MXPA97008674A - Absorbent article disposable, which is jala, with extensible lateral panels of multi-guideline - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as disposable training pants, rising diapers, incontinence tweezers, diaper bras, feminine hygiene garments and the like, which have extensible side panel features that enhance the dynamic fit of the pants. diaper around the user's legs and waist. These absorbent articles comprise a containment assembly comprised of a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the backsheet, and extendable side panels, each comprising a waist panel and a backing sheet. thigh panel, arranged along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in the first waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are operatively associated in such a way that the waist panel has a direction of main extension capacity in one direction, and the thigh panel has a direction of main extension capacity in one direction different. This forms an extensible multiple directional side panel, wherein the waist panel provides tension around the wearer's waist to maintain fit around the waist and to hold the diaper on the wearer, and the thigh panel contracts and expands to Maintain a dynamic fit around the user's leg. In this way, the waist and thigh panels reduce the negative effects of the dynamic forces on the absorbent article, such as hole formation and loosening that can cause draining, while increasing the freedom of movement and comfort of the article.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE. THAT IS JALA. WITH EXTENSIBLE LATERAL PANELS OF MULTIPLE GUIDELINE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as training pants, rising diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper covers, and the like, and more particularly absorbent articles having extensible side panels that provide dynamic fit around the wearer as well as improved comfort features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Babies and other incontinent individuals use absorbent articles such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other exudates from the body. The absorbent articles function both to contain the discharged materials and to isolate these materials from the wearer's body and from the wearer's garments and bedding. Disposable absorbent articles having many different basic designs are known in the art. For example, United States Patent Re.26,152 entitled "Disposable diaper", issued to Baker on January 31, 1967, describes a disposable diaper which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success. In order to provide an improved fit and reduce runoff, absorbent articles with elastic characteristics have been provided. The patent of the United States 3,860,003, entitled "Shrinkable side portions for disposable diaper", issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975, describes a disposable diaper with elasticized leg cuffs that has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success. U.S. Patent 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. On September 29, 1992, discloses an absorbent article having an elastic waist feature that improves dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. U.S. Patent 4,857,067 issued to Wood et al. On August 15, 1989, discloses a disposable diaper with elastic side panels to fit over the wearer's hip. The elastic characteristics are designed to expand and contract with the movements of the user and to maintain the fit of the absorbent article around the wearer during use (ie, provide sustained dynamic fit.) However, it has been found that the absorbent articles that have Elastic features still have a tendency to hollow or become too narrow during use. As the user moves, changes occur in the measurements of the user's body, particularly in the hip and thighs, thus subjecting the diaper to dynamic forces. These dynamic forces tend to deform the materials that form the diaper and tend to push the diaper away from the wearer's body. As a result, the diaper tends to loosen or hollow away from the wearer, especially in regions of dynamic movement such as the hip and thighs. Conventional disposable diapers were originally made of non-elastic materials unable to elastically expand to adjust to the user's body movements. The introduction of characteristics of elastic, unitary side panels into conventional disposable diapers has improved their fit and comfort, allowing the side panels to expand generally in the lateral direction around the wearer's waist. However, the elastic, unitary side panels are unable to expand elastically completely in different directions of the lateral direction without placing undue pressure on the user's legs, hips or waist. Because the movements of the user create dynamic forces in many different directions, conventional disposable diapers having unitary, elastic side-panel characteristics tend to still hollow away from the wearer's body causing an increased chance of runoff, and exerting forces on the user that can be uncomfortable and cause marks on the user's skin. In this way, it would be advantageous to provide an absorbent article having improved extensible side panels that provide improved fit and comfort to the user as well as reduced drainage, loosening and cupping during use. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article having improved dynamic fit around the wearer's waist and legs, reducing loosening and cupping of the absorbent article in the wearer. It is an object in addition to the present invention to provide an absorbent article having multiple directional, extensible, side panels that expand and contract in multiple directions to minimize the effects of dynamic forces created by the movements of the user, thereby increasing the Freedom of movement and comfort of the user while improving the sustained dynamic fit of the absorbent article. These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in reference to the following description and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides absorbent articles such as training pants, climbing diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper covers, feminine hygiene garments and the like, which have extensible side panel features that improve the dynamic fit of the diaper around The legs and waist of the user. These absorbent articles comprise a containment assembly comprising a liquid permeable upper sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet; an absorbent core placed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and extendable side panels; each comprising a waist panel and a thigh panel disposed along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in the first waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are preferably operatively associated in such a way that the waist panel has a main direction of extension in one direction and the thigh panel has a main direction of extension in one direction different. This forms an extensible multiple directional side panel, wherein the waist panel provides attention around the user's waist to maintain fit around the waist, and to maintain the diaper on the wearer, and the thigh panel expands and contracts. to keep the dynamic fit around the user's leg. In this way, the waist and thigh panels reduce the negative effects of the dynamic forces of the absorbent article, such as loosening and cupping that can cause draining, while increasing the user's freedom of movement and comfort. The expandable side panels may comprise a single piece of extensible material or two or more separate elements joined together to form the expandable side panels. In addition, the extensible side panels may be extensions of other elements of the absorbent article, or a separate structure attached to another element of the absorbent article. Mechanical operations such as folding, corrugation, ring rolling or the like, can be developed on the side panels to provide the unique multiple directional extension characteristics of the present invention. Alternatively, the material can be folded, grooved or cut to form different waist and thigh panels having different extension capacity directions. In still other embodiments, the multiple guide stretch features are derived from the extensible side panels comprising spaced-apart waist and thigh panel members that have extension or parallel extension directions primarily. In a preferred embodiment, the waist panel has a main direction of extension capacity around the wearer's waist and the thigh panel has a direction of main extension capacity that is not parallel to that of the waist panel, preferably at a angle towards the lateral and longitudinal directions. In this configuration, the waist panel elastically contracts to provide an internal force that holds the absorbent article in place around the user during use, while the thigh panel expands and contracts in conjunction with the movements of the user's leg. In this way, the multiple directrix extensible side panels reduce the possibility of cupping in the waist and thigh regions of the absorbent article, as well as reduce the market probability on the user's skin resulting from stress and dynamic forces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims particularly pointing out and claiming differently the subject matter that is considered to form the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description, which is taken in combination with the drawings. companions in which similar designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of the present invention having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure, the inner surface of the diaper facing the observer; Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmented view of the inner surface of a version of the stretchable side panel of the diaper shown in Figure 1, having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure; Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmented view of a version of the outer surface of the extensible side panel shown in the diaper of Figure 1 having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure; Figure 4 is a plan view, amplified, fragmented of the inner surface of the stretchable side panel of the diaper shown in Figure 1, showing the main direction of the waist panel extension capacity and the main direction of the extension capacity of the thigh panel with respect to a lateral axis. The tape tab and the hardening member shown in Figure 1 have been removed for clarity; Figure 5 is a plan view of a multi-component extensible side panel configuration wherein the distal edges of the waist panel and the thigh panel are not attached, Figure 6 is a plan view drawing of a preferred embodiment of a polymeric web material having a tensable network with the deformations facing the observer; Figure 7 is a segmented perspective illustration of the polymeric screen material of Figure 6, in a non-stressed condition; Figure 8 is a segmented perspective illustration of the polymeric weft material of Figure 6, in a stressed condition corresponding to stage I, on the elongation force curve illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 9 is a segmented perspective illustration of the polymeric weft material of Figure 6 in a stressed condition corresponding to step II, on the elongation force curve illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 10 is a graph of the strength of resistance against percent elongation, comparing the behavior of the polymeric weft material of the present invention as shown in Figure 6, with a base polymeric material, otherwise flat identical; Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmented plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the extensible side panel comprises a single component; Figure 12 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a single extensible component is bent to form the extensible side panels as well as the waist feature and leg folds of the disposable absorbent article; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a disposable training brief comprising the multiple directional extendable side panels of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain exudates from the body, and, more specifically, refer to devices that are placed against or close to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates. discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (ie, they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed in an environmentally compatible manner). Preferred embodiments of the absorbent articles of the present invention are the disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in Figure 1 and the disposable disposable absorbent article, shown in Figure 13. As used herein, the term " "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons that is worn around the wearer's torso. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, diaper liners and fasteners, feminine hygiene garments, training pants, climbing diapers and the like. Figure 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in its flat, non-contracted state (i.e., with the elastic-induced contraction pulled outward) with portions of the structure that are cut to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 20 and with the part of the diaper 20 that faces towards or makes contact with the user, the inner surface, facing the observer. As shown in Figure 1, the diaper 20 preferably comprises a containment assembly 22 comprising a liquid permeable top sheet 24; a liquid-impermeable backsheet 26 joined with the topsheet 24; and an absorbent core 28 positioned between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. The diaper further comprises elasticized leg cuffs 32, ear flaps 62, an elastic waist feature 34; a fastener system 48 comprising a pair of first fastener members 40, each having a primary center line F, and a second fastener member 42; and extensible side panels 30 each comprising an expandable waist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38. Each extensible side panel 30 has a proximal edge 80 and a distal edge 82. The diaper 20 also has two center lines, a longitudinal center line 100 and a transverse center line 102. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to an axis line or direction in the plane of the diaper 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane which divides a foot user into right and left halves when the diaper 20 is used. The terms "transverse" and "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that lies within of the diaper plane which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (which divides the user into halves of the front and back body). As shown in Figure 1, the extensible side panel 30 preferably comprises a waist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38 which are operatively associated in a collapsible condition, such that the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 they have non-parallel main directions of extension capacity (the terms "waist panel" and "thigh panel" refer to extensible components of the extendable side panels, each having a direction of main extension capacity.

As used herein, "principal extension capacity address" refers to the direction in which an extensible member has a greater extension). Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the waist panel 36 has a direction of main extension capacity around the waist of the user, and the thigh panel 38 has a direction of main extension capacity not parallel to that of the waist panel 36. (The direction of main extension capacity in the waist panel 36 is represented by the arrow G in Figure 1 direction of main extension capacity in thigh panel 38 is represented by arrow H in Figure 1). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thigh panel 38 has a main extension capacity direction that is non-parallel to the lateral direction or to the longitudinal direction. (The lateral direction is defined as the direction parallel to the lateral center line of the diaper, and the longitudinal direction is defined as the direction parallel to the longitudinal center line). The extendable side panels 30 provide greater comfort and contour adjustment by initially comfortable fitting the diaper 20 to the wearer and holding the fit throughout the time of use, even when the diaper has been loaded with exudates, since the stretchable side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract. The waist panel 36 contracts elastically providing an internal force that holds the diaper in place around the wearer during use. The thigh panel 38 expands and contracts with the movements of the user's leg. In this way, the multi-directive extensible waist and thigh panels reduce the possibility of cupping in the waist and thigh regions of the diaper, and the likelihood of marking on the wearer resulting from clamping tension and dynamic forces. The diaper 20 is shown in Figure 1 has had an inner surface 44 (facing the observer in Figure 1 on the external surface 46 opposite the inner surface 44, a first waist region 50, a second waist region 52 opposite to the first waist region 50, a crotch region 54 positioned between the first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52, and a periphery that is defined by the outer perimeter plus the perimeter or outer edges of the diaper 20 in which are designated 56 at the longitudinal edges and designated to the end edges 58. The inner surface 44 of the diaper 20 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which is placed adjacent the wearer's body during use, i.e., the inner surface 44 it is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and other components attached to the topsheet 24). The outer surface 46 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned away from the wearer's body (i.e., the outer surface 46 is generally formed by at least a portion of the back sheet 26 and other components attached to the back sheet 26).

As used herein, the term "attached" encompasses configurations with which one element is directly secured to the other element by attaching the element directly to the other element, and configurations with which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by attaching the element to the other element. member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element. The first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 extend from the end edges 58 of the periphery to the crotch region 64. The first waist region 50 comprises a central region 60 and a pair of extendable side panels 30, which typically comprise the outer side portions of the first waist region 50. The second waist region 52 comprises a central region 172 and a pair of ear flaps 62 typically comprising the outer side portions of the second waist region 52. stretchable side panels placed in the first waist region 52 are designated 30, while the ear flaps in the second waist region 52 are designated 62. The holding assembly 22 of the diaper 20 is shown in Figure 1 as comprising the body main (frame) of the diaper 20. The containment assembly 22 comprises at least one absorbent core 28 and preferably an outer layer of cover comprising the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26. When the absorbent article comprises a separate fastener and liner, the containment assembly 22, generally comprises the fastener and the liner (i.e., the containment assembly 22 comprises a or more layers of material to define the fastener, while the liner comprises a mixed absorbent material such as an upper sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core). Generally, the containment assembly 22 comprises the main structure of the diaper with additional features to form the composite diaper structure. In this way, the containment assembly 22 for the diaper 20 generally comprises the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26 and the absorbent core 28.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the containment assembly 22, in which the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 28 to thereby form the periphery of the diaper 20. Although the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26 and the absorbent core 28 can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, the configurations of the preferred containment assembly in U.S. Patent 3,860,003 entitled "Shrinkable side portions for disposable diaper", which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; and U.S. Patent 5,151,092 entitled "absorbent article having dynamic elastic waist characteristics having a predisposed elastic flexion joint" which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al. on September 29, 1992; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 2 and 3 are fragmented, amplified views of the extensible side panel 30, which has portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure, the Figure 2 shows the inner surface of the extendable side panel 30 and Figure 3 shows the outer surface of the extendable side panel 30. In the multiple component embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the extendable side panel 30 comprises a waist panel 36, having a waist panel waist proximal edge 72, a waist panel waist remote edge 74, a first waist panel side edge 90 and a second waist panel side edge 92, and a thigh panel 38 having an edge proximal thigh panel 78, a distant edge of thigh panel 76, a first side edge of thigh panel 94, and a second lateral edge of thigh panel 96. As shown in Figure 2, the proximal edge of waist panel 72 and the proximal edge of thigh panel 78 may be joined between upper sheet 24 and back sheet 26 Alternately, either the edge of the waist panel 72 or the proximal edge of the thigh panel 78 or both may both be attached to the outer surface 46 of the backsheet 26, the inner surface 44 of the top sheet 24. Figure 2 further shows the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 operatively associated in a partially overlapped configuration where the distant edge of the waist panel 74 is attached to the distant edge of the thigh panel 76. As shown in Figure 2, a first fastening member 40 is preferably disposed adjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. The first fastening member 40 is preferably operatively associated such that it is attached to of the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. In this manner, a force on the first fastening member 40 provides tension along the entire length of both of the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. Figure 2 also shows a proximal hardening member 84 disposed adjacent the proximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30, and a distal hardening member 86 disposed adjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. The proximal hardening member 84 prevents bending or buckling of the proximal edge 80 of each extensible side panel 30 during use and the hardening member 60 86 assists in distributing the forces on the fastener system 48 along the entire length of each extensible panel 30. As shown in Figure 2, the proximal hardening member 84 and member Distal hardener 86 may be separate elements attached to the absorbent article by attachment (not shown) such as those well known in the art, or may be a with an absorbent article element. The absorbent article 28 can be any absorbent member that is generally compressible, conformable non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent core 28 has an external surface 64, an inner surface 66, side edges 68, and waist edges 70. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg example, rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetric, etc.), and from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as pulp of crushed wood which is referred to usually as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown extruded polymers including coform; chemically modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers; tissue including tissue wraps; absorbent foams, absorbent sponges; super absorbent polymers, gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combination of materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 28 may be varied (eg, the absorbent core may have zones of varying gauge, a hydrophilic gradient, a super absorbent gradient, or lower average weight basis acquisition areas and lower average density, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 must be compatible with the design load and intended use of the diaper 20. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 can also be varied to fit users from babies to adults. One embodiment of the diaper 20 has an asymmetric modified T-shaped absorbent core 28 having ears in the first waist region but a generally rectangular shape in the second waist region. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 of the present invention which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Patent 4,610,678 entitled "High Density Absorbing Structures", issued to Weisman et al. On September 9 of 1986; U.S. Patent 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent articles with double layer cores" issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent 4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent core having a dust-off layer" issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and U.S. Patent 4,834,735, entitled "High Density Absorbing Members Having Acquisition Areas of Lesser Base Weight and Lower Density", issued to Alemany et al. on March 30, 1989. The absorbent core may further comprise a double core containing a core of acquisition / distribution of chemically hardened fibers placed on the storage absorbent cores as detailed in U.S. Patent 5, 234,423 entitled "Absorbent article with improved elastic waist characteristics and absorbency" issued to Alemany et al. On August 10, 1993; and U.S. Patent 5,147,345 entitled "High Efficiency Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management" issued to Young LaVon and Taylor on September 15, 1992. All of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The backsheet 26 is positioned adjacent the outer surface 64 of the absorbent core 28 and is attached thereto preferably by attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 26 can be secured to the absorbent core 28 by a uniform, continuous adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, coils, or spots of adhesive. The adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and they are marketed as HL-1258. An example of a suitable fixing means comprising an open-pattern filament network of adhesive is described in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Containment Garment, Disposable" which was issued to Minetola et al. On May 4. March 1986. Another suitable fixing means comprising several lines of adhesive filaments twisted in a spiral pattern is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in United States Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternately, the fixation means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds and dynamic mechanical bonds or any other suitable means of attachment or combinations of these fixation means as are known in the art. The backsheet 26 is impervious to liquids (eg, urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid-impermeable materials may also be used, as used herein, the term "flexible" "refers to materials that are docile and that will readily conform to the shape and general contour of the human body." The backsheet 26 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained within the absorbent core 28 from wetting the articles that contact the diaper 20, such In addition, the backsheet 26 can allow the vapors to escape from the absorbent core 28 (ie, breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. In this way, the backsheet 26 may comprise a woven, non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as material such as a nonwoven material coated with film. An example of a suitable backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other materials suitable for the backsheet 26 include the RR8220 blown films and the RR5475 cast films as manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, IN. Preferably, the backsheet 26 is etched and / or finished without gloss to provide a fabric-like appearance.

The topsheet 24 is positioned adjacent the outer surface 66 of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably attached to it and the backsheet 26 by attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art, suitable attachment means are described with respect to the attachment of the backsheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 are directly bonded together at the periphery of the diaper 55 and are indirectly joined together by joining them directly to the absorbent core 28 by the fixing means (not shown). The topsheet 24 is docile, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 24 is preferably permeable to liquids, allowing liquids (eg, urine, to easily penetrate through its thickness). A suitable top sheet 24 can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated; plastic films with openings; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers). The topsheet 24 is preferably made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids that have passed through the topsheet 24 and which are contained in the absorbent core 28 (ie, prevent rewetting). If the topsheet 24 of a hydrophobic material is made, at least the top surface of the topsheet 24 is treated to be hydrophilic in such a way that the liquids will transfer more rapidly through the topsheet. This decreases the likelihood that the body exudates will flow out of the topsheet 24 instead of being conducted through the top sheet 24 and absorbed by the absorbent core 28. The hydrophilic top sheet 24 can be made by treating it with an agent surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the top sheet material and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of this treatment and hydrophilic capacity is contained in U.S. Patent 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent articles with multiple layer absorbent layers", issued to Reising et al. On January 29, 1991; and U.S. Patent 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent articles with fast-absorbing absorbent cores" issued to Reising on January 29, 1991; incorporated each of which by reference herein. There are a number of manufacturing techniques that can be used to manufacture top sheet 24. For example, top sheet 24 can be a web of non-woven fibers. When the upper sheet 24 comprises a non-woven web, the web may be spun bonded, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangling, combinations of the above or the like. A suitable top sheet 24 is carded and heat bonded by means well known to those skilled in the art of fabrics. A satisfactory top sheet 24 comprises short length polypropylene fibers having a denier of about 2.2. As used herein, the term "short length fibers" refers to those fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm. Preferably, the topsheet 24 has a basis weight of about 18 to about 25 grams per m2. A suitable topsheet is manufactured by Veratec Inc., a division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass, under the designation P-8. The diaper 20 further preferably comprises elastic leg cuffs 32 to provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. Each elasticized leg cuff 32 may comprise several different modalities to reduce the runoff of body exudates in the leg regions. The leg fold can be and is sometimes also referred to as leg bands, lateral fins, barrier folds or elastic folds). U.S. Patent 3,860,003 discloses a disposable diaper that provides a collapsible leg opening having a side flap and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticized leg fold (gusset fold). U.S. Patent 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable absorbent article having elastified fins", issued to Aziz et al. On March 20, 1990, discloses a disposable diaper having raised "elasticized fins" (barrier folds) to improve the containment of the leg regions. U.S. Patent 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Double Folds", issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper having double folds that include a gusset fold and a barrier fold. Although each leg elasticated fold 32 can be configured to be similar to any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds, or elastic folds described above, each leg elasticated fold 32 preferably comprises a gusset fold as described in FIG. U.S. Patent 3,860,003, referred to above. The diaper 20 further preferably comprises an elastic waist feature 34 that helps provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 34 is that portion or area of the diaper 20 that is intended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically adjust the wearer's waist. The elastic waist feature 34 preferably extends longitudinally outwardly from at least one of the waist edges 70 of the absorbent core 28, and generally forms at least a portion of the end edge 58 of the diaper 20. The disposable diapers are they generally construct to have two elastic waist features, one placed in the first waist region 50 and the other placed in the second waist region 52, although diapers can be constructed with a single elastic waist feature. Further, although the elastic waist feature 34 or any of its constituent elements may comprise a separate element secured to the diaper 20, the elastic waist feature 34 may be constructed as an extension of other diaper elements such as the backsheet 26 or the backsheet 26. top sheet 24, preferably both the back sheet 26 and the top sheet 24. The waist feature 34 can be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Patent 4,515,595 issued to Kievit et al. on May 7 of 1985 and the aforementioned United States Patent 5,151,092 issued to Buell; each of these references being incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diaper 20 also comprises ear flaps 62 extending laterally outwardly from each longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 in the second waist region 52. The ear flaps 62 provide a structure to which the first waist region 50 can be attached to enclose the user's legs and waist. The ear flaps 62 can take a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials. The fins of ears 62 may comprise a part of the material forming one or more of the diaper elements, including the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. Alternatively, the earpins 62 may comprise a separate element or a plurality of separate elements. or a plurality of elements fixed to the diaper. Materials suitable for use as the ear flaps 62 include woven webs; non-woven wefts, films including polymeric films; foams; laminated materials including film laminates, non-woven laminates or zero-stress laminates; elastomers, mixed materials; or any combination of materials described herein or as described with respect to the extensible side panels as are known in the art. The ear flaps 62 can be attached to the containment assembly by any means as is known in the art; for example the ear flaps 62 may be joined continuously or intermittently to the containment assembly using hot or non-hot adhesive, heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any other method as is known in the art. The diaper 20 further comprises an extendable side panel 30 disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, preferably in the first waist region 50 (as used herein, the term "disposed" means that a Absorbent article element are formed (attached and placed), at a particular location or position as a unitary structure with other elements of the absorbent article, or as a separate element attached to another element of the absorbent article). The extendable side panels 30 provide an elastically extensible feature that provides greater comfort and contour adjustment by initially initially comfortable fitting the diaper to the wearer and holding the fit throughout the time of use even when the diaper has been loaded with exudates, since that the expandable side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract.

The expandable side panels 30 further provide for more effective diaper application since even if the diaper wearer adjusts the diaper to the wearer in an asymmetric manner, the "auto" diaper will adjust during use to achieve an improved fit. The extendable side panels 30 of the present invention also provide improved dynamic fit around the waist as well as the wearer's thighs, reducing the possibility of cupping and loosening both at the waist and around the leg which can cause runoff, while It increases the freedom of movement and comfort of the user in each area. Each extendable side panel 30 comprises a waist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38. The waist panel 36 preferably has a different main extension capacity direction than the thigh panel 38, providing the extendable side panel 30 with unique features of Multiple directive stretch. The waist panel 36 is that portion or element of the extendable side panel 30 designed to initially provide tension to secure the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist, and once "activated" to expand and contract dynamically with the user's movements for Keep the diaper waist in a fit, still a comfortable fit throughout the period of use. (As used herein, the term "active" or "activated" implies the application of tension to an extensible material in a relaxed condition such that the extensible material is no longer in a relaxed condition and thus can expand and contract with the movements of the user). The waist panel 36 has a proximal edge of the waist panel 72, a distal edge of the waist panel 74, laterally opposite the opposite edge of the waist panel 72., a first side edge 90 extending between the proximal edge of the waist panel 72 and the distal edge of the waist panel 74, and a second side edge 92 longitudinally opposite the first side edge 90. In a preferred embodiment, the waist panel 36 such that the first side edge 90 is positioned farther from the transverse center line 102 of the containment assembly 22 than the second side edge 92 and forms a part of the end edge 58 of the diaper 20. The waist panel 36 comprises an extensible material preferably having a direction of main extension capacity (represented by the arrow G) around the user's waist. In a preferred embodiment, the main extension capacity direction of the waist panel 36 comprises a first laterally oriented outwardly facing vector component that is greater than zero and a second vector component that is greater than or equal to zero and is oriented toward the lateral center line 102. More preferably, the first vector component of the main extension capacity direction of the waist panel is larger than the second vector component. (It should be noted, however, that the whole or segment of the waist panel 36 can also be extendable in directions different from the direction of the main extension capacity.The angle A in Figure 4 represents the angle (measured in the direction clockwise or counterclockwise) between the main capacity direction of the waist panel 36 and the lateral axis 104, which is parallel to the lateral center line 102. (In Figure 4, the angle A is measured in a clockwise direction from the lateral axis 104. The angle A is preferably between about 0 ° and 45 ° of the lateral direction, more preferably between about 5 ° and 20 ° from the lateral direction and most preferably, between about 10 ° and about 15 ° of the lateral direction The thigh panel 38 is that portion or element of the extensible side panel 30 designed to expand and contracting with the dynamic movements of the user in the outer region of the thigh where the diaper encloses the user's leg. The thigh panel 38 has a proximal thigh panel edge 78, a distant thigh panel edge 76 laterally opposite the thigh panel proximal edge 78, a first side edge 94 extending between the edge proximal to the thigh panel 78 and the distant edge of the thigh panel 76, and a second side edge 96, longitudinally opposite the first side edge 94. Preferably, the thigh panel 38 is disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 and extends laterally outward from a location closer to the transverse center line 102 of the containment assembly 22 than the waist panel 36. Preferably, the second side edge 96 of the thigh panel 38 is positioned farther from the end edge 58 of the containment assembly 22 than the first side edge 94. In a preferred embodiment, when the diaper 20 is adjusted to the wearer, the second side edge 96 forms a part of the diaper 20 that surrounds the wearer's thigh. Aryan.

The thigh panel 38 preferably comprises an extensible material having a principal extension capacity direction (represented by the arrow H) not parallel to the direction of the main extension capacity of the waist panel, preferably at an angle with respect to the directions lateral and longitudinal. In a preferred embodiment, the main extension capacity direction of the thigh panel comprises a first vector component oriented laterally outward that is greater than 0 and a second vector component that is greater than or equal to 0 and is oriented away from the side center line 102. (The whole or segments of the thigh panel may also be extensible in directions different from the direction of main extension capacity). As shown in Figure 4, the angle B represents the angle between the main extension capacity direction of the thigh panel and the lateral axis 104. (As used herein, the angle B is measured counter-clockwise. of the clock from the lateral axis 104). The angle B is preferably between about 0 and 40 degrees from the lateral direction, more preferably between about 10 and 35 degrees of the lateral direction, and most preferably between 20 and about 30 degrees from the lateral direction. In a preferred embodimentWhen the diaper 20 is initially adjusted to the wearer, the thigh panel 38 surrounds the outer thigh portion of the wearer's leg. Once "activated", the thigh panel 38 expands and contracts dynamically in conjunction with the movements of the user's leg to maintain a comfortable fit around the wearer's leg throughout the period of use. This improves the diaper containment characteristics, while reducing the likelihood of marking on the user's skin. The waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38, and, thus, the extensible side panel 30, may assume a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials. The exact length, width and thickness of the extensible side panel 30, as well as of the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38, will vary depending on the dimensions of the intended user and the exact configuration of the extensible side panels 30. Accordingly, the waist panel 36 may be identical in size and shape to thigh panel 38, or may have different dimensions while waist panel 36 may be operatively associated with thigh panel 38 and diaper retainer assembly 22 , to provide the multiple guideline stretching features of the invention as described herein. An example of suitable extensible side panels 30 that are used by a medium sized baby are generally trapezoidal in shape, having dimensions between about 2 and 4 inches in the longitudinal direction and between about 2 and 5 inches in the lateral direction. The extendable side panels 30 may comprise a single piece of extensible material or two more extensible members operatively associated together to form each extendable side panel 30. As used herein, the terms "extensible side panel" of a single component or "modality" "single component" refers to embodiments of the present invention wherein the extensible side panel comprises a single extensible member. The terms "multiple component extendable side panel" or "multiple component embodiment" are used herein to denote embodiments of the present invention wherein the extendable side panel 30 comprises two or more extendable members operatively associated together to form the side panel extendable 30. In a preferred embodiment, the extensible side panels 30 comprise more than one, preferably 2, extensible members, a waist panel member 37 forming the waist panel 36 and a separate thigh panel member 39 forming the panel of thigh 38. The extensible member can be constructed as extensions of other diaper elements such as the backsheet 26, or the topsheet 24, or both or these can comprise entirely separate elements attached to the containment assembly 22.

The proximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30 is disposed adjacent a longitudinal edge 56 of the diaper containment assembly 22. In one configuration the proximal edge 80 of sensitive side panel 30 is disposed between the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26. However, the extensible side panel 30 can be attached to the containment assembly 22 in many different configurations. For example, the proximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30 can be attached to the outer surface 46 of the backsheet 26 or to the inner surface 44 of the top sheet 24. Alternatively, in a multiple component embodiment wherein the panel of waist 36 and thigh panel 38 comprise separate extensible members, the waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 may be disposed on the same or different surfaces or between the top sheet 24 and the backsheet 26. In still other embodiments, the extensible side panel 30 or any of its components, may be disposed on a separate element that is attached to the containment assembly 22. The extensible side panel is preferably attached to the containment assembly 22 or to diaper 20 by attachment means (not shown such as those well known in the art.) Suitable means for attaching each extensible side panel 30 to containment assembly 22 is fusion bonding (e.g., ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding). or pressure.) Alternatively, the extendable side panel 30 may be intermittently or continuously joined to the containment assembly 22 using adhesive, dynamic mechanical bond, or any other method known in the art In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in the Figures 1, 2 and 3 at least a part of the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 are joined together. Preferably, at least a part of the distant edge of the waist panel 74 is attached to at least a portion of the distant edge of the thigh panel 76. In multiple component embodiments, it is preferred that the waistband waistband edge and the distant edge of the thigh 76, are joined in at least a partial configuration of overlap. This ensures, that the forces applied to the first fastening member 40, disposed adjacent the distant edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 will "activate" both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 such that they can expand and contract in combination with the user movements. The waist panel 36 and thigh panel 38 may be joined together using adhesive, heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic bonding, or any other bonding method known in the art. Alternately, as shown in Figure 5, a multiple component extensible side panel 30 is possible where the waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 are not initially bonded together. The distal edge of the waist panel 74 is spaced apart from the distal edge of the thigh panel 76, and each extensible member has a separate fastener component attached thereto. This gives the person placing the diaper greater flexibility in the placement of the distant edges of the extensible members forming the waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 when the diaper 20 is fastened around the wearer. For example, in this configuration, the waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 can be individually secured to the diaper 20 by themselves. Alternatively, the waist panel member 37 can be restrainedly fastened to the thigh panel member 39, or the thigh panel member 37 can be fastened to the waist panel member 39. The waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 can be restraintly fastened together at a number of locations using the fastener components discussed above with respect to the waist and thigh panel members or any other fastener members attached to the panel members. of waist and thigh, such as hook-and-loop type bras.

Each extensible side panel 30 may comprise any of the suitable stretchable or elastomeric materials. As used herein, the term "extensible" refers to materials that can be increased in at least one dimension. The term "stretchable" refers to materials that are extensible when the stretch stress is applied to the material, and offer some resistance to extension.

The term "elastomeric" refers to materials that extend in at least one direction when a force is applied and returns approximately to its original dimensions after the force is released. An elastomeric material which has been found to be especially suitable for use in the waist panel 36 and in the thigh panel 38 is a two layer laminar unit of cover material with an elastomeric film sandwiched between the layers of cover material. As used herein, "cover material" can include any of the woven or nonwoven materials. An example of a suitable cover material is the nonwoven material manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company of Walpole, Mass., Designated P-8. An example of a film suitable for being sandwiched between the layers of cover material is the elastomeric film EXX-500 (formerly EXX-7) manufactured by Exxon Chemical Company of Lake Zurich IL., Other materials suitable for use as, or in the Extendable side panels and side panel members include the film frames in structural elastic form (SELF), as described hereinbelow, synthetic or natural rubber natural or synthetic rubber foams, elastomeric canvases, elastomeric woven or non-woven fabrics woven, elastomeric mixed materials such as elastomeric non-woven sheet units, stretched zero-tension laminates, pretensioned stretch laminates or the like. U.S. Patent 5,151,092 entitled "Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having a Predisposed Elastic Flexure Joint" issued to Buell et al. On September 29, 1992, discloses zero tension and laminate stretch laminates. of prestressed stretching, and is incorporated herein by reference. In other preferred modalities, the side panels 30 may be completely or partially ventilated (i.e., the film having slots, holes or openings through which air can pass). Alternatively, the side panels may comprise breathable or microporous materials such as the Clopay P18-2321 film. A film web in the form of structural elastic (SELF) is a stretchable material, which exhibits an elastic behavior in the direction of elongation without the use of elastic materials added. The SELF frame includes a tensionable network having at least two contiguous, distinct and different regions. One of the regions is configured so as to exhibit resistance forces in response to an axial elongation applied in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis before a substantial portion of the other region develops significant resistance forces to the applied elongation. At least one of the regions has a surface path length, which is greater than that of the other region as measured substantially parallel to the predetermined axis, while the material is in a non-voltage condition. The region exhibiting the longest surface path length includes one or more deformations that extend beyond the plane of the other region. The SELF frame exhibits at least two significantly different stages of resistance forces controlled to elongation along at least one predetermined axis when subjected to an elongation applied in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis. The SELF screen exhibits first strengths of applied elongation, until the elongation of the weft is sufficient to make a substantial portion of the region having the longest surface path length, between the plane of elongation applied, by What the SELF weave exhibits second strength forces for further elongation. The total resistance forces for elongation are greater than the first resistance forces for the elongation provided by the first region. The tensionable web material may, in a preferred embodiment, comprise a polymeric film formed. The tensionable web material may be made of a base material that has a relatively low extension capacity under the forces to which the diaper is normally subjected when used. However, when the tensionable web material is formed, as described herein, the base material, thus formed, will be extensible under these forces. The tensionable web material can also be formed into a structure that provides a "wall of force" to be created at specific elongations and previously selected forces. Preferably, the tensionable web material is substantially composed of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The tensionable web material can also be composed of other polyolefins, such as polyethylenes, including low density polyethylene (LDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE) high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene and their mixtures with the above and other materials. Examples of other suitable polymeric materials that can be used also include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyurethane, compostable or biodegradable polymers, heat shrinkable polymers, thermoplastic elastomers and breathable polymeric structures. The tensionable web material can be used in several different ways in the extensible side panels 30 of the diaper 20. An example of a suitable form of structural elastic shaped film is a laminar unit. The laminar unit comprises a tensionable web material secured between two preferably carded non-woven webs, which can be extended longitudinally. (Further, the tensionable web material can also be used in the other components of the absorbent article described herein). The tensionable web material is shown in Figures 6 and 7 in its substantially unstressed condition. The tensionable web material has two center lines, a longital center line, which is also referred to, hereinafter, as an axis or "I" direction and a transverse or lateral center line, which is also called, from here hereinafter, as an axis or direction "t". The lateral centerline "t" is generally perpendicular to the longital center line "I". In a preferred embodiment, the longital centerline I of the tensionable web material is aligned with the longital centerline 100 of the diaper 20. However, in other embodiments, the longital centerline I of the weft material may be oriented in other directions, depending on the direction of desired extension capacity. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tensionable web material 660 includes a "tensionable network" of different and different regions. As used herein, the term "tensionable network" refers to a group of interconnected and interrelated regions that are capable of being extended to a certain useful degree in a predetermined direction by providing the tensionable web material with a resistance force stage. relatively low, elastic type and a relatively high resistance strength stage. The tensionable network includes at least a first region 664 and a second region 666. The first region 664 has an elastic modulus E1 and a transverse area A1. The second region 666 has a modulus E2 and a transverse area A2. The first and second regions, each having a first surface and a second opposing surface. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tensionable network includes a plurality of first regions 664 and a plurality of second regions 666. The first regions 664 have a first axis 668 and a second axis 669, wherein the first axis 668 is preferably greater than the second axis 669. The first axis 668 of the first region 664 is substantially parallel to the longital axis, I, of the tensionable web material 660, while the second axis 669 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis, t, of the tensionable web material 660. The second regions 666 have a first axis 670 and a second axis 671. The first axis 670 is substantially parallel to the longital axis of the tensionable web material, while the second axis 671 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the tensionable web material. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 6, the first regions 664 and the second regions 666 are substantially linear, extending continuously in a direction substantially parallel to the longital axis of the tensionable web material. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of tensionable web material has been "formed" so that all of the tensionable web material exhibits a controlled resistance force along a predetermined axis (which, in the case of the illustrated, is substantially parallel to the longital axis of the weft material), when subjected to an axial elongation applied in a direction substantially parallel to the longital axis. As used herein, the term "formed" refers to the creation of a desired structure or geometry on the weft material that will substantially retain the desired structure or geometry when not subjected to any externally applied elongation or force. Suitable methods for forming a material, such as the tensionable web material described herein, include, but are not limited to, etching by matching plates or rolls, thermoforming, high pressure hydraulic forming, or casting. The weft material used in the present invention is composed of a tensionable network of contiguous regions, "distinct" and "different", wherein the tensionable network includes at least a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has a "surface path length" smaller than that of the second region. The surface path length is measured parallel to a predetermined axis when the material is in an unstressed state. As used herein, the term "shaped portion" refers to the portion of the material that is composed of the desired structure or geometry of the tensionable network. As used herein, the term "surface path length" refers to a measurement along the topographic surface of the region in question in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis. As used herein, the term "distinct" or "different", when referring to regions, refers to regions within the tensionable network having different measurable surface path lengths, as measured parallel to a predetermined axis, while the weft material is in a non-stressed condition. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first regions 664 comprise a substantially planar region. That is, the material within the first region 664 is substantially in the same condition before and after the tensionable web material undergoes the forming step. The second regions 666 include a plurality of continuous, interconnected deformations 674, which extend alternatingly beyond the plane of the first and second surfaces (664A and 664B, respectively) of the first region 664. In other embodiments, the deformations 674 may extend beyond the plane of only one of any of the first or second surfaces of the first region. The deformations 674 have a first axis 676 that is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the weft material and a second axis 677 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tensionable weft material. The first axis 676 of the deformations 674 is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the second axis 677. To improve the strength of resistance of two stages against the characteristics of elongation behavior of (the lateral fin), of the present invention, the ratio of the first axis 676 to the second axis 677 is at least 1: 1, and preferably at least 2: 1 or greater. In general, the larger this ratio is, the more pronounced will be the two-stage resistance force against the elongation characteristic of the weft material. The first region 664 and the second region 666 each have a "projected path length". As used herein, the term "projected path length" refers to the length of a region viewed perpendicularly to the surface of the weft material measured parallel to the predetermined axis (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis) of the material of tensionable web 660. The projected path length of the first region 664 and the projected path length of the second region 666 are equal to each other. However, the first region 664 has a surface path length, L1, smaller than the surface path length, L2, of the second region 666 when measured topographically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the weft material, while the weft material It is in a non-stressed condition. In order to improve the strength of resistance of two stages against the characteristic of elongation behavior of the tensionable web material 660, the surface path length of the second region 666 is at least about 15% greater than that of the first region, very preferably about 30% greater than that of the first region, and most preferably at least about 70% greater than that of the first region. The 660 screen material exhibits a "lateral contraction effect of "modified substantially less than that of a weft material not otherwise formed identical to the prior art." As used herein, the term "lateral position contraction effect" describes the lateral contraction behavior of a material that has been subjected to an applied elongation.Preferably, the lateral position shrinkage effect of the weft material of the present invention is less than about 0.4, when the weft is subjected to an elongation of about 20%. The weft exhibits a lateral contraction effect of position less than 0.4, when the weft material is subjected to an elongation of about 40, 50, or even 60%, Most preferably, the effect of lateral position contraction is less than about 0.3, when the weft material is subjected to an elongation of 20, 40, 50, or 60% For the tensionable web material, the direction n of applied axial elongation, indicated by the arrows 680, is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676 of the deformations 674. (The amount of axial elongation is the distance, D). Since the deformations 674 are capable of extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to their first axis 676, the direction of the applied axial elongation, which causes extension in the tensionable web material, is also substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676 of the deformations 674 Since the direction of the applied axial elongation, indicated by the arrows 680, is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676 of the deformations 674, an applied axial elongation, having a longitudinal component, will cause the tensionable web material to extend into the direction of the applied axial elongation. In Figure 10, there is shown an illustrative graph of a strength-elongation strength curve 720 of a polymeric weft material formed of the present invention along with a similar curve 710 for a flat polymeric base film, from the which the weft material is formed. Referring now to the force-elongation curve 720, there is a lower, initial, substantially linear force against the elongation stage I designated 720a, a transition zone designated 720b and a substantially linear stage II designated 720c, which exhibits a substantially superior force against the elongation behavior, which corresponds to a far-strength force wall, whereby the weft material may undergo further permanent deformation. As can be seen in Figure 10, a formed web material having a tensionable network exhibits a controlled multistage behavior when subjected to an elongation applied in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the weft material. The strength of resistance to the applied elongation is significantly different between stage I (720a) and stage II (720c) of curve 720 compared to curve 710, which does not exhibit this behavior. Referring now to Figure 6, since the weft material is subjected to an applied axial elongation indicated by arrows 680 in Figure 6, the first region 664 having the surface path length, L1, shorter, provides most of the initial resistance force, P1, to the applied elongation corresponding to stage I. While in stage I, the deformations 674 in the second region 666 for the most part are outside the plane of the applied elongation and offer a minimum resistance to the applied elongation. In the transition zone between stages I and II, the deformations 674 are aligned with the applied elongation. In stage II, as seen in Figure 9, the deformations 674 in the second region 666 have been substantially aligned with the plane of the applied elongation and begin to resist a greater elongation. The second 666 region now contributes to a second resistance force P2 at a further elongation. The first and second elongation resistance forces provide a total resistance force, PT, which is greater than the resistance force provided by the first region 664. Therefore, the general inclination of the force-elongation curve in the stage II exhibits the characteristics of a force wall that is significantly greater than the general inclination of the force-elongation curve in stage I. The resistance force P1 is substantially greater than the resistance force P2 when (L1 + D) is less than L2. While (L1 + D) is less than L2, the first region 664 provides an initial resistance force, P1, which generally satisfies the following equation: P1 = (A1? 1 * D) L1 When (L1 + D) is greater than L2, the first and second regions provide a combined total resistance force, PT, at the applied elongation D, generally satisfying the following equation: PT = (A1 * E1 * D) + (A2 * E2 * fL1 + D-L2l L1 L2 (Where "*" represents a multiplication sign).

The maximum elongation that occurs while in stage I is considered to be the "stretch available" of the weft material. The available stretch can be effectively determined by inspecting the force-elongation curve 720, the approximate point at which there is a curvature in the transition zone between stage I and stage II is the elongation point percentage of the "stretch available" . The scale of the available stretch can vary from approximately 10% to 100%, or more; this elastic-type response scale is usually interesting in disposable absorbent articles, and can be greatly controlled to the extent to which the surface path length L2 in the second region 666 exceeds the surface path length L1 in the first region 664 and the properties of the base film. Significantly higher forces are required to achieve elongation percentages in the base film equivalent to those elongation percentages in the 660 frame. The approximate degree of stage I can be controlled, as desired, by adjusting the trajectory lengths, L1 and L2 , in a non-stressed condition. The force-elongation behavior of stage I can be controlled by adjusting the width, thickness and space of the first region 664 and the properties of the base film. When the weft material of Figure 6 is subjected to an applied elongation, the weft material exhibits an elastic-like behavior as it extends in the direction of the applied elongation and retracts to its substantially unstressed condition once it is remove the applied force, unless it extends to the point of flexion. The weft material is capable of undergoing multiple applications of applied elongation without losing its substantial recovery capacity.

Accordingly, the weft material is able to retract to its substantially unstressed condition once the applied elongation or force is removed. Since the weft material can be easily and reversibly extended in the direction of the applied axial elongation, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676 of the strains 674, the weft material is relatively non-stretchable in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. 676 of the deformations 674. The elastic deformation imparted by the deformations 674, allows the deformations to be extended in one direction, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the deformations, while they are relatively non-extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of deformation. direction of the extension, in an extension substantially parallel to the first axis of the deformations. In other embodiments, the tensionable web material 660 may be provided with first regions 664 extending outwardly from a center and second regions 666 that are arranged in concentric circles about the center so that the tensionable web material 660 extends further. of an address. The amount of applied force required to extend the weft material depends on the inherent properties of the base material that forms the weft material and the width and space of the non-deformed 664 regions., with undeformed 664 wider and more widely separated regions requiring lower extension forces to achieve the desired elongation. The first 668 axis (that is, the length) of the regions 664 non-deformed is preferably larger than the second axis 669 (ie, the width), with a preferred length-to-width ratio of between 5: 1 and 300: 1. The depth and number of deformations 674 may also be varied to control the applied force or elongation required to extend the weft material of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the deformations are formed by two rigid plates having external dimensions of 5.0"by 12" by 0.75"On one surface of each plate is a series of intermeshing teeth, which are substantially triangular in cross section and they measure 0.030"at their base and taper to a vertex with a radius of 0.008" at the top, the center lines of the teeth are evenly spaced and at increments of 0.030". On the side with "teeth" of a plate, a series of slots are cut, which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the teeth evenly spaced. These grooves measure 0.031"wide and are continuous over the entire length of the plate, and are spaced at a distance of 0.25" above the center. These grooves correspond to the undeformed regions of the deformed material web.

The preferred LLDPE-based material is placed between the plates in a hydraulic press that has larger plates than the plates to distribute pressure evenly. The plates are compressed under a load of at least 4000 pounds. The formed web material is then removed from the plates. The available stretch or elongation is increased if, for a given number of deformations, the height or degree of deformation imparted on the deformations is increased. Similarly, the available stretch or elongation is increased if, for a given height or degree of deformation, the number or frequency of deformations increases. It has been found that the extension characteristics including the extension forces, the extension modules and the available stretch "extension", and the contractive forces, elastic hysteresis elastic sliding and contraction regime of the extensible side panels 30 are important considerations in the performance of the extensible side panels 30 and the diaper 20, the extension characteristics give the person placing the diaper and the user a total perception of "stretching during use". These also affect the ability of the diaper to achieve an adequate degree of stretch application (i.e., for a "normally perceived" tension of the diaper during application, the total amount of stretch resulting is that desired to achieve / maintain good fit comfort). An extendable side panel with a relatively high extension module can cause marking on the user's skin while the relatively low extension module can cause loosening / sliding on the user.The side panels that have too little stretch available may not achieve an adequate level of conformity to the body and can contribute to making the diaper uncomfortable to the user and difficult to apply to the user.A diaper having extendable side panels with very low contractive forces may not remain in place on the user and tend to loosen. slide over the user, resulting in poor fit and containment. Typical extensible materials show a hysteresis force curve in their stress / strain properties. That is, for a given extension, the force (extension force required) to uniaxially extend the extensible material is greater than the force (contractive force) that the extensible material exerts when it is allowed to contract from its pre-extended condition. The previous curve can be referred to as the "load curve" and the last curve can be referred to as the "discharge curve". The "load" extension force (extension force) is felt by the person placing the diaper when the expandable side panel is stretched to apply the diaper to the wearer. The user more closely "Feel" the "discharge" forces (contractive forces) once the diaper is in place. Therefore, the loss of hysteresis should not be too great that the contractive force is low enough to allow the diaper to loosen / loosen over the wearer. For the "extensible side panel" composed of the present invention it has been found that the extension force, the contractive force and the minimum amount of extension are preferably within the defined scales (as used herein, the phrase "side panel"). "extendable composite" refers to the extensible side panel as a whole, in any configuration and composed of any material or combination of materials The extension force initially extending the composite extensible side panel is preferably between about 100 grams and about 1200 grams. More preferably, the extension force is between about 200 grams and about 1000 grams. When the composite expandable side panel is maintained in an extended state for approximately 5 minutes, it is preferred that the compound expandable side panel maintain a contractive force of between about 75 grams and about 900 grams and more preferably between about 100 grams and about 850 grams. A composite extensible side panel having extension and contractive forces within these ranges will preferably provide at least about 0.15 inches in the direction of the applied force. The extendable side panels 30 may also be provided with differential extension capacity along the longitudinal axis when they are stretched in the lateral direction. As used herein, the term "differential extension capacity" is used to mean a material having a degree of non-uniform extension properties, as measured in the direction of stretching at various points along a length of axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of stretching.

This can, for example, include variations of the elastic modulus or stretch available, or both, for each of the material or extensible materials. Differential extension capacity can be achieved in a number of different ways. The extendable side panels 30 may have multiple extensible materials combined, multiple configurations for the extensible materials, or extensibility properties of the extensible materials or other materials forming the extensible side panel which may be non-uniform. For example, the differential extension capacity can be achieved in the selected adjacent portions of the extensible side panel using extensible materials having extensions or contraction forces, modulus or other variable inherent properties such that greater or less lateral extension capacity is achieved (variable ) on a part of the extensible side panel 30 that on the adjacent panel, the extensible materials may also have varying lengths, sizes and shapes, which provide differential extension capacity. Other ways of varying the properties of the materials forming the extensible side panels 30 can also be used as is known in the art.

The diaper 20 is also preferably provided with a fastening system 48 for adjusting the diaper to the wearer. The fastening system 48 maintains the first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 in a lapped configuration to form a side closure. The fastener system 48 further maintains tension in both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 to maintain the diaper 20 on the wearer as well as to provide improved dynamic fit around the wearer's legs and waist. The fastener system 48 may comprise any fastening means known in the art, including, but not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, cohesive materials, mechanical fastening means, hook or loop fasteners or any combination thereof or any other means of fixation as is known in the art. Examples of suitable adhesive tape tab fastening systems are described in United States Patent 3,848,594 issued to Buell on November 19, 1974; and U.S. Patent 4,662,875 issued to Hirotsu and Robertson on May 5, 1987; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of other closure systems, including mechanical closure systems, useful in the present invention, are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,869,724 issued to Scripps on September 26, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,846,815, issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; and U.S. Patent 5,242,436 issued to Weil, Buell, Clear and Falcone, September 7, 1993; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Figure 1, preferably the fastening system 48 comprises at least a pair of first fastening members 40 having a main center line F, and at least a second fastening member 42. The main center line F of the first The fastener member is generally parallel to the tension line normally applied to the extendable side panel 30 when the diaper 20 is adjusted to the wearer.

The main center line F of the first fastening member 40 is preferably at an angle a to both the longitudinal center line L and the transverse center line T of the diaper 20 in its non-contracted state. In a preferred embodiment, a first fastener member is provided on the inner surface 44 of each extensible side panel 30, adjacent the distal edge 82. Preferably, the first fastener members 40 are attached to the distal edge 82 of each extensible side panel 30, preferably overlapping the boundary between the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. This ensures that the first fastening member 36 provides tension to "activate" both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38, thereby allowing the panels to expand and contract more dynamically with the user's movements. Preferably the second fastening member is disposed on the outer surface 46 of the containment assembly 22 in the second waist region 52, and is capable of engaging the first fastening member 40. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diaper 20 comprises at least less a proximal "hardening member" 84 disposed adjacent the proximal edge 80 of each extensible side panel 30. As used herein, the term "hardening member" is intended to mean any diaper element, any element of the extensible side panel 30 or any other element attached to the expandable panel 30 or to the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, or both, which provides compression / buckling resistance in at least one direction. The compression / buckling resistance provided by the proximal hardening member 84 reduces bulging of the diaper 20, preferably in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal edges 56 of the containment assembly 22 in the first waist region 50. The hardening member next 84 also reduces the tendency of winding of the end edge 58 of the containment assembly 22 located in the first waist region 50 and the waist feature 54, as a result of dynamic movement of the user. In this way, the proximal hardening member 84 reduces the likelihood of the formation of voids in the waist regions of the diaper 20 and increases the effectiveness of the multi-directrix extensible side panels 30, providing improved dynamic fit around the waist and thigh of the user. Although the proximal hardening member 84 can be placed between the upper sheet 24 and the back sheet 26, the proximal hardening member 84 can be placed alternately on the outer surface 46 of the back sheet 26, on the inner surface 44 of the sheet top 24 or in a number of other configurations. The proximal hardening member 84 may also adopt a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials, for example, the proximal hardening member 84 may be formed from a plurality of hardening components, and the proximal hardening member 84 may have width, length, thickness and variable shapes. The proximal hardening member 84 preferably comprises a portion of the material forming one or more of the diaper elements, including the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, or the material or materials used in the extensible side panels 30. Alternatively, the proximal hardening member 84 may comprise a separate piece of material positioned adjacent the proximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30. Suitable materials for use as the proximal hardening member 84 of the present invention, include woven wefts, non-woven wefts, films, formed films, foams, laminated materials including film laminates or non-woven laminates of two or more non-woven layers, canvases, corrugated materials that provide stiffness in at least one direction, or any combination of the above materials or other materials as they are known in the technique. The proximal hardening member 84 can be attached to the containment assembly 22 by any means known in the art. In another preferred modality, the diaper further comprises a remote hardening member 86 disposed adjacent the distant edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. Preferably, the distant hardening member 86 is attached to both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. In this configuration, the Distal hardening member 86 distributes any tension or force applied to the distal edge 82 of the lateral expandable panel 30, along the entire length of both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. The distance hardening member 86 also provides resistance to compression. buckling, preferably along the longitudinal direction at the distant edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30, which reduces the possibility of the distant edge 82 of the expandable side panel 30 buckling or bending when the user moves. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a remote hardening member 86 disposed adjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30, will ensure that the diaper properly fits the wearer and that the waist panel 36 and the belt panel are properly positioned. thigh panel 38 to expand and contract in combination with the dynamic movements of the user. Like the proximal hardening member 84, the distant hardening member 86 can adopt a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials. The remote hardening member 86 may be formed from one or a plurality of hardening components, and the distant hardening member 86 may have varying width, length, thickness and shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the remote hardening member 86 comprises a part of the material forming the expandable side panels 30 or another element of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the distant hardening member 86 may comprise a piece of separate material, placed adjacent to the edge Distant 82 of the expandable side panel 30. Materials suitable for use in the remote hardening member 86 and methods for attaching the distant hardening member 86 to the diaper 20 are described above with respect to the proximal hardening member 84.

The diaper 20 is preferably applied to a wearer by placing one of the waist regions, preferably the first waist region 52, under the user's back and stretching the remainder of the diaper 20 between the user's legs in such a way that the other region of waist, preferably the second waist region 50, is placed across the front of the user. The person placing the diaper then wraps an expandable side panel 30 around the user, while grasping one of the first fastener members 40 disposed on each of the extendable side panels 30. In the mode wherein at least a part of the panel of waist 36 and thigh panel 38 are joined together, the tension created by wrapping the expandable panel 30 around the user, activates both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 (double activation), allowing them to expand and contract in conjunction with the user's movements. (In the embodiments where the thigh and waist panel members are not joined together, the double activation takes place when the person placing the diaper applies tension separately to the individual waist and thigh panel members. which places the diaper then repeats this step for the other extensible side panel 30. The closure system is formed by coupling the first fastener members 40 to the second fastener member 42 located in the second waist region 52. With the formation of the closure The diaper 20 is initially comfortable fit around the user.If the diaper 20 has been adjusted asymmetrically, the diaper 20 auto will adjust during use to achieve an improved fit.After the user is adjusted, the extendable side panels of the Multiple guideline 30 expand and contract in combination with user movements to provide enhanced dynamic adjustment throughout the entire mpo of use, after the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates. This improved dynamic fit reduces the sagging and loosening of the diaper in the waist and thigh regions while increasing user comfort.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a single extensible side panel component. The extensible side panel of this embodiment is designated 30. The extendable side panel 30 comprises a single piece of extensible material, wherein a first part of the extensible side panel 30 forms the waist panel 36 and a second part forms the thigh panel 38. The extensible material may comprise a single layer material or a laminar unit of two or more layers of materials that have been unit together. The multiple guide stretch features of the single extensible side panel part 30 are preferably achieved by performing a mechanical operation, such as bending, corrugation or ring rolling, on the material to produce the areas of different extensible behavior. A preferred mechanical operation suitable for providing the multiple directional stretching characteristics in a material to be used in the extensible side panel 30 is described above with respect to the film frames in the form of a structural elastic. Alternatively, the extendable side panel 30 can be constructed of materials having areas of different elastic behavior achieved by means other than the aforementioned mechanical operations, such as grooving, cutting, joining or bending the extensible material forming the extendable side panel . In these embodiments, the grooves, bends, joints or cuts in the material is not limited to any particular size or shape.

For example, the material forming the extensible side panel 30 can be totally or partially separated or it can have portions cut out or joined together to create different extensibility features on the extensible side panel 30. (As used herein, the term "fully separate" refers to a single component of extendable side panels 30 having a cut or groove that traverses the total distance between the proximal edge 80 to the distant edge 82 of the extendable side panel 30. The term "partially separated" refers to a single component of the extendable side panels 30 having a cut or groove that does not extend from the proximal edge 80 to the distant edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30) In a preferred embodiment, the waist panel 36 preferably has A main direction of extension capacity G around the user's waist The thigh panel 38 preferably has a main extension capacity direction H at an angle to the longitudinal lateral direction around the thigh of the user. one-piece modality of extensible side panel 30 comprising a distinct line of lint between the thigh and waist panels that define where the elastic characteristics of each panel begin and end. The boundary line is alumined by line C in Figure 11). The boundary between the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 can be placed anywhere on the extensible side panel. However, extendable side panels are contemplated where there is no distinct boundary between the waist and thigh panels. For example, the extensible side panel can be constructed such that the areas of different elastic behavior partially overlap or are not in a common boundary. Figure 12 shows a single component alternate embodiment of the present invention having a single piece of extensible material attached to the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, and folded such that the extensible material extends along both the expandable side panels guideline 30, the waist feature 34 as at least a portion of the crotch region 54 of the diaper 20. The extensible material may be uniform throughout or may have areas with different extensibility characteristics. In one embodiment, the expandable material extends along at least a portion of the crotch region 54 of the restraint assembly 22 of the diaper 20, juxtaposed at least to a longitudinal edge 56. In the first waist region 50, it is folded the expandable material to form the proximal edge of thigh panel 78. From the proximal edge of the thigh panel edge 78, the expandable material extends outwardly from the containment assembly 22, preferably at an angle to the lateral directions and longitudinal. The extendable material extending outwardly forms the panel 38 and is bent inward at a point spaced laterally outwardly of the longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22. The fold preferably forms the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 as well as the distant edge of the waist panel 74 and the distant edge of the thigh panel 76. The inwardly folded extensible material extends from the distant edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 to a location on the longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 in the first waist region 50 adjacent the end edge 58, forming the waist panel 36. From the proximal edge of the waist panel 72 (where the waist panel 36 is attached to the containment assembly 22), the expandable material laterally extends through of the first waist region 50 adjacent the end edge 58 of the diaper 22. The same piece of extensible material further extends the lat. erally outwardly from the other longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22, and is bent as described above to form the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 of the opposite extensible side panel 30 as well as at least a portion thereof. crotch portion 54 of the containment assembly 22. Other alternate embodiments are also contemplated wherein a single piece of the expandable material extends through the multiple components of the diaper 22. In a preferred alternate embodiment, a single piece of extensible material is bent to form only the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. In this configuration, the distal edge of the waist panel 74 and the distant edge of the thigh panel 76 are formed by the fold the expandable material. The waist panel 36, and the thigh panel 38 extend from the fold (distant edge of the expandable side panel 82) to the containment assembly 22. Incorporating a single piece of the expandable material into the multiple components of a diaper, has the advantage of reducing the number of individual elastic components that must be formed separately and attached to the containment assembly. Figure 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention such as an absorbent article that is pulled, a training pant, a diaper or a truse that is pulled up the legs. In preferred embodiments, the side panels 30 each have a proximal edge 80 and a distal edge 82 and comprise a waist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38. Preferably, at least a portion of the proximal edge 80 of each side panel 30 is permanently attached to the diaper 20 in the first waist region 50, preferably one of the longitudinal edges 56 is juxtaposed. At least a portion of the distal edge 82 of each of the side panels 30 is preferably permanently attached to the diaper 20 in the second waist region 52 juxtaposed one of the longitudinal edges 56. In a preferred alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the distant edge 82 is permanently to at least a portion of an ear flap 62 disposed in the second region of waist 52. (As used herein, the term "permanent" is used to designate that an element of the diaper is attached to another diaper element or elements such that it will not be recoverable. However, it is possible and even preferable that the permanent joints are breakable so that the diaper can be removed without pulling it down if desired). In preferred embodiments, the side panels 30 each comprise a waist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38. Each waist panel 36 preferably forms at least a portion of the end edge 58, and each thigh panel 38 preferably forms a part of the diaper 20 that surrounds the user's leg. The side panels 30 of the present invention composed in the configuration of Figure 13 being raised, preferably have the ability to stretch at least 100% of their relaxed length. More preferably, the side panels 30 have the ability to stretch to at least 200% of their relaxed length. Thus, in most modalities, the side panels will have the ability to stretch at least 2.54 cm from their relaxed length. An example of a material that can provide such stretching is the elastomeric 2.0 mil Clopay 2870-A film sandwiched between two layers of Fiberweb nonwoven web E004204 which is subsequently mechanically tensioned to form tension stretch laminar units 0 as described above with respect to the extensible side panels. In other preferred embodiments, the side panels 30 may be fully or partially vented (i.e., the films having slots, orifices through which the air passes). Alternatively, the side panels may comprise breathable or microporous materials such as the Clopay P18-2321 film. The multiple directrix side panels 30 may comprise any of the configurations or side panel materials described above or any other configuration or materials that provide the unique multi directional stretch characteristics disclosed above. In preferred embodiments, the side panels may comprise identical structures, however, embodiments are contemplated wherein the side panels 30 comprise different structures. (The term "identical structure" is used herein refers to side panels comprising the same structural components, and include side panels that are mirror images of each other.) Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made to depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, Therefore, it is intended to cover all the changes and modifications within the scope of this invention in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An absorbent article having a first waist region and a second waist region, the absorbent article comprising: a) a containment assembly having a pair of longitudinal edges, an end edge disposed in said first waist region and an edge end disposed in said second waist region, comprising the containment assembly; and b) an expandable side panel disposed of each of the longitudinal edges of the containment assembly in the first waist region, and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, each of the side panels having a proximal edge disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge of the containment assembly and a distant edge laterally outwardly spaced from the proximal edge, the absorbent article characterized in that each side panel comprises a waist panel and a thigh panel, the waist panel being longitudinally outward of the center of the side panel and forming at least a part of the end edge disposed in the first waist region, the thigh panel forming at least a part of the absorbent article that surrounds the user's leg, said waist panel having a first direction of extension capacity, and said thigh panel having a second capacity direction of extension not parallel to the first direction of extension capacity, wherein at least a portion of the distal edge of each side panel is permanently bonded to at least a portion of the absorbent article in the second waist region.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein each extensible side panel comprises an intermediate fold to the waist panel and the thigh panel, the fold forming at least a part of the distant edge of the extendable side panel.

3. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of each extensible side panel is an extension of at least one component of the containment assembly.

4. A disposable absorbent article in the form of underpants having a longitudinal center line, a lateral center line, a first waist region, a second waist region longitudinally opposite the first waist region, and a pair of end edges, the absorbent article comprising: a) a containment assembly having a pair of longitudinal edges, an end edge disposed in the first waist region, and an edge disposed in the second waist region, the containment assembly comprising a permeable top sheet to the liquid a liquid-impermeable backsheet attached to the top sheet, and an absorbent core located between the top sheet and the back sheet; b) the absorbent article characterized in that the absorbent article comprises a multiple component extensible side panel disposed along each of the longitudinal edges of the containment assembly in the first waist region, and projecting laterally outwards from therefrom, each side panel having a proximal edge disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge of the containment assembly, and a separate distant edge having it laterally outwardly of said proximal edge, each extensible side panel comprising: i) a waist panel comprising a waist panel member having a first direction of extension capacity, said first direction of extension capacity having a vector component oriented laterally outwardly greater than 0 and a second vector component oriented toward the lateral centerline 10 and preferably greater than zero, a proximal edge of the waist panel adjacent the longitudinal edge of the containment assembly, or a distal edge of the waist panel, laterally opposite the proximal edge of the waist panel, a first side edge of the waist panel running between the near edge of waist panel and the edge 15 remote from the waist panel, and a second side edge of the waist panel longitudinally opposite the first side edge of the waist panel, said first side edge of the waist panel forming a part of the end edge disposed in the first waist region; ii) A thigh panel attached to the waist panel, comprising the panel 20 of thigh a thigh panel member having a second direction of extension capacity not parallel to the first direction of extension capacity, the second direction of extension capacity having a vector component oriented laterally outward that is greater than zero and a second 25 vector component oriented away from the lateral center line, and preferably greater than zero, a proximal edge of the thigh panel adjacent the longitudinal edge of the containment assembly, a distant thigh panel edge laterally opposite the proximal edge of the thigh panel , a first lateral edge of the thigh panel running between the proximal edge of the thigh panel and the distant edge of the thigh panel, and a second lateral edge of the thigh panel longitudinally opposite the first lateral edge of the thigh panel, the thigh panel member a member separate from the waist panel member, the second side edge of the thigh panel forming part of the diaper that surrounds the user's leg, at least a portion of each of the distant edges of the side panels being permanently attached to at least a part of the absorbent article in the second waist region.

The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the waistband's distant edge is attached to at least a portion of the distant edge of the thigh panel.

The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a proximal hardening member attached to at least a portion of each extensible side panel, adjacent the longitudinal edge of the containment assembly, and preferably comprising a remote hardening member. attached to at least a portion of the distant edge of each extensible side panel.

The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each extensible side panel comprises a film web in the form of a structural elastic.

8. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the waist panel member and the thigh panel member comprise different materials, one comprising materials having different characteristics of extension capacity. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an ear flap extending laterally outwardly from the longitudinal edges in the second waist region, and preferably wherein at least a portion of the distal edge of each of the side panels is permanently attached to at least a portion of one of the ear panels. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side panels comprise breathable materials, or are at least partially ventilated.