, Inc., West Melbourne, FL. The S-shaped trilobal layer has virtually no dyes. The SMMS layer is that of Example 1. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together. Example 5 is a comparative circular laminar spunbond / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond (S + SMMS). The shaped S layer is a polypropylene web with thermally bonded filaments having a basis weight of 16 grams per square meter and a denier (grams / 9000 meters) of approximately 2-2.5. The shaped layer S is a polypropylene weft, with thermally bonded filaments having substantially circular cross-section filaments. The plot is obtained at BBA Nonwovens, Old Hickory, TN. The substantially circular-shaped S layer may contain colorants (e.g., TiO2) up to about 0.5%, by weight, if present. The SMMS layer is that of Example 1. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together.

Example 6 is a trilobal laminate by spunbond + meltblown / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond (S + SMMS) of the present invention. The shaped S layer is a polypropylene weft with thermally bonded filaments, with filaments whose shape is trilobal. The basis weight of the shaped S layer is 8 grams per square meter, and the approximate denier (grams / 9000 meters) of the filament is 1.25. The plot is obtained from Hill, Inc., West Melbourne, FL. The S-shaped trilobal layer has virtually no dyes. The SMMS layer is that of Example 1. The S and SMMS layers are not linked together. Example 7 is the S + SMMS lamina of Example 1 (or any of the nonwoven fabric laminates of the present invention) within the disposable absorbent article disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,085,654, awarded to Buell. Within the exhibition, the fold (for example, legend 15 in Buell) may comprise, in part, the laminate S + SMS. In particular, the S + SMS laminate serves as the permeability element (eg, legend 54 in Buell) of the fold, as shown in Figure 5 of U.S. Pat. no. 5,085,654. Many examples have been shown and presented to demonstrate breadth of fibers that can be produced to illustrate the invention. More variations are known, although they are not limited by the data presented in this invention. The description of all patents, patent applications (and any patents granted based thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent applications) and the publications mentioned throughout this description are incorporated herein by reference. reference. However, it is expressly denied that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or describe the present invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover in the appended claims all those changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a nonwoven fabric laminate, comprising: a) A first nonwoven fabric layer comprising first continuous filaments; b) a second nonwoven fabric layer comprising second continuous filaments; c) a third layer of non-woven fabric comprising fine fibers, the second non-woven fabric layer being between the first and the third layer of non-woven fabric; and d) optionally, a fourth layer of non-woven fabric comprising second continuous filaments; the nonwoven fabric laminate characterized in that 1) The first and second continuous filaments have different cross-sectional shapes; 2) the second layer of non-woven fabric and the optional fourth layer of non-woven fabric have a basis weight of less than 5 g / m2, preferably less than 4 g / m2; and 3) the total basis weight of the first, second and third layer is not greater than about 55 g / m

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight ranging from about 4 g / m2 to about 7 g / m2 and the third nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight that varies from approximately 0.5 g / m2 to approximately 5 g / m2. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second continuous filaments are selected from the group comprising circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hollow, multilobal, and combinations of these. 4. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous filaments is trilobal. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the nonwoven fabric laminate has a greater opacity than a nonwoven fabric of similar construction; the non-woven fabric of similar construction has continuous filaments with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a leg fold composed of the nonwoven fabric laminate. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first non-woven fabric layer comprises at least two first continuous filaments having different cross-sectional shapes; wherein at least 5%, by weight, of the first continuous filaments have different cross-sectional shapes than the second continuous filaments of the second non-woven fabric layer. The absorbent article according to claim 7, further characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight ranging from about 4 g / m2 to about 7 g / m2 and the third nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight that varies from approximately 0.5 g / m2 to approximately 5 g / m2-