MXPA98002118A

MXPA98002118A - An absorbent article with leg elastics asimetri

Info

Publication number: MXPA98002118A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/002118A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Theodore Van Gompel Paul; Harold Roessler Thomas; Robert Schlinz Daniel; Gordon Heath Mark; Walter Frost Geoffrey
Original assignee: Kimberlyclark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 1995-09-22
Filing date: 1998-03-18
Publication date: 1998-10-23

Abstract

An article has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, opposite lateral margins, longitudinally opposite end margins and an intermediate section which is located between the end margins in a longitudinally middle region of the article. The article includes a bottom sheet, and an inner elastic member connected to fold at least one side margin of the bottom sheet. A longitudinally extending outer elastic member is connected to essentially longitudinally fold the at least one lateral margin. The outer elastic member is laterally located outside the inner elastic member to provide a first set of elastic members which are arranged in a first staggered overlapping relationship. A main part of a longitudinal end edge of the outer elastic member is essentially coterminous with a terminal side edge of at least one side margin in the middle part of the article. Desirably, the elastically outer can be configured to essentially avoid tapping an arched edge inwardly of the backing sheet.

Description

nd.

AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ASYMMETRIC LEG ELASTICS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to elasticized absorbent articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles having elastic leg openings.

Background of the Invention Absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, have included elastified leg bands to provide elasticized folds in the leg openings of the article. Each elasticized leg band may include various types of elastic members, such as a single elastomeric strip, multiple elastomeric strips, or multiple elastomeric threads or cords arranged in separate parallel or non-parallel configurations. The elastic members may be assembled in the article with a linear or curvilinear configuration and the curved leg elastic members may further include a reflected curvature. The articles having the elasticized leg bands can provide improved drainage and notch protection, as compared to articles which do not include the elasticized leg bands.

However, conventional elasticizing systems, such as those described above, have continued to exhibit disadvantages. For example, conventional elastic systems may increase the volume in the crotch region of the article, and may allow excessive bagging in the waistband region of the article. Conventional systems can also provide insufficient performance to the various varied shapes present on the front and back of a user's body. As a result of this, there has been a continued need for improved elastic systems for the leg band regions of the articles, such as disposable diapers.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention can provide a distinctive article which includes a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, laterally opposite side margins, longitudinally opposite end margins and an intermediate section which is located between the end margins in a longitudinally middle region of the article. . The article includes a bottom sheet and an inner elastic member connected to fold at least one side margin of the backing sheet. An outer elastic member extending essentially longitudinally is connected to substantially longitudinally fold the at least one lateral margin. The outer elastic member is located laterally outside the inner elastic member to provide a set of elastic members which are arranged in an overlapped and stepped relationship. A major part of the longitudinal end edge of the outer elastic member is essentially coterminous with a terminal side edge of at least one side margin in the middle part of the article.

A particular aspect of the invention provides an absorbent article having a front waistband portion, a waistband back portion, and an intermediate crotch portion which interconnects the front and back waistband portions, laterally opposite side margins, a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The article includes a lower sheet layer and a liquid permeable upper sheet layer which is superimposed and connected in a front facing relationship to the lower sheet. An absorbent structure is placed in the form of a sandwich between the lower sheet and the upper sheet layer. A first inner elastic member is connected to fold a first margin of said lateral margins of the article and a second inner elastic member is connected to fold a second margin of said lateral margins. A first outer elastic member extending essentially longitudinally is connected to essentially fold the first lateral margin longitudinally., and the first outer elastic member is located laterally outside the first inner elastic member to provide a first set of elastic members which are arranged in an overlapping and staggered relationship. A main part of a longitudinal end edge of the first outer elastic member is essentially cotérmina with the terminal edge of a first lateral margin in the intermediate part of the article. A second outer elastic member extending substantially longitudinally is connected to substantially longitudinally fold the second lateral margin, and the second outer elastic member is located laterally outside the second inner elastic member to provide a second set of elastic members which are arranged in a second staggered overlapping relationship. A main part of a longitudinal end edge of the second outer elastic member is essentially cotérmina with a terminal edge of the second lateral margin in the intermediate part of the article.

In its various aspects, the article of the present invention can be produced more effectively over high speed manufacturing lines and can be easily constructed to provide a desired compliance with the different lines and natural body shapes which are typically present in the regions front and back of a user's body. The article may also exhibit less bulging in its crotch region and may provide reduced crotch volume. When the article is worn, the article may also exhibit less bagging in the waistband regions and may provide improved body contouring and shaping. As a result of this, the article can be easily configured to exhibit improved drainage resistance and provide improved aesthetics. • Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will 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 a side and schematic cross-sectional view of the article which is taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 representatively shows a longitudinal and schematic cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 1.

Figure 4 representatively shows a top view of a joining system which is employed with the present invention.

Figure 5 representatively shows a lateral and schematic cross-sectional view of the joining system of Figure 4.

Detailed description of the invention The structures of the present invention will be described with respect to their use in disposable absorbent articles, which can be placed against or in proximity to the body of a user to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Items are intended to be thrown away after a period of limited use, and are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored to reuse. It should be understood, however, that the potential uses of the structures of the present invention are not limited to the disposable absorbent articles. While the present invention will be made particularly in the context of a diaper article, it should be further understood that the present invention is also applicable to other disposable personal care absorbent articles, such as adult incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, the underpants of learning for children and similar.

With reference to Figure 1, an article, such as a diaper 10, has a longitudinal direction 26, a lateral transverse direction 24, the laterally opposite side margins 20, the longitudinally opposite end margins 22, and an intermediate section 16 the which is located between the end margins 22 in a longitudinally middle region of the article. The article includes a lower sheet layer 30 and an inner elastic member 34 which is operably connected to fold at least one side margin of the lower sheet. An outer elastic member extending substantially longitudinally 38 is also operably connected to collect or fold substantially at least one lateral margin in longitudinal fashion. The outer elastic member is located outside the inner elastic member 34 to provide a first set 33 of elastic members which are arranged in a first overlapping and stepped relationship. At least one main part of a longitudinal end edge 82 of the outer elastic member 38 is essentially cotérmina with a terminal side edge 74 of a selected part of at least one lateral margin. The cotérmina structure is placed in the intermediate part 16 of the article.

Another aspect of the invention provides an absorbent article, such as a diaper 10, having a front waistband portion 12, a back waistband portion 14, and an intermediate crotch portion 16 which interconnects the front and back waistband portions, laterally opposite side margins 20, a longitudinal direction 26 and a lateral direction 24. The article includes a backing sheet layer 30 and a liquid-permeable top sheet layer 28 which is superimposed and connected in a face-to-face relationship. backup sheet An absorbent structure 32 is placed in the form of a sandwich between the backing sheet 30 and the upper sheet layer 28. A first inner elastic member 34 is connected to fold a first margin of said lateral margins 20 of the article, and a second elastic member. inner 34 is connected to pick up or fold a second margin of lateral margins 20. A first outer elastic member extending substantially longitudinally 38 is connected to collect essentially longitudinally the first lateral margin 20, and the first outer elastic member it is located laterally outside the first inner elastic member to provide a first set 33 of elastic members which are arranged in a first staggered overlapping relationship. At least one main part of a longitudinal end edge 82 of the first outer elastic member is essentially cotérmina with an end edge 74 of a first lateral margin in the intermediate part 16 of the article.

A second outer elastic member extending substantially longitudinally 38 is connected to fold or collect in essentially longitudinal fashion the second side margin 20, and the second outer elastic member is located laterally outside the second inner elastic member 34 to provide a second play. 37 of elastic members which are arranged in a second staggered overlapping relationship. At least one main part of a longitudinal end edge of the second outer elastic member is essentially cotérmina with a terminal edge 74 of the second lateral margin 20 in the intermediate part 16 of the article.

Examples of other articles which include a system of dual longitudinally asymmetric leg elastics are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 259,288 of T. Roessler et al., Entitled "ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING ELASTICES".

LEGAL ASYMMETRICAL DUALES, and filed on June 13, 1994 (attorney's case number 11,397); and a technique for making an article having longitudinally asymmetric leg elastics is described in the patent application of the United States of America series number 08 / 554,110 of T.

Roessler et al., Entitled A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR MAKING AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ASYMMETRIC LEG ELASTICS, and filed on November 6, 1995 (attorney's issue number 11,770). The full description of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict) with the same.

Figure 1 is a representative plan view of the diaper 10 of the present invention in its non-contracted and flat state (for example with the contraction and withdrawal induced by the 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 that contacts the wearer faces the observer. 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 lateral edges define the openings of leg for the diaper, and optionally, they are curvilinear and contoured. The end edges are shown as straight, but optionally, they may be curvilinear.

The diaper 10 typically includes a liquid and porous permeable top sheet 28; a bottom sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 30; and an absorbent structure 32, positioned and connected between the upper sheet and the lower sheet; a part of emergence management 46; and the elastic members, such as the leg elastics 34 and the waist elastics 42. The emergence management part is placed in communication of the liquid with the absorbent structure, and the absorbent structure includes a retention portion 48. The top sheet 28, the backing sheet 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 finning or restraining flap system 62 and may include the side panel members 56. A fastening system, such as a mechanism which includes the fastening appendages 36, may be employed to secure the article on the fastener. user.

As shown representatively, the topsheet 28 and the bottomsheet 30 may be generally coextensive, and may have length and width dimensions which are generally greater than the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent structure 32. The topsheet 28 is associated with and on laying 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, will totally or partially cover or encircle the lower middle waist or torso. user. The intermediate crotch region 16 lies between and interconnects the waistband regions 12 and 14, and comprises that portion of the diaper 10 which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and the lower torso covers of the wearer. Therefore, the crotch region 16 is an area where fluid discharges typically occur in the diaper or other disposable absorbent article.

The topsheet 28 has a body facing surface which is docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 28 can be less hydrophilic than the retention portion 48 and is sufficiently porous to be permeable to liquid, allowing the 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 figures (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g. polyester or polypropylene), or a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. The topsheet 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 blowing fabric with melting or joined with spinning of polyolefin fibers. The top sheet may also be a bonded-carded fabric composed of synthetic and / or natural 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 non-woven and woven fibrous fabrics.

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 nonwoven woven polypropylene fabric composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 deniers formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and a density of around 0.06 grams / cc. The fabric can be treated on the surface with a selected amount of surfactant, such as about 0.28 percent Triton X-102 surfactant. The surfactant may be applied by any conventional means, such as by spraying, printing, brush coating or the like.

The surfactant material, such as the 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 the 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 the alternate configurations, the width of the middle section can be essentially equal to or lesser that a spacing in the transverse direction between a pair of adhesive strips used to secure the containment flaps or skirts 62 on the topsheet 28 and to form a leak resistant barrier seal on the topsheet 30.

The middle section treated with surfactant may be approximately centered 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 treated middle section of surfactant can be constructed to extend along only a predetermined portion of the upper sheet length.

The various configurations of the invention may include elastified containment flaps or flaps 62. The configurations shown, for example, include two containment flaps 62 which are connected to the surface of the aldo to the body of the top sheet layer 28. The constructions and suitable arrangements for containment fins 62 are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued on October 3, November 1987, to K. Enloe, whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not contradictory) with it. Other configurations of the containment fins 62 are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 206,816 of R. Everett et al., Filed on March 4, 1994 and entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING IMPROVED DISCHARGE HANDLING (attorney's issue number 11,375) whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

The containment flaps or skirts can 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 elastic yarns may be configured in a generally parallel and spatially separated array, and a suitable elastic yarn may, for example, be composed of a Lycra® elastomer of 470 decitex. 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 the edge of the containment flap. As a result of this, the movable edge of each containment flap tends to place itself in an outwardly spaced relation of the side-to-body surfaces of the topsheet 28 and / or of the emergence management part 46 toward a generally vertical and approximately perpendicular configuration, especially in the crotch section of the diaper. In the embodiment shown, for example, the movable edge of the barrier flap is connected to the flap elastics by partially folding the flap material back on itself by a limited amount which is sufficient to enclose the flap elastics. .

At least a pair of the barrier or containment fins 62 are connected to the longitudinally and laterally opposite extending regions of the upper sheet layer 28, and the connected upper sheet regions are generally located at one side of the regions. laterally opposite side edge of the middle section of the upper sheet layer 28. The connected upper sheet regions are typically located essentially laterally inwardly of the leg elastics of the diaper article 10., but can optionally be placed outside of all the leg elastics, or outside of only a part of the leg elastics. In one aspect of the invention, for example, the base of each containment fin may be joined along the top sheet within a lateral spacing which is provided by a longitudinally extending region placed between the inner elastic member. particular 34 and outer elastic member 38 which are associated with the containment fin. The base junction of the containment flap may be configured to extend operably through the top sheet and connect to the bottom sheet 30 to provide a sealing line or barrier extending in operable longitudinal direction.

The containment fins can, for example, be constructed of a fibrous material which is similar to the material comprising the top sheet 28, or similar to the material comprising the discharge handling part 46. Other conventional materials, such as films of polymer, can also be used. In other aspects of the invention, the barrier fins 62 are constructed of a material which is permeable only to gas, such as ambient air. Alternative configurations of the invention may include barrier fins which are constructed of a material which is resistant to the passage of aqueous liquid, such as urine therethrough. For example, the barrier fins 62 can be constructed of a spunbond-melt-spunbond (SMS) spunbonded laminate. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the barrier fins can be constructed of an SMS material having a basis weight of about 0.85 ounces per square yard (about 28 grams per square meter). The spunbond layers are composed of polypropylene fibers, and the meltblown layer is composed of meltblown polypropylene fibers.

In the various configurations of the invention, such as where the barrier fins 62 are configured to be gas permeable while having a resistance and limited permeability to the aqueous liquid, the liquid resistant material can have a construction which is capable of of holding a hydro head of at least about 45 centimeters of water essentially without a runoff through it. A suitable technique for determining the resistance of a material to liquid penetration is method 5514 of the FTSM 191 standard of the federal test method 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 may 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 general shape and contours of the user's body. The lower sheet 30 can help to prevent the exudates contained in the absorbent structure 32 from wetting articles such as bed sheets and overlays that contact the diaper 10.

In the particular embodiments of the invention, the backing sheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.12 mm (about 0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (about 2.1 mils). In the embodiment shown, for example, the backing sheet is a film having a thickness of about 0.032 mm (about 1.25 mil). The alternate constructions of the lower sheet may comprise a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been constructed or treated in whole or in part to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions of the lower sheet that are adjacent or close to each other. to the absorbent body. The 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 backing sheet or lower.

The lower sheet 30 may include a microporous "breathable" material which allows gases to escape from the absorbent structure 32 while essentially preventing liquid exudates from passing through the lower sheet. For example, the lower breathable sheet may be formed of a microporous polymer film or a nonwoven fabric 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 lower sheet may 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 1.3-2.5 centimeters (about 0.5-1.0 inches), to provide lateral margins.

The upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 are connected or associated together in another manner in an operable form. As used herein, the term "associated" encompasses configurations in which the top sheet 28 is directly attached to the bottom sheet 30 by attaching the top sheet 28 directly to the bottom sheet 30, and configurations wherein the top sheet 28 is attached to the lower sheet 30 by attaching the upper sheet 28 to intermediate members which in turn are attached to the backing sheet 30. The upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 can be attached directly to each other in the selected regions such as in the areas along the periphery of the diaper, through the joining means (not shown), such as an adhesive, sonic joints, thermal joints or any other joining means known in the art. For example, a 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 can be used to attach the top sheet 28 to the bottom sheet 30. It should be readily appreciated that the joining means described above can also be used to interconnect and assemble together the various other component parts of the article described herein.

In the representatively shown embodiment of the invention, the upper sheet layer 28 is positioned and secured in a front relationship with the backing sheet layer 30 to retain and maintain the retaining portion 48 and discharge handle 46 between the lower sheet layer and upper sheet layer. The marginal side regions of the top sheet layer 28 are operably connected to the corresponding marginal side regions of the bottom sheet layer 30. Each of the marginal side regions of the top sheet and bottom sheet layers are located laterally outside of the web. its corresponding associated side edge region of the discharge handling part 46. In the particular configurations of this invention, the top sheet 28 may include the joined marginal end regions, which are located longitudinally outside the end edge regions. of the holding portion 48 and / or of the discharge handling part 46. Similarly, the backing sheet 30 may include the attached marginal end regions, which may be located longitudinally outside the end edge regions of the end portion. the retention part and / or the discharge management part.

The elastic members 34 and 38 are positioned adjacent the periphery of the diaper 10 along each of the laterally opposite pair shown of the longitudinally extending side edges 20. The leg elastic members 34 and 38 may be connected to any or both of the upper and lower sheet layers to provide the elasticized side margins of the diaper article, and can be constructed to pull and hold the diaper 10 against the wearer's legs. 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. Examples of suitable elasticated waistbands are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,861,652 and entitled "DIAPER PAPER WITH ELASTIZED WAIST PANEL" and issued on August 29, 1989 to M. Lippert et al., The complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with it.

The various elastic members 34, 38 and 42 are secured to the diaper 10 in an elastically contractible condition such that in a normal configuration under tension, the * elastic members contract effectively against the diaper 10. The elastic members can be secured in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways, for example, the elastic members can be stretched and secured while the diaper 10 is in a non-elastic condition. contracted Alternatively, the diaper 10 can be contracted, for example, by folding, and the elastic members secured and connected to the diaper 10 while the elastic members are in their non-relaxed or undrawn condition. Still other means, such as heat shrinkable elastic material, can be used to fold the garment.

In the configuration illustrated in Figure 1, the elastic leg members 34 and 38, in combination, extend essentially along the entire length of the crotch region of the diaper 16 of the diaper 10, which is typically the region of the diaper. Designated item for placement between the user's legs. Alternatively, the elastic members 34 may extend to the full length of the diaper 10, or any other suitable length to provide the arrangement of elastically contractible lines desired for the particular diaper design.

The elastic members 34, 38 and 42 can have any of a multitude of alternative configurations. For example, the width of the individual elastic members 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 or strip of elastic material, or may comprise a plurality of parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material. The elastic members can be applied in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement. Where multiple yarns are employed, the individual yarns can be constructed to provide essentially elastic and equal 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 attached 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 attached to the diaper 10 with spray or swirl patterns of a hot melt or other type of adhesive.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, for example, the elastic leg members 34 and / or 38 may comprise a carrier sheet to which a grouped set of elastics composed of a plurality of individual elastic threads are attached. The elastic threads may be intersected or may be interconnected, or may be completely separated from each other. The carrier sheet may, for example, comprise a 0.002 centimeter thick film of a non-etched polypropylene material. The elastic threads can, for example, be composed of a Lycra® elastomer available from DuPont, a business having offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic yarn is typically within the range of about 620-1,050 decitex (dtx), and preferably, is about 940 dtx in one embodiment of the invention wherein three yarns are employed for each elasticized leg band. In addition, the leg elastics 34 and 38 may be generally straight or optionally curved. For example, the curved elastics can be arched inward toward the longitudinal centerline of the diaper. In the particular arrangements, the curve of the elastics may not be configured or placed symmetrically in relation to the lateral center line of the diaper. The curved elastics may have a reflex type of arcuate inward curving and arcuate outward, and the center longitudinally of the elastics may be off center by a selected distance to either the front or back diaper waistband to provide the notch and appearance desired.

In the various configurations of the invention, the system of elastic members can form elasticized folds in designated leg opening portions of the article which are located along at least a portion of the lateral side margins 20. In the configuration shown, the elasticizing means includes a first group of inner, longitudinally extending, and laterally opposed, elastic leg members 34 which are located on the lateral margins of the article in at least the intermediate part 16 of the article. The inner leg elastic members 34 can be arranged essentially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal extension 27 of the article. Alternatively, the inner leg resilient members may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the length of the article, and optionally may have a selected offset or offset toward the front waist portion 12 of the article. An outer grouping of longitudinally and laterally opposing elastically extending leg members 38 is constructed separate from the inner group of elastic leg members 34, and is located in the lateral margins of article 20 in at least the intermediate part 16 of the article. The outer leg elastic members are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the length of the article 27. Desirably, the outer elastic members have a selected pressure or off-center toward the rear waistband part 14 of the article. In the desired arrangements, one or more of the inner and outer leg resilient members may include a plurality of elastomeric threads extending generally spaced apart longitudinally.

With the arrays shown representatively, a substantial totality of the end edges of the outer elastics are substantially coterminous with the terminal side edges of the lower sheet 30. The upper part of the longitudinal end edges of the first and second outer elastic members 38 they may or may not be essentially coterminous with the top sheet layer 28 in the middle part of the article. Desirably, the longitudinal end edges of the outer elastic members 38 are constructed to be essentially coterminous with the top sheet layer.

In particular aspects of the invention, the inner elastic member 38 can have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least 4: 1. In another aspect of the invention, the outer elastic member 38 has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 4: 1. In other aspects of the invention, each of the first and second inner elastic members may have an aspect ratio of length to width of at least about 4: 1. In addition, each of the first and second outer elastic members 38 can have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 4:! L. Alternatively, the individual inner and / or outer elastic members may have an aspect ratio which is at least about 6: 1, and optionally, is at least about 10: 1. Larger proportions and aspects of up to 100: 1 can also be used, as desired, to provide the selected benefits.

Each inner elastic leg member 34 can intersect its associated cooperating outer elastic member 38. Optionally, the entire inner elastic can be laterally spaced from its correspondingly associated outer leg elastic member by a minimum lateral spacing distance. In particular aspects of the invention, the minimum lateral spacing distance may not be less than about 0.5 centimeters. Alternatively, the lateral spacer distance may not be less than about 1 centimeter, and optionally, it may not be less than about 5 centimeters. In other aspects of the invention, the lateral spacing distance between the corresponding inner and outer leg elastic members may not be more than about 20 centimeters. Alternatively, the lateral spacer distance may not be more than about 15 centimeters and optionally, may not be more than about 10 centimeters to provide the desired performance.

In a particular aspect of the invention, at least one lateral margin 20 of the article has an end-side edge 74 with a section thereof having an indented edge of substantially C-shape and concave outwardly 84. The indented edge extends to through no more than about 50 percent of a longitudinal extent, in a total straight line 27 of the article, with a substantial totality of the longitudinal end edge 82 of the associated outer elastic member 38 configured essentially coterminous with the edge 84 of the side margin 20 in the middle part 16 of the article.

Desirably, both side margins of the article have similar C-shaped indentation edges, with the C-shapes on opposite sides configured essentially as identical images of one another. Thus, the second side margin 20 of the article can also have a longitudinally extending end lateral edge 74 with a section thereof having an essentially C-shaped indented edge, outwardly concave 84, the second indented edge 84 extends along no more than about 50 percent of the total length of the article, with a substantial totality of the longitudinal end edge 82 of the second outer elastic member 38 configured essentially coterminous with the indentation edge 84 of a second lateral margin 20 in the middle part 16 of the article.

The various arrangements of the invention may be configured with one or more of the indentation edges 84 extending through no more than about 40 percent of the total length of the article. Alternatively, the tooth edges may extend over no more than about 30 percent and optionally, over no more than about 25 percent of the total article length. In addition, the tooth edges 84 may have an extension in the longitudinal direction which is as small as 5 percent of the length of the total article.

In the various arrangements of the invention, the outer elastic, particularly its end and / or lateral end edges are desirably configured to essentially avoid forming a bridge at the inner arched edge, such as the C-shaped tooth edge 84, of the lower sheet along at least one of the lateral margins of the article. Therefore, another aspect of the invention provides an article wherein the first lateral margin 20 of the article has a first terminal side edge 74 with the exception of the same having a first concave outwardly concave C-shaped tooth edge 84. The edge The longitudinal end 82 of the first outer elastic member 38 is essentially coterminous with the tooth edge 84 of the first lateral margin 20 in the intermediate part 16 of the article, and the first outer elastic member 38 is configured to essentially avoid the bridge beyond and / or through the tooth edge 84.

Desirably, both outer elastics are configured to essentially prevent bridging of an inner arcuate edge, such as the C-shaped tooth edge 84, of the lower sheet together with the lateral margins of the article. Thus, the second side margin 20 of the article can have a second end side edge 74 with a section thereof having a second tooth edge essentially concave outwardly of C-shape 84. The longitudinal end edge 82 of the second outer elastic member 38 is essentially coterminous with the tooth edge 84 of the second side margin 20 in the intermediate part 16 of the article, and the second outer elastic member 38 is configured to essentially avoid bridging with the tooth edge 84.

The various arrangements of the invention may include sets 33 or 37 of resilient members which are longitudinally asymmetrical, with one end portion of the resilient set having a configuration which differs from the configuration of the opposite end portion of the resilient set.

More particularly, the asymmetric elastic play may include a greater proportion of the elastic material towards one of its longitudinal ends, desirably the end of the elastic play which is close to the rear waistband portion 14 of the article.

In the illustrated configuration, for example, the inner elastic members 34 are longer than their outer elastic members, pressed outward and associated 38, and overlap an approximate totality of the outer elastic members. The various aspects of the invention can also be configured to have an end portion of each inner leg elastic member 34 arranged in a longitudinally overlapping relationship with respect to a selected end portion of its cooperating and correspondingly associated outer leg elastic member. Each elastic inner leg member can be arranged essentially parallel to its associated outer leg elastic member along the overlapping region. Alternatively, each inner leg elastic member 34 may be arranged essentially non-parallel to its associated outer leg elastic member 38 along the overlapping region. In the particular configurations, the corresponding inner and outer leg elastics can be mutually overlapping partially; the inner leg elastic member may partially overlap its corresponding outer leg elastic member, and the outer leg elastic member may partially overlap its corresponding inner leg elastic member.

An absorbent body, such as the absorbent structure 32 is positioned between the upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 to form the diaper 10. The absorbent body has a construction which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and 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 separate 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 spatial regions and selected from them. Where the absorbent structure comprises multiple pieces, the pieces may be configured as discrete layers or as other 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 part of its border with at least one other adjacent piece 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, or mechanical or hydraulic drilling.

In the embodiment shown representatively in Figure 1, the absorbent structure 32 includes a liquid acquisition target zone, and has a curvilinear and contoured periphery, particularly along its side edges. The two side edges, arched inwards, generally of identical image provide a narrower intermediate section suitable for being placed 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 discharges typically occur in an absorbent structure 32. When the diaper is worn, the ear regions are configured to generally engage the sides of the wearer's waist and torso, and the The central region is configured to generally engage the middle part of the waist and the torso of the user.

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 absorbent capacity and the size 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 gm of synthetic urine. Alternatively, the absorbent structure may have an absorbent capacity of at least about 400 gm 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 intrinsically wettable material, such as cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers, - inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized through appropriate means. The fibers can be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a more suitable hydrophilic group and is not easily removable from the fiber, or by sheathing the hydrophobic non-wettable fiber with a hydrophilic polymer. during or after fiber formation. For the purposes of the present invention, it is contemplated that selected mixtures of 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 fiber material mixtures used for the emergence management part 46 can be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system, or by a system essentially equivalent. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles of less than 90 degrees are designated "wettable" or hydrophilic, while fibers having contact angles of more than 90 degrees are designated "non-humidifying" 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 mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers, or they may not mix uniformly. For example, the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a non-pass gradient through an essential part of the thickness (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 outer side 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 form 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 separate and discrete bag regions of superabsorbent material. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbent can be selectively placed in different places within or along the fiber matrix.

The high-absorbency material may comprise absorbent gelation materials, such as superabsorbents. The absorbent gelation materials can be natural and modified natural and synthetic polymers and 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 for effectively making the materials normally water-soluble essentially insoluble in water but swellable. Such means may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations, such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Walls forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent gelation material polymers include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid, poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ethers), copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethers of vinyl and alpha-olefins, poly (vinyl pylorridone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent 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 Blends of natural and fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Suitable absorbent materials are discussed 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 U.S. Pat. 4,076,663 issued on February 28, 1978, granted to Masuda et al. And in United States Patent No. 4,286,082 issued August 25, 1981 to Tsubakimoto et al.

Synthetic absorbent gelation materials are typically zero gels which form hydrogels when wetted. The term "hydrogel", however, has also been commonly used to refer to both wet 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 ratio of larger dimension / smaller to larger dimension, needles, flakes, and fibers, are also contemplated for use here. Conglomerates of 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 average weight of the smallest dimension of the individual particles.

Suitable high-absorbency materials may have particular characteristics of absorbent capacity (sometimes referred to as "AC"), Deformation Under Load (sometimes referred to as "DUL"), Transmission Index (sometimes referred to as "Wl"). These parameters are described in detail in the patent application of the States United States of America series number 757,787 of S. Byerly et al. Entitled "ABSORBENT COMPOUNDS AND ABSORBENT ARTICLES" CONTAINING THE SAME "and presented on September 11, 1991 (attorney's issue number 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 hydrophilic fibers having an amount of high absorbency material distributed therein. Selected superabsorbent polymers having improved absorbent properties can be important to maximize performance while retaining the thinness of the absorbent article. To provide improved performance, the particles of the superabsorbent material can be selected to provide an absorbance 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 admission by the superabsorbent material is within the range of 3-15 g / g (liquid grams per gram of superabsorbent) to 30 seconds of absorbency under load, 6.5-21 g / g to 5 minutes of absorbency under load and 25-40 g / g 60 minutes of absorbency under load.

A suitable method for determining absorbency under load is described in detail in the United States patent application serial No. 184,302 of S. Kellenberger and entitled ABSORBENT PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROGELS WITH ABILITY TO BLOCK AGAINST PRESSURE (attorney's matter) number 8786); European Patent Application number EP 0 339 461 Al, published November 2, 1989; whose description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present disclosure.

An example of a 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 polymer W45926 obtained from Stockhausen, a business having offices in Greensboro, North Carolina.

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 matrix of the hydrophilic fibers. The hydrophilic fibers and the high absorbency particles can be provided in a fiber to particle ratio which is not more than about 75:25, alternatively it is not more than about 70:30, and optionally it is not 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, 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 fiber to particle weight ratio is not more than about 65:35 and is not less than about 50:50 to provide a desired performance.

Hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can form an average composite basis weight which is within the range of about 400-900 grams per square meter. Again, such a basis weight is particularly desirable in the target area of the absorbent structure. In certain 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 improved benefits. The volume thickness is determined under the restriction pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 kPa).

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

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, for example, 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 -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 in the retention portion 48 to provide adequate total absorbent capacity of at least about 30 grams of urine. For example, a medium-sized diaper for an infant weighing about 13-23 pounds (about 5.9-10.5 kilograms) can typically have a total retention capacity of about 500 grams of urine.

The fluff and the superabsorbent particles can be selectively placed in desired zones of the retention portion 48. For example, the base weight of fluff can vary across the width dimension of the retention portion 48. Alternatively, the relatively larger amounts can be placed towards the front waist band end of the holding part. 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 may be distributed downward to a middle region of the retention portion 48 which extends along the length dimension of the retention portion and measures about 3.5-4.5 inches. (about 8.9-11.4 centimeters) wide. In addition, the superabsorbent material may have a selected sonic placement to reduce the amount of superabsorbent material located near the lateral 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. Sonified and pulsed placement of the superabsorbent material can, for example, be achieved by the method and the apparatus described in United States of America No. 5,028,224 issued to C. Pieper et al., entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERMITTENTLY DEPOSITING PARTICULATE MATERIAL IN A SUBSTRATE and granted on July 2, 199 (issue of attorney number 8761), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent structure 32 can generally be T-shaped with the transverse bar extending laterally from the "T" generally corresponding to the front waist portion of the absorbent article to improve performance, especially for infants masculine 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 posterior waistband region 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 overlap in a wrapping fabric of high resistance to hydrophilic moisture, such as a high moisture resistance fabric or a fibrous fabric. synthetic. Such an overwrap fabric may also increase the integrity in the use of the absorbent structure. The fabric may be suitably bonded such as with adhesive, to the absorbent structure 32 and to the other 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 the movement or emigration of the superabsorbent on the diaper body side. To improve the containment of the high-absorbency material, the absorbent structure 32 may include an improved wrap-around, 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 surfaces from side to body and from the main exterior side of the retention portion, and preferably wraps essentially all the peripheral edges of the retention portion to form an essentially complete envelope around. Alternatively, the wrapping sheet can provide an absorbent wrap which covers the side-to-body and the main outside-facing surfaces of the retaining portion, and essentially encloses only the side-side edges of the retaining portion. Therefore, both inwardly curved and linear portions of the side side edges of the wrapping sheet will close 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 of the waistband regions of the article.

The absorbent envelope 70 may comprise a multi-element wrapping sheet which includes a separate side-to-body wrapping layer and a separate outer-side wrapping layer, each of which extends beyond all or some of the outer wrapping layers. the peripheral edges of the retaining portion 48, as representatively shown in Figure 1. Such a configuration of the wrapping sheet can, for example, facilitate the formation of an essentially complete seal and a closure around the peripheral edges of the part. retention 48. In the rear waistband 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 posterior ear portions of the diaper. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the side-to-body and outer-side layers of the absorbent wrapper 70 extend at least about one-half inch (about 1.27 centimeters) beyond the peripheral edges of the backing portion. retaining to provide the outwardly projecting flange-type bonding area over which the periphery of the body-side portion of the absorbent casing may be totally or partially connected to the periphery of the outer portion of the absorbent casing.

The side-to-body and outer-side layers of the wrapping sheet 70 may be composed of essentially the same material, or they 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 moisture resistant 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 superabsorbent particles onto the user's skin, and the lower porosity base-side layer of lower porosity can help reduce costs.

To provide the joint between the side-to-body and exterior-side portions of the absorbent wrapper 70, an adhesive, such as the National 72- * 3723 starch adhesive, may be printed over the designated bond areas of the absorbent wrapper with , for example, a rotogravure type system. With alternate arrangements having an absorbent envelope composed of a fibrous blow fabric with non-woven fleece, the peripheral seal of the wrapping layers from side to body and from the side to the outside can be achieved by employing hot calendering to provide a sealed strip region around the periphery of the retention part.

Due to the thinness of the retention portion 48 and the high superabsorbent concentrations within the retention portion, the liquid admission rates of the retention portion, by itself, may be very low, or may not be adequately supported on three discharges of liquid inside the absorbent structure. The addition of the porous liquid permeable layer of emergence handling material, however, can advantageously improve the overall admission rate of the composite absorbent structure. The emergence management part 48 is typically less hydrophilic than the retention portion 48, and has an operable level of density and basis weight to quickly collect and temporarily contain liquid surges, to transport the liquid from its initial entry point and to essentially completely releasing the liquid to other parts of the absorbent structure 32, particularly the retaining portion 48. This configuration can help prevent the liquid from stagnating and collecting on the part of the absorbent garment placed against the wearer's skin , thus 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. The emergence management layer can also be a carded-attached fabric or an air-laid fabric composed of natural and synthetic fibers. The bonded-carded fabric may, for example, be a carded-bonded fabric, a carded fabric linked 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 about 1.0-3.0 inches (about 2.54-7.62). centimeters) . 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 hydrophobicity.

The representative diaper 10 may include an emergence management part 46 which is arranged in a direct liquid contact with an adjacent part of the absorbent retention portion 48. As representatively shown, the emergence management part 46 may being configured to be positioned on one side of an outer face, outside the top sheet 28. Optionally, the emergence management part can be positioned on one side of an interior face of the side surface to the body of the top sheet layer 28. The shown configuration of the emergence management part is operably connected to the top sheet layer with a conventional pattern of adhesive, such as a pattern or pattern of swirl adhesive. In addition, the emergence management part can be operably connected to the side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet 70 with a conventional pattern of adhesive. The amount of adhesive added should be sufficient to provide the desired levels of bonding, but should be sufficiently low to avoid excessive restriction of fluid movement 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 liquids. In the illustrated embodiments, the emergence management part 46 is provided by a separate layer which is placed on another separate layer comprising the retainer portion, thereby forming a dual layer array. The emergence management part serves to quickly and temporarily collect 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 completely in substantial form. such liquids inside the layer or layers comprising the retention portion 48.

The configuration shown representatively of the emergence management part is essentially free of an 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 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, the transport of the liquids away from 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 can be a separately formed layer, which lies on one side of the face-out surface of the top sheet 28 between the retaining portion and the top sheet. Therefore, the emergence management part 46 need not understand the full thickness of the absorbent structure 32. The retention portion may optionally include a recess area which totally or partially surrounds the emergence management part 46, or the part Retention can 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 The emergence 46 may optionally be constructed to extend through the full thickness of the absorbent structure 32 so that the flow of capillary liquid into the retention portion 48 occurs primarily in one direction (XY) generally sideways.

The emergence management part may be any desired shape which is consistent with the absorbency requirements of the absorbent structure 32.

Suitable shapes include, for example, the circular, the rectangular, the triangular, the trapezoidal, the oblong, the dog bone, the hourglass or the oval shape. 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 generally rectangular in 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 emergence management part 46 can operate more efficiently when it is off-center towards the front waistband of the garment and transversely centered within the front section of the absorbent structure 32. Thus, the emergence management part 46 can be centered approximately around the longitudinal center line of the absorbent structure 32, and to be located 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 spaced longitudinally inward from the end edges of the retaining portion 48. In the particular configurations of the invention, the front end edge relatively The corresponding adjacent portion of the emergence management part 46 may be spaced by a predetermined discrete distance from a front waistband edge region 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, basis weight, permeability, porosity, surface area per void volume (SA / W), compression elasticity and saturation capacity. Additional parameters may include a binding matrix which will help to stabilize the pore size structure, and hydrophilicity. The bonding matrix and the fiber denier mixture can advantageously be provided and essentially maintain a desired pore size structure.

Additional details regarding the source materials and suitable techniques for determining the above-described parameters are set forth in U.S. Patent Application Series No. 206,986 by C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled, "CAPA DE FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC EMERGEMENT FOR ABSORBENT PERSONAL CARE AND SIMILAR ITEMS ", and filed on March 4, 1994 (lawyer's issue number 11,256); and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 206,069 of C. Ellis and R. Everett, entitled, "FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC OF IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR ABSORBENT PERSONAL CARE AND SIMILAR ITEMS," and filed 4. March 1994 (attorney's case number 11,387); whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

In particular configurations of the invention, the emergence material may include bicomponent fibers. For example, the polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers can be used to form the bicomponent fiber portion of any of the desired fabrics. In addition, the bicomponent fibers may be helically curled or flat curled.

The representatively shown article has a selected link system 40 connected thereto. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the joining system may comprise a panel member 56 which includes a panel material. The panel member 56 has the first and second opposite major front surfaces 50 and 52, a designated interior region 54, and a designated exterior region 58 which includes a terminal outer edge 60 thereof. A reinforcing strip 88 includes a stiffening and reinforcing material, and is laminated to the first surface 50 of the side panel member 56 in the outer region 58 of the side panel. The reinforcing strip may have a terminal outer edge 90 which is coterminous with the outer edge 60 of the panel member 56. A securing tab 36 is laminated to the second surface 52 of the panel member 56 and includes a joining region of user 41 thereof which extends from the panel member. The fastener appendage includes the first and second opposed major surface areas 76 and 78, and includes securing means 44 located on at least one of the major surfaces of the fastening tab.

The fastening system 40 is connected to the article in any and preferably both of the laterally opposite end regions 72 of at least one of the front and back waistband sections. The side panel member 56 of each fastening system is desirably constructed to be elastically stretchable at least along a laterally extending transverse direction 24 of the article.

Examples of the articles which include the elasticized side panels and the selectively configured fastener appendages are described in the United States patent application serial number 168,615 of T. Roessler et al., Entitled "DYNAMIC ENTALLE DIAPER" and filed on December 16, 1993 (attorney's case number 10,961); and in the United States patent application number 415,382 of D. Fries, entitled "AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A LAMINATED TAPE" and filed on April 3, 1995 (attorney's issue number 11,990). 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 DIAPER" and issued on 21 March 1995 (lawyer case number 11,186); in the patent application of the United States of America series number 286,086 of D. Fries, entitled "A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING THE ELASTICIATED EARS" and filed on August 3, 1994 (attorney's issue number 11,169); and in the patent application of the United States of America series number 415,383 of D. Fries, entitled "A ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR A LAMINATED TAPE" and filed on April 3, 1995 (attorney's issue number 11,950). The descriptions of the documents described above are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict) with the same.

In the configuration shown, the side panel members 56 are provided separately, the component parts which are operably connected and joined to form the laterally opposite end sections of the rear waistband portion of the lower sheet 30. In particular, each side panel is joined to extend laterally away from a corresponding terminal edge of the backing sheet layer or lower. The side panels may 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, a tapered-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material , or similar. For example, melt blown elastomeric fibrous 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 the non-woven textile fabric secured to the fibrous elastic layer are described in European Patent Application No. EP 0 110 010 published April 8, 1987 with the inventors listed as "J". Taylor and others, whose description is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of NBL materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to Mormon, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The reinforcing strip 88 may be composed of a stiffener material provided separately which may be laminated directly or indirectly, to a first side panel member surface 56 in the outer region of the side panel. 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 41 of the fastener appendix 36. The reinforcement strip 88 may, for example, be composed of a release tape, and the 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 configuration of the release ribbon of the reinforcing strip 88 can have a release surface 98 and an opposingly located grip surface 100. A suitable release material, which has a low level adhesion limited to conventional pressure sensitive adhesives, is placed and distributed on the release surface 98, and a suitable attachment mechanism, such as a layer of adhesive construction is distributed over the grip surface 100. The construction adhesive is employed to fix the reinforcement strip 88 over a 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 50 of the panel member. The shown strip of the release tape is configured with its terminal outer edge 90 positioned essentially coterminous and essentially coextensive with the outer edge 60 of the panel member 56. In addition, the width of the release tape along the transverse direction 24 is equal to or greater than the width of the securing means 44 provided on the user attachment region 41 of the fastening tab 36.

The attachment system includes a fastener appendage 36, which provides a mechanism for retaining the article on the user. The fastener appendage includes an appendage substrate, which may be composed of several 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 substrate may be composed of a woven or non-woven fabric, such as a non-woven fabric bonded with spinning.

The appendage substrate 86 includes a securing surface 76 and a user surface 78, and selected securing means are placed on the securing surface of the appendage substrate. The securing means may be provided by an adhesive, a cohesive material, a cooperating component of an inter-engaging mechanical fastener, boteroles, pins or buckles and the like, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the securing means may include a hook component 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 44 distributed over the securing surface, and the attachment system provides an adhesive fastening tab. The fastener appendages may be constructed to releasably adhere to a designated location zone patch 92 attached to the front waistband section of the diaper to provide a resilient adhesive attachment system.

With the adhesive securing means shown, the primary adhesive layer can be employed to operably laminate and fix a designated factory tie region 39 of the fastening tab 36 to the outer region 58 of the panel member 56 along the second surface 52 of the panel member. Alternatively, other types of connection means, such as thermal joints, sonic joints, mechanical sewing, stapling and the like, as well as combinations thereof, can be used to permanently attach the fastening tab to the panel member. For example, ultrasonic bonds can be employed to provide a complementary bond.

The factory attachment section 39 of the fastening tab 36 may overlap the outer edge of the panel member 56, and the fastening tab extends beyond the panel member to provide the user attachment region 41 of the appendage. The essentially coterminal end edges 60 and 90 of the panel member and the reinforcing strip, respectively, can advantageously combine and cooperate to provide a relatively abrupt change or discontinuity in the thickness of the fastening system. The end edges provide a composite edge which can define a region of potential voltage concentration in the clamping tab when the distal free end of the clamping tab is bent inwardly in a storage position. The concentration of discrete tension together with the coterminal edges 60 and 90 the panel member and the reinforcing strip can more reliably define a desired fold line, and the fold line can be more easily established without the use of conventional weakening, such as marking. As a result of this, the structure of the joining system can be provided for a more effective and consistent bending operation while maintaining the strength and reliability of the individual joining appendages 36.

In a particular arrangement of the invention, the fastening tab can have a relatively wide user attachment section in combination with a relatively narrower intermediate section. The middle section is positioned between the user union and the factory attachment sections of the retaining tab. In a further aspect of the invention, the fastening tab 36 may include a finger appendage region 80. The finger appendage is essentially non-insuring, and provides an area that can be gripped by the user without contaminating or otherwise disrupting the means of insurance. The finger appendage may include a layer of a panel material, and a layer of reinforcement material. In a particular embodiment, for example, the finger tab is configured with the layer of the panel material placed in sandwich form between the layer of the reinforcing material and the finger appendage substrate to provide a laminated finger appendage which can make it easier to locate and grab.

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

Claims

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

1. An article having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, laterally opposite side margins, longitudinally opposite end margins and an intermediate section which is located between the end margins and a longitudinally middle region of said article, said article comprises: a lower sheet; an inner elastic member connected to fold at least one side margin of said lower sheet; an outer elastic member extending essentially in longitudinally connected manner for essentially longitudinally folding said at least one lateral margin, said outer elastic member being laterally located outside said inner elastic member to provide a set of elastic members which are arranged in a staggered overlapping relationship, a major portion of the longitudinal end edge of said outer elastic member is essentially cotérmina with an edge of the terminal side of said at least one lateral margin in said intermediate portion of said article.

2. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer elastic member is configured to essentially avoid plucking an arched edge into said lower sheet.

3. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said at least one margin has a terminal side edge with a section thereof having a C-shaped tooth edge essentially concave outwardly, said tooth edge extends to along no more than about 50 percent of a total length of said article, with a substantial totality of said longitudinal end edge of said outer elastic member configured essentially coterminous with said tooth edge of said lateral margin in said intermediate portion of said article.

4. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer elastic member has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 4: 1.

5. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said main part of said longitudinal end edge of said outer elastic member is essentially coterminous with said upper sheet layer in said intermediate part of said article.

6. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said inner elastic member is composed of an elastomeric strip.

7. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer elastic member is composed of an elastomeric strip.

8. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said inner elastic member is constituted by a composite comprising a plurality of elastomeric wires connected to a carrier strip.

9. An article as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that said inner elastic member includes a plurality of elastomeric threads which are essentially parallel to one another.

10. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer elastic member is constituted by a compound comprising a plurality of elastomeric wires connected to a carrier strip.

11. An article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said outer elastic member includes a plurality of elastomeric threads which are essentially parallel to one another.

12. An absorbent article having the front and rear waist band portions, an intermediate part which interconnects said front and back waistband portions, the laterally opposite side margins, a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, said article comprises: a backup sheet. a top sheet layer permeable to the liquid superimposed and connected in a front relation to said top sheet; an absorbent structure placed in the form of a sandwich between said lower sheet and said upper sheet layer; a first inner elastic member connected to fold one of said lateral margins of said article, and a second inner elastic member connected to fold a second of said lateral margins; a first outer elastic member extending in essentially longitudinally connected manner for essentially longitudinally folding said first lateral margin, said first outer elastic member located laterally outside said first inner elastic member to provide a first set of elastic members which are arranged in a first overlapped and stepped relationship, a main part of a longitudinal end edge of said first outer elastic member configured essentially coterminous with a terminal edge of said first side margin in said intermediate part of said article; Y a second outer elastic member extending in an essentially longitudinally connected manner for substantially longitudinally folding said second lateral margin, said second outer elastic member located laterally outside said second inner elastic member to provide a second set of elastic members which are arranged in a second superimposed and overlapping relation, a main part of a longitudinal end edge of said second outer elastic member configured essentially coterminous with said terminal edge of said second lateral margin in said intermediate part of said article.

13. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that each of said first and second outer elastic members is configured to essentially avoid tapping an arcuate edge inwardly of said lower sheet.

14. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said first lateral margin of said article has a first terminal lateral edge with a section thereof having a first tooth edge essentially concave-shaped outwardly C, said first edge of tooth extending along no more than about 50 percent of a total length of said article, with an essential totality of said longitudinal end edge of said first outer elastic member configured essentially coterminal with said tooth edge of said first lateral margin in said intermediate part of said article; and where said second lateral margin of said article has a second terminal side edge with a section thereof having a second tooth edge essentially of C, concave outwardly, said second tooth edge extending along no more than about 50 percent of the total length of said article, with a substantial totality of said longitudinal end edge of said second outer elastic member configured essentially coterminous with said tooth edge of said second lateral margin in said intermediate part of said article.

15. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said first lateral margin of said article has a first end lateral edge with a section thereof having a first tooth edge of substantially C-shape, concave outwardly, said longitudinal end edge of said first outer elastic member being essentially coterminous with said tooth edge of said first lateral margin in said intermediate part of said article, said first outer elastic member configured to essentially prevent tapping said tooth edge; and where said second lateral margin of said article has a second end lateral edge with a section thereof having a second tooth edge of substantially C-shape, concave outwardly, said longitudinal end edge of said second elastic outer member being configured to be essentially With said tooth edge of said second lateral margin in said intermediate portion of said article, said second elastic outer member is configured to essentially avoid tapping said tooth edge.

16. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that each of the first and second outer elastic members has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 4: 1.

17. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said main part of said longitudinal end edge of said first outer elastic member and of said main part of said longitudinal end edge of said second outer elastic member are substantially coterminous with said upper sheet layer in said intermediate part of said article.

18. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that at least one of said inner and outer elastic members is composed of an elastomeric strip.

19. An article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that at least one of the inner and outer elastic members is constituted by a composite comprising a plurality of elastomeric wires connected to a carrier strip.

20. An article as claimed in clause 19 characterized in that said inner elastic members include a plurality of elastomeric threads which are essentially parallel to one another. SUMMARY An article has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, opposite lateral margins, longitudinally opposite end margins and an intermediate section which is located between the end margins in a longitudinally middle region of the article. The article includes a bottom sheet, and an inner elastic member connected to fold at least one side margin of the bottom sheet. A longitudinally extending outer elastic member is connected to essentially longitudinally fold the at least one lateral margin. The outer elastic member is located laterally outside the inner elastic member to provide a first set of elastic members which are arranged in a first staggered overlapping relationship. A main part of a longitudinal end edge of the outer elastic member is essentially coterminous with a terminal side edge of at least one side margin in the middle part of the article. Desirably, the outer elastic can be configured to essentially prevent tapping an arcuate edge inwardly of the backing sheet.