PT89441B - DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH MECHANICAL COMBINATION AND FIXING SYSTEM BY ADHESIVE TAPE - Google Patents

Description

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that THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, North American (Ohio State), industrial, headquartered in One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincin-nati, Ohio, United States of America, intends to obtain in Portugal for " DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH COMICAL MEASUREMENT AND ADHESIVE PITA FIXATION SYSTEM " The present invention relates to disposable absorbent article systems, and more particularly to a fastening system for disposable absorbent articles that provide a mechanical combination and an adhesive tape fastening system. The use of fastening adhesive tape systems to connect the corners of a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper is well known in the art. Examples of these types of adhesive tape fastening are described in U.S. Patent Re. 26,151 entitled " Disposable Diaper " which was granted to Robert 0. Duncan et al. on January 31, 1967, and in U.S. No. 3,843,594, entitled " Disposable Diaper Fastening Systems " issued to Kenneth B. Buell on November 19, 1974. 30

Adhesive tape fastening systems provide a connection means for holding an absorbent article disposable on the wearer during use. In addition, the resealable adhesive tape fastening systems allow the disposable absorbent article to be folded or wrapped in a compact disposable carton, attached in an original bad configuration. 35 1 5 10 15 71-10 000 οχ · 4-U / 20 25 30

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disposable, and easily deposited in trash receptacles. When such adhesive tape fasteners are attached to the wound absorbent article, the contents of the absorbent article are prevented from overflowing or spilling while the absorbent article is being discarded. Adhesive tape fastening systems, however, have a number of defects, one of which is that they are easily contaminated by oils or powders that come into contact with the adhesive placed on the tape strips, so that the adhesive is not readily adheres to the absorbent article with sufficient force to provide effective side closure. In addition, a tape recording system may cause the bottom sheet of the absorbent article to rupture or tear when the fastening system is not secured, to check whether the absorbent article has been soiled or to adjust its fastening, thereby a bore in its bottom sheet which makes the fastening system not fixable again and the absorbent article is not usable. Thus it will be advantageous to provide an attachment system which is not easily contaminated by oils and put, which is more convenient to re-attach, and which does not render the article absorbent or the anchoring system unusable after the attachment. A number of designs have been provided to provide washable diapers having mechanical fastening systems disposed on the body portion of the absorbent article. Further, designs for providing a disposable absorbent article with a tape fastening system having a mechanical fastening element was disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 078,345 entitled " Disposable Diaper having Broad Convergent Fixed Fibers ", deposited by Harold R. Burkhard and Kenneth 3. 3uel on July 18, 1987, and in the application US co-pending application of US Pat. No. 007,841, entitled " Disposable Diaper having an Improved Fixing Device ", filed January 25, 1987. Although the delivery systems

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mechanical fasteners, such as hooks and mechanical fasteners of the loop type, generally provide fastening systems which are not easily contaminated by oils and put and which are more convenient for fixing again than adhesive fastening systems, mechanical fastening are typically more expensive than adhesive tape fastening systems and do not provide an available system whereby the absorbent article can be wound so as to contain the contents of the absorbent article and attached in the available configuration so that the absorbent article can be conveniently thrown away. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a combination of mechanical system and adhesive tape attachment. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposable absorbent article having an improved fastening system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable absorbent article having a combination of mechanical system and adhesive tape fastening. These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when considered with reference to the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. According to the present invention, a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is provided with a combination of mechanical and adhesive tape fastening system. While the tape fastening system may have various configurations, it preferably comprises a a strip of tape comprising a first securing member attached to and disposed over a first area of the tape strip and an adhesive fastening means associated with and disposed on at least a second area of the tape strip and an adhesive element which comprises a second fastening element engageable with the first fastening element of the ORIGINAL BAD! - 3 - 35 1 5 10 15 £ ?? - * - * ο ΟΠΟ οι 20 25 30

C £ 39 3759 WMP 13 Μ1989 tape strip. In use, the first fastening member engages the second fastening member and the fastening means is secured to either the second fastening member or a portion of the body portion of the absorbent article such that the lower sheet provides After the absorbent article has been impregnated with dirt, it may be folded or rolled in a pattern to discard which generally prevents the contents of the soiled absorbent article from overflowing or spilling out of the article The first attachment member and the means of the adhesive fastening may be disposed on the tape strip in a number of configurations in that a second area of means for absorbing the absorbent article is attached to the web, Accordingly, the first adhesive member is provided with an adhesive fastening mechanism to provide a mechanical combination of adhesive fastening. and the adhesive attachment means are each fully disposed at the user's end of the ribbon strip with the first securing member disposed adjacent the distal edge of the ribbon strip. More preferably, a portion of the adhesive attachment means is disposed adjacent the first securing member to attach the first securing member to the ribbon strip. Alternatively, the adhesive bonding means may be disposed and exposed over more than one area of the ribbon strip, so that the first securing member is, for example, disposed between a first sub-area and a second sub- area of the adhesive bonding means. Figure 1 is a perspective view of parts taken from a drawable embodiment embodying the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the comer of the diaper taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the comer of the diaper

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shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a plan view of the comer of an alternate embodiment of the diaper. The fastening systems of the present invention are useful and beneficial when applied to disposable absorbent articles. As used herein, the term " disposable absorbent article " refers to articles which absorb and contain exudates from the body and, more specifically, refers to articles which are placed against or in the vicinity of the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body and which are intended to be rejected after a single use (ie they are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or used again). A preferred embodiment of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention is a diaper 20. As used herein, the term " diaper " refers to an article of clothing generally worn by children or incontinent persons which are applied between the legs and are secured around the waist of the wearer. Examples of diaper species to which the present invention is most readily adaptable are shown in the above-referenced U.S. Patent Re. 25,151 issued to Duncan et al. and U.S. Patent 3,850,003 entitled " Disposable Side Portions for Disposable Diaper " which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be apparent from the following description that the tape fastening system shown and described herein may be applied to the body portion of each closure. On the other hand, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific diaper structure or configuration. Referring to the drawings, it will be noted that Figure 1 is a perspective view with parts partially withdrawn from the diaper 20 of the present invention prior to being placed in place on the wearer of the diaper by the wearer of the diaper. As can be seen in Figure 1, a preferred diaper

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of the cap 20 comprises a body portion 22 and a securing system 24. A preferred body portion 22 comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 25, an absorbent core 28, a liquid impervious backsheet 30, and elastically contractible leg cuffs 32 which comprise a side flap 34 and one or more elastic members 3o. While the topsheet 26, the absorbent core 28, the backsheet 30, the side flaps 34, and the elastic members 36 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, the preferred disposable diaper configuration is depicted and described in general in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to Kenneth B. Buell of January 14, 1975, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the body portion 22 in which the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 30 are coextensive and have dimensions of length and width generally larger than those of the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 26 is overlapped on the bottom sheet 30 thereby forming the periphery 33 of the body portion 22. The periphery 33 defines the outer perimeter or, in other words, the outer extent of the body portion 22. The periphery 33 extends along longitudinal edges 40 and end edges 42 . The body portion 22 has an inner surface 44 and an outer surface 46. In general, the outer surface 46 of the diaper 20 extends from one end edge 42 to another end edge 42 of the diaper and a longitudinal edge 40 to another longitudinal edge 40 of the diaper and is the distal surface of the wearer during use of the diaper 20. When a backsheet 30 is used, it typically forms the outer surface of the body portion 22. The inner surface 44 is that surface of the diaper opposite the outer surface 46 and in the depicted embodiment is typically formed by the sheet

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Case 3759 WMP is that coextensive surface with the outer surface 46 and which is mostly in contact with the wearer when the diaper 20 is worn. The diaper 20 has first and second regions 48 and 50, respectively, extending from the terminal edges 42 of the periphery of the diaper 38 towards the lateral centerline of the diaper 20. Both the first terminal region 48 and the second region terminus 50 extend by a distance of about half the length of the diaper 20 such that the end regions each comprise half of the diaper 20.

Each of the first end regions 43 and the second end regions 50 have panels 51. The panels 51 are those portions of the first end region 48 and the second end region 50 which overlaps when the diaper 20 is secured around the wearer's waist. The extent to which the terminal regions overlap and thus the extent to which the panels 51 are formed will depend upon the overall dimensions and shape of the diaper 20 and the size of the wearer. The absorbent core 28 of the body portion 22 may be any medium which is generally compressible, shaped, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body exudates. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, clock face, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in diapers and other absorbent articles such as shredded wood pulp which is generally referred to as " airfelt " (air felt). Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include corrugated cellulose wads, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent materials or combination of materials. To capacity

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However, the absorbent size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 may be varied to accommodate users ranging from absorbent core 28 to the absorbent core 28. children to adults. While the absorbent core 23 may comprise a single layer of absorbent material such as the configuration described in U.S. Pat. . 4,610,673 entitled " High Density Absorbent Structure " which was assigned to Paul T. Weisman and Steven A. Goldman on September 9, 1936, which patent is incorporated herein by reference, a preferred embodiment of the core absorbent core 23 is a dual-layer absorbent core in a preferred configuration as is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402 entitled " Absorbent Article With Double Layer Cores " which was issued to Paul T. Weisman, Dawn I. Houghton and Dale A. Gellert on June 16, 1937, and which is hereby incorporated by reference, having an asymmetrical shaped top layer 52 and a lower layer 54. The layer upper layer 52 preferably acts as a liquid distribution acquisition layer which mainly comprises hydrophilic fiber material. The backsheet 54 acts as a fluid storage layer composed of a mixture of hydrophilic fiber material and particles of a gel material (hydrogel material). Each of the upper layers 52 and lower layer 54 preferably comprises an absorbent layer embedded in the fabric layer. It will be understood, however, that the size, shape, configuration, and overall absorbency of the topsheet 52 or the backsheet 54 may be varied to accommodate variation of the users from children to adults. Therefore, the dimensions, shape and configuration of both the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 may be varied (for example, the topsheet or the topsheet may have a variable gauge, a hydrophilic gradient, a rapid acquisition zone or

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may contain absorbent gelling material). The absorbent core 28 is overlaid onto the sheet < bottom adhesive 30 and is preferably associated therewith by core bonding means 55 such as those well known in the art, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives, heat melt adhesives or other adhesives; ultrasonic connections or pressure / heat seals. The absorbent core 28 may be secured to the backsheet 30 by a uniform continuous adhesive layer, a standardized layer of adhesive, or any row of separate lines or stitches of adhesive. An adhesive which has been found to be satisfactory is preferably a hot melt adhesive such as that manufactured by Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tennessee and marketed under the trade name Eastobond A-3 or Century Adhesives, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio and marketed under the trade name Cen-try 5227. The core attachment means 55 preferably comprises an open pattern web of adhesive filaments as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled " Disposable Dust Containment Garments " which was granted to James A. Minetola and David R. Tucker on March 4, 1986, and which is hereby incorporated by reference. The backsheet 30 is liquid impermeable and is preferably made from thin plastic film, although other flexible, liquid impermeable materials may also be used. The backsheet 30 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 23 from soiling the articles contacting the diaper 20 such as sheets and undergarments. Preferably, the backsheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 (2.0 mils), although other flexible, liquid impervious materials may be used. As used herein, the term " flexible " refers to materials which are suitable and readily adapt to the general shape and contours of the human body.

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A suitable polyethylene film is manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Corporation and marketed as Film No. 8020. The backsheet 30 is preferably embossed and / or mat finished to provide a fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 30 may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 23 at the same top which still prevents the exudates from passing through the backsheet 30. The size of the backsheet 30 is dictated by the size of the absorbent core 23 and by the axacto chosen from the diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet 30 has a modified watch glass shape that extends beyond the absorbent core from a minimum distance of at least 1.3 cm to about 2.5 cm (about 0.5 to about 1.0 inch) about the entire periphery of the diaper 33. The topsheet 26 of the body portion 22 of the present invention is suitable, soft-touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 26 is liquid pervious, allowing liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 26 may be fabricated from a wide range of materials such as porous foams, crosslinked foams, perforated films, natural fibers (for example, IS or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g. polyester or polypropylene) or from a combination of natural or synthetic fibers. Preferably, it is made of a hydrophobic material to insulate the skin of the wearer of liquids held in the absorbent core 23.

A particularly preferred topsheet 26 comprises fiber length polypropylene fibers having a denier of about 1.5 such as Hercules Type 151 polypropylene fibers, commercially available from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, Delavare. As used herein the term " fibers " refers to those fibers having a length of at least

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about 15.9 mm (0.625 inch). There are a number of manufacturing techniques which may be used to manufacture the topsheet 26. For example, the topsheet 26 may be woven, nonwoven, drawn, carded, hydroformed or the like. A preferred topsheet 26 is carded and thermally bonded by those well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the topsheet 26 has a basis weight of about 15 to about 30 grams per square meter, a minimum dry tensile strength of at least about 400 grams per canometer in the machine direction, and a wet tensile strength of at least about 55 grams per centimeter in the cross-machine direction. The topsheet 26 and the backsheet 30 are joined together in any appropriate manner as is known in the art of diaper manufacture. As used herein, the term " associated " comprises configurations wherein the topsheet 26 is directly attached to the backsheet 30 by affixing the topsheet 26 directly to the backsheet 30 and configurations by which the topsheet is indirectly attached to the backsheet 30 by affixing the topsheet 25 by means of intermediate elements which in turn are fixed to the backsheet 30. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 30 are connected directly to each other at the periphery of the diaper 33 by flap attachment 56 such as an adhesive or any other attachment means, as is known in the art. In general, the core attachment means 55 which secures the absorbent core 28 to the bottom foil 30 is the same as the flap attachment means 56 which affixes the topsheet 26 to the backsheet 30. Thus, for example, a layer a uniform layer of adhesive remains a molded layer of adhesive, a row of separate lines or points of adhesive, or a network of adhesive filaments such as those depicted in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. 4,573,986 may be used. bad original 30 1 5 10 15 3 Ο 20 25 30

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Elastically contractile leg cuffs 32 are disposed adjacent the periphery 3δ of the body portion 22, preferably along each longitudinal edge 40 so that the leg cuffs 32 tend to apply and maintain the diaper 20 against the wearer's legs . While the leg cuffs 32 may comprise any of a number of means which are well known in the art of diapers, a preferred leg cuff construction comprises a side flap 34 and one or more elastic members 36, as is described in detail in U.S. Pat. American n. 3,860,003 referenced hereinbefore. In addition, a process and apparatus suitable for making a disposable diaper having elastically contractile leg cuffs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,301, entitled " Process and Apparatus for Connecting Elastic Fibers Stretched, Separated, to Preselected Isolated Portions of Absorbent Disposables " issued to Kenneth B. Sueli on March 28, 1978, which is incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the elastically concatile leg cuff 32 comprises a side flap 34 and an elastic member 36 which comprises an elastic filament. The diaper 20 is provided with a tape fastening system 24 to form a side fastener. Thus, the diaper 20 is adjusted to the wearer and the first tone region 48 and the second top region 50 are maintained in an overlapping configuration when the diaper 50 is worn. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 1, the tape securing system 24 comprises a strip of tape 60 disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge 40 of the body portion 22 in the first end region 48, each comprising a first securing member 62 attached to and disposed on a first area of the ribbon strip 60 and adhesive attachment means 63 associated with and disposed on at least a second area of the ribbon strip 60 for bonding less than

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second area to another portion of the diaper 20 so that the ribbon strip has a mechanical combination and adhesive closure mechanism; and a platform member 64r which preferably comprises both a second attachment member 66 engageable with the first attachment member 62 and a portion of the lower sheet 30 disposed on the outer surface 46 of the body portion 22 in the second terminal region 50 .

As shown in the drawings, the tape fastening system 24 preferably comprises a tape strip 60. Any of the well known configurations and constructions of the tape strip may be used. A preferred ribbon strip 60 is a strip of Y-shaped tape as described in detail in U.S. Pat. . No. 3,848,594 entitled " Disposable Diaper Tape Attachment System " which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on November 19, 1974, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively preferred tape strips are described in detail in copending U.S. patent application Ser. Serial No. 078,345, entitled " Free Shipping Diaper having Convergent Fixing Tapes ", filed July 23, 1937 by Harold R. Burkhardt and JCenneth B. 3uell, which is hereby incorporated by reference. As shown in Figure 1, a strip of tape 60 is provided adjacent to each longitudinal edge 40 of the body portion 22, more preferably in the first terminal region 48.

A particularly preferred ribbon strip 60 is shown in Figure 2 and has a fastening surface 70 and a bottom surface 72. The fastening surface 70 is that surface of the ribbon strip 60 designed to engage the platform element 64 of the present invention . Thus, the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60 will generally correspond to the inner surface 44 of the body portion 22 and will have the adhesive fastening means 63 and the first securing member 62 disposed thereon. A. lower surface 72 is

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lies the opposing surface of the attachment surface 70 and generally corresponds to the outer surface 410 of the body portion 22. The liner surface or lower surface 72 is thus generally exposed during use of the diaper 20. The preferred ribbon strip 60 shown in FIG. 2 is one that is anchored to both the inner surface 44 and the outer surface 45 of the body portion 22 to create a manufacturing end (i.e., that connection of the ribbon strip 60 of the diaper 20 made during the manufacture of the carton 20). The strip of tape 60 has another member forming the end of the wearer (i.e., that joint formed by the piece securing the diaper to the wearer). Thus, the preferred ribbon strip 60 of the present invention has at least three elements: a first fixed portion 74 having a first surface 75 and a second surface 75 ', a second fixed portion 76 having a first surface 77 and a second surface 77 ', and a design portion 78 having a first surface 79 and a second surface 79'. The first fixed portion 74 is that portion of the ribbon strip 60 that is attached to the inner surface 44 of the body portion 22. The second fixed portion 75 is that portion of the ribbon strip 60 that is attached to the outer surface 45 of the body portion 22. The first fixed portion 74 and the second fixed portion 7o thus form the end of the manufacturer of the ribbon strip 60. The connecting portion 78 is that portion of the ribbon strip 60 that is attached to the other portion of the diaper 20, generally the platform member 64, by the user when securing the diaper 20 over the wearer. The portion 78 thus forms the end of the user. Further, the second surface 77 'of the second fixed portion 75 and the second surface 79' of the attachment portion 78 from the second surface 75 ' liner surface 72 of the tape strip 60 while the first surface 75 of the first fixed portion 74 and the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78 form the securing surface 70 of the tape strip 60. The preferred tape strip 60 in the form of Y from the

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The present invention can be constructed in various ways. The first fixed portion 74, the second fixed portion 76, and the portion of the attachment 78 may each be separate ribbons that meet and are attached adjacent the longitudinal edge 40 of the body portion 22 in a joint area. A more practical structure for the tape strip 60 is one that the connecting portion 78 and either the first fixed portion 74 or the second fixed portion 76 is a unitary strip of the tape material. If the connecting portion 78 is unitary with the second portion 76 as shown in Figure 2, then the first fixed portion 74 is a separate member which is connected to the combined binder portion 73 and to the second portion 76 adjacent the long edge ; sectional portion 40 of the body portion 22 in a joint area 80. Figure 2 also shows strip attachment means for securing the ribbon strip 60 to the body portion 22. This strip attachment means is any of the connecting means that provide a suitable bond, and preferably are any of the pressure sensitive adhesives well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The second surface 75 'of the first fixed portion 74 is secured to the inner surface 44 of the body portion 22 by a first strip attachment means 31. The first surface 77 of the second portion 76 is affixed to the outer surface 45 of the body portion 22 by a second attachment means by strip 82. The attachment portion 78 has an adhesive attachment means 63 associated therewith on the first surface 79. The adhesive attachment means 63 forms a joint between the attachment portion 78 and platform member 64, preferably the bottom sheet or liner 30, during use. Since the connecting portion 78 and the second fixed portion 76 are preferably unitary, as shown in Figure 2, the adhesive securing means 63 and the second attachment means 82 are generally the same coated element on the frame unit in a continuous manner. Preferred Materials for Tape Strips 60 BAD ORIGINAL > L________. 35 1 5 10 15 60.57 Ο Case 3759 WM? .-13.JAII.S89

comprise a tape material such as code numbers XPF 14.43.0, Y-9376, or Y-9030 sold by The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St., Paul, Minnesota. The tape material in the embodiments is preferably a polyethylene film having a seaming strip attachment means for attaching to the polyethylene positioned on the tape material. The strip attachment means may comprise any of those adhesives which provide a suitable bond with other portions of the diaper and is preferably any of the pressure sensitive adhesives well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The preferred strip attachment means is a pressure sensitive adhesive such as that having XPF code number 1.42.34, marketed by The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. /.η*ν * χο οοο οι - ii · ροη 20 25 30

As shown in Figure 2, the ribbon strip 60 may also have a tightening strip 83 on the distal edge 71 of the connecting portion 78. The tightening strip may be formed by folding over a small margin of the distal edge 71 of the portion and connecting it to itself. This forms an end over the connecting portion 73 which is easier to grasp by the diaper user when the diaper 20 is to be secured and attached to the wearer. The tightening strip 83 is most beneficial when in use when the connecting portion 78 is overlapped on the first fixed portion 74. The first fastening element 62 of the strip of fj. the first fastening member 62 provides a member or members engaging the second securing member 66 of the platform member 64 to provide a side closure binding. The first fastening member 62 may thus comprise any of the well known means for achieving a side fastener such as hook fastening materials or loop fastening materials.

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The first securing member 62 may be a separate member adjacent to the ribbon strip 60 or unitary member with the ribbon strip 60. For example, the ribbon strip 60 may be fabricated so as to have engaging members formed or molded therein so as to mechanically engage the platform member 64 (the ribbon strip 60 having a first unitary fastening element 62), or a separate plaster or strip of material may be joined to the ribbon strip 60 (a first separate fastening element 62 ). Preferably, the first attachment member 62 is a separate patch of material adjacent a portion of the attachment surface 70 of the imaging strip 60. The first fastening element 62 is preferably adjacent a portion of the fastening surface 70 to the tape 60. As used herein, the term " together " encompasses configurations wherein the first securing member 62 is releasably attached to the ribbon strip 60 so that the first securing member 62 can be torn from the adhesive attachment means 63 by the user especially after the diaper 20 has been soiled and whereby the first securing member 62 is secured to the ribbon strip 60 such that the first securing member 62 is securely secured to the tape 60. Junction is the term also used to denote that the first securing member 62 may be directed adjacent to the ribbon strip 60 or may be indirectly adjacent to the ribbon strip 60 such as by releasable attachment or securing the first securing member 62 to an intermediate member which in turn is releasably or secured to the tape tab 60. Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the first securing member 62 is directly attached to the securing portion 78 of the tab tape 60 by the adhesive attachment means 63, although any other adhesive attachment means, as is known in the art, may be used to join the first securing member 62 to the ribbon strip; for example, the adhesive attachment medium may be placed ORIGINAL BAD. a 1 5 10 15

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on the first securing member 62 separately and the material combined with the connecting portion 78. While the first securing member 62 may be disposed at any point on the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60, the first securing member 62 is preferably disposed entirely over the connecting portion 78 (user's end) of the ribbon strip 60. Additionally, while the first securing member 62 may be disposed at any point on the connecting portion 73, such as in the adjacent position to the junction area 80 or in the middle section of the connecting portion 73, the second attachment member 62 is preferably disposed adjacent the distal edge 71 such that 62 provides the maximum adjustment of the framer 20 to the wearer. As shown in the drawings, the first securing member 62 is disposed on a first area of the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60. Thus, the area; of the first securing member 62 generally defines the first area. The first area may have any desired shape, for example, rectangular, square, circular, oval, triangular, or trapezoidal. In preferred embodiments of the present invention as shown in Figure 3, the first area will have the rectangular shape. In order to provide a mechanical and adhesive combination fastening system, the first area should be less than the total surface area of the attachment surface 70. Thus, it was found that the first area should be between about 5¾ and about 95% of the total surface area of the fastening surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60. Color! most preferably, the first securing member 72 is disposed entirely on the connecting portion 78 (user's end) of the ribbon strip 60. Thus, the first area preferably comprises from about 10% to about 90%, with greater preferably from about 20% to about 70%

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of the total surface area of the exemplary embodiment, the first area comprises about 33% of the total surface area of the connecting portion 78 such that the first area is about 25 mm (about 1 inch) by about 12.5 mm (about 1/2 inch) about 312.5 mm 2). Figure 2 shows a first preferred securing member 62 of the present invention. The first fastening member 62 of the present invention preferably comprises a hook fastening material 84. As used herein, the term " hook fastening material " is used to denote a material having engaging elements 86. Thus, the capping material 62 may also be referred to as a male fastener. It should also be understood that the use of the term " hook " is not limited in the sense of the engagement elements 86 may comprise any shapes as are known in the art in that they are adapted to engage a second securing member 66 further. As shown, the hook fastening material 84 preferably comprises a base 83 having a first surface and a second surface and a plurality of engaging elements 86 extending from the first surface of the base 83. Each of the engaging elements 85 are shown to comprise a stem 94 engaged at one end on the first surface of the base 83 and an enlarged stub 9a positioned at the end of the rod 94 opposite the base 83. The preferred hook attachment material 84 of the present invention is intended to engage fibrous elements of a loop fastening material to provide a secure fastening device. Thus, the hook fastening material 84 can be fabricated from a wide range of materials. Suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combinations of these materials. A suitable hook fastening material 84

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β Mm comprises a number of shaped elements 8 'to be engaged, projecting from a tectonic liner such as the commercially available material designated " Dcotchmate " No. FJ 3402 sold by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. Alternatively, the engaging elements may be of any shape such as hooks, " T's ", or any other form as SaO well-known in the art. A particularly preferred hook fixation material is described in co-pending United States patent application Serial No. 07 / 007,841 entitled " Disposable Disposable Trace " having an Enhanced Fixing Device " , filed January 25, 1937, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The adhesive fastening means 63 provides an adhesive layer for connecting at least a second area of the ribbon strip 60 to other portions of the diaper 20. The adhesive fastening means 63 may also provide a bonding means for connecting the portion of connection 73 of the tape strip 60 to the first fixed portion 74 and to the second fixed portion 76, means for attaching the first securing member 62 is the tape strip 60, and / or a means available for attaching the diaper 20 in a configuration for availability so as to retain the contents of the soiled diaper and to provide for the convenient availability of the diaper 20. Thus, the adhesive attachment means 63 of those adhesives which provide a suitable bond with other portions of the diaper, and preferably is any of the well- known to those of ordinary skill in the art of adhesives. The adhesive attachment means 63 most preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive such as XPF code number 1.42.3-sold by The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota.

While the adhesive attachment means 63 may be disposed at any point on the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60, the adhesive attachment means 63 is

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Case 3759 WMP 10 is disposed entirely on the connecting portion 78 (user's ends) of the ribbon strip 60. Additionally, while the adhesive attachment means 63 may be disposed at any point on the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78 of the tape strip 60 such as the adjacent distal edge 71 or in the middle section of the connecting portion 78, the adhesive attachment means 63 is preferably disposed adjacent the first securing member 62 and, more preferably, less a second area of the attachment surface 70. 15 20

As shown in the drawings, the adhesive attachment means 63 is disposed on at least a second area of the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 50. The second area is defined by the total exposed area of the adhesive disposed on the attachment surface 70 or first surface 79 of the connecting portion 73 of the ribbon strip 60. Thus, the second area generally defines the area of the attachment surface 70 or the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78 which does not have a first securing member 62 disposed thereon so that the adhesive attachment means 63 is capable of adhering to other portions of the diaper 20 during use. The second area may thus comprise one or more acoustical areas and may have any desired shape, for example, rectangular, square, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal or any combination of shapes. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as depicted in Figure 3, the second area will have a rectangular shape. 30

In order to provide a combination of mechanical and adhesive attachment systems, the second area should comprise less than the total surface area of the attachment surface 70. Thus, it has been found that the second area should comprise between about 95 % and about 5% of the total surface area of the fastening surface 70 of the tape strip 60. More preferably, the adhesive bonding means 53 is disposed entirely on the connecting portion 78

ORIGINAL 21

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Thus, the second area preferably comprises from about 90% to about 10%, more preferably from about 80% to about 30% of the surface area of the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78. In an exemplary embodiment, of the area comprises about 67% of the total surface area of the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78.

Although the first area and the second area are generally contiguous and together comprise about 100% of the total surface area available on the attachment surface 70 or the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78, the first area and the second area are not have to comprise 100% of the total surface area. For example, portions of the attachment surface 70 or the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 73 may have neither an adhesive attachment means 63 nor a fastening element 62 disposed thereon. This portion of the ribbon strip 60 may have no some fastening means, or release means disposed therein. The first area generally comprises approximately 100% of the total surface area of the first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78 of the ribbon strip 60 so that the end surface of the user end 70 consists of adhesive bonding means 53 and the first securing member 62.

The adhesive fastening means 63 is disposed on at least a second area of the attachment surface 70. Thus the adhesive attachment means 63 may be disposed over other areas of the securing surface 70 of the ribbon strip 60. For example, adhesive bonding means 63 may be disposed adjacent the joint area 80 of the ribbon strip 60, the adhesive bonding means 63 being covered by the first fixed portion 74. In addition, the adhesive bonding means 63 may be disposed in a position to the first securing member 62 for attaching the first securing member 62 to the ribbon strip 60, the adhesive attachment means 63 '

22 1 5 10 15 71- 10 000 οχ - 4-U 7 20 25 30

60570 Case 3759 VHP

I989 covered by the first securing member 62. The adhesive attachment means 63 may also be positioned adjacent the distal edge 71 of the Pita strip 60 to form the tightening strip 83. Thus, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive attachment means 63 is disposed in more than the second area of the ribbon strip 60, and is more preferably placed over the entire first surface 79 of the connecting portion 78 so as to act not only as a connecting means but also as a junction means for the first fixed portion 74 as a means for attaching the first securing member 62 to the tape strip 60, and as a means for creating the clamping strip 83. The adhesive attachment means 63 may also provide a means available to enable the diaper 20 is attached in a configuration to be disposed so as to enable the diaper to be conveniently moved into a waste container. For example, if the first securing member 62 is secured to the securing surface 70, the exposed portion of the adhesive attachment means 63 in the second area may be secured to portions of the other ribbon strip 60 or the body portion 22 of the diaper 20 such as the backsheet 30 in order to attach the diaper 20 in its available configuration. Alternatively, if the first securing member 62 is releasably attached to the ribbon strip 60 by the adhesive attachment means, after the diaper 20 has been soiled and configured for disposal, the first securing member 62 is torn from the adhesive attachment means 63 to expose an even larger area of the adhesive than is used to attach the diaper 20 to its disposition configuration by affixing the adhesive to another ribbon strip 60 or to the body portion 22 of the diaper 20 such as the backsheet 30. Examples of how a diaper may be configured for disposition and diopter media are shown in co-pending Applicant U.S. Patent Application AJ Robertson entitled " Mechanic Fixation Systems For Air-

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60,570 Cass 3759 WMF

Disposable Absorbents " which is hereby incorporated by reference. The platform element 64 of the tape securing system 24 provides a means for attaching itself and the tape 60 together to maintain the first end region 48 and the second end region 50 in an overlapping configuration. The platform member 64 may be disposed at any point on the diaper 20 as it engages the ribbon strip 60 so as to maintain a side zip. For example, the platform member 64 may be disposed on the outer surface 46 in the second end region 50 on the inner surface 44 in the first end region 48, or on any other portion of the diaper 20 that is arranged to engage the ribbon strip 60 In addition, the platform element 64 may be a discrete discontinuous member affixed to the diaper 20, a unitary piece of material that is neither divided nor discontinuous with respect to the diaper member 20 such as the top or top sheet 26 or the backsheet 30, or a combination of separate and unitary elements. While the platform member 64 may assume varying sizes and shapes, it preferably comprises a portion of the backsheet 30 and one or more separate patches of material placed through the outer surface 45 of the body portion 22 in the second end region 50 to allow the maximum adjustment of adaptation to the waist of the wearer. The preferred embodiment of the platform element 64 shown in Figure 1 comprises a second, rectangularly elongate securing member 66 for the outer surface 46 of the body portion 22 in the second end region 50 in the panels 51 each adjacent to the longitudinal edges 40 and a portion of the bottom sheet 30. The platform element 64 preferably comprises a second securing member 66 engageable with the first securing member 62 of the ribbon strip 60. Thus, original bad Ο Λ 35 1 10 15! The second fastening element 66 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials (see FIG. 2). and configurations likely to engage the first securing member 62. For example, the second securing member 66 may comprise complementary elements identical to the first securing member 22 or complementary elements Otherwise, the term " identical " complementary mappings " is intended to define mechanical mechanical systems in which elements of the first securing member 62 and the second securing member 66 comprise in the same configuration or structure as are interconnected. S-widened systems are described in U.S. Patent 4,322,875 entitled " Two Band Materials Assembled to Fasteners ", issued to Brovn et al. on April 16, 1932 and in U.S. Patent No. 4,701,179 entitled " Fixed Position Fasteners for Disposable Absorbent Garments " issued to Kellenberger et al. on October 20, 1987. The expression " distinct complementary elements " is used herein to design a system in which the first securing member 62 is different from the second securing member 66 but is engageable therewith such as buttons and houses, a hook fastening material and a loop fastening material, or a male member and a female member. Preferably, the second securing member 66 comprises a snap attachment material or a lace attachment material, depending on whether the first securing member 62 is a lace attachment material or a hook attachment material. As shown in Figure 1, the deck member 64 preferably comprises a second securing member 66 which comprises a plurality of fiber members such as a lace attachment material 93. The loop fastening material 93 of the second securing member 66 provides a plurality of fi re elements engaging the junction elements 86 of the original wiper material 25 - 35 13 j / 10 15 ι voo voo voo 20 30; ase 37 59 WK?

be manufactured from a wide range of materials to provide fiber elements, preferably loops. Such suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination of these materials. A suitable loop fastening material 98 comprises a number of fiber loops projecting from a woven liner such as the commercially available material " Scotchmate " nylon woven fabric No. SJ 3401 sold by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. A preferred loop fastening material 98 comprises a knitted fabric having a plurality of nylon filament loops projecting from a nylon liner such as is marketed under the heading " Guilford No 16110 " sold by Guilford Mills of Greensboro, North Carolina. Alternatively, the lace attachment material 93 may be a nonwoven fabric or any other type of fiber material or lace material which are well known in the art. An inexpensive tie fastening material and a process for making such a lace fastening material are described in U.S.A. No. 040,520, entitled " Bonding Material for Fixing Device & Process for Making the Same ", filed April 24, 1937, by C. Locke Scri-pps and J. Richard Noel, which application is hereby incorporated by reference. incorporated by reference. In use, the diaper 20 is applied to the wearer by placing the first end region 48 under the wearer's back and pulling the remainder of the diaper 20 between the legs of the wearer so that the second end region 50 is disposed through the wearer portion the front of the wearer. The securing portion 78 of the ribbon strips 60 are then attached to the platform elements 64 disposed on the outer surface 46 of the second end region 50 so that the first securing member 62 will engage the second securing member 60 and the middle of original bad 26 35 10 15 000 οι 20 25 30

60.570 Case 3759 WMP

to form a side closure. After the diaper 20 is dirty, it is removed from the wearer. The panels 51 in the second end region 50 may then be folded, and the body portion 22, starting with the second end region 50, folded or wound in a structure with the ribbon strips 60 which extend outwardly from the rolled diaper 20 . The adhesive fastening means 63 is then attached to either of the tape strips 60 or to the body portion 22 such as the backsheet 30 in order to connect the diaper 20 in its rolled configuration so that it poses to be easy and conveniently disposed in a trash receptacle. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the tape strip 50 comprises an adhesive attachment means 63 disposed in a second area comprising a first sub-area 110 and a second sub-area 112. The first sub- area 110 is disposed between the junction area 80 and the first securing member 62 and the second sub-area 112 is disposed adjacent the distal edge 71 of the ribbon strip 60 between the first securing member 62 and the securing strip 62 Thus, the first securing member 52 is disposed between the first sub-area 110 ° and the second sub-area 112 of the adhesive attachment means 63. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of this invention.

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Claims (7)

1 60,570 Case 37 59 WM? the end of the user of the tape strip. 5 3-. An absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of said adhesive fastening means is arranged in position adjacent the first fastening element. 10 An absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that said first securing member is either releasably secured or affixed to the ribbon strip by the adhesive fastening means, preferably by said first securing member. fixation is affixed to the tape strip. An absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first securing element is a separate element connected to the strip of tape. 15 An absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first securing element is arranged adjacent to said distal edge. 20 25 An absorbent article according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that said adhesive fastening means is arranged in at least a second area comprising a first sub-area and a second sub- wherein the first securing member is disposed in a first area positioned between said first sub-area and said second sub-area. - λ ** An absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first element and said second element are completely different elements. 30 95. An absorbent article according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first one The securing member comprises a bolt of fastening material and the second fastening material comprises a loop fastening material. bad original 35 60.57 0 Case 37 59 WM? Lisbon, 13 M188â By ΤΗΞ PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY / ^ / Q OFFICIAL AGENT Industrial Property Agent Arco de Conceição, 3, 1 - HCO LISSOA BAD ORIGINAL - 30 -