MXPA98002914A

MXPA98002914A - An absorbent article with containment system and elastic improvement

Info

Publication number: MXPA98002914A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/002914A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Lynn Proxmire Deborah; Donald Johnson Eric; Mary Sosalla Paula; Richard Laux Daniel; Carol Brud Lynn; Ann Gossen Barbara; Louis Robinson Mark; Helen Nordness Cynthia; Alan Stevens Robert
Original assignee: Kimberlyclark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 1995-10-25
Filing date: 1998-04-14
Publication date: 1998-11-12

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a longitudinal extension dimension, a lateral transverse dimension, a front waistband portion, a rear waistband portion, an intermediate portion which interconnects the front and rear waistband portions, and a pair of side margins laterally elasticated opposites. The article has a lower sheet layer, and a liquid-permeable upper sheet layer connected in a superposed relation to the lower sheet layer. An absorbent body is positioned in sandwich form between the top sheet layer and the bottom sheet layer, and an elasticized waist bag member is connected to at least one of the bottom sheet and top sheet layers along the at least one end margin of the article. The waist bag member includes a flange section that extends and a section of bag that extends. The bag section of the waist bag member includes an essentially fixed edge portion secured to the article, and an elasticized folded movable edge portion, which is longitudinally spaced from the fixed edge portion. The bag section may also include a bag barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid, and a layer of bag fabric connected in a front relationship with the bag barrier layer. Additionally, a plurality of spaced-apart laterally extending elastic bag members can be sandwich-shaped between the bag barrier layer and the ply fabric layer to thereby provide an elasticized waist bag composite which is essentially laterally folded.

Description

ÜN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED CONTAINMENT AND ELASTIC SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article having one or more elasticized peripheral margins. More particularly, the invention relates to an article which incorporates a distinctively elasticized containment or barrier system in a waistband portion of the article.

Background of the Invention Conventional absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, have been constructed with various types of elasticated waistbands and elasticated leg cuffs or leg bands. Such articles have also included elasticized barrier or containment flaps in the leg and / or waist sections of the article. The particular article designs have incorporated a stretchable outer cover composed of an elastomeric fabric material, such as a stretched-attached laminate which includes a non-woven fabric layer. Other conventional designs have included separate elastomeric or non-elastomeric side panel members connected to the lateral side edges of an outer cover member or backsheet member, and have included fastening systems and fastening appendices connected to the side panels to secure the article about a user.

The articles which incorporate the conventional waist barrier configurations, however, have exhibited several disadvantages. For example, it has been difficult to maintain the desired operation of the waist barriers or flaps when the article is being used. Even when the waist flaps or barriers are constructed of an elastomeric or otherwise elasticized material, it has been difficult to maintain contact between the movable edge of the waist flap and the wearer's body and it has been difficult to reliably maintain the flap open for effective reception and containment of urine and feces. As a result of this, there has been a continued need for improved containment structures in the leg and waist regions of the absorbent articles.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention can provide a distinctive article which includes a longitudinal length dimension, a lateral transverse dimension, a front waistband part, a back waistband part, an intermediate part which interconnects the front and back waistband portions, and a pair of side margins elastified laterally opposite. The article has a lower sheet layer and a liquid permeable upper sheet layer connected in a superimposed relationship with the lower sheet. An absorbent body is placed in the form of a sandwich between the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer, and an elasticized bag member is connected in at least one of the lower sheet and upper sheet layers throughout of at least one end margin of the article. The waist bag member includes an extended flange section and an extended bag section. The bag section of the waist bag member includes an essentially fixed edge portion secured to the article, and an elasticized folded movable edge portion, which is longitudinally spaced from the fixed edge portion. In particular aspects, the bag section may also include a bag barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid, and a bag web layer connected in a front relationship with the bag barrier layer. In other aspects, a plurality of laterally extending and separated elastic bag members can be sandwich-shaped between the bag barrier layer and the bag fabric layer to provide an elasticized waist bag composite which is folded in essentially lateral form.

The various aspects of the invention can provide a barrier fin structure which can more reliably and more effectively maintain an open position when the associated absorbent article is being used. further, the open fin configuration can be held while avoiding excessive irritation of the user's skin. The arrays of the constituent components and the combination of the operational parameters, such as controlled stiffness and controlled articulation of the barrier fin, can advantageously provide an improved absorbent structure which can have less runoff, and can provide increased comfort to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention can be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a partially sectioned top view of an article of the invention; Figure 2 representatively shows an expanded and schematic cross-sectional view of the elastic waist system and the barrier fin system of the invention taken along a longitudinal centerline of the article when the fin or bag section is in a condition not contracted and flat; Figure 3 representatively shows an expanded and schematic cross-sectional view of the elastic waist system in the waist barrier flap system of the invention taken when the flap or the bag section is in a contracted and open condition; Figure 4 representatively shows an enlarged top view of a waist band section of the article of the invention; Figure 5 representatively shows a top and enlarged view of another waistband section of the article of the invention having a notch formed in the waistband of the backsheet; Figure 6 representatively shows a partially sectioned, upper view of another article having dual clusters of elastic threads in the bag section of the barrier fin system of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention will be described herein in relation to producing an elasticized containment system for absorbent articles, particularly disposable absorbent articles. The articles may be placed against or in proximity to the body of a user to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body, and are intended to be disposed of after a period of limited use. The articles are not intended to be washed or restored to be reused in any other way. Even if the present disclosure is made particularly in the context of a disposable diaper, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other articles, such as caps, suits, cloths, covers, adult incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, breeches training for children, and the like.

In addition, the invention will be described in the context of various configurations and aspects. It should be appreciated that the alternative arrangements of the invention may comprise any combination which includes one or more of the various configurations and aspects of the invention.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a representative article such as a diaper 10 includes a longitudinal extension dimension 26, a lateral transverse dimension 24, a waistband portion or front waistband 12, a back waistband portion 14 , an intermediate part 16 which interconnects the front and back waistband portions, and a pair of laterally opposed elastically sided margins 20. The article has a bottom sheet layer 30, and a liquid-permeable top sheet layer 28 connected at a relationship superimposed on the lower layer. An absorbent body 32 is sandwiched between the top sheet layer and the bottom sheet layer, and an elasticized waist bag member 80 is connected in at least one of the top sheet and backsheet layers. along at least one end margin 22 of the article.

The article shown representatively includes the longitudinally opposite end margins 22 and a pair of laterally opposed elastically sided margins 20. The elasticized waist bag member 80 is connected to at least one of the lower and upper sheet layers at along at least one end margin 22 of the article. The waist bag member 80 includes a flange section 82 and an extended bag section 84. The bag section 84 of the waist bag member 80 includes an essentially fixed edge portion 102 secured to the article., and includes an elastically folded movable edge part 104 which is longitudinally spaced from the fixed edge portion 102. The bag section also includes a bag-impermeable layer essentially impermeable to liquid 106 and a layer of bag fabric 108 connected in a frontal relationship with the bag barrier layer. A plurality of spaced apart laterally extending elastic bag members 110 are positioned between the bag barrier layer 106 and the bag fabric layer 108 to provide an elasticized waist bag composite 112 which is essentially laterally folded.

A fastening system 40 is connected to the article in either or both of the laterally opposite end regions 72 of at least one of the front and back waistband sections. A side panel member 56 may be associated with each fastening system and may be constructed to be non-elasticized, or may be elastically stretchable at least along a laterally extending transverse direction 24 of the article.

Figure 1 is a representative plan view of the diaper 10 of the present invention in its non-contracted and planar state (for example, with contraction and withdrawal induced by elastic removed). Parts of the structure are partially cut to more clearly show the interior construction of the diaper 10, and the surface of the diaper which contacts the wearer faces the viewer. The outer edges of the diaper define a periphery in which the longitudinally extending side edge margins are designated with the number 20 and the laterally extending end edge margins are designated with the number 22. The side edges define the edges of the diaper. leg openings for the diaper, and optionally curvilinear and contoured. The end edges are shown as straight, but optionally, they may be curvilinear.

The diaper 10 typically includes a topsheet permeable to porous liquid 28; a backing sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 30; and an absorbent structure 32 positioned and connected between the upper sheet and the lower sheet; an emergence management part 46 and the elastic members such as the leg elastics 34 and the waist elastics 42. The emergence management part is placed in liquid communication with the absorbent structure and the absorbent structure includes a retaining portion 48. The topsheet 48, the backsheet 30, the absorbent structure 32, the emergence management part 46 and the elastic members 34 and 42 can be assembled in a variety of well-known diaper configurations. In addition, the diaper may include a system of leg band barrier fins, such as the containment fins 62.

As shown representatively, the topsheet 28 and the bottomsheet 30 may be generally coextensive, and may have the length and width dimensions which are generally larger than the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent structure 32. The topsheet 28 is associated with and superimposed on the lower sheet 30, thereby defining the periphery of the diaper 10. The waistband regions comprise those upper portions of the diaper 10 which, when worn, cover all or part of or surround the waist or lower torso user's medium. The intermediate region 16 lies between and interconnects the waistband regions 12 and 14, and includes a crotch region 18 which comprises that part of the diaper 10 which, when worn, is placed between the wearer's legs and covers the lower torso of the wearer. user. Thus, the crotch region 18 is an area where repeated fluid surges typically occur in the diaper or other disposable absorbent article.

The upper 28 has a face surface to the body which is docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 28 may be less hydrophilic than the retention portion 48, and is sufficiently porous to make the liquid permeable, allowing liquid to penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 28 can be made from a wide selection of fabric materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (for example, cotton or wood fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The upper sheet 28 is typically employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent structure 32. Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the topsheet 28. For example, the topsheet can be composed of a blown fabric with fusion or bonded with polyolefin fiber spinning. The top sheet may also be a carded-bonded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers.

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

The top sheet fabrics can be composed of an essentially hydrophobic and essentially non-wettable material, and the hydrophobic material can optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the topsheet 28 can be a polypropylene fabric bonded with non-woven yarn composed of denier fibers of 2.8-3.2 formed in a fabric having a basis weight of about 20 grams per square meter (g / m2) and a density of about 0. 13 gm / cc. The fabric can be surface treated with a selected amount of surfactant, such as around 0. 28% TRITON X-102 surfactant available from Union Carbide, a business with offices in Danbury, Connecticut. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like.

The surfactant material, such as a conventional wetting agent, can be applied to a middle section of the top sheet layer 28 to provide a greater wettability of the middle section, compared to the remainder of the top sheet layer 28. In particular configurations , the width in the transverse direction of the middle section can be essentially equal to or less than the width in the transverse direction of the emergence management part 46. In alternative configurations, the width of the middle section can be essentially equal to or less than the spacing in the transverse direction between a pair of adhesive strips used to secure the containment barriers 62 on the topsheet 28 and to form a barrier seal resistant to runoff on the lower sheet 30.

The middle section treated with surfactant may be centered approximately with respect to the longitudinal center line of the diaper, and may extend along essentially the entire length of the top sheet layer. Alternatively, the middle section treated with surfactant can be constructed to extend along only a predetermined part of the upper sheet length.

The various configurations of the invention may include the elasticized leg band barrier skirts such as the containment flaps or flaps illustrated 62. The configurations shown, for example, include two containment flaps 62 which are connected to the side surface. to the body of the top sheet layer 28. Suitable arrangements and constructions for the containment fins 62 are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe , whose description is incorporated by reference in a way that is consistent (not contradictory) with it). Other configurations of containment fins 62 are described in U.S. Patent Application Series No. 206,816 to R. Everett et al., Filed March 4, 1994 and entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ( Attorney's Issue No. 11,375), whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

Such containment fins may be attached to the upper sheet layer 28 along the fixed longitudinally extending fixed regions, such as the fixed edges 64, of the fins. A mobile edge 66 of each containment fin includes an elastic fin member 68 which may comprise one or more individual threads of elastomeric material. For example, a plurality of elastomeric yarns may be configured in a generally parallel and spatially separate array, and a suitable elastic yarn may, for example, be comprised of an LYCRA elastomer of 470 decitex which is available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours, a business with offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Alternatively, the elastic yarns may be composed of a 700 denier GLOSPAN S7 spandex elastomer which is available from Globe Manufacturing, a business having offices in Fall River, Massachusetts. The elastic member 68 is connected to the movable edge of the containment flap in an elastically contractible condition so that the contraction of the elastic components thereof folds and shortens to the edge of the containment flap. As a result of this, the movable edge of each containment flap tends to be positioned itself in an outwardly spaced relation of the side-to-body surfaces of the topsheet 28 and / or of the emergence management part 46 to a configuration approximately perpendicular and generally vertical, especially in the crotch section of the diaper. In the embodiment shown, for example, the movable edge of the containment fin is connected to the fin elastics by partially folding the fin material back onto itself by a limited amount which is sufficient to cover the fin elastics. 68 At least one pair of containment barrier fins 62 are connected to the laterally-extending and laterally opposite regions of the upper sheet layer 28, and the top sheet regions connected to it. located generally to one side of the side edge regions that are laterally opposite from the middle section of the top sheet layer 28. The connected top sheet regions are located essentially laterally within the leg elastics of the diaper article 10. , perc can optionally be located outside the leg elastics.

In various configurations of the invention, the desired barrier fins, such as the containment fins 62 and the waist fins 84, can, for example, be constructed of a fibrous material which is similar to the material comprising the top sheet. , or similar to the material comprising the emergence management part 46. Other conventional materials, such as polymer films, may also be employed. In other aspects of the invention, the barrier fins are constructed of a material which is permeable only to gas, such as ambient air. The alternate configurations of the invention may include wing sweeps which are constructed of a material which is resistant to a passage of an aqueous liquid such as urine therethrough. For example, the barrier fins may be constructed of a spunbond-melt-bonded spunbonded (SMS) laminate. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the barrier fins may be constructed of an SMS material having a basis weight of about 0.75 ounces per square yard (about g / m2). The yarn-bonded layers are composed of polypropylene fibers, and the meltblown layer is composed of meltblown polypropylene fibers.

In the various configurations of the invention wherein selected materials or components such as barrier fins 62 and / or 84 are configured to be gas permeable while having a resistance and limited permeability to the aqueous liquid, the resistant material the liquid can have a construction which is capable of holding a hydro head of at least about 45 centimeters of water and essentially without there being a runoff therethrough. A suitable technique to determine the resistance of a material to the penetration of the liquid is the Standard Federal Test Method FTMS 191, Method 5514, dated December 31, 1968.

The lower sheet 30 may be composed of a liquid permeable material, but preferably comprises a material which is configured to be essentially liquid impervious. For example, a typical bottom sheet can be made of a thin plastic film, or other material impervious to flexible liquid. Such "flexible" materials are docile and will easily conform to the shape in general contours of the user's body. The lower sheet 30 can help to prevent the exudates contained in the absorbent structure 32 from wetting the articles such as the bed sheets and the overbeds which contact the diaper 10.

In the particular embodiments of the invention, the lower sheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeters (2.0 mil). In the embodiment shown, for example, the backing sheet is a film having a thickness of about 0.032 millimeters (about 1.25 mil). The alternate constructions of the lower sheet may be purchased which has been totally or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to the selected regions of the backing sheet which are adjacent to or close to the absorbent body. For example, a lower cloth type sheet may be composed of a cloth attached with polypropylene yarn of a basis weight of about 0.5 ounces per square yard (about 17.7 g / m2) which is laminated and thermally bonded to a stretched-thinned polypropylene film having a thickness of about 0.0006 inches (about 0.015 mm) and a film basis weight of about 14.5 g / m2). A lower sheet 30 typically provides the outer cover of the article. Optionally, however, the article may comprise a separate outer cover member which is in addition to the lower sheet.

The lower sheet 30 may optionally include a microporous "breathable" material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent structure 32 while preventing liquid exudates from passing through the lower sheet. For example, the breathable bottom sheet may be composed of a non-woven fabric or a microporous polymer film which has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. For example, a suitable microporous film is a PMP-1 material, which is available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., a company having offices in Tokyo, Japan; or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 available from 3M Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bottom sheet can also be etched or otherwise provided with a matte finish to exhibit a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The size of the lower sheet 30 is typically determined by the size of the absorbent structure 32 and the exact diaper design selected. The lower sheet 30, for example, may have a T-shape generally, an I-shape generally, or a modified hourglass shape, and may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent structure 32 by a selected distance, such as a distance within the range of about 1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters (about 0.5 to 1.0 inches) to provide lateral margins.

The top sheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 are connected or otherwise associated together in an operable manner. As used herein the term "associated" encompasses configurations in which upper sheet 28 is directly attached to lower sheet 30 by attaching upper sheet 28 directly to lower sheet 30, and configurations in which upper sheet 28 is attached to the lower sheet 30 by fixing the upper sheet 28 to intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the lower sheet 30. The upper sheet 28 and the backing sheet 30 can be fixed directly to each other in selected regions, such as in the areas along the periphery of the diaper, through fastening means (not shown) such as adhesive bonds, sonic joints, thermal joints or any other joining means known in the art. continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a pattern of sprayed adhesive or an array of separate lines, swirls or adhesive construction points to attach the top sheet 28 to the bottom sheet 30. It should be readily appreciated that the means The above-described joining members can also be used to interconnect and assemble together the various other component parts of the article described herein.

In the embodiment shown representatively of the invention, the upper sheet layer 28 is positioned and secured in a frontal relationship with the lower sheet layer 30 for retaining and containing the retaining portion 48 and the emergence management 46 between the sheet layer bottom and top sheet layer. The marginal side regions of the top sheet layer 28 are operatively connected to the corresponding marginal side regions of the bottom sheet layer 30. Each of the attached marginal side regions of the top sheet and bottom sheet layers is located laterally. outside its corresponding associated side edge region of the emergence management part 46. In the particular configurations of the invention, the topsheet 28 may include the joined marginal end regions, which are located longitudinally outside the edge regions at the end of the retention portion 48 and / or the emergence management portion 46. Similarly, the bottom sheet 30 may include the attached marginal end regions, which may be located longitudinally outside the end edge regions of the web. retention part and / or emergence management part.

The elastic members 34 are positioned on one side of the periphery of the diaper 10 along each of the longitudinal side edges 20. The elastic leg members 34 can be connected to either or both of the upper and lower sheet layers. bottom sheet to provide elasticized side margins of the diaper article, and can be arranged to pull and hold the diaper 10 against the user's legs to provide the elasticized leg bands or leg cuffs. The elastic waist members 42 can also be placed on one side of either or both of the end edges of the diaper 10 to provide the elasticated waistbands.

The elastic members 34 and 42 are secured to the diaper 10 in an elastically contractible condition so that in a configuration under normal tension, the elastic members effectively contract against the diaper 10. The elastic members can be secured in an elastically contractible condition in a number of forms; for example, the elastic members can be stretched and secured while the diaper 10 is in an uncontracted condition. Alternatively, the diaper can be contracted, for example, by folding, and the elastic members secured and connected to the diaper 10 while the elastic members are in a relaxed or undrawn condition. Still other means, such as heat shrinkable elastic material, can be used to fold the garment.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the elastic leg members 34 extend essentially along the entire length of the intermediate region 16 of the diaper 10. Alternatively, the elastic members 34 may extend to the full length of the diaper 10, or any other suitable length that provides the desired elasticity of contract lines for the particular diaper design. The elastic members 34 and 42 can have any of a variety of configurations. For example, the width of the individual elastic members 34 can be varied from 0.25 millimeters (0.01 inches) to 25 millimeters (1.0 inches) or more. The elastic members may comprise a single strand of elastic material, or may comprise several strands of parallel or non-parallel elastic material, and the elastic members may be applied in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement. Where multiple yarns are employed, the individual yarns can be constructed to provide essentially equal elastic forces, or they can be constructed to provide different elastic forces. For example, the individual threads may be of a different diameter or of another size, or may be configured with different amounts of elongation to thereby provide a gradient or other variation of elastic stresses. Where the threads are not parallel, two or more of the threads may intersect or otherwise interconnect within the elastic member. The elastic members can be fixed to the diaper in any of several ways which are known in the art. For example, the elastic members can be ultrasonically bonded, sealed with heat and pressure using a variety of bonding patterns, or adhesively bonded to the diaper 10 with selected hot melt patterns or other type of adhesive. For example, swirl or spray adhesive patterns may be employed.laugh In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, for example, the leg elastic members 34 may comprise a car sheet to which a grouped set of elastics composed of a plurality of individual elastic threads is held. The elastic threads can intersect or be interconnected, or they can be completely separated from each other. The car sheet shown can, for example, comprise a 0.002 centimeter thick film of a non-etched polypropylene material. The elastic yarns shown can, for example, be composed of a LYCRA elastomer which is available from DuPont. Each elastic yarn can typically be within the range of about 470-1880 decitex (dtx), and desirably, it is about 940 decitex or the equivalent in an embodiment of the invention wherein 3-4 yarns are employed for each band of Elasticized leg. Another example of suitable elastic yarns may be composed of GLOSPAN elastomer which is available from Globe Manufacturing Co. Each elastic yarn may typically be in the range of about 240-1920 denier (den), and desirably, is about 1400 den or the equivalent, in an embodiment of the invention wherein 3-4 threads are employed for each elasticated leg band.

In addition, the leg elastics 34 may be generally straight or optionally curved. For example, the curved elastics may be arched inward toward the longitudinal center line of the diaper. In particular arrangements, the curvature of the elastics may not be configured or placed symmetrically in relation to the lateral center line of the diaper. The curved elastics can have a curved, outwardly curved type, and longitudinal control of the elastics can be off-center by a selected distance to either the front or back diaper waistband to provide the desired notch and appearance.

Conventional articles have various bar fin structures incorporated in their waistband and / or leg band regions. For example, such articles typically have a piece of single-layer or multi-layer material, such as polymer films and non-woven film laminates; in the waist band portion of the article along the transverse direction to form a waist dam or flap. The materials, however, typically exhibit similar behavior. When the materials are stretched, they have a tendency to narrow down, thereby reducing their effective widths. When narrowing, they tend to form relatively large grooves or corrugations which extend essentially along the direction of stretching. The presence of such corrugations can cause the bar fins, particularly the waist flaps, to collapse on themselves, thereby reducing the ability to remain open to receive and trap waste materials from the body. Additionally, when conventional materials contract, they tend to decrease in overall stiffness, and this decrease in composite stiffness may again allow the bar fins to bend or collapse on themselves, thereby reducing their effectiveness.

It has been found that particular bar fin structures, such as the laminates incorporating the individual and separate elastic yarns, can provide structures which can overcome the disadvantages of the above structures. When stretched, the yarn laminates of the invention substantially avoid corrugation in the direction of undesired stretching typically seen across the bar fin plane and along the intended direction of stretching. Desirably, the amount of stretching does not exceed the amount of elongation at which the elastic yarns were assembled in the laminate. When it is completely stretched and lengthened, the laminate with wires can lie essentially flat. By elastically relaxing and contracting the yarn laminate, fine corrugations of a necessary size and frequency can be provided with the grooves or valleys of the corrugating generally aligned to extend essentially perpendicular to the direction of contraction. Fine corrugations can improve the rigidity of the fin structure and can improve your ability to remain open to receive waste materials. The yarn laminates of the present invention essentially prevent shrinkage when stretched. Additionally, the geometry of the laminates with yarns themselves plays an important role in the performance of the materials when they are used as a barrier dam structure, such as the waist dam shown. The placement of the threads can also play a role in the function of the various configurations of the blades.

It has been found, however, that the identifications of the types of materials or families of conventional materials have not been adequate to derive the waist flap structures that are sufficiently effective and reliable. It has been found that the performance and effectiveness of the waist dam will depend on the particular combinations of the properties and behavior characteristics of the materials used to assemble and construct the composite barrier fins. For example, the incorporation of a fin composed of a polyurethane film or a film laminate into the article waistband, and the placement of a fin composed of a nonwoven SMS fabric laminate (bonded with melt-bonded spin-bonding) with spinning) in the waistband of the article have not reliably provided a sufficiently effective barrier fin structure. It is important to additionally configure materials with particular physical properties. One of the desired physical properties is the rigidity of the fin member, and the desired stiffness can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, contributing factors include the basis weight of the fin materials, the stiffness or modulus of the individual components, the presence of adhesive added to the sheets within the fin member, the pattern and distribution of the applied adhesive, the presence of the ultrasonic welding treatments, the number of individual elastic yarns used in the barrier fin structure, the geometry of the placement of the yarn inside the barrier fin, the presence and alignment of the placements within the barrier fin and the number of layers of components incorporated within the barrier fin.

The present invention can provide a distinctive article such as the diaper 10 which has a lateral dimension in the transverse direction 24 and a longitudinal dimension in the longitudinal direction 26. The representative diaper 20 has a front waistband part 12, a back waistband part or rear 14, and an intermediate part 16 which interconnects the front and rear waistband parts. The article includes a bottom sheet layer 30 having a width extending laterally and a length extending longitudinally. A liquid and porous, liquid permeable upper sheet layer 28 has a laterally extending width and a longitudinally extending length, and is connected in a superimposed relationship to the lower sheet layer 30. An absorbent structure, such as the absorbent body 32 is positioned in sandwich form and operably secured between the lower sheet layer 30 and the upper sheet layer 28.

As representatively shown in the figures 1, 2 and 3, the diaper 10 can have a waist bag member 80 which can include a laterally and longitudinally extending flange section 82, and a barrier or bag section that extends laterally and longitudinally 84. The flange section may, for example, be connected to the side surface to the body of the top sheet 28. The bag or flap section 84 of the waist bag member 80 includes the essentially fixed edge portion 102 which is secured to the article along and immediately to one side of the boundary of the flange section 82, and includes an elastically folded movable edge portion 104, which is longitudinally separated from the fixed edge portion 102 by a selected distance . The bag section therefore provides an operable waist dam and a waist flap construction. The bag section may also include a bag barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid 106, and a layer of bag fabric 108 which is connected in a front relationship with the bag barrier layer. The bag fabric can, for example, be composed of a woven or non-woven fabric, and in the arrangement shown, the fabric layer is desirably a nonwoven. A plurality of laterally extending and spaced elastic bag members 110 are sandwich-like and operably connected between the bag barrier layer 106 and the bag fabric layer 108 to provide an elasticized waist bag composite 112, which is essentially picked up and folded along the lateral transverse direction 24 and is elastically stretchable at least along the transverse direction. The arrangement shown includes the elastic members which are essentially aligned parallel to each other, but optionally may include other configurations and separate alignments of the elastics. Desirably, the fabric layer 108 is arranged for placement against the wearer's skin, even if the barrier layer 106 can optionally be designed to be immediately placed on one side of the wearer's skin.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the flange section 82 of the waist bag member 82 can include a flange barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid 114, and a layer of flange fabric 116 which is operably connected and secured in a front relationship with the flange barrier layer. The flange fabric can, for example, be composed of a woven or non-woven fabric, and in the embodiment shown, and the fabric layer is desirably a nonwoven. A plurality of laterally extending and spaced flange elastic members 118 are sandwich-shaped and operably connected between the flange barrier layer 114 and the flange fabric layer 116 to provide an elastified flange composite 120, which it is folded laterally by the elastic flange members and is essentially stretchable at least along the transverse direction 24. The arrangement shown includes the elastic members which are essentially parallel to one another, but optionally may include other separate configurations of the elastic which may not be parallel. Desirably, the fabric layer 11ß is arranged for placement against the wearer's skin, even when the barrier layer 114 can optionally be designed to be immediately placed on one side of the wearer's skin. The particular configurations of the flange section 82 can be constructed and arranged to be essentially coterminous with its associated end edge margin 22 of the article.

In the particular configurations of the invention, such as the arrangements shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bag section 84 of the waist bag member 80 can be integrally formed with the flange section 82 of the waist bag member. In these arrangements, the bag barrier layer 106 is formed integrally with the flange barrier layer 114 to provide a combined bag-flange barrier layer, and the fabric bag layer 108 is formed integrally with the flange layer. of fabric 116 to provide a layer of combined bag-flange fabric. The arrangement shown representatively also includes a flange-bag barrier layer which is essentially coextensive with the flange bag fabric layer.

In other arrangements of the invention, the elastic members 118 in the flange section 82 are spaced from the closest elastic members 110 in the bag section 84 by a predetermined limit space 122 which provides a separation distance of at least of about 2 millimeters. In particular aspects, the separation distance provided by the limit spacing distance is at least about 8 millimeters, and optionally is at least about 16 millimeters. The separation distance provides an amount of insulation which effectively allows the elastic flange members to operate essentially separately from the elastic bag members. Therefore, the gathering provided by the flange elastics can be essentially separated from the gathering provided by the bag elastic.

With reference to Figure 4, the fastener appendages 36 on the laterally opposite sides of the diaper 10 are desirably aligned along an alignment line in the transverse and center direction 130. In particular aspects of the invention, the line of alignment 130 essentially coincides with, and lies within, the boundary space 122 which separates the set of the bag section elastics 110 from the set of the flange section elastics 118 within the waist bag member 80. In the desired configurations, the distal end edge 105 of the bag section may be aligned with or positioned relatively close to a center force line 130 which is created when a tensioning force F, is applied to the clamping appendages. Having the distal edge generally aligned with the line of force 130 can operably stretch the bag section 84 particularly the movable edge portion 104 of the bag section and can cause the bag section to be pulled out of the article. In particular, the bag section can be pressed more effectively to stand out from the side surface to the body of the topsheet 28 during use to create a more effective waist flap structure or bag to capture body fluids and debris. Additionally, the fin structure of the waist bag section 48 can more effectively maintain contact with the body through a range of movements produced by the user and can provide improved packing in the region of the movable edge portion 104. .

Referring again to Figure 2, another aspect of the invention may include a configuration in which one of the elastic members 110 in the bag section 84 is located closer to one side of the essentially fixed edge portion 102. In addition , the adjacent elastic member is located between the essentially fixed edge portion 102 and the movable edge portion 104 of the bag section, and is spaced apart from the essentially fixed edge portion 102 of the bag section by an approximate spacing distance of 124 which is not less than about 2 millimeters, and optionally is not less than about 4 millimeters. In further aspects of the invention, the proximal spacing distance 124 is not greater than about 13 millimeters, and optionally is not more than about 8 millimeters. The proper selection of the separation distance 124 can help the bag section 84, particularly its movable edge region, maintain an open position spaced apart from the top sheet of the article. If the distance is too small, the bag section may not open reliably. If the distance is too large, the bag section may not adequately resist excessive collapse.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the bag section 84 of the waist bag member 80 can be secured in a designated region of the article, such as the top sheet 28, by means of a bonding region 126. In the arrangement shown , the fastener 126 extends outwardly from the boundary space 122 to secure the flange section 82 to the top sheet. Optionally, the junction 126 can be essentially restricted to the boundary space 122, at least within a section of the boundary space 122 which is in the middle or halfway side of the article and a separate connection can secure the flange section 82 to the article. Thus, the joining region 126 can operably provide the essentially fixed edge portion 102 of the bag section 84. In addition, the bag section 84 of the waist bag member 80 has the laterally opposite end sections 128 which are secured to lie essentially flat against the top sheet 28. As a result of this, the bag section 84 of the waist bag member can be secured to the top sheet 28 with a generally U-shaped tie arrangement (FIGS. , 4 and 6).

With reference to Figure 5, the particular configurations of the invention may have the lower sheet layer 30 constructed with at least one longitudinally-terminated waistband edge 94 which has an inwardly extending notch region 96 formed therein. The flange section 82 of the waist bag member 80 is configured and arranged to extend through the notch region 96. In addition, the marginal edge portions of the bottom sheet which are immediately adjacent to the notch section can be connected. Operationally and join the corresponding parts of the flange section.

In the various configurations of the invention, the waistband notch region 96 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. The notch region may have a curvilinear shape, a rectilinear shape, or combinations thereof. Desirably the waistband notch region 96 can be essentially laterally centered in the mid region in the transverse direction of the backsheet 30. In the various arrangement of the invention, the extension in the transverse direction of the notch region 96 it is not more than about 80% of the extent in the general cross-sectional direction of the article, and desirably is not more than about 40% of the entire length in the transverse direction of the article to provide improved performance. In addition, the extension in the transverse direction of the notch region 96 may not be less than about 10% of the extent in the general transverse direction of the article., and desirably is not less than about 20% of the extent in the general transverse direction of the article to provide the desired levels of comfort and waste containment. In other aspects, the depth or longitudinal extent of the notch region 96 is within the range of about 2-15% of the general longitudinal extent of the total article. In a diaper-type article, for example, notch region 96 may have a maximum longitudinally inward extension of at least about 9 millimeters. Alternatively, the interior extension of the notch region 96 is at least about 12.5 millimeters and optionally is at least about 15 millimeters. In other arrangements, the interior extension of the notch region 96 is not more than about 65 millimeters. Alternatively, the maximum inward extension may not be more than about 55 millimeters, and optionally it may not be more than about 45 millimeters. When the dimensions of the notch region 96 are measured, the article is placed in an essentially flat uncontracted condition with the elastic folds in the waistband region of the article essentially removed.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, one of the elastic bag members 110 is located closer to one side of the terminal edge 105 of the movable edge portion 104 of the bag section 84 and is spaced from the terminal edge by a distance Separator 107 of no more than about 13 millimeters. Alternatively, the edge spacing distance is not more than about 7 millimeters, and optionally is not more than about 1 millimeter. In a further aspect, the terminal edge 105 is essentially unfolded. In particular, the terminal edge portion of the bag section is not folded back on itself to wrap and enclose one or more of the bag elastics. The placement of the elastic members near the distant terminal edge 105 can help maintain the open position of the bag section 84 through essentially the full width of the bag section. As a result of this, the bag section can better provide a barrier dam structure function.

The various arrangements of the invention can also be constructed to provide the flange and bag sections 82 and 84, respectively, with the desired stiffness values. In particular, either or both of the flange and bag sections may have a stiffness value which is at least about 5 mg. Alternatively, the stiffness may be at least about 15 mg, and optionally may be less than about 30 mg to provide improved performance. In other aspects of the invention, either or both of the bag and flange sections may have a stiffness which is not more than about 250 mg. Alternatively, the stiffness may not be more than about 200 mg and optionally may not be more than about 170 mg to provide improved performance. Where the stiffness is very low, the bag section may be excessively susceptible to collapse. Where the rigidity is very high, the flange or bag sections can cause excessive irritation to the user.

The rigidity of the flange and pouch sections of the waist bag member 80 can be determined by employing the TAPPI T543 om-94 test methodology, and by employing a Gurley Digital Stiffness tester, Model 4171-D, a device available from Teledyne Gurley, a business having offices located in Troy, New York. Therefore, the stiffness values of the various sections of the waist bag member 80 are bending stiffnesses. For the purposes of the present invention, the axis around which a bend moment is applied to the sample during the stiffness test is a bending axis which is aligned essentially parallel to the direction of stretch of elastic and withdrawal provided by the associated elastic members, such as the elastic members 110 and / or 118. With respect to the stiffness test of the bag section 84, for example, the folding axis of the test sample of the bag section will be at along an axis line which may have been essentially aligned with the transverse direction of article 24, as seen when the bag section was originally assembled in the article.

In relation to either or both of the flange section 82 and the bag section 84 of the waist bag member 80, the barrier layer can be provided by polymer films or fabrics having low liquid permeability and combinations thereof. . The polymer films can, for example, be composed of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and the like. Non-woven materials may include spunblown-melt-bonded fabrics joined with yarn (SMS), meltblown fabrics, calendered non-woven sheets and the like. With respect to the passage of the liquid through its thickness the barrier layer is constructed to exhibit a hydro head of resistance which is sufficient to provide an effective barrier against the passage of liquids, such as urine.

For example, the barrier layer may be composed of a molten etched film of 0.0006 inches (0.015 mm), such as a CT (XEM400.1) or a blown film of 0.0004 inches (0.010 mm), such as XSF-367, available from Consolidated Thermoplastics, a business having offices located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The barrier layer can also be a stretched-thinned film of 0.00035 inches (0.0089 mm) such as XP1024A, available from Edison Plastics, a business having offices located in Macalester, Oklahoma.

With respect to either or both of the flange section 82 and the bag section 84 of the waist bag member, the fabric layers 108 and / or 116 may be composed of a low denier base weight non-woven material. . Examples of such non-woven fabrics include polypropylene spunbond materials, bicomponent polyethylene-polyethylene spunbonded materials, meltblown materials, SMS materials, carded fabrics bonded through air, Carded-joined fabrics, knitted and similar.

For example, the fabric layer may comprise a yarn-bound polypropylene fabric of 0.5 oz per square yard (17 grams per square meter) composed of fabrics having a denier of less than about 4 den. The fabric layer can alternatively have fibers with deniers of less than about 3 den, and optionally can include fibers having deniers of less than about 2.5 den.

Any or both of the elastic bag members 110 and the elastic flange members 118 may be composed of yarns of natural or synthetic elastomeric materials, such as natural or synthetic rubbers. In particular aspects of the invention, the elastic members may include yarns having a denier of not less than about 100 denier. Alternatively, the elastic members may have a denier of not less than about 280, and optionally may have a denier of not less than about 360. In other aspects of the invention, the elastic members may include yarns having a denier of no more from around 1920 den. Alternatively, the elastic members may have a denier of no more than about 1140 den, and optionally may have a denier of no more than about 560 den. For example, the elastic bag members 110 and / or the elastic flange members 118 may include elastic threads GLOSPAN S7 36 denier available from Globe Manufacturing Co.

To produce the flange and bag sections of the waist bag member 80, the bag elastics and / or the flange elastics can be elongated by 50-350% (as determined with respect to the unstretched length of the elastics). ) before assembly in the waist bag member to form the bag composite 112 and / or the flange compound 120. For example, the flange elastics 118 may be configured with about 150 percent elongation, and the yarns Bag elastic can have an elongation of about 175 percent.

The number of elastic threads and the spacing between the threads can be selected and arranged to provide the desired performance. For example, the elastics can be selectively configured to provide a desired packing function against the user's skin while avoiding excessive irritation and red-marking of the wearer's skin.

In particular aspects of the invention, the number of elastic yarns in each of the flange section 82 and / or the bag section 84 may be at least about 2 and alternately is at least about 3. In Further aspects of the invention the number of elastic yarns in each of the flange section and / or the bag section may be no more than about 25. Alternatively, the number of elastic yarns in each of the sections may not be more than around 20, and optionally may not be more than 15. Laminates with too many yarns through the depth of the length of the bag section may undesirably cause the fin structure to remain closed, substantially flat against the topsheet of the article, while that laminates having very few threads can bend excessively and bend over on themselves. The appropriate number of yarns, the appropriate spacing between the yarns, and the proper separation of the yarns from the fixed and mobile edges of the bag section will depend on the physical properties of the individual laminated components, as well as the dimensions of the yarns. fins.

In other aspects of the invention, the elastic members of the flange section 82 and / or of the bag section 84 can have an elastic spacer distance 132 which is at least about 2 millimeters. Alternatively, the spacing distance of the elastics 132 can be at least about 3 millimeters, and optionally can be at least about 4 millimeters. In additional aspects, the elastic members of the flange section 82 and / or of the bag section 84 may have an elastic spacer distance 132 which may not be more than about 13 millimeters. Alternatively, the spacing distance of the elastics 132 may not be more than about 11 millimeters, and optionally may not be more than about 8 millimeters to provide the improved contour over the operation of the barrier fin structure.

To further control the operation of the barrier fin structure, such as the bag section 84. The elastic bag members 110 can be evenly spaced across the full width of the sheet (as determined along one dimension which is essentially perpendicular to the stretching dimension of the elastic member), or these may be grouped into discrete and distinct functional sets. For example, Figure 6 representatively shows a laminate having more than one of the bag elastic elastic groupings 110. Such multiple grouping can be placed in either or both of the flange bag sections of the waist bag member 80 to control the operation of the barrier fin and to improve performance.

In particular aspects of the invention, the elastic flange members 110 can be arranged to provide a flange contraction force and the elastic bag members can be arranged to provide a bag contraction force. In a particular aspect of the invention, the contraction force exerted by the flange elastics is configured to be relatively greater than the contraction force exerted by the bag elastics. As representatively shown in Figures 1 and 4, for example, the flange elastics may be longer, or otherwise longer or more strongly contracted than the bag elastic. Such an arrangement can provide a desired relative contraction between the bag and flange sections of the waist bag member 80 when the waist bag is operatively assem to the final article, and can help maintain a desired open condition of the bag section 84. during use on the user.

In a desired aspect of the invention, the elastic members in either the waist, bag or both regions may be operably tensioned. As shown representatively in Figures 1 and 4. Zone tensioning can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, an adhesive or other bonding mechanism can be applied only in areas where the retraction of the elastic members is attempted to fold the fin composite. In regions where the bonds are absent, the remaining elastic members can contract essentially without folding the fin composite. Alternatively, other techniques, such as ultrasonics, may be employed to become operably inert to the elastic members in regions where elastic retraction is not desired.

The elastic members 110 and / or 118 may be attached to either or both of the barrier and fabric layers associated with suitasecuring means, such as a selected adhesive pattern or other type of bond. For example, the adhesive can be applied by spraying sticky filaments or discontinuous drops and / or can be applied by arranging generally continuous lines of adhesive in a selected pattern, such as a swirl pattern. Alternatively, the elastomeric members 110 and / or 118 can be attached to at least one of the barrier and fabric layers with a plurality of longitudinally extending adhesive strips. Each individual adhesive strip is spatially separated from the immediately adjacent adhesive strips by a discrete distance, and each individual adhesive strip is arranged to substantially join an individual one of the elastomeric members to at least one of the barrier and fabric layers. In the arrangements shown, for example, the adhesive strips can be aligned essentially parallel to one another.

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the bag section 84 of the waist member 80 may be configured to bridge and extend on the side surfaces to the body inwardly of the longitudinally extending containment fins 62. Desirably , the movable edge portions 104 of the bag section 84 are not essentially connected and are essentially not attached to the distal moving edges 66 of the containment fins 62 to thereby reduce the interaction between the elastified containment fins 62 and the section Furthermore, it is desirable to zonify the elastic tension exerted by the elastic members 68 used to elasticize the containment fins 62. More particularly the elastic tension in the containment fins is essentially restricted to a longitudinally middle section of each of containment fin. Thus, the end regions of each containment fin, particularly the end regions generally adjacent to the bag section 84, are essentially free of elastic tension exerted by the resilient members 68. The distal edges 66 can also be secured to the layer. of top sheet 28 with a joining mechanism suitable for additionally insulating the distal edges 66 of the containment flaps away from the operation and opening of the bag section 84.

The above described areas that tension the containment fins 62 can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the elastic contraction of the elastic members 68 in the appropriate end regions of the containment fins can be made operably inert, such as with a mechanical, ultrasonic or thermal treatment which effectively "kills or becomes inert" or otherwise. way deactivates the elasticity or contraction in the selected regions. Alternatively, the elastic members 68 in the end regions of the containment fins may not be essentially attached to the containment fin material. Therefore, the elastic members in the containment fin end regions can be resiliently retracted substantially without exerting a bending stress on the end regions of the containment fins 62. In additional configurations, the spacer regions of the fins of containment can be immobilized essentially completely, such as by operably securing the end regions on top sheet layer 28 with sonic or adhesive bonds or other bonding mechanisms.

In the various arrangements of the invention, the selected absorbent body as provided by the absorbent structure 32 is placed and operably secured between the topsheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 to form the diaper 10. The absorbent body has a construction which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the user's skin, and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. It should be understood that, for the purposes of this invention, the absorbent structure may comprise a single integral piece of material or alternatively, may comprise a plurality of individual spaced pieces of material which are operably assembled together. Where the absorbent structure comprises a piece of essentially integral and unique material, the material can include the desired structural characteristics formed in the selected spatial regions thereof. Where the absorbent structure comprises multiple pieces, the pieces may be configured as discrete layers or as shapes and configurations without layers. In addition, the individual pieces can be coextensive or non-coextensive, depending on the requirements of the product. It is preferred, however, that each of the individual pieces be arranged in an intimate and operable contact along at least a portion of its boundary with at least one other adjacent part of the absorbent structure. Preferably, each piece is connected to an adjacent part of the absorbent structure by a suitable fiber and / or bonding entanglement mechanism, such as ultrasonic or adhesive bonding, hydraulic or mechanical drilling.

In embodiments representatively shown, the absorbent structure 32 has a liquid acquisition target zone and has a curvilinear and contoured periphery, particularly along its lateral edges. The two side edges, arched inward, generally identical, provide a narrower intermediate section suitable for placement in the wearer's crotch. In the absorbent structure shown 32, a front section thereof includes two transversely spaced ear regions and a central region. The target zone encompasses the area where repeated liquid surges typically occur in the absorbent structure 32. When the diaper is worn, the waist regions are configured to generally engage the sides of the wearer's and the torso's waist, and the The central region is configured to generally engage the middle part of the user's waist and torso.

The absorbent structure 32 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc.) and a wide variety of materials . The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure 32 must be compatible with the size of the intended user and the liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure 32 can be varied to accommodate users ranging from infants to adults. Furthermore, it has been found that with the present invention, the densities and / or basis weights of the respective emergence management parts 46 and retention portions 48, as well as their relative proportions, can be varied. In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent structure has an absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams of synthetic urine. Alternatively, the absorbent structure may have an absorbent capacity of at least about 400 grams of synthetic urine to provide improved performance.

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

As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or surfaces of the fibers which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of the particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials used for the emergence management part 46 can be provided by the Surface Strength Analyzer System CAHN, SFA-222, by an essentially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles of less than 90o are designated as "wettable" or hydrophilic ", while fibers having contact angles greater than 90 ° are designated as" non-wettable "or hydrophobic.

The retention portion 48 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of high absorbency material. In particular arrangements, the retention portion 48 may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and blown fibers with synthetic polymer melting, or a mixture of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous coform material comprising a mixture of natural fibers and / or of synthetic polymer fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be essentially mixed homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or they can be mixed non-uniformly. For example, the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles can be arranged in a stepless gradient through an essential part of the thickness (the z-direction) of the absorbent structure, with the lower concentrations towards the body side of the absorbent structure and the relatively higher concentrations towards the outside of the absorbent structure. Suitable z-gradient configurations are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,823 issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present disclosure. . The superabsorbent particles may also be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the hydrophilic fiber matrix or may be configured as discrete regions, of separate bags of superabsorbent material. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbent can be selectively placed at different locations within or along the fiber matrix.

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

Examples of the synthetic absorbent gelling material polymers include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl esters), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl esters and alpha olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Polymers further suitable for use in the present structure include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums , such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and the like. Mixtures of fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelation materials are described by Assarsson et al. In U.S. Patent No. 3,901,236 issued August 26, 1975. Processes for preparing synthetic absorbent gelation polymers are described in the US Pat. United States No. 4,076,663 issued February 28, 1978 to Masuda et al. And United States Patent No. 4,286,082 issued August 25, 1981 to Tsubaki oto et al.

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

As previously mentioned, the high absorbency material used in the retention portion 48 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles can be of any desired shape, for example, spiral or semi-spiral, cubic, rod-type, polyhedral, etc. The shapes having a larger dimension / smaller dimension ratio such as needles, flakes and fibers are also contemplated for use here. The conglomerates of the absorbent gelation material particles can also be used in the retention portion 48.

The particles having an average size of from about 20 microns to about 1 millimeter are preferred for use. The "particle size" as used herein means the heavy average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles.

Suitable high-absorbency materials may have particular characteristics of Absorbent Capacity (sometimes referred to as "AC"), a Deformation Under Load (sometimes referred to as "DUL"), and the Transmission Index (sometimes referred to as "Wl"). These parameters are described in detail in the patent application of the United States of America Series No. 757,787 of S. Byerly et al., Entitled ABSORBENT COMPOUNDS AND ABSORBENT ARTICLES CONTAINING THE SAME, and filed on September 11, 1991 (Attorney Case No. 10,174), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present disclosure.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent retention portion 48 comprises a matrix of essentially hydrophobic fibers having a quantity of high absorbency material distributed therein. Selected superabsorbent polymers having improved absorbent properties can be important to maximize performance while retaining the desired thinness of the absorbent article. To provide improved performance, particles of superabsorbent material can be selected to provide an absorbency value under load (AUL) which is within the range of about 25-40 and provide a value of Absorbent Capacity (AC) which is within the range of around 32-48. The rate of liquid intake by the superabsorbent material is within the range of about 3-15 g / g (liquid grams per grams of superabsorbent) to 30 seconds of absorbency under load (6.5-21 g / g to 5 minutes of low absorbency). charge and 25-40 g / g 60 minutes of absorbency under load.

A suitable method to determine the absorbency under load is described in detail in the patent of the States United States No. 5,147,343 to S. Kellenberger, issued September 15, 1992 and entitled ABSORBENT PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROGELS WITH ABILITY TO BLOCK AGAINST PRESSURE (Attorney Case No. 8786.1); and also published on November 2, 1989 as European Patent Application No. EP 0 339 461 Al; whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present disclosure.

An example of the superabsorbent polymer suitable for use in the present invention is the SANWET IM 3900 polymer available from Hoechst Celanese, a business having offices in Portsmouth, Virginia. Other suitable superabsorbents may include DOW 2035 polymer obtained from Dow Chemical Company, a business having offices in Midland, Michigan.

The hydrophilic fiber matrix comprising the retention portion 48 can be a cellulosic wood pulp fluff, and the superabsorbent polymer particles can be distributed within the hydrophilic fiber matrix. Hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can be provided in a ratio of fiber to particle which is not more than about 75:25, alternatively it is not more than around 70:30, and optionally, it is no more than around 55:45, by weight. In additional aspects of the invention, the fiber to particle ratio is not less than about 25:75, preferably it is not less than about 30:70 and more preferably is not less than about 45:55 by weight . Such fiber to particle ratios may be particularly desirable in the target zone of the absorbent structure. In particular embodiments of the invention, the ratio by weight of fiber to particle is not more than about 65:35 and is not less than about 50:50 to provide the desired performance.

Hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can form a basis weight of average compound which is within the range of 400-900 grams per square meter. Again such a basis weight is particularly desirable in the target area of the absorbent structure. This and other aspects of the invention, the average composite basis weight is within the range of about 500-800 grams per square meter, and preferably is within the range of about 550-750 grams per square meter to provide a desired performance.

To provide the desired thinness dimension to the various configurations of the absorbent article of the invention, the retaining portion 48 can be configured with a volume thickness which is no more than about 0.6 centimeters. Preferably, the volume thickness is not more than about 0.53 centimeters, and more preferably is not more than about 0.5 centimeters to provide the improved benefits. The volume thickness was determined under a restrictive pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 kPa).

The density of the retention portion 48 or other component of the absorbent article can be calculated from its basis weight and thickness. With respect to diapers, for example, the thickness and weight are measured with respect to newly unpacked diapers, unfolded and dried at a restrictive pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 kPa). The available standard thickness gauges can be used to determine the thickness needed to calculate the density.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the absorbent retention portion 48 includes 4-22 grams of wood pulp fluff, preferably includes about 8-14 grams of fluff and more preferably includes about 10-12 grams of fluff to provide The desired benefits. The wood pulp fluff generally provides shape and contour to the diaper 10, and carries and places the particles of superabsorbent polymer or other high-absorbency material. The retention portion 48 may contain about 7-12 grams of superabsorbent polymer, and in the embodiment shown, contains about 8.5 grams of superabsorbent polymer. Sufficient superabsorbent polymer is incorporated within the retention portion 48 to provide adequate total absorbent capacity of at least about 300 gm of urine. For example, a medium-sized diaper for an infant weighing about 13-23 pounds (about 6-10.5 kg) can typically have a total retention capacity of around 500 grams of urine.

The fluff and superabsorbent particles can be selectively placed in the desired areas of the retention portion 48. For example, the base weight of the fluff can vary across the width dimension of the retention portion 48. Alternatively, the amounts relatively Larger debris can be placed towards the front waistband end of the retainer portion. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 4,585,448 issued April 29, 1986 to K. Enloe. In the illustrated embodiment, the majority of the superabsorbent material can be distributed in an average region of the retention portion 48 that extends along the length dimension of the retention portion and measures around 3.5-4.5 inches (about 8.9). -11.4 centimeters) wide. In addition, the superabsorbent material may have a zoned placement selected to reduce the amount of superabsorbent material located near the side and end edges of the retaining portion. The reduced amounts of the superabsorbent material at the edges of the retention portion can improve the containment of the superabsorbent particles within the fibrous fluff matrix of the retention portion 48. The zoned, pulsed placement of the superabsorbent material can, for example, be achieved by the method and apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 5,028,224 issued to C. Pieper et al., and entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERMITTENTLY DEPOSITING PARTICULATE MATERIAL IN A SUBSTRATE, and issued July 2, 1991 ( Attorney's Issue No. 8761), whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent structure 32 can be generally T-shaped with the transverse bar extending laterally from the "T" generally corresponding to the front waist portion of the absorbent article for improved performance, especially for the male infants. In the illustrated embodiments, for example, the retention portion through the ear section of the front waistband region of the article has a width in the transverse direction of about 9.0 inches (about 22.9 centimeters), the narrowest part of the crotch section has a width of about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters) and the region of rear waistband has a width of about 4.5 inches (about 11.4 centimeters).

The complete absorbent structure 32, or any individual part thereof, such as the retention portion, may be over wrapped in a high hydrophilic wetwear wrapping fabric, such as a high wet strength tissue or a fabric or fabric. synthetic fibrous. Such an overwrap fabric can also increase the integrity in the use of the absorbent structure. The fabric may be suitably joined, such as with adhesive, to an absorbent structure 32 and to the components of the product construction.

Due to the high concentrations of the superabsorbent particles, or other high-absorbency material, in the retention portion 48, there may be an increased difficulty with respect to containing the high-absorbency particles within the retention portion and restricting movement or migration. of the superabsorbent on the diaper body side. To improve containment of the high-absorbency material, the absorbent structure 32 can include an improved overwrap, such as a wrapping sheet 70, placed immediately on one side and around the retaining portion 48. The wrapping sheet is preferably a layer of absorbent material which covers the side-to-body surfaces and from the main exterior to the exterior of the retention portion and preferably essentially conceals all peripheral edges of the retention portion to form an essentially complete envelope therearound. Alternatively, the wrapping sheet can provide an absorbent wrap which covers the side-to-body and side-to-main surfaces of the retaining portion, and essentially covers only the side-side edges of the retaining portion. Therefore, both the linear portions and the inward curve of the lateral side edges of the wrapping sheet will be closed around the retaining portion. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the wrapping sheet may not be completely closed around the end edges of the retaining portion in the waistband regions of the article.

The absorbent wrapper 70 may comprise a multi-element wrapping sheet which includes a separate side-to-body wrapping layer and the separate outer-side wrapping layer, each of which extends beyond or some of the outer wrapping layers. peripheral edges of the retaining portion 48, as representatively shown in Figure 51. The configuration of the wrapping sheet can, for example, facilitate the formation of an essentially complete seal and seal around the peripheral edges of the retaining portion. 48. In the back waist portion of the illustrated diaper, the absorbent wrap may also be configured to extend for an increased distance outward from the periphery of the retaining portion to add opacity and strength to the back ear sections of the diaper. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the side-to-body and side-to-side layers of the absorbent wrap 70 extend at least about 1/2 inch (about 1.3 centimeters) beyond the peripheral edges of the wrapper. retaining portion to provide a flange-type bonding area, projecting outwardly over which the periphery of the body part of the absorbent wrapper may be completely or partially connected to the periphery of the side portion to the outside of the body. absorbent wrap.

The side-to-body and side-to-side layers of the wrapping sheet 70 may be composed of essentially the same material or may be composed of different materials. For example, the outer side layer of the wrapping sheet may be composed of a relatively lower basis weight material having a relatively high porosity, such as a wet cellulosic tissue composed of soft wood pulp. The side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise one of the previously described wrapping sheet materials which have a relatively low porosity. The low porosity side-to-body layer can better prevent migration of the absorbent particles on the user's skin, and the low porosity base weight outside the layer can help reduce costs.

To provide the union between the parts from side to body and from side to outside of the absorbent wrap 70, an adhesive, such as the NATIONAL STARCH 72-3723 adhesive, can be printed over the designated bond areas of the absorbent wrapper with, for example, a rotogravure type system. With alternative arrangements having an absorbent envelope composed of a fibrous blowing fabric with non-woven fusion, the peripheral sealing of the wrapping layers from side to body and from side to side can be achieved by employing hot calendering to provide a strip region. sealed around the periphery of the holding part.

Due to the thinness of the retention portion 48 and the high superabsorbent concentrations within the retention portion, the liquid intake rates of the retention portion, by themselves, may be very low, or may not be adequately supported on three discharges of liquid inside the absorbent structure. The addition of a porous liquid-permeable layer of the emergence management material, however, can advantageously improve the overall take-up rate of the composite absorbent structure. Such emergence management part 46 is typically less hydrophilic than retention portion 48, and has an operable level of density and basis weight to quickly collect and temporarily retain liquid surges, to transport liquid from its initial entry point and to completely release the liquid in essential form to other parts of the absorbent structure 32, particularly the retaining portion 48. This configuration can help to prevent the liquid from stagnating and collecting on the part of the absorbent garment placed against it. skin of the user, thereby reducing the user's wet feeling.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used to construct the emergence management part 46. For example, the emergence management part can be a layer composed of a meltblown fabric or bonded with polyolefin fiber yarn. Such an emerging management part may also be a bonded-carded fabric or an air-laid fabric composed of natural and synthetic fibers. The carded-attached fabric can, for example, be a powder-bonded-carded fabric, a carded fabric joined with infrared or a carded fabric bonded through air. The carded fabrics bonded through air and infrared can optionally include a mixture of different fibers and the fiber lengths within a selected fabric fabric can be within the range of 1.0-3.0 inches. The emergence management part may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. The representative diaper 10 can include an emergence management part 46 which is arranged in a direct contact fluid communication with an adjacent absorbent retention portion 48. As representatively shown, the emergence management part 46 can be configured to its placement on one side of an exterior face, outside the top sheet 28.

Optionally, the emergence management part may be placed on one side of an inner face, the side-to-body surface of the top sheet layer 28. The configuration shown of the emergence management part is operably connected to the top layer. top sheet with a conventional adhesive pattern, such as a swirl adhesive pattern. In addition, the emergence management part can be operably connected to the side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet 70 with a conventional adhesive pattern. The amount of adhesive added should be sufficient to provide the desired levels of bonding, but should be sufficiently low to avoid excessively restricting the movement of liquid from the top sheet layer, through the emergence management part and through the wrap sheet layer.

The retention portion 48 is placed in liquid communication with the emergence management part 46 to receive the liquids released from the emergence management part, and to retain and store the liquid. In the embodiments shown, the emergence management part 46 comprises a separate layer which is placed on another separate layer comprising the retention portion, thereby forming a dual layer array. The emergence management part serves to quickly collect and temporarily retain the discharged liquids, to transport such liquids from the initial point of contact and to spread the liquid to other parts of the emergence management part, and then to release essentially complete such liquids into the layer or layers comprising the retention portion 48.

The configuration shown representatively of the emergence management part is essentially free of the absorbent gelation material. The emergence management part 46 may, however, contain a very small amount of a particulate gelation material to assist in acquiring an initial liquid emergence, but the amount must not be excessive. When excessive amounts of the particulate absorbent gelation material are maintained in the target zone, however, the particles can cause the structure to retain and contain unacceptably high amounts of liquid. In addition, transporting the liquids out of the target area to other sections of the absorbent structure 32, particularly the retaining portion 48, can be undesirably impaired. As previously mentioned, the emergence layer 46 may be a separately formed layer, which lies on one side of the face-out surface of the topsheet 28 between the retaining portion and the topsheet. Therefore, the emergence management part 46 does not require understanding the full thickness of the absorbent structure 32. The retention portion may optionally include a recessed area which totally or partially surrounds the emergence management part 46, or the retraction part. Retention may be placed completely below the emergence management part. The arrangement which includes the recess in the retention portion 48 can advantageously increase the contact area and liquid communication between the retention part and the emergence management part 48. It should be understood, however, that the handling part of emergence 46 may optionally be constructed to extend through the full thickness of absorbent structure 32 so that the flow of liquid capillary inside retention portion 48 occurs primarily in a generally sideways (XY) direction.

The emergence management part may be of any desired shape consistent with the absorbency requirements of the absorbent structure 32. Suitable shapes include, for example, circular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, oblong, bone of dog, the shape of an hourglass, or the oval. Preferred forms of the emergence management part are those that increase the contact liquid communication surface area between the emergence management part 46 and the retention portion 48 so that the relative capillarity difference between the parts can be used completely In certain embodiments, for example, the emergence management part may be of generally rectangular shape.

In the various configurations of the invention, the emergence management part 46 may extend over the entire length of the retention portion 48, or may extend over only a portion of the length of the retention portion. Where the emergence management part extends only partially along the length of the retention portion, the emergence management part can be selectively placed anywhere along the absorbent structure 32. For example, the part The emergence management 46 can operate more efficiently when it is off-center towards the front waistband of the garment and transversely centered within a front section of the absorbent structure 32. Thus, the emergence management part 46 can be centered approximately the longitudinal center line of the absorbent structure 32 and placed primarily in a central region of a front section of the absorbent structure 32.

In other aspects of the invention, the end edges of the emergence management part may be longitudinally spaced within the end edges of the retaining portion 48. In the particular configurations of the invention, the relatively adjacent front end edge. The corresponding portion of the emergence management part 46 may be separated by a predetermined discrete distance from a front waistband end edge of the retainer portion 48.

It has been found that an effective fabric for constructing the emergence management part can be characterized distinctly by particular parameters. Such parameters include, for example, the basis weight, the permeability, the porosity, the surface area per hollow volume (SA / W), the elasticity in the compression and the saturation capacity. Additional parameters may include a binding matrix which helps to stabilize the pore size structure and hydrophilicity. The matrix-bond and the mixture of fiber deniers can be advantageously provided to maintain substantially a structure of desired pore size.

Additional details regarding the materials of emergence and suitable techniques for determining the parameters described above are set forth in the patent application of the United States of America Series No. 206,986 of C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled CAPE DE SURGIMIENTO OF FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC FOR ABSORBENT PERSONAL CARE AND SIMILAR ITEMS and filed on March 4, 1994 (Attorney's Issue No. 11,256); and U.S. Patent Application No. 206,069 to C. Ellis and R. Everett, entitled FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC OF IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR ABSORBENT PERSONAL CARE AND SIMILAR ITEMS, and filed March 4, 1994 (Lawyer Case No. 11,387); whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

In the desired configurations of the invention, the emergence material may include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, such as synthetic polymer fibers, and combinations thereof. The fabric may, for example, be composed of polyolefin fibers, and in particular configurations, the fibers may include bicomponent fibers. For example, the polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers can be used to form the bicomponent fiber portion of any of the fabrics described.

In addition, the bicomponent fibers may be flat curled or helically crimped.

In the shown configuration of the article, the side panel members 56 are provided members or separately which are operably connected and are attached to the laterally opposite end sections of the rear waistband portion of the bottom sheet 30. In particular each side panel it is fixed to extend outwardly from the corresponding terminal edge of the lower sheet layer. The side panels can be composed of an essentially non-elastomeric material, such as polymer films, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In particular aspects of the invention, the side panels are composed of an elasticized material, such as a stretched-bonded-laminate (SBL) material of a laminated-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, of an elastomeric film, of a material of elastomeric foam, or the like. For example, suitable meltblown fibrous elastomeric fabrics are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to T. Wisneski et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of composite fabrics comprising at least one layer of a non-woven textile fabric secured to a fibrous elastic layer are described in European Patent Application No. EP 0 110 010 published on April 8, 1987 as EP 0 217 032 A2 with the inventors listed as J. Taylor et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of NBL materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to M. Mormon, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of articles which include elasticized side panels and selectively configured fastener appendages are described in the United States patent application Series No. 168,615 of T. Roessler et al., Entitled DYNAMIC ENCLOSURE DIAPER, and filed on December 16, 1993 (Attorney Case No. 10,961). Various techniques for forming the desired fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,219 to T. Roessler et al., Entitled METHOD FOR MAKING A DYEING SYSTEM FOR A DYNAMIC ENTALLE DIAGNOSIS and issued on March 21. of 1995 (Attorney's Case No. 11,186); and Patent Application Serial No. 286,086 of D. Fries, entitled A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTICIATED EARSET and filed on August 3, 1994 (Attorney Case No. 11,169), and in the United States patent application. of North America Series No. 08 / 415,383 by D. Fries, entitled A ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR A LAMINATED TAPE and filed on April 3, 1995 (Attorney Case No. 11,950) and in the United States Patent Application Series No. 08 / 415,382 by D. Fries, entitled AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH A LAMINATED TAPE and filed on April 3, 1995 (Attorney Case No. 11,990). The totalities of the descriptions of the documents described above are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict) with the same.

The fastener system may include a separately provided reinforcing strip 88 which is composed of a reinforcing and / or stiffening material and is laminated to a first surface of each of the side panel members 56 in the outer region 58 of the panel side. The reinforcing strip shown extends along essentially the entire length of the outer end portion of the panel member 56. In addition, the reinforcing strip has a length which is greater than the length dimension of the securing means. 44 on the user attachment portion 38 of the fastening tab 36. The reinforcement strip 88 may, for example, be composed of a release tape, and a release tape may include a substrate composed of a polymer film, such as a polypropylene film. The appropriate release tape materials are available from Avery Corporation, a business having offices located in Painesville, Ohio.

The release tape configuration of the reinforcing strip 88 may have a designated release surface and an opposingly located bonding surface. A suitable release material which has a low level adhesion limited to conventional pressure sensitive adhesives, is placed and distributed over the release surface, and a suitable bonding mechanism, such as an adhesive construction layer, is distributed over the joint surface. the adhesive construction is used to fix the reinforcement strip 88 on the designated section of the final article. In particular, the strip of the release tape can be operably joined and laminated to the outer region 58 of the panel member 56 along the first surface of the panel member. The release tape strip shown can be configured with its terminal outer edge positioned essentially coterminous and essentially coextensive with the outer edge of the panel member 56. Furthermore, the width of the release tape along the transverse direction 24 is desirably equal to or greater than the width of the securing means 44 provided on the user attachment region 38 of the fastening tab 36.

The illustrated fastening system includes the pair of complementary opposing fastener appendages 36, which provides a mechanism for holding the article on the user. Each of the fastener appendages includes an appendage substrate 56 which may be composed of various substrate materials. For example, the shown embodiment of the appendage substrate may be composed of a polymer film, such as a polypropylene film. Suitable film materials are available from Avery Corporation, a business having offices located in Painesville, Ohio. alternatively, the securing fabric may include a woven or non-woven fabric, such as a spun-bonded non-woven fabric.

The appendage substrate shown representatively 86 includes a designated securing surface and an opposing user surface and includes selected securing means which are positioned on the securing surface of the appendage substrate. The securing means may be provided by an adhesive, a cohesive material, a cooperating component of a mechanical interengaging fastener of boteroles, bolts or buckles and the like, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the securing means may include a hook component (eg, a mushroom head) or a curl component of a hook and loop fastener. In the configuration shown, the securing means are provided by a layer of primary adhesive distributed over the designated securing surface, and the fastening system provides an adhesive fastener tab. The fastener appendages may be constructed to releasably adhere to a designated positioning zone patch 92 which is attached to the waistband section of the diaper to provide a resilient adhesive fastening system.

With the adhesive securing means, the primary adhesive layer can be used for operably laminating and fixing the designated factory bond region 39 of the fastening tab 36 to the outer region 58 of the panel member 56 along a second designated surface of the panel member. Other types of connection means, such as thermal joints, sonic joints, mechanical sewing, stapling and the like, as well as combinations thereof, can alternatively be used to permanently attach the fastener appendage to the panel member. For example, ultrasonic bonds can be used to provide a selected complementary bond.

With reference to Figure 1, the fastening tab 36 includes a factory attachment section 39 which overlaps the outer edge of the panel member 56, and extends beyond the panel member to provide the user attachment region of the appendix. bra In particular arrangements of the invention, the fastening tab may have a relatively broad user attachment section in combination with a relatively narrower intermediate section. The intermediate section is placed between the user attachment and factory attachment sections of the fastening tab. In a further aspect of the invention, the fastening tab 36 may optionally include a finger appendage region. The finger appendage can be essentially non-assuring, and can provide an area that can be easily grasped by the user without contaminating or otherwise adversely affecting the securing means.

Various types and arrangements of interlocking mechanical securing means may be employed to provide an operable fastening system for the various configurations of the invention. Representative examples of suitable mechanical fastener configurations are described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 366,080 to G. Zehner et al., Filed December 28, 1994 and entitled "HIGH-FELT APPENDIX BRUSH" ( Attorney's Issue No. 11,571) and in the United States of America Patent Application Series No. 421,640 of P. VanGompel et al., Entitled MULTIPLE UNION CLAMPING SYSTEM and filed on April 13, 1995 (Lawyer's Affair No 11,430) whose complete descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

The following examples are presented to provide a more detailed understanding of the invention. The examples are intended to be representative, and no attempt is made to specifically limit the scope of the invention.

Examples Example 1: Each sample was composed of a 1.0 mil (0.0254 mm) thick polyurethane film, MP 1882 P class, available from JPS Elastomerics Corporation, a business having offices in Northampton, Massachusetts. The elastomeric film exhibited inadequate low stiffness values, which were lower than the test scale of the test instrument.

Example 2: The samples were taken from the Strech PAMPERS diapers which were distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company, a business having offices in Cincinnati, Ohio. The diapers included a flap or waist barrier, and test samples were taken for the fins or waist barriers. The size of each flap or waist barrier was too small for the test as an individual piece of material. As a result of this, each test sample included the waist flap material attached to the connected sections of the diaper lining sheet and the bottom sheet of the diaper. The joining of the aggregate layers of the liner and lower sheet materials increased the overall stiffness of each test sample. As a result of this, it is believed that the stiffness values observed were higher than the values that would have been measured if the tests had been carried out on composite samples of the waist flap material alone. The waist flap in each of the samples in this Example 2 was composed of an elastomeric three-layer laminate. The laminate was composed of a film layer (polyvinyl acetate copolymer: polyethylene with filler Ti02) placed in sandwich form between the two layers of polypropylene nonwoven, and thermally bonded together. the samples exhibited stiffness values that were excessively low.

Example 3: The samples were taken from diapers distributed by Molnlycke A.G., a business having offices in Goteborg, Sweden. The diapers included a contact layer with the inner body having a relatively large elongated central opening or perforation therethrough. The elastics extending longitudinally were joined to fold the edge regions of the inner layer which were adjacent to the lateral edges of the opening. The material of the inner layer located on one side of the longitudinally opposite end edges of the opening was observed to provide structures which resembled a pair of waist flaps. The Molnlycke diapers provided sufficient material to remove individual samples large enough for the stiffness test. The samples can be taken as if they had been removed from a supply of raw material, and measured one inch (2.54 cm) in length by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in width. Each sample was a non-woven fabric composed of a bonded-carded polypropylene fabric. The samples exhibited stiffness values that were excessively low.

Example 4: Each sample was a laminate composed of a polyethylene film of 0.00035 inches (about 0. 0089 mm) code SF20 available from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company, a business having offices in Chippewa Fallas, Wisconsin. The laminate had 12 LYCRA elastomer yarns of 470 dtex (decitex) applied narrowed at approximately 260% elongation, with 5 yarns within the bag section 84 and 7 yarns within the flange section 82. The elastic yarns and of film were assembled and bonded to a fabric bonded with polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fiber yarn having a basis weight of 0.6 ounces per square yard (about 20.4 g / m2) with 6.5 g / m2 of FINDLEY H2096 adhesive using a melt spray applicator available from J. & M. Laboratories, Inc., a business having offices in Dawsonville, Georgia. The samples were representative of waist bag members suitable for the present invention.

Example 5: Each sample was a laminate composed of a polyethylene film of 0.00035 inches (about 0. 0089 mm), code SF20 available from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company The laminate had 12 threads of LYCRA elastomer of 470 decitex applied at approximately 260% elongation, with 7 threads inside the bag section and with 5 threads inside the flange section. The elastic threads and the film were bonded to a fabric bonded with polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fiber yarn having a basis weight of 0.6 ounces per square yard (about 20.4 g / m2) with 6.5 g / m2 of adhesive FINDLEY H2096 using a melted spray applicator available from J. & M. The samples were representative of the waist bag members suitable for the present invention.

Example 6: Each sample was a laminate composed of a polyethylene film of 0.0006 inches (about 0.015 mm) thick, code XEM400.1 available from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company. The laminate had 6 360 denier GLOSPAN S7 threads with 2 threads within the bag section applied at an elongation of approximately 175% with 4 threads within the flange section applied at approximately an elongation of 150%. The film and elastic yarns were glued to a fabric fabric bonded with polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fiber yarn having a basis weight of 0.6 ounces per square yard (about 20.4 g / m2) with 5 g / m2 of FINDLEY adhesive H9214 using a swirl applicator. The samples were representative of the waist bag members suitable for the present invention.

Example 7: Each sample was a laminate composed of a 0.0006 inch (about 0.015 mm) thick polyethylene film (code XEM400.1 available from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company) The laminate had 6 360 denier GLOSPAN S7 yarns, with 2 yarns with the bag section applied at approximately 175% elongation and with 4 threads within the flange section applied at an elongation of approximately 150% Elastic yarns and the film were bonded to a cloth fabric bonded with yarn of polypropylene having a basis weight of 0.5 ounces per square yard (about 20.4 g / m2) with 5 g / m2 of FINDLEY H9214 adhesive using a swirl applicator.The samples were representative of the waist bag members suitable for this invention.

Example 8: Each sample was a laminate composed of a polypropylene film of 0.00035 inches (about 0.0089 mm) thick, code XSF184 available from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company. The laminate had 6 threads of GLOSPAN S7 of 490 denier, with 2 threads within the bag section applied at an elongation of approximately 200% and with 4 threads within the flange section applied at an elongation of 150%. The film and elastic yarns were glued to a fibrous fabric bonded with polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fiber yarn having a basis weight of 0.6 ounces per square yard (about 20.4 g / m2) with a FINDLEY H2096 adhesive using a bonding technique. thread coating. The samples were representative of the waist bag members suitable for the present invention.

The Gurley stiffness values of Examples 1-6 are summarized in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1: GURLEY RIGIDITY VALUES Gurley Rigidity Values (Standard Gurley Units - milligram force) Prom. = Average Measurement Units: Standard Gurley Units, which are equivalent to milligrams of force (mf) During the test, the room was at standard conditions of 73 ° F (around 23 ° C) and a relative humidity of 50%. One suitable device for taking the measurements is a Gurley Digital Stiffness Tester, Model 4171-D, available from Teledyne Gurley, a business having offices in Troy, New York, or an equivalent device. The test procedure was in accordance with TAPPI T543 om-94. Examples 1 and 4 to 8 had the Gurley stiffness values obtained from raw material samples of the films or laminates described.

Having described the invention in considerable detail it will be apparent that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

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

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal extension dimension, a lateral transverse dimension, a front waistband part, a back waistband part, an intermediate part which interconnects said front and back waistband parts, and which has a pair of side margins elastized, laterally opposed, said article comprises: a lower sheet layer; a liquid-permeable upper sheet layer connected in a superposed relation to said lower sheet layer; an absorbent body placed in the form of a sandwich between said upper sheet layer and said lower sheet sheet; Y an elasticized waist bag member connected to at least one of the lower sheet and upper sheet layers along at least one end margin of said article, said waist bag member includes a flange section that it extends and a section of bag that extends; said bag section of said waist bag member includes an essentially fixed edge portion secured to said article, an elasticized folded mobile edge part, a bag barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid, a layer of bag fabric connected in a front relationship with said bag barrier layer, and a plurality of laterally extending and separated elastic bag members positioned in sandwich form between said bag barrier layer and said bag fabric to provide an elasticized waist bag composite which is essentially folded.

2. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said flange section of the waist bag member includes: a flange barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid; a layer of flange fabric connected in a front relationship with said flange barrier layer; Y a plurality of laterally extending and spaced flange elastic members positioned in sandwich form between said flange barrier layer and said flange fabric layer to provide an elastified flange composite which is folded substantially laterally by said members flange elastics.

3. An article as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said bag section of said waist bag member is integrally formed with said flange section of said waist bag member; said bag barrier layer is formed integrally with said flange barrier layer to provide a bag-flange barrier layer; and said fabric bag layer is formed integrally with said fabric flange layer to provide a layer of bag-flange fabric.

4. An article as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that said bag-flange barrier layer is essentially coextensive with said layer of bag-flange fabric.

5. An article as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that said elastic members in said flange section are spaced apart from the elastic members in said bag section by a boundary space which provides a separation distance of at least around 2 mm.

6. An article as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that at least one of said elastic members in said bag section is located between said essentially fixed edge portion and said moving edge portion of said bag section, and is spacing of said essentially fixed edge portion of said bag section by a close separation distance of no more than about 20 mm.

7. Such and such article is claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said bag section of said waist bag member is secured to the topsheet by a joining region which is essentially restricted to said boundary space in at least a section of said boundary space which is in the laterally middle part of said article.

8. An article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said bag section of said waist bag member has laterally opposite end sections which are secured to lie essentially flat against said top sheet.

9. An article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said bag section of said waist bag member is secured to the top sheet with a binding arrangement of generally U shape.

10. An article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said lower sheet layer includes a terminal waist band edge having an inwardly extending notch region formed therein, and said flange section of said bag member The waist is configured to extend through the notch regions.

11. An article as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said elastic flange members are configured to provide a flange contraction force and said elastic bag members are configured to provide a bag contraction force, with said force of flange contraction greater than said bag contraction force.

12. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said elastic bag members are separated from an end edge of said movable edge part of the bag section by a distance of no more than about 13 mm.

13. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said elastic bag members are spaced from an end edge of said movable edge portion of the bag section by a distance of no more than about 7 mm.

14. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that one of the elastic bag members is located approximately on one side of and spaced from said terminal edge of said movable edge portion by a distance of not more than about 1. mm.

15. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said terminal edge is essentially unfolded.

16. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said bag section has a stiffness value of at least about 5 mg.

17. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said bag section has a stiffness value of at least about 15 mg.

18. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said bag section has a stiffness value of at least about 30 mg.

19. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said bag section has a stiffness value of at least about 250 mg.

20. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said bag section has a stiffness value of not more than about 200 mg.

21. An article as claimed in clause 1, characterized by said bag section having a stiffness value of no more than about 170 mg. SUMMARY An absorbent article includes a longitudinal extension dimension, a lateral transverse dimension, a front waistband portion, a rear waistband portion, an intermediate portion which interconnects the front and back waistband portions, and a pair of side margins laterally elasticated opposites. The article has a lower sheet layer, and a liquid-permeable upper sheet layer connected in a superposed relation to the lower sheet layer. An absorbent body is placed in the form of a sandwich between the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer, and an elasticized bag pouch member is connected to at least one of the lower sheet and upper sheet layers throughout of at least one end margin of the article. The waist bag member includes a flange section that extends and a section of bag that extends. The bag section of the waist bag member includes an essentially fixed edge portion secured to the article., and an elasticized folded movable edge portion, which is longitudinally spaced from the fixed edge portion. The bag section may also include a bag barrier layer essentially impermeable to liquid, and a layer of bag fabric connected in a front relationship with the bag barrier layer. Additionally, a plurality of spaced apart laterally extending elastic bag members can be sandwich-shaped between the bag barrier layer and the ply fabric layer to thereby provide a waist bag or elasticated pouch compound which is essentially folded laterally.