CZ20004005A3 - Disposable absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

The product is formed by a front region (26), a back region (28) and a crotch region (30) arranged between the front and back regions (26, 28). Between the regions (26, 28, 30) there is a body exudate retention assembly (41) longitudinally guided, having on the one hand a top layer (24), a bottom layer (22) connected to the top layer (24) and an absorbent core (25) arranged between the bottom and top layers (22, 24), on the other hand having a central part (8, 9) with a waist edge (190, 192) and side edges (191, 193), further an ear part (10, 11) with a waist edge (161, 163) and a waist part (6, 7) in the front and rear regions (26, 28), for the possibility of stretching both the ear part (10, 11) in the direction from the side edge (191, 193) of the central part (8, 9) and the waist part (6, 7) outwards from the waist edge (190, 192) of the center portion (8, 9) and from the waist edge (161, 163) of the tab portion (10, 11). A waist elastomeric material and a side elastomeric material are connected to the waist portions (6, 7) and the tab portions (10, 11) continuously along the front and back regions (26, 28) and are formed as separate and non-overlapping elements. Each of the tab portions (10, 11) and the waist portions (6, 7) transition laterally into seam portions (12, 13) with a seam (32) provided for connecting the seam portions (12) in the front region (26) to the seam portions (13) in the back region (28)

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to disposable absorbent articles of clothing. Examples of such disposable articles include disposable underwear, disposable diapers including pull-on diapers and training pants, and disposable menstrual panties.

State of the art

Young children and other incontinent individuals wear disposable articles of clothing, such as diapers, to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent articles having fixed or fixed sides (for example, training pants and pull-on diapers) have become popular. In order for these articles to contain body exudates, as well as to fit a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, they must fit snugly around the wearer's waist and legs, without sagging, sagging, or sliding down from their location on the lower torso, and fit larger wearers without causing skin irritation due to excessive tension on the article.

Many types of stretch products use classic elastic elements, fixed in an elastically contractible state • · · · i

in the leg and waist openings. For example, stretchable garment components, known as balloon-type panties, are constricted by elasticated bands in specific zones of the product, while the remaining material tends to puff up. Examples of such stretchable products are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,171,239, issued December 15, 1992, and in U.S. Patent No. 4,610,681, issued September 9, 1986. These products will fit a range of waist and leg sizes due to the fact that the constricting elastic openings stretch to accommodate wearers of different sizes. However, this range of sizes is limited because the elastic elements that allow for this size variability have a limited degree of (elastic) stretch. Narrow elastic bands used in the waist opening and leg openings also tend to concentrate fitting forces in a narrow zone of the wearer's body, leading to an increased incidence of pressure sores on the wearer's skin.

Another type of garment stretch component uses waist elastic and side elastic. Examples of these products are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464, published July 10, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 5,246,433, published September 21, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,591,155, published January 7, 1997; and EP 0 526 868 A1, published February 10, 1993. These stretch components have side elastics on both the left and right sides of the article and waist elastics extending along a portion of the waist opening. The side elastics are arranged to extend between the waist opening and the leg openings. The waist elastics extend only a portion of the front waist and a portion of the back waist, between the left and right side elastics. The side and waist elastics do not extend continuously. Therefore, these products do not extend smoothly around the waist opening and the stretch available around the waist opening is limited. Furthermore, because the side elastics comprise a single elastic material extending from the waist opening to the leg opening, the side elastics have homogeneous stretch only between the waist opening and the leg opening. This does not allow for much flexibility in designing a good, form-fitting product, for example, it does not facilitate designs that differentiate the stretch feature around the leg opening from the stretch feature around the waist opening.

Other examples of stretchable components having waist and side elastics are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,545,158, published August 13, 1996, and EP Publication No. 0,547,497 A2, published June 23, 1993. The product described in U.S. Patent No. 5,545,158 has a pair of elastic side portions and elastic bands that are attached to the waist edge of the product. The side portions of the elastic waists are overlapped by the elastic side portions and substantially do not exhibit the elasticity of the elastic side portions. However, the portions where the elastic side portions and elastic bands are overlapped become bulky and redundant and limit the usable stretch of the least stretchable material. Furthermore, the resulting stretch forces are complementary in the overlapping region. In addition, the portion where the two elastic materials overlap requires a greater stretch force to fit the component to the wearer. The article described in EP 0 547 497 A2 describes essentially the same construction, and therefore the same shortcomings, as the article described in US Patent 5 545 158. EP 0 547 497 A2 further describes a garment component comprising triangular shaped side elastics on both the left and right sides of the component, which has a reduced end edge adjacent to the waist elastic and which is still covered by the waist elastic. As a result of the geometry of the triangular shaped side elastic, the component has parts with significantly reduced extensibility on its sides between the leg openings and the waist opening, which limits ease of donning and increases pressure in the side panel portion, potentially limiting the range of fit of the product.

• · • · · ·

Therefore, none of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

The essence of the invention

The invention relates to a disposable absorbent garment having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front and back regions. The disposable garment comprises a containment assembly (hereinafter also referred to as a chassis, i.e. the main structural component, note transl.), a waist elastomeric material, a side elastomeric material, and seams. The containment assembly has a top layer, a back layer connected to the top layer, and an absorbent core arranged between the top layer and the back layer. The containment assembly has a center section with waist and side edges, a tab section with a waist edge, and a waist section in the front region and in the back region. The tab section extends laterally outwardly from each side edge of the center section. The waist section extends longitudinally outwardly from the waist edge of the center section and the waist edge of the tab section. The waist elastomeric material is connected to and extends continuously along the waist portions in the front and back regions so as to form a continuous extensible waist in the front and back regions. The side elastomeric material is connected to the tab portion so as to form extensible tabs. The side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material are separate elements and are arranged so as not to overlap each other. Seams connect each tab portion to a corresponding tab portion in the opposite region so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening so that the extensible tabs form a continuous, extensible waist arrangement.

The present invention further relates to a disposable absorbent garment having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front and back regions.

• · · ·

The disposable component includes a retention assembly, a waist elastomeric material, a side elastomeric material, and seams connecting portions of the disposable component in the front region to portions of the disposable component in the back region to form a waist opening and leg openings. The component has a continuous waist zone that is formed by at least a waist elastomeric material and a side elastomeric material. The continuous waist zone is extensible in a stretch range up to at least about 125% stretch. The continuous waist zone has a modulus of elasticity in a stretch range. The modulus of elasticity at 125% stretch is no greater than about 150 grams/percent stretch. The force to achieve 125% stretch is no greater than 5,000 grams.

The present invention further relates to a disposable garment of the type worn around the lower torso of a wearer. The garment has a front region, a back region, and a crotch region between the front and back regions, a waist opening, and leg openings. The garment has a zone of extensibility including side elastomeric and waist elastomeric materials. When the article is applied to a standard mannequin, the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric and waist elastomeric materials pressing against the skin of the standard mannequin is no greater than about 5.1 kPa.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present description.

Overview of images in drawings

Although the description is concluded with claims specifically defining and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

drawings in which the same symbols are used to identify substantially identical elements, and in which it represents:

Fig. 1 - A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a disposable absorbent pull-on garment component of the present invention, in a typical user configuration.

Fig. 2 - A simplified plan view of the disposable stretchable component of the invention in its flat, unstretched, unseamed state, showing the various parts of the component.

Fig. 3 - a simplified plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in its flat, unformed, unseamed state.

Fig. 4 - A schematic simplified plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 3, showing a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core therebetween, without other parts of the stretchable member.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 4-4 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 - a schematic simplified plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 3, showing a disposable pull-on component having an expandable tab and an expandable strip.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment taken along section line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 - a perspective sectional view of the elastic component of the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 9 - partial, enlarged side view of the elastic component shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 - A graph showing two consecutive cycles of hysteresis curves of an elastomeric material in a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 11 - An enlarged, partially broken away, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the elastomeric material.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment taken along section line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

• · • · · · • · · « • · ·· · · • · » · *··\

Fig. 13 - front view of the embodiment shown in Fig.

1.

Fig. 14 - A schematic simplified plan view of an alternative embodiment of a disposable pull-on component having an expandable tab and an expandable band.

Fig. 15 - A schematic simplified plan view of an alternative embodiment of a disposable pull-on component having an expandable tab and an expandable band.

Fig. 16 - front view of the assembled arrangement of the disposable component shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 - front view of an alternative embodiment of the assembled arrangement of the disposable component shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 - shows a force versus expansion curve of the continuous waist zone of the disposable components of the invention.

Fig. 19 - shows the modulus of elasticity versus elongation curve obtained from the force versus elongation curve shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 - Perspective view of a standard dummy used to measure skin contact pressure.

Fig. 21 - side view on standard a mannequin, shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 22 - plan view shown in Fig. 20. on standard a mannequin, Examples of the invention All references cited are here incorporated by reference in

The citation of any reference is not an admission of any determination as to its applicability as prior art to the claimed invention.

·· ···· »» • · ♦ * * · · · · · * 9 9 11

In this document, the term pull-on garment refers to wearable articles that have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and that are pulled on to the wearer's body by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the article over the waist. The term disposable is used here to describe articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise returned to their original condition or reused as such (i.e., intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). A unitary pull-on member refers to pull-on articles formed from separate parts joined together to form a coordinated unit, but the tab portions are not separate elements attached to a separate chassis in that the tab portions are formed of at least one layer that also forms the center portion or chassis of the article (i.e., it does not require separate handling parts such as a separate chassis and separate tab portions). The pull-on member is also preferably absorbent and absorbs and retains various body exudates excreted by the wearer's body. A preferred embodiment of the pull-on member of the present invention is a unitary, disposable absorbent pull-on member, pull-on diaper 20, shown in Fig. 1. As used herein, the term pull-on diaper refers to pull-on members commonly worn by young children and other incontinent individuals to absorb and retain urine and feces. However, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to other stretchable articles such as, for example, training pants, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene articles or underpants, and the like. The term connected or connecting herein includes an arrangement whereby a part is directly connected to another part by connecting that part directly to the other part, and »·' \

arrangements whereby a given part is indirectly connected to a second part by connection to an intermediate part(s) which is/are in turn attached to the given second part.

Referring to Fig. 1, 2 and 3, the pull-on diaper 20 has a front region 26, a back region 28 and a crotch region 30 located between the front region 26 and the back region 28. The pull-on diaper 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 110. The term longitudinal as used herein refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the pull-on diaper 20 that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a perpendicular plane bisecting a standing wearer into left and right halves when the pull-on diaper 20 is worn. The terms transverse and lateral as used herein are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the pull-on diaper 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (which divides the wearer into front and back halves of the body). The pull-on diaper 20 and its component materials also have a body-facing surface, facing the wearer's skin when worn, and an outward-facing surface, opposite the body-facing surface.

Fig. 2 is a simplified plan view of the pull-on diaper 20 of Fig. 1 in its flat, unstretched, unseamed state, showing its various components and their location with respect to one another. The term component is used herein to refer to any area or portion of the pull-on diaper or belt. (Although a component is typically a distinct area or portion, a component may be somewhat similar (functionally correspond) to an adjacent component.)

The pull-on diaper 20 has a crotch region 30 including a main panel 2 and a pair of leg flap sections 4; a front region 26 including a center panel 8, a waist section 6, tab sections 10, and seam sections 12; and a back region 28 including a center panel 9, a waist section 7, tab sections 11, and seam sections 13. The crotch region 30 is that portion of the diaper from which the continuous web (other sections) emanates. The absorbent core is generally located within the main panel 2 because exudates are typically shed in this region, although the absorbent core will typically extend into the center waist sections 8 and 9. The leg flap portion 4 extends generally laterally outwardly from and along each side edge 2B of the main body 2. Each leg flap portion 4 generally forms at least a portion of the elasticized leg fitting. The continuous waist zone (front region 26 and back region 28) extends generally longitudinally outwardly from and along each side edge 159 of the crotch region 30 (main body 2 and leg flap portion 4). In the front region 26, the center portion 8 extends generally longitudinally outwardly from and along each side edge 159 of the crotch region 30. The center portion y has a waist edge 190 and side edges 191. The ear portions 10 each extend generally laterally outwardly from and along a side edge 191 of the center portion 8 (i.e., the center portion). The tab panel 10 has a waist edge 161 and a side edge 171. The waist panel 6 extends generally longitudinally outwardly from and along the waist edge 190 of the middle panel 8 (i.e., the center panel) and the waist edge 161 of the tab panel 10. The waist panel 6 has side edges 175. The seam portions 12 each extend generally laterally outwardly from and along the side edge 171 of the tab panel 10 and the side edge 157 of the waist panel 6. In the back region 28, the center panel 9 (i.e., the center panel) extends generally longitudinally outwardly from and along the second side edge 159 of the crotch region 30. The center panel 9 has a waist edge 192 and side edges 193. The tab portions 11 each extend generally laterally outwardly from and along the side edge 159 of the crotch region 30. edge 193 of the middle portion 9 (i.e., the center portion). The ear portion 11 has a waist edge 163 and a side edge 17 3. The waist portion 7 extends generally longitudinally outwardly from and along the waist edge 192 of the middle portion 9 (i.e., the center portion) and • · • ♦·· * e

waist edge 163 of the tab panel 11. The waist panel 7 has side edges 177. The seam portions 13 each extend generally laterally outwardly from and along the side edge 173 of the tab panel 11 and the side edge 177 of the waist panel 7. The front region 26 also has, in addition to its portions, a waist edge 151, leg edges 153 and side edges 154. The back region 28 also has, in addition to its portions, a waist edge 155, leg edges 156 and side edges 157. The crotch region 30 has leg edges 158.

The pull-on diaper 20 primarily includes a chassis 41, a waist elastomeric material (not shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), a side elastomeric material (not shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), and seams 32. The pull-on diaper 20 may have tear-open tabs 31, the adjustment of which is associated with the seams 32, and elasticized leg cuffs 52, including inner barrier cuffs 54. The side elastomeric material makes at least a portion of the tab panels 10 and 11 expandable, thereby forming an expandable tab (or tab) 46 and 58. The waist elastomeric material makes at least a portion of the waist portion 6 and 11 extensible, thereby forming a continuous extensible waist 57 and 59. The waist elastomeric material and the side elastomeric material are separate elements from each other and arranged so as not to overlap each other in the longitudinal direction of the pull-on diaper 20. This allows the waist and side elastomeric materials to behave more independently to allow adjustments in stretch size, pressure, etc. The stretch tabs or loops 46 and 48 and the continuous stretch band 57 and 59 are extensible at least in the lateral (sideways) direction. Seam 32 connects seam portion 12 in front region 26 to seam portion 13 in back region 28, whereby tab portion 10 is connected to tab portion 11 and thereby two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36 are formed. In the arrangement where tab portion 10 is connected to tab portion 11, continuous stretch band 57 and 59 form a continuous stretch waist arrangement 60 around waist opening 36. Furthermore, continuous ...

The waist zone 38 expands in the front region 26 and the back region 28.

The chassis 41, referring to Fig. 3 and 4, includes an absorbent core 25 and a plurality of layers arranged in association with the absorbent core 25, such as a topsheet 24 and a backsheet 22 joined to the topsheet 24. The absorbent core 25 is arranged between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22. The chassis 41 may further include one or more additional layers arranged in association with the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 24 has a body-facing surface that is positioned toward the wearer's body when worn. The backsheet 22 has an outward-facing surface that is positioned away from the wearer's body when worn. The backsheet 22 preferably includes an inner barrier film 68 and a nonwoven outer cover 23. Since the chassis 41 defines a front region 26, a back region 28, and a crotch region 30, the chassis 41 also has corresponding regions and parts as previously defined (for simplicity, these regions and parts are designated in the drawings by the same reference numerals as the corresponding regions and parts of the pull-on diaper as shown in Fig. 2).

The topsheet 24 and the inner barrier film 68 of the backsheet 22 have overall length and width dimensions greater than those of the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 24 and the inner barrier film 68 extend beyond the side edges and end edges of the absorbent core 25 to form the perimeter of the chassis 41. The topsheet 24 extends longitudinally between the waist edges 151 and 155 of the pull-on diaper 20. The topsheet 24 has waist end portions 24A and side portions 24B. The waist end portions 24A (i.e., the end extended portion 24A) of the topsheet 24 extend into the waist portion 6 and 1 of the pull-on diaper 20. The inner barrier film 68 has waist end portions 68A and side portions 68B. The inner barrier film 68 is slightly shorter in the longitudinal direction than the top layer 24 and slightly wider in the lateral direction.

than the topsheet 24. The inner barrier sheet 68 has an unequal lateral width to form a first panel 94 in at least a portion of the crotch region 30 and a second panel 96 in at least a portion of the front and back regions 26 and 28. The lateral width of the inner barrier sheet 68 gradually decreases toward the waist end panels 68A such that the second panel 96 has a lateral width dimension less than the lateral width dimension of the first panel 94. The inner barrier sheet 68 preferably does not extend into the tab (or gusset) panels 10 and 11, thereby increasing the effective lateral extended length of the tab panels 10 and 11 and reducing their bulk. The inner barrier film 68 also does not extend into the waist panel 6 and 7, thus reducing the bulk of the waist panel 6 and 7. In addition, because the inner barrier film 68 does not extend into the tab panel 10 and 11 and the waist panel 6 and 11, the inner barrier film 68 does not restrict breathability in these areas. Although the topsheet 24, the inner barrier film 68, and the absorbent core 25 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, exemplary containment assembly or chassis configurations are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 (Kenneth B. Buell), entitled Pull-On Side Panels for Disposable Diapers, issued January 14, 1975; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 (Kenneth B. Buell), entitled Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waistband with Prearranged, Flexible Bending Hinge, issued September 29, 1992.

The nonwoven outer cover 23 preferably covers substantially the entire surface of the outermost portion of the pull-on diaper 20. The nonwoven outer cover 23 may have the same overall shape as the pull-on diaper 20. The nonwoven outer cover 23 has waist end portions 23A and side portions 23B. The nonwoven outer cover 23 also has a side extension portion 23C in a front region 26 and a side extension portion 23D in a rear region 26. The waist back portion 23A (i.e., the end extension portion

23A) of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 extends into the waist portion 6 and 11, and the side extended portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 extend into the tab portions 10 and 11. Alternatively, the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 of the backsheet 22 may have a generally identical shape to the inner barrier film 68, such that the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 covers only the area of the inner barrier film 68. Alternatively, the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 may be eliminated and the inner barrier film 68 may have a generally identical shape to the pull-on diaper 20 and extend into both the tab portions 10 and 11 and the waist portions 6 and 11.

The absorbent core 25 can be any absorbent member that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining fluids such as urine and certain other body exudates. The absorbent core 25 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.) and from a wide variety of fluid-absorbing materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airlaid. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform, chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulose-based fibers, tissue-containing webs and laminates thereof, absorbent foams and absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any other equivalent material or combination of these materials.

The arrangement and composition of the absorbent core 25 may vary (for example, the absorbent core 25 may have zones of varying tactility or thickness, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or acquisition zones with lower average density and lower basis weight; or may include one or more ...

layers or structures). Furthermore, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 can also be varied to accommodate a range of wearers, from infants to adults. However, the overall absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 25 should be compatible with the designed load and intended use of the diaper 20.

The preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 has an asymmetrical, hourglass-shaped modified absorbent core 25 with tabs in the front and back regions 26 and 28. Other exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 25 that have achieved widespread acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,610,678, entitled High Density Absorbent Structures, issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402, entitled Absorbent Articles with Double Layered Cores, issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,888,231, entitled Absorbent Core with Dust Layer, issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled

High Density Absorbent Components Having Lower Density and Lower Basal Weight Acquisition Zones, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989.

The containment assembly, or chassis, 41, as shown in Fig. 5, may further include an acquisition/distribution core 84 of chemically stiffened fibers placed over the absorbent core 25, thereby forming a dual core system. Preferred dual core systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,423, entitled Absorbent Article with Elastic Waistband and Enhanced Absorbency, issued to Alemany et al. on August 10, 1993; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345, entitled High Performance Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Control, issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor on September 15, 1992. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition/distribution core 84 comprises a chemically treated, stiffened cellulosic fibrous material, available from Weyerhaeuser Co., USA, under the trade name CMC.

More preferably, the assembly 41 may further include an acquisition/distribution layer 82 between the topsheet 24 and the acquisition/distribution core 84, as shown in Fig. 5. The acquisition/distribution layer 82 is provided to help reduce the tendency of the surface of the topsheet 24 to become wet. The acquisition/distribution layer 82 preferably comprises a carded, resin-bonded, highly lightweight nonwoven material, such as that available under the designation FT-6860 from Polymer Group, Inc., North America (Landisiville, New Jersey, USA), which is made of polyethylene terephthalate fibers with a textile weight of 6 dtex, and has a basis weight of about 43 g/m ² .

The topsheet 24 is preferably conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the topsheet 24 is permeable to fluids (e.g., urine), allowing them to readily penetrate its thickness. Suitable topsheet 24 can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, polymeric materials such as apertured, formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, reticulated (net-like) foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic fleeces. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), man-made fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or combinations of natural and man-made fibers. Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic (water-repellent) material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids that have passed through the topsheet 24 and are retained in the absorbent core 25 (i.e., preventing rewetting).

·· ·*·· treated so that it can pass through this upper

If the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material, it is preferred that at least its upper surface be hydrophilic so that fluids will pass through the layer more quickly. This reduces the likelihood that body fluids will run off the topsheet 24 rather than being drawn into it and absorbed into the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 24 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with this surfactant include spraying the material with the surfactant and dipping the material into it. This treatment and hydrophilicity are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344, entitled

Absorbent Articles with Multiple Absorbent Layers, issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991; and U.S. Patent No. 4,988,345, entitled Absorbent Articles with Rapid-Acquisition Absorbent Cores, issued to Reising on January 29, 1991. The topsheet 24 may be compatible with a venting arrangement/method preferably along the waist portion 6 and Ί_ and other portions on the pull-on diaper 20.

In preferred embodiments, the topsheet 24 is a nonwoven structure that can provide a reduced tendency for surface moisture and subsequently facilitate, upon wetting, the retention of urine absorbed by the core 25 away from the wearer's skin. One preferred topsheet material is a thermally bonded carded structure available under the designation P-8 from Fiberweb North America, Inc. (Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA). Another preferred topsheet material is available under the designation S-2355 from Havix Co., Japan. This material is a double-layer composite material made from two types of synthetic, surfactant-treated, bicomponent fibers using carding and air flow techniques. Yet another preferred material • 4 «4··

4 • 444

The top layer is a thermally bonded carded structure, available under the designation Profleece Style 040018007, from Amoco Fabrics, Inc. (Gronau, Germany).

Another preferred topsheet 24 comprises an apertured formed sheet. Aperture formed sheets are preferred for the topsheet 24 because they are permeable to body exudates and yet nonabsorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the body-contacting surface of the formed sheet remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and providing a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed sheets are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, entitled Absorbent Structures Having Constricted Capillaries; in U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982, entitled Disposable Absorbent Article Having a Spill-Resistant Topsheet; in U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982, entitled Flexible Plastic Structure Exhibiting Fabric-Like Properties; in U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984, entitled Macroscopically Expanded, Three-Dimensional Plastic Structure Exhibiting a Non-Gloss Visible Surface and a Cloth-Like Tactile Impression; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991, entitled Multiple Polymeric Sheet.

The backsheet 22 preferably includes an inner barrier film 68 and a nonwoven outer cover 23. The inner barrier film 68 has a body-facing surface 79 and an outward-facing surface 77. The inner barrier film 68 is preferably impermeable to liquids (e.g., urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film. More preferably, the plastic film allows vapors to escape from the diaper 20. In a preferred embodiment, for

0«

0

0 • 0 0000 0 · • 999 The inner barrier film 68 uses a microporous polyethylene film. A suitable microporous polyethylene film is manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Nagoya, Japan, and is sold under the trade name Espoir No. The backsheet 22 is preferably compatible with ventilation and side seam construction/process. A disposable tape may further be attached to the outer surface of the backsheet.

A suitable material for the plastic film for the inner barrier film 68 is a thermoplastic film, preferably comprising polyethylene or polypropylene, with a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Preferably, this plastic film has a basis weight of from about 5 grams/m ² to about 35 grams/m ² . However, it should be noted that other flexible, liquid-impermeable materials may be used herein. The term flexible herein refers to materials that are pliable and readily conform to the overall shape and contours of the human body. The plastic film may have a moisture vapor transmission rate of between about 3,000 and 4,000 g/m ² /24 hours, as measured as described below.

The nonwoven outer cover 23 is bonded to the outwardly facing surface of the inner barrier film 68 to form a laminate (i.e., the backsheet 22). The nonwoven outer cover 23 is positioned in the outermost portion of the pull-on diaper 20 and covers at least a portion of the outermost portion of the diaper 20. The nonwoven outer cover 23 may be attached to the inner barrier film 68 by any suitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the nonwoven outer cover 23 may be attached to the inner barrier film 68 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of discrete lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Suitable adhesives include hot melt adhesives available from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, such as H-2128, and hot melt adhesive available from »· ···· ·· ·· ·· * · » 9 9 19 · · · • »»· · e · · · • · 9 · 1 ·«·· • · · » · 9 1

9999 111 19 199 19 4» company H.B. Fuller Japan Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, as JM-6064.

In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven outer cover 23 is a carded nonwoven structure, available, for example, from Havix Co., Ltd., Gifu, Japan, as E-2341. The nonwoven outer cover 23 is made of bicomponent fibers of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PE/PET material ratio is about 40/60. The PE/PET bicomponent fiber has a dimension of 2 decitex x 51 mm. Another preferred carded nonwoven structure is available from Chisso Corp., Osaka, Japan. The nonwoven outer cover 23 is also made of bicomponent fibers of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the PE/PET material ratio is about 30/70.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the nonwoven structure is a nonwoven, multi-drawn structure, for example, available from Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. This nonwoven structure is made of bicomponent fibers of a polyethylene (PE) cover and a polypropylene (PP) core. The PE/PP material ratio is about 80/20. The PE/PP bicomponent fiber has a thickness of about 2.3 decitex.

The backsheet 22 is preferably positioned adjacent the outwardly facing surface of the absorbent core 25 and is preferably attached thereto by any suitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the backsheet 22 may be attached to the absorbent core 25 by a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of discrete lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Adhesives that have been found satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, commercially available as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment means comprising an open pattern of filaments of adhesive is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,573 • · • · ·

986, entitled Disposable Undergarment Component for Containing Body Exudates, issued to Minetola et al. on March 4, 1986. Another suitable fastening means, comprising multiple lines of adhesive fibers wound in a helical pattern, is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173, issued to Sprague Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996, issued to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, such fastening means may include heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable fastening means known in the art.

In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent core 25 is not attached to the backsheet 22 and/or the topsheet 24 to provide greater extensibility in the front region 26 and the back region 28.

Elasticized leg cuffs 52 provide improved containment of fluids and other body exudates. Elasticized leg cuffs 52 may include several different embodiments for limiting leakage (leakage) of body exudates in the leg regions (leg cuffs may be and are sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs). U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper that provides a leg opening having a side flap and one or more elastic members to secure an elasticized leg cuff (sealing cuff). U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803, entitled Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Flaps, issued to Aziz et al.

on March 20, 1990, describes a disposable diaper having stand-up elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) to improve containment in the leg areas. U.S. Patent No. 4,695 »····· ·· · ·· • · · · · · · · • · Β · · * · ·

278, entitled Absorbent Article with Double Cuffs, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, and U.S. Patent No. 4,795,454, entitled Absorbent Article Having Leakage-Resistant Double Cuffs, issued to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, describe disposable diapers having double cuffs comprising a sealing cuff and a barrier cuff. U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115, entitled Disposable, Waist-Wrapped, Exudate-Retaining Garment Part, issued to Buell on November 3, 1987, describes a disposable diaper or garment part for incontinence, having leak-resistant, side edge drainage channels arranged to retain free fluids within the part.

Although each elasticized leg cuff 52 may be configured to be similar to any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs described above, it is preferred that each elasticized leg cuff 52 include inner barrier cuffs 54, each including a barrier flap 56 and a spacer 58 (as shown in FIG. 5), as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803. The inner barrier cuffs 54 have a liner portion that is highly impermeable, but preferably breathable. In a preferred embodiment, the elasticized leg cuff 52 additionally includes an elastic sealing cuff 62 with one or more elastic strands 64 disposed outwardly of the barrier cuff 54, as described in the above-referenced U.S. Patent Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454. The elastic strands 64 are generally disposed within the leg flap portion 4 and are attached thereto in a pre-tensioned state by any means, such as hot melt adhesive. The elastic strands 64 may be pre-tensioned to between 30% and 200%, preferably between 50% and 150%, prior to being attached. Preferred elastic strands 64 » · · · I • · β · · · are manufactured by Fulflex International Company under the designation 9312.

The pull-on diaper 20 has a front stretch tab 46 and a rear stretch tab 48. In Fig. 5, the front stretch tab 46 and the rear stretch tab 48 preferably include a side elastic member 70 having a side elastomeric material 124 (shown in Fig. 8), a side stretch portion 23C of the nonwoven outer cover 23, and a stretch portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54 (although Fig. 5 only shows the assembly in the front region 26, the assembly in the rear region 28 is preferably the same or similar to that in the front region 26). Preferably, at least one of the front and rear stretch tabs 46 and 48 is elastically extensible in at least a lateral (sideways) direction. More preferably, both the front and rear extensible tabs 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in at least a lateral direction. In an alternative embodiment, the front and rear extensible tabs 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. The term extensible herein refers to materials that can be stretched in at least one direction to some degree without undue rupture. The terms elasticity and elastically extensible refer to extensible materials that have the ability to return to approximately their original dimensions after the force that stretched the material is removed. Any material or part described herein as extensible may also be elastically extensible unless otherwise stated. The expansion tab 46 and/or 48 provides a more comfortable and snug fit by initially conforming the diaper to the wearer, maintaining this fit throughout wear, long after the diaper has been filled with exudates, because the expansion tabs 46 and/or 48 allow the sides of the diaper to expand and contract.

• · · « • ··

weighed and weighted

The expandable tabs 46 and 48 preferably have breathability. The moisture vapor transmission rate of the tab portion, in conjunction with the overall vapor transmission rate of the remainder of the diaper, is important in reducing the incidence of chafing and other skin problems associated with high temperature and humidity conditions. To reduce moisture and thermal humidity within the diaper, the expandable tabs 46 and 48 preferably have a weight average vapor transmission rate of at least about 2,000 g/m ² /24 hours, more preferably at least about 4,000 g/m ² /24 hours; preferably the entire diaper has a weight average vapor transmission rate of from at least 2,000 g/m ² /24 hours to about 8,000 g/m ² /24 hours.

The moisture vapor transmission rate is measured as set forth below. A known amount of _CaCl2 is placed in a flanged cup. The sample is placed on top of the cup and held firmly in place by a retaining ring and gasket. This assembly is then weighed and recorded as the initial weight. The assembly is then placed in a room with a constant temperature (40°) and humidity (75% relative humidity) for five (5) hours. The assembly is then removed from the room and allowed to equilibrate for at least 30 minutes at the temperature of the room where the balance is placed. The assembly is then recorded as the final weight. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is calculated and expressed in g/ ^m2 /24 hours using the following formula:

(final weight - initial weight) x 24.0

MVTR = sample area in meters x 5.0 (time in room) ··· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · • ··· ···

Referring to Fig. 5, as with Fig. 3, the front stretch tab 46, including the side elastic member 70, has a higher end edge 46A, a lower end edge 46B, an inner side edge 46C, and an outer side edge 46D. The rear stretch tab 48, including the side elastic member 70, has a higher end edge 48A, a lower end edge 48B, an inner side edge 48C, and an outer side edge 48D. Although the arrangement of each element, part, portion, etc. in the front region 26 may differ from that in the back region 28 (such as the arrangement of the front expansion tab 46 and the arrangement of the rear expansion tab 48 or the arrangement of the lower end edge 46B and the arrangement of the lower end edge 48B), those elements, parts, portions, etc. that correspond to each other in the front 26 and rear 28 regions may be described together for ease of description. In the preferred embodiment, the tab portions 10 and 11 are made expandable over their entire area and form, by means of the side elastic material 70, the expandable tab 46 and 48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the side elastic material 70 extends into a portion of the ear pieces 12 and 13 such that the front stretch tab 46 and the back stretch tab 48 are secured to each other at the seam 32, and the side elastic material 70 in the front region 26 and the side elastic material 70 in the back region 28 are secured at the seam 32. (FIG. 5 also shows the side elastic portion 70 extending into the seam portion 12 and 13, although the seam portion 12 and 13 is not shown here.) Alternatively, the pieces 10 and 11 may be made extensible only in a portion of the area in the ear pieces 10 and 11. The extensible tab 46 and 48 are the portion of the ear pieces 10 and 11 made extensible by being connected to the side elastic portion 70 and subjected to mechanical stretching. In a preferred embodiment, the inner side edge 46C and 48C extends generally along the longitudinal center axis 100 of the pull-on diaper 20. The outer side edge 46D and 48D is non-parallel with the inner side edge 46C and 48C and is non-parallel with the longitudinal center axis 100. The outer side edge 46D

48D protrudes laterally outward at the lower end edge 46B and 48B. Thus, the outer side edge 46D and 48D is spaced from the inner side edge 46C and 48C at the lower end edge 46B and 48B. The expansion tab 46 and 48 has a lateral width L1 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D at the lower end edge 46B and 48B; and a lateral width L2 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D at the higher end edge 46A and 48A. The lateral (sidewise) width between the inner side edge and the outer side edge is the width between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 100. Thus, the lateral width between the inner side edge and the outer side edge is available in the span R where the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D extend together in the longitudinal direction. The lateral width L1 is greater than the lateral width L2, therefore, the usable amount of elastomeric material in the lateral direction of the expandable tab 46 and 48 is greater at the lower end edge 46B and 48B than at the higher end edge 46A and 48A. Because the outer side edge 46D and 48D protrude laterally outwardly at the lower end edge 46B and 48B, the usable amount of elastomeric material at the lower end edge 46B and 48B is increased, without reducing the usable amount of elastomeric material at the higher end edge 46A and 48A. Furthermore, the usable amount of elastomeric material varies in the direction from the higher end edge 46A and 48A, toward the lower end edge 46B and 48B, as the lateral width of the expansion tab 46 and 48 gradually varies in that direction. This results in a change in the forces or force gradient across the expansion tab, which allows for a proper fit. The inner side edge 46C and 48C may also be non-parallel to the longitudinal centerline 100 and project laterally inwardly at the lower end edge 46B and 48B such that the lateral width L1 becomes further greater than the lateral width L2. Alternatively, the inner side edge 46C and 48C may project somewhat laterally outwardly at the lower end edge 46B and 48B such that the lateral width L1 is still greater than the lateral width L2.

The pull tab (part, tab) 46 and 48 may be formed as unitary portions of the pull-on diaper 20 (i.e., they are not separate engaging or manipulative elements attached to the pull-on diaper 20, but rather are formed from and are extensions of one or more different layers of the pull-on diaper). In a preferred embodiment, the expansion tab 46 and 48 is an elongated portion of the absorbent assembly 41. The tab 46 and 48 preferably includes at least one unitary portion or continuous sheet material that forms a portion of the assembly 41 and continuously extends into the expansion tab 46 and 48. Alternatively, the expansion tab 46 and 48 may be separate portions that have no unitary element that forms a portion of the containment assembly 41. The expansion tabs 46 and 48 may be formed by attaching these separate portions to the side edges of the assembly 41.

The lateral elastic member 70 is positioned between the elongated portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54 and the lateral elongated portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 in the region of the expansion tabs 46 and 48. The lateral elastic member 70 is operably connected to at least one of the elongated portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54 and the lateral elongated portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral elastic member 70 is operably connected to both the elongated portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54 and the lateral elongated portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 while they are in a substantially unstretched (zero tension) state.

··«··· »· · ·· • ·

The elastic member 70 may be operatively connected to the inner barrier sleeve 54 and the nonwoven outer cover 23 using either an intermittent connection arrangement or a substantially continuous connection arrangement. As used herein, the term intermittently connected laminate structure means a laminate structure in which the layers are initially connected to each other at discrete points spaced apart from each other, or a laminate structure in which the layers are substantially unconnected to each other at laterally spaced apart areas. Accordingly, a substantially continuous connected laminate structure means a laminate structure in which the layers are initially connected to each other substantially continuously at their interface areas. Since it is preferred that the stretch laminate be bonded across all or a substantial portion of the stretch laminate so that the non-elastic structures (i.e., the nonwoven structures of the inner barrier sleeve 54 and the nonwoven outer cover 23) are stretched or pulled without causing cracking, and the layers of the stretch laminate are preferably bonded in an arrangement that maintains all of the layers of the laminate in relatively close adhesion to each other after the operation of progressive mechanical stretching, the lateral elastic member and other layers of the stretch laminate are substantially continuously bonded together by the use of an adhesive. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the selected adhesive is applied in a spiral pattern (such as that shown in U.S. Patent 3,911,173 (Sprague Jr.) and in U.S. Patent 4,842,555 (Werenicz)), at a basis weight of about

0.116 g/m ² . The spirals are about 1.9 cm wide and are either placed next to each other or slightly overlap (less than 2 mm). The adhesive is preferably an adhesive such as that available from Findley Adhesives, under the designation H2120. Alternatively, the lateral elastic member and any other components of the stretch laminates may be joined intermittently or continuously to each other by thermal, pressure, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other method known in the art.

After the elastic member 70 is operably connected to the stretched portion 72 of the inner barrier sleeve 54 and the side stretched portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23, at least a portion of the resulting composite stretch laminate is then subjected to mechanical stretching sufficient to permanently stretch the inelastic components, such as the stretched portion 72 of the inner barrier sleeve 54 and the side stretched portions 23C and 23D of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23. The composite stretch laminate is then allowed to return to its substantially unstretched state. The stretch tabs 46 and 48 are thus formed into zero-stress stretch laminates (alternatively, the side elastic member 70 could be operably connected in a stretched state and then subjected to mechanical stretching.). As used herein, the term zero-stretch stretch laminate refers to a laminate comprised of at least two layers of material that are attached to each other along at least a portion of their co-stretching surfaces while in a substantially unstretched (zero-stress) state; one of the layers comprises a material that is stretchable and elastomeric (i.e., will return substantially to its unstretched dimensions upon release of an applied force), and a second layer that is extensible (but not necessarily elastomeric) such that upon stretching it will be, at least to some degree, permanently stretched such that it will not fully return to its original, undeformed configuration upon release of the applied tensile force. The resulting stretch laminate is thereby rendered elastically extensible, at least to the point of initial stretch, in the direction of the initial mechanical ... October 1990; U.S. Patent No. 1, September 1992, and stretching. Particularly preferred methods and apparatus used for making expandable laminates utilize interlocking corrugated cylinders or plates to mechanically expand the components. Particularly preferred apparatus and methods are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,167,897, issued to Weber et al. on December 1, 1997.

1992, U.S. Patent No. 5,156,793, issued to Buell et al. on 20.

143,679, granted to Weber et al. European Patent Application No.

98108290.2, entitled Method and Apparatus for Actuating a Moving Structure, filed May 7, 1998 (Christoph J. Schmitz et al.).

The lateral elastic member 70 is preferably attached to, more preferably directly, the lateral portions 68B of the inner barrier film 68 by an adhesive 76, as shown in Fig. 5. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral elastic member 70 is attached to the lateral portions 68B of the inner barrier film 68 at a surface facing surface 77. In an alternative embodiment, the lateral elastic member 70 may be attached to the lateral portions 68B of the inner barrier film 68 at a body facing surface 79. The adhesive 76 is preferably applied as a bead. It may also be applied as a spiral. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive 76 is a flexible adhesive with an amorphous and a crystallizable component. Such a preferred adhesive is manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company under the designation H9224. Alternatively, the elastic member 70 may be attached to the side panels 68B of the inner barrier film 68 by any other attachment means known in the art, including thermal, pressure, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical, or combinations of these attachment means.

The lateral elastic member 70 used for the expansion tab 46 and 48, in Fig. 8, includes an elastomeric material 124. The lateral elastic material 70 may further include one, preferably ... • ... 444

both the first cover layer 122 and the second cover layer 126. Alternatively, the side elastic material 70 may not include any additional layer.

The side elastic material 124 has a first surface 150 and a second surface 152 opposite the first surface 150, and a first cover layer 122 that is attached to the first surface 150 of the side elastomeric material 124. In a preferred embodiment, the first cover layer 122 is attached to the first surface 150 of the side elastomeric material 124 by an adhesive 160, as shown, for example, in Fig. 9. More preferably, the side elastomeric portion 70 further includes a second cover layer 126 that is attached to the second surface 152 of the side elastomeric material 124 by an adhesive 164. The side elastomeric material 124 provides a good fit by generating an optimal retention (or holding) force in the side area of the wearer. The lateral elastomeric material 124 is preferably extensible in at least one direction, preferably in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction to generate a retention force that is optimal for preventing the pull-on diaper 20 from sagging, rupturing, or sliding down from its location on the lower torso, without causing red marks on the wearer's skin.

The lateral elastomeric material 124 of the present invention can be formed into a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and forms.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of a continuous planar layer. Preferred forms of a continuous planar layer include a fleece, a perforated (or hole-molded) film, an elastomeric woven or nonwoven material, and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the elastomeric material 124 is in the form of strips (or threads) that are not connected to each other to form a continuous planar layer. The continuous planar layer may have any shape that can be suitably secured in the ear loops.

9 9

• 9

9 9 9

9

999 (lateral) parts. Preferred shapes of the continuous planar layer include four-sided shapes including rectangle and square, trapezoid, and other polygons.

Elastomeric materials that have been found to be particularly suitable for elastomeric material 124 are styrene block copolymer (copolymer) based foam materials, perforated (or perforated) elastic films, strips, preferably having a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. Other suitable elastomeric materials for side elastomeric material 124 include living synthetic or natural rubber, other synthetic or natural rubber materials, elastomeric films (including heat shrinkable elastomeric films), elastomeric woven or nonwoven structures, elastomeric blended materials, and the like.

The stretch properties of the side elastomeric material 124, such as the first cycle elongation force at 100% elongation (FCEF100%), the first cycle elongation force at 200% elongation (FCEF200%), the second cycle recovery force at 50% elongation (SCRF50%), and the retained (permanent) load at 50% after 10-12 hours, are important considerations in the performance of disposable devices. The side elastomeric material 124 preferably has stretch properties within the ranges defined herein. FCEF100% and FCEF200% are measures of the overall perceived stretch during donning/doffing of disposable devices. These two properties also affect the ability of the wearer to achieve a suitable degree of donning stretch. A side elastomeric material 124 with a relatively high FCEF100% and FCEF200% may cause difficulty in donning the disposable device on the wearer. On the other hand, a side elastomeric material 124 with a relatively low FCEF100% and FCEF200% may not achieve a suitable level of fit/adaptability to the body. SCRF50% is also closely related to the fit/adaptability to the body of a disposable component.

9· • » · ·« * · * ·

for a given wearer. An elastomeric material 124 with a relatively high SCRF50% tends to cause red marks on the wearer's skin and may be uncomfortable for the wearer during wear. A side elastomeric material 124 with a relatively low SCRF50% may not provide enough elastic force to hold the diaper in place on the wearer and may not provide a good fit to the body.

The values of FCEF100%, FCEF200%, and SCRF50% can be measured using a tensile testing apparatus. The tensile tester includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw positioned below the upper jaw. The upper jaw is movable and connected to a means of measuring tensile force. The lower jaw is fixed to a table (or floor). A test specimen (i.e., the elastomeric material to be measured) is prepared to be about 2.54 cm wide and about 12.75 cm long, and clamped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw so that the effective length (L) of the specimen (i.e., the gauge length) is about 2.54 cm. A tensile force is applied to the specimen under test by the upper jaw. If no tensile force is applied to the specimen, it will be at its unstretched length. A tensile testing machine suitable for use herein is available from Instron Corporation (100 Royall Street, Canton, MA02021, USA), code number Instron 5564.

Fig. 10 shows one preferred example of the stretch and recovery force curves for two cycles of hysteresis of the lateral elastomeric material 124. Curve E1 shows the stretching force in the first cycle, while curve R1 shows the recovery force in the first cycle. Curve E2 (shown in dashed lines) shows the stretching force in the second cycle, while curve R2 shows the recovery force in the second cycle. The stretch and recovery properties are measured as follows.

In the first cycle, the test specimen is subjected to an initial tensile force at a crosshead movement of 25.4 cm/min, at about °C, and held for 30 seconds at 200% elongation. The test specimen is then allowed to relax to an unstretched state by the same amount. The test specimen is then left unrestrained for one minute before being subjected to a second tensile force (for the second cycle) at the same magnitude and conditions.

In preferred embodiments, the FCEF100% of the side elastomeric material 124 is at least about 39.4 grams/cm. More preferably, the FCEF100% is between about 47.2 grams/cm to about 86.6 grams/cm, most preferably between about 59.0 grams/cm and 74.8 grams/cm. The F200% is preferably between about 63.0 grams/cm and about 177.1 grams/cm, preferably between about 70.9 grams/cm and about 118.1 grams/cm, and even more preferably between about 78.7 grams/cm and about

94.5 grams/cm. The SCRF50% value of the side elastomeric material 124 is preferably between about 15.7 grams/cm and about 51.2 grams/cm, more preferably between about 25.6 grams/cm and about 41.3 grams/cm, and even more preferably between about 29.5 grams/cm and about

37.4 grams/cm. The continuous load at 50% is preferably between about

15.7 grams/cm and about 51.2 grams/cm, more preferably between about 25.6 grams/cm and about 41.3 grams/cm, and even more preferably between about

29.5 grams/cm and about 37.4 grams/cm.

In the preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, the elastomeric mat 124 has a plurality of first strands 125 and a plurality of second strands 127. The plurality of first strands 125 intersect the plurality of second strands 127 at nodes 130 at a predetermined angle α (alpha), forming a network-like, open structure with a plurality of apertures 132. Each aperture 132 is defined by at least two adjacent strands and at least two adjacent second strands, such that the apertures 132 are substantially rectangular in shape. Other configurations of apertures 132 may also be provided, such as parallelograms, squares, or circular arc segments. The first and second strands 125 and 127 are preferably substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other. The first strands 125 preferably intersect the second strands 127 at nodes 130 such that angle α is about 90 degrees. The first and second strands 125 and 127 are preferably joined or bound at nodes 130. A preferred elastomeric mule 125 is manufactured by Conwed Plastics Company under the designation X02514. This material has about 12 elastic strands per inch (2.54 cm) in the B-pattern direction (i.e., the first strands 125) and about 7 elastic strands per inch (2.54 cm) in the D-pattern direction (i.e., the second strands 127).

In yet another preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 11 , the elastomeric material 124 may include a porous, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional elastomeric structure 172. The structure 172 has a continuous first surface 174 and a discontinuous second surface 176, remote from the first surface 174. The elastomeric structure 172 preferably includes a formed sheet having at least two polymeric layers, with at least one of the layers being an elastomeric layer 178 and at least one layer being a substantially less elastomeric layer at the skin 182. The elastomeric layer has a plurality of primary apertures 184 in the first surface 174 of the structure 172, the primary apertures 184 being defined in the plane of the first surface 174 by a continuous network of interconnected members 186. Each interconnected member 186 has an upwardly concave cross-section along its length. The interconnecting members 186 terminate substantially coextensive with each other and form a second aperture 188 in the plane of the second surface of the structure. Details of this structure and its method of manufacture are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/816,106, filed March 14, 1997. A preferred elastomeric material is manufactured by Tredegar Film Products under the designation X-25007. The primary apertures 184 may have any shape. The primary aperture 184 is preferably shaped having a major axis and a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, such as an oval shape, and the major axis is oriented generally perpendicular to the applied stress (or strain) induced loads.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the elastic member 70 includes first and second cover layers 122 and 126, and a side elastomeric material 124 disposed within the first and second cover layers 122 and 126. The first cover layer 122 has an inner surface 142 and an outer surface 144. The inner surface 142 of the first cover layer 122 is the surface facing the elastomeric material 124. The second cover layer 126 also has an inner surface 146 and an outer surface 148. The inner surface 146 of the second cover layer 126 is the surface facing the side elastomeric material 124. The side elastomeric material 124 also has two planar surfaces, a first surface 150 and a second surface 152, each of which is substantially parallel to the planes of the first and second cover layers 122 and 126. The first surface 150 is the planar surface of the side elastomeric material 124 that is most closely adjacent to the inner surface 142 of the first cover layer 122. The second surface 152 is that planar surface of the elastomeric material 124 that is most closely adjacent to the inner surface 146 of the second cover layer 126.

Because the side elastic member 70 will be subjected to mechanical stretching before and during use, the first and second cover layers 122 and 126 preferably have a relatively high elongation at break and are more preferably extensible or extensible, more preferably tensile (but not necessarily elastomeric), without undue and preferably without any tearing or tearing. Further, the first and second cover layers 122 and 126 are preferably conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and provide the product with the feel and comfort of a fabric member. Suitable materials for the first and second cover layers 122 and 126 can be made from a wide range of materials such as plastic films, apertured plastic films, woven or nonwoven structures of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fibers), or combinations of natural and/or synthetic fibers, or coated woven or nonwoven structures.

Preferably, each of the first and second cover layers 122 and 126 is an identical nonwoven material. An exemplary preferred nonwoven material is manufactured by FiberWeb Company under the designation DAPP-S tex, with a basis weight in the range of 18-35 g/m ² . This nonwoven material may be reinforced or unreinforced. The nonwoven material is preferably reinforced for use as cover layers for elastomeric mulch. This material has a basis weight in the range of 18-35 g/m ² before reinforcement and a basis weight after reinforcement in the range of about 40-70 g/m ² . As used herein, the term basis weight is the weight per square meter of a planar structure material. Alternatively, highly tensile nonwoven materials may be used. Alternatively, the first and second cover layers 122 and 126 need not be the same material as long as the desired performance requirements such as elastic performance, softness, flexibility, breathability and durability are met. As used herein, the term reinforced nonwoven material means a nonwoven material that has been gathered or constricted under mechanical tension in the D direction of the structure, such that the material can elongate in the D structural direction under low forces.

Fig. 9 shows a partial enlarged side view in the direction B into the structure of the laminate 120 (i.e., the elastic member 70). It has been found that when the laminate 120 is bonded or otherwise secured so that the lateral secured zones A are formed, such laminate 120 is both highly elastic and substantially free from delamination and creep, while providing very good performance characteristics in all required performance categories, without any compromise (or reduction) in any required performance characteristic. The lateral • · • · · · · · ···· • ΦΦΦ · · · » · * • φφφφ «Φ·· φ • φφφφ φ · · attachment is preferably accomplished by lateral bonding using adhesive droplets to secure the lateral elastomeric material 124 between the cover layers 122 and 126 as part of the lamination process. Lateral attachment may alternatively be accomplished by sewing, heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, needling, alternative bonding techniques, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. Another alternative is to laterally attach the layers of the laminate structure after lamination of its respective elastomeric and cover components.

Preferably, the laminate 120 can provide a particularly good, soft feel to the wearer and consumer. This is important because consumers value softness. In traditional laminates, attempts to eliminate creep have often required an unacceptable reduction in softness, often accompanied by an unacceptable reduction in their actuation ability. This is because these previous attempts (which failed to eliminate creep) have focused on the use of additional, meltblown adhesive, often in the pattern of the overall finish, in an attempt to strengthen the respective bonds. This has resulted in an undesirable overall stiffening of the laminate overall. However, the laminates of the preferred embodiments provide creep elimination without losing the soft feel desired by the consumer and without reducing their actuation ability.

Referring to Fig. 9, a first adhesive 170 is applied to the inner surface 146 of the second cover layer 126 at locations corresponding to each of the outer portions 180 of the laminate structure 120. The first adhesive 170 may alternatively or additionally be applied to the inner surface 142 of the first cover layer 122. For ease of illustration, the description and figures relate only to application to the second cover layer 126.

• · » · « ·· ·»·· ·· * · · · · · * · · · · « · ♦ · ·

This pattern creates lateral attachment zones A that substantially eliminate the delamination and creep associated with prior art laminates and that allow the laminate 120 to undergo greater stresses (strains) without creep or delamination. It has also been found that confining the first adhesive 170 to the edge surfaces 180 of the laminate structure 120 prevents the expansion of the laminate 120 from being restricted and also avoids cracking in the cover layers 122 and 126. Preferably, the first adhesive 170 is applied as a plurality of droplets 168, as shown in Fig. 9. The first adhesive 170 is preferably a flexible adhesive, with an amorphous and a crystallizable component. Such a preferred adhesive is manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company under the designation H9224.

The laminate 120 preferably includes a second adhesive 164. The second adhesive 164 is preferably applied to the second surface 152 of the side elastomeric material 124, but could alternatively be applied to the first surface 150 thereof. The second adhesive 164 is preferably applied in a spiral pattern 166, thereby forming bond points 167b that are more spaced apart than if they were formed using linear spraying. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the majority of the second adhesive 164 so sprayed aligns in the structural direction D. Accordingly, spiral spraying has been found to result in very good activation properties. As used herein, activation refers to the ability to stretch.

It has been found that spraying a layer of second adhesive 164 directly onto the second surface 152 of the side elastomeric material 124 is preferable to applying the second adhesive 164 to the opposing (i.e., second) cover layer 126. This is because the second adhesive 164 tends to penetrate any residual processing agents or oils that may remain on the surface of the elastomeric material 124. Such residual materials, if left on the side elastomeric material 124, can weaken the adhesive bond and the laminate structure 120 over time. For example, if the residual materials are left intact, the bonds used to form the laminate 120 may weaken over a period of time before a consumer purchases the product.

The adhesion values of the laminate 120 in the spiral adhesive areas are typically higher when the spirals 166 are applied directly to the side elastomeric material 124 than to the opposing (i.e., second) cover layer 126. As used herein, the term peel strength value refers to the amount of force required to separate the two layers of cover material 122 and 126 from each other. High peel strength values typically equate to less chance of delamination in use.

A third adhesive 160 may also be preferably applied to the inner surface 142 of the first cover layer 122. The third adhesive 160 is preferably an elastomeric adhesive. In a manner similar to that described with reference to the spiral application of the second adhesive 166, the adhesive 160 is preferably applied in a spiral spray pattern 162, thereby forming bonding points 167a that are more widely spaced than would be formed using linear spray. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the majority of the adhesive 160 so sprayed aligns in the structural direction D.

The second and third adhesives 164 and 160 are preferably the same elastomeric adhesive. The preferred adhesive for use in the second and third spiral sprays of adhesive 166 and 162 is an adhesive manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company, under the designation H2120. Preferably, the addition level for each of the second and third spiral sprays, 166 and 162, is from about 0.062 to about

0.186 g/m ² , more preferably about 0.124 g/m ² • · · · «

• ··

Referring to Fig. 1, the pull-on diaper 20 further preferably includes a continuous stretch waist feature 60 that provides improved fit, ease of donning, and containment. The continuous stretch waist feature 60 is that portion or zone of the pull-on diaper 20 that is intended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. The continuous stretch waist feature 60 extends along the waist portion 6 and 7. Preferably, the continuous stretch waist feature 60 includes two separate portions, one continuous band 57 located in the front region 26 and a second continuous stretch band 59 located in the back region 28, although other pull-on diapers may be constructed with a single continuous stretch band. Referring also to Fig. 7, the continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 preferably includes a waist elastic member 80 having a waist elastomeric material 200 (shown in FIG. 8) and an elongated portion of at least one of a plurality of layers arranged and associated with the absorbent core 25 such as the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 (although FIG. 7 only shows the structures in the front region 26, the structures in the back region 28 are preferably the same or similar to those in the front region 26). The stretch waistband 57 and 59 is preferably elastically stretchable in at least a lateral (sideways) direction, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. In a preferred embodiment, the waist portion 6 and 7 is made extensible over at least the entire lateral length of the waist portion 6 and 7 to form a continuous extensible waist 57 and 59 by the waist elastic member 80. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the waist elastic member 80 may extend into the seam portion 12 and 13 such that the continuous extensible waist 57 and the continuous extensible waist 59 are secured to each other at the seam 32, and the waist elastic material 80 in the front region 26 and the elastic material 80 in the back region 28 are secured at the seam 32 (Fig. 7 also shows the waist elastic member 80 extending into the portion 12 and 13, although

9 99 9

(seam portion 12 and 13 are not shown in Fig. 7). In the assembled configuration of the pull-on diaper 20 as shown in Fig. 1, the continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 form one continuous stretch waistband arrangement 60.

The continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 may be formed from unitary portions of the pull-on diaper 20 (i.e., they are not separate engaging or manipulative elements attached to the pull-on diaper 20, but rather are formed from and are extensions of one or more different layers of the pull-on diaper). In a preferred embodiment, each continuous stretch band 57 and 59 comprises a protruding portion of the absorbent assembly 41. The continuous stretch band 57 and 59 preferably comprises at least one unitary portion or continuous sheet material that forms a portion of the assembly 41 and extends continuously into the continuous stretch band 57 and 59. Alternatively, the continuous stretch band 57 and 59 may be separate portions that have no unitary element that forms a portion of the containment assembly 41. The continuous stretch bands 57 and 59 may be formed by attaching said separate portions to the waist portions of the assembly 41.

The continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 includes a waist elastic member 80 and an elongated portion of at least one of a plurality of layers arranged in association with the absorbent core 25, such as the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22. If an additional layer is added, such as an inner barrier cuff 54 or an additional layer of fluid-absorbing fabric associated with the absorbent core 25, the additional layer may form a portion of the continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the side portion 57B of the continuous stretch waistband 57 includes a lamination of the elongated portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54, the end elongated portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23, and the side portion of the waist elastic member 80. The center portion 57A • · · ·

The stretch waistband 57 includes a lamination of the end stretch portion 24A of the topsheet 24, the end stretch portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23, and the center portion of the waist elastic member 80 (although FIG. 7 only shows the structures in the first region 26, the structures in the back region 28 are preferably the same or similar to those in the front region 26). However, in the present embodiment, the inner barrier film 68 does not extend into the continuous stretch waistband 57. Alternatively, the inner barrier cuff 54, the topsheet 24, and/or the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 need not extend into the continuous stretch waistband 57. The extended portion 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54 also need not extend into the continuous stretch waistband 57. If both the topsheet 24 and the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 do not extend into the continuous stretch waistband 57, the continuous stretch waistband 57 may include an extended portion of the inner barrier film 68 and a waist elastic member 80.

The waist elastic member 80 is superimposed (overlapped) within the innermost surface (body facing surface) of the pull-on diaper 20. The waist elastic member 80 may be operatively connected to the elongated portions 72 of the inner barrier cuff 54, the end elongated portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23, and the end elongated portion 24A of the topsheet 24. The waist elastic member 80 may be operatively connected thereto using either an intermittent connection arrangement or a substantially continuous connection arrangement. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the selected adhesive is applied in a spiral pattern (such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 (Sprague Jr.) and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,555 (Werenicz)), at a basis weight of about 0.116 g/m ² . The spirals are about 1.9 cm wide and are either placed next to each other or slightly overlap (less than 2 mm). The adhesive is preferably an adhesive such as that available from Findley Adhesives, under the designation H2120.

Alternatively, the waist elastic member and any other components of the stretch laminates may be joined intermittently or continuously to each other using thermal, pressure, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other method known in the art.

The entire unstretched length of the waist elastic member 80 is preferably pre-stretched in the lateral direction before being operably connected to the extended portions 72 of the left and right inner barrier cuff 54, the end extended portion 24A of the topsheet 24, and the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23. The entire unstretched length of the waist elastic member 80 is pre-stretched in the lateral direction to at least the original length of the waist portions 6 and 7 of the assembly 41. The entire unstretched length of the waist elastic member 80 may be further pre-stretched to extend into a portion of the seam portions 12 and 13. In the present embodiment, the waist portions 6 and 7 of the assembly 41 include the left and right extended portions 72, the inner barrier cuff 54, the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23 and the end stretched portion 24A of the topsheet 24. The term original length herein refers to the length of a single material or composite material before it is made elastically stretchable and before it is permanently mechanically stretched. The pre-stretched full length herein refers to the full length of the elastic material in a state where part or all of the length of the elastic material is pre-stretched in the lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the original length of the waist portion 6 and 7 is generally the same as the combined length of the extended portions 72 of the left and right inner barrier cuffs 54 and the end portion 24A of the topsheet 24 in the assembled configuration before the waist elastic member 80 is attached thereto. The original length of the waist portion 6 and 7 is also generally the same as the length of the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer wrapper 23 before the waist elastic member 80 is attached thereto. The waist elastic member 80 is preferably pre-stretched to a range of from 20 to 100% of its unstretched (i.e., undeformed, stress-free) length, more preferably the waist elastic member 80 may be pre-stretched to a range of from 40 to 80%. After the pre-tensioned waist elastic member 80 is joined, the waist elastic member 80 is then allowed to return to its substantially untensioned state with other components such as the extended portions 72 of the inner barrier cuffs 54, the end extended portion 24A of the topsheet 24, and the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23 attached to the waist elastic member 80. Thus, a continuous stretchable waist 57 and 59 is formed that is extensible from the untensioned length of the waist elastic member 80 to at least the original length of the waist portions 6 and 7 of the assembly 41.

Alternatively, only a portion of the waist elastic member 80 may be pre-stretched before being operably connected to the elongated portion of at least one of the plurality of layers, such that the pre-stretched, full length of the waist elastic member 80 in the state where the portion of the waist elastic member 80 is pre-stretched is substantially the same as the original length of the waist portion 6 and the assembly 41. Preferably, only a portion of the waist elastic material 80 that extends along the lateral width X (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the absorbent core 25 adjacent the waist elastic material 80 may be pre-stretched.

Examples of stretchable materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 2,075,189, issued to Galligan on March 30, 1937; U.S. Patent No. 3,025,199, issued to Harwood on March 13, 1962; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,107,364 and 4,209,563, issued to Sisson on August 15, 1978 and June 24, 1980, respectively; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,741, issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989; and U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell et al. on September 29, 1992.

• ···

The continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 is formed to be extensible from the unstretched length of the waist elastic member 80 to at least the original length of the waist sections 6 and 7 of the assembly 41. However, the waist elastic member 80 is connected to the stretched portion of at least one of the absorbent core 25, such as the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22, which are substantially inelastic. Thus, the waist elastic member 80 can only stretch between the unstretched length of the waist elastic member 80 and the original length of the waist sections 6 and 7 of the assembly 41 and cannot be stretched beyond the original length of the waist sections (5 and 1) of the assembly 41. This limits the upper limit of the stretch range of the continuous stretchable waist 57 and 59 (i.e., the continuous waist adjustments 60), even though the waist elastic member 80 itself is capable of stretching beyond the original length of the waist sections 6 and 2 of the containment assembly 41 or the pre-stretched full length of the waist elastomeric material 80. This limitation in the upper limit of the stretch range does not allow enough stretch for the continuous waist 57 and 59. Thus, when the pull-on diaper 20 is stretched for application to the wearer, the pull-on diaper may not provide enough of a waist opening size, requiring the wearer to apply much greater force to the wearer. pull-on diaper 20 in an effort to achieve extensibility from other stretchable materials in the pull-on diaper 20, the size of the waist opening. This when putting the pull-on diaper on the wearer.

The continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 are thus made elastically extensible to provide a greater range of extensibility (i.e., stretch range) beyond the original length of the waist portion 6 and 7 of the assembly 41 or beyond the pre-tensioned, full length of the waist elastic member 80. Namely, after the waist elastic member 80 is operably attached in a pre-tensioned condition, typically attached from a plurality of layers or to the inner barrier cuff 54, the topsheet 24 and the nonwoven outer wrapper 23, and before returning substantially at least a portion, preferably all, of the resulting (i.e., continuous stretch waistband 57 and

59) is then subjected to mechanical stretching sufficient to permanently stretch the non-elastic components, which are the stretched portions 72 of the left and right inner barrier cuffs 54, the end stretched portion 24A of the topsheet 24, the end stretched portion 23A of the nonwoven outer wrapper, and the cover layers (if any) forming a portion of the waist elastic member 80. The composite stretch laminate is then allowed to return to its substantially unstretched state. Thus, the waist elastic member 80 is stretchable from an unstretched length beyond the original length of the waist portions 6 and 7 of the assembly 41, at least to the permanently stretched length of the non-elastic components. This provides a wider range of stretch for the continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59, thereby providing the advantage of ease of application. Alternatively, the waist elastic member 80 may be attached to the inner barrier cuffs 54, the topsheet 24, and the nonwoven outer cover 23 in a substantially unstretched (zero tension) state, thereby forming a zero tension stretch laminate. Preferred apparatus and methods are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,167,897, issued to Weber et al. on December 1, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,156,793, issued to Buell et al. on October 20, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 5,143,679, issued to Weber et al. on September 1, 1992; and European Patent Application No. 98108290.2, entitled Method and Apparatus for Actuating a Moving Structure, filed May 7, 1998 (Christoph J. Schmitz et al.).

The waist elastic member 80 includes a waist elastomeric material 200, which may utilize the same material/assembly as the side elastomeric material 124. Alternatively, the waist elastomeric material 200 may utilize a different material/assembly.

99·· side elastomeric material 124. The waist elastic component 80 may further include one or both of a first cover layer 202 and a second cover layer 204. The construction of the waist elastic component 80 may be the same as or different from that of the side elastic component 70. The construction, materials, and/or properties of the cover layers 202 and 204 may be the same as or similar to those of the cover layers 122 and 126, or may differ therefrom. Furthermore, the method of attaching the waist elastomeric material 200 to the cover layers 202 and 204 may be the same as or similar to those described for the ear piece component 70. In a preferred embodiment, the waist elastic member 80 includes a waist elastomeric material 200 and a single layer of cover layer 202 or 204. In such a case, the elastomeric material 200 is disposed facing the inner barrier cuffs 54 and the top layer 24, and the cover layer 202 or 204 is disposed facing the wearer's body so that the wearer's skin is not directly pressed against the waist elastomeric material 200, thereby reducing the appearance of red marks on the skin.

Fig. 12 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of a continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59. In this embodiment, the waist elastic member 80 is overlapped within the nonwoven outer cover 23. Preferably, in the side portions 57B of the continuous stretch waistband 57, the waist elastic member 80 is positioned between the extended portions 72 of the inner barrier cuffs 54 and the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23. In the center portion 57A, the waist elastic member 80 is positioned between the end extended portion 24A of the topsheet 24 and the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23. The waist elastic member 80 may be operatively connected to the extended portions 72 of the inner barrier cuffs 54, the end extended portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23, and to the end elongated portion 24A of the topsheet 24. In one embodiment, the waist elastic may ...

The component 80 includes a waist elastomeric material 200 and one layer of cover layers 202 or 204. In one case, the waist elastomeric material 200 is arranged facing the inner barrier cuffs 54 and the top layer 27, and the cover layer 202 or 204 is arranged facing the nonwoven outer wrapper 23. This cover layer arrangement tends to restrict the waist elastomeric material 200 and is visible through from the outside because one layer (the cover layer) is added and disposed between the waist elastomeric material 200 and the nonwoven outer wrapper 23. In another case, the waist elastomeric material 200 is arranged facing the nonwoven outer wrapper 23, and the cover layer 202 or 204 is arranged facing the inner barrier cuffs 54 and the top layer 27. This cover layer arrangement tends to reduce the appearance of red marks on the skin because one layer (the cover layer) is added to fit between the waistband elastomeric material 200 and the wearer's skin. In both cases, since one cover layer is eliminated (compared to two layers of cover layers), the bulkiness of the continuous stretch waistband 57 is reduced. Furthermore, the breathability of the continuous stretch waistband 57 is increased because there is less material. In addition, the continuous stretch waistband 57 gains more usable stretch. The continuous stretch waistband 57 is formed by a waistband elastic member 80 comprising the waistband elastomeric material 200, which is pre-stretched and then returned in a preferred embodiment to its original unstretched state. When the elastic waistband 200 returns to its original unstretched state, other components attached to the elastic waistband 200 tend to restrict the elastic waistband 200 from returning to its original unstretched state. Therefore, the elastic waistband 200 cannot utilize its full extensibility. However, in the embodiment described above, as the bulkiness of the continuous extensible waistband 57 is reduced, the elastic waistband 200 can return to as close to its original unstretched length as possible. Therefore, the elastic waistband 200 gains more usable extensibility.

Alternatively, the waist elastic member 80 may include a single layer of waist elastomeric material 200 without any cover layer. In the side portions 57B of the elastic waist 57, the waist elastomeric material 200 is disposed and bonded directly between the elongated portions 72 of the inner barrier cuffs 72 and the end elongated portion 23A of the nonwoven outer cover 23. In the center portion 57A, the waist elastomeric material 200 is disposed and bonded directly between the end elongated portion 24A of the topsheet 24 and the nonwoven outer cover 23. This structure is also useful for reducing bulk, increasing breathability, and having more usable stretch in the stretch waist 57.

The side elastic member 70 and the waist elastic member 80 are comprised of separate elements, and both members 70 and 80 are preferably arranged so as not to overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. However, both members 70 and 80 are preferably arranged without a substantial gap therein, such that members 70 and 80 form a composite elastomeric web in the stretch tabs (portions) 46 and 48. A composite elastomeric web herein refers to a zone or area where two or more separate elastomeric materials are substantially continuous with no gap between said elastomeric materials or with a predetermined gap, thereby exhibiting the stretch behavior of a single elastomeric material. Both members 70 and 80 are preferably arranged without a gap. Thus, it is perceived that the stretch tab 46 and 49 and the side portion 57B and 59 of the continuous stretch waistband 57 and 59 comprise a continuous single elastomeric material between the waist opening 36 and the leg openings in the assembled configuration of the pull-on diaper 20. The side elastic member 70 and the waist elastic member 80 are comprised of separate elements, thus the side elastomeric material 124 and

The waist elastomeric material 200 also consists of separate elements. The separate assembly allows the side elastomeric material 124 and the waist elastomeric material 200 to be made using different materials in each component, thus allowing for different stretch properties such as the stretch versus force curve for different portions of the pull-on diaper 20. The separate assembly also allows for the side elastomeric material 124 and the waist elastomeric material 200 to be used in different states, such as a pre-stretched or unstretched state. This allows for differentiating the force required to stretch different portions of the pull-on diaper 20 to the same length, or equalizing the force required to stretch different portions to different lengths, thereby adjusting the pressure exerted on the skin of a given wearer. For example, the pull-on diaper 20 may have a waist elastomeric material 200 provided with high extensibility at such a force that the continuous stretchable waist feature 60 is easily stretched with low force exerted by the wearer for easy donning of the diaper, while the pull-on diaper 20 may have a side elastomeric material 124 generating the force necessary for a maintained fit in the stretch tabs 46 and 48, but this force may not result in red pressure marks on the skin. In one embodiment, the continuous stretch waist treatment 60, comprising the waist elastomeric material 200, is designed to have an extensibility of at least 100%, while the stretch tabs 46 and 48, comprising the side elastomeric material 124, are configured to have a strength of between about 15.7 g/cm and 51.2 g/cm when the stretch tabs 46 and 48 are stretched to 50% (more specifically, at an SCFR50%).

Both the side elastic member 70 and the waist elastic member 80 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the longitudinal direction, therefore, the side elastomeric material 124 and the waist elastomeric material 200 also do not overlap. Because the side elastic member 70 and the waist elastic member 80 are not structurally overlapped, each member 70 and 80 comprises a single stretch material, thus having a substantially homogeneous stretch property. This allows the wearer to pull the pull-on diaper 20 smoothly, without feeling a change in the force applied during the pulling to put on the pull-on diaper.

Seams 32 each connect seam portions 12 and 13, thereby connecting corresponding portions of the stretch tabs (portions) 46 and 48, thereby forming two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. The front and rear stretch tabs 46 and 48 are seamed together, preferably along outer side edges 46D and 48D, in an overlapping manner, forming an overlapping seam assembly. Alternatively, the front and rear stretch tabs 46 and 48 may be seamed together, but in a butt seam manner (not shown in the figures). The joining of the seams 32 may be accomplished by any suitable means known in the art appropriate to the particular materials used in the front and back expansion tabs 46 and 48. Suitable techniques may include ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive or cohesive bonding, sewing bonding, autogenous bonding, and the like. The seam portions 12 and 13 are joined by a predetermined pattern of thermal/pressure or ultrasonic welds that will withstand the forces and stresses on the diaper 20 during wear. The seam 32 also connects the continuous stretch waistbands 57 and 59 and forms a continuous stretch waistband 60 around the waist opening 36. When the side elastic member 70 and the waist elastic member 80 extend into the seam portions 12 and 13, the seams 32 secure the side elastic member 70 in the front region 26 to the side elastic member 70 in the back region 28, and secure the waist elastic member 80 in the front region 26 to the waist elastic member 80 in the back region 28. Examples of seams are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234, issued to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996; in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,537, issued to Johnson et al. on April 4, 1996.

March 1997; in U.S. Patent No. 5,662,638, issued to Johnson et al. on September 2, 1997; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,685,874, issued to Buell et al. on November 11, 1997. Preferred seams are described in European Patent Application No. 96118654, entitled Thermal Bonding of Structures, filed November 21, 1996 (Christoph J. Schmitz).

In a preferred embodiment, the outer side edge 46D and 48D is non-parallel to the inner side edge 46C and 48C and non-parallel to the longitudinal center axis 100. The outer side edge 46D and 48D extends laterally outwardly at the lower end edge 46B and 48B. The expandable tab 46 and 48 has a lateral width L1 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D at the lower end edge 46B and 48B that is greater than the lateral width L2 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46C and 48C closer to the higher end edge 46A and 48A. Therefore, the usable amount of elastomeric material in the lateral direction of the expansion tabs 46 and 48 is greater at the lower end edge 46B and 48B than at the higher end edge 46A and 48A. The extensibility at the lower end edge 46B and 48B is increased. In addition, since both the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48 have a larger lateral width (i.e., usable amount of elastomeric material) at the lower end edge 46B, 48B, the lateral width (i.e., usable amount of elastomeric material) at the lower end edge 46B, 48B is further increased by the connection of the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48. Because the arrangement has a greater width at the lower end edge 46B, 48B, the pull-on diaper has a greater amount of elastomeric material available around the leg openings, while the diaper maintains a greater amount of elastomeric material around the waist opening. Thus, the pull-on diaper does not provide excessive pressure on the wearer's skin, which negatively impacts the skin around the leg openings, while maintaining a consistent fit around the waist opening. In the arrangement where the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48 are connected, the seam 32 is non-parallel to the longitudinal center axis 100, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the seam 32 projects laterally outwardly at the lower portion 32A of the seam 32. Further, as explained above, the waist elastic member 80 is connected to the waist portions 6 and 7 of the assembly 41 in a stretched (pre-stretched) condition and is allowed to return to a substantially unstretched condition, while the side elastic member 70 is connected to the stretch tabs 46 and 48 in an unstretched condition. Thus, the circumference of the pull-on diaper 20 around the continuous stretchable waist feature 60 further becomes smaller in the unstretched condition than the circumference of the pull-on diaper 20 through the stretch tab portion 46 and 48. This arrangement further improves the consistent fit around the waist opening while reducing skin problems around the leg openings. The circumferential direction here means the direction along the waist opening in the assembled configuration of the pull-on diaper. The circumference here refers to the length of the pull-on diaper along the circumferential direction.

As shown in Fig. 1, the continuous waist zone 38 is formed by front and rear expansion tabs 46 and 48, a portion of the assembly 41, and a continuous expansion waist arrangement 60. The continuous waist zone is that portion of the belt-like zone of the pull-on diaper that is expandable such that the circumference of the continuous waist zone is stretched to accommodate the pull-on diaper 20. When the diaper is placed on the wearer, the diaper must be stretched to provide a waist opening and a wider leg opening for easy donning of the diaper. The continuous waist zone 38 is that portion that is capable of being expanded. The continuous waist zone 38, in the assembled configuration of Fig. 1, surrounded by the waist edges 151 and 155 of the pull-on diaper, the leg edges 153 and 156, the lateral edge 159 of the crotch region 30 in the front region 26 and the back region 28. The continuous

4 4 • 4

4 4 * 4 ·· 4444

4 4

444 4 4

4

4 4

444

4

4, the waist zone 38 has the lowest height typically in the tab portions. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the lowest height of the continuous waist zone 38 is measured along the seams 32. The continuous waist zone 38 also has a continuous, lowest line 35 that is not interrupted by the leg openings 34, but is closest to the leg openings 34. The continuous waist zone 38 has two parts: a continuous waist band zone 37, through which the continuous stretch waist feature 60 extends; and a continuous lower waist zone 39, through which the stretch tabs 46 and 48 and a portion of the assembly 41 extend. In the preferred embodiment, the continuous waist band zone 37 conforms to the continuous stretch waist feature 60.

In one preferred embodiment, where the pull-on diaper shown in Fig. 3 becomes the assembled configuration as shown in Fig. 1, the initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist edge 151 and 155 may be from 200 mm to 500 mm in the unstretched state, preferably from 250 mm to 400 mm. The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist edge 151 and 155 extends to at least 650 mm, preferably at least 700 mm, more preferably at least 750 mm (stretched circumference). The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along line 35 may be from 300 mm to 550 mm, preferably from 350 mm to 500 mm. The minimum height of the continuous waist zone 38, measured along the seams 32, may be from 50 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 80 mm to 120 mm. The height of the continuous waist zone 37 (i.e., the continuous stretch waist feature 60) may be from 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. The combined lateral length of the stretch tabs 46 and 48 in one side of the pull-on diaper 20 along line 35 is from 50 mm to 120 mm, preferably from 60 mm to 100 mm.

A pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 1, when in an assembled configuration, reduces pressure on the wearer's skin locally, particularly around the leg openings 34, because the stretch tab 46 and 48 have a greater lateral width (usable stretch in the lateral direction) at the lower end edges 46B and 48B. If necessary, the side elastomeric material 124 may use a material having a lower SCRF50% strength to further reduce pressure around the leg openings 34. However, reducing the SCRF50% strength around the leg openings 34 may result in a loss of consistent fit for the entire pull-on diaper. Accordingly, increasing pressure around the waist opening 36 may be necessary to achieve consistent fit for the entire pull-on diaper. This can be achieved by pre-tensioning only the waist elastomeric material 200, prior to attachment to the waist portion 6 and 7. Additionally, the waist elastomeric material 200 can utilize a material having a higher SCRF50% strength to further increase the pressure around the waist opening 36. These force distribution combinations allow the pull-on diaper to achieve a consistent fit around the waist opening with less reddening of the skin around the leg openings. Alternatively, a pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 3, when assembled, can provide a consistent fit around the leg openings and less reddening of the skin around the waist opening. This can be achieved, for example, by utilizing a material having a lower SCFR50% strength for the waist elastomeric material 200, to reduce the pressure around the waist opening 36. The side elastomeric material 124 can utilize a material having a lower SCRF50% strength. Furthermore, the side elastomeric material 124 may be pre-tensioned before being attached to the ear pieces 6 and 7.

Fig. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pull-on diaper 20. As shown, the outer side edge 46D and 48D of the stretch tabs 46 and 48 may extend parallel to a longitudinal centerline (not shown in Fig. 14) and is parallel to the inner side edge 46C and 48C. Additionally, the stretch tabs 46 and 48 have a generally equal length L3 of elastomeric material in the lateral direction at the lower end edge 46B and 48B and at the higher end edge 46A and 48A such that the stretch tab 46 and 48 provides a generally equal amount of usable elastomeric material in the lateral direction in the stretch tabs 46 and 48.

In another preferred embodiment, where the pull-on diaper shown in Fig. 14 becomes an assembled configuration, the initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist edge 151 and 155 may be from 210 mm to 510 mm in the unstretched state, preferably from 260 mm to 410 mm. The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist edge 151 and 155 extends to at least 650 mm, preferably at least 700 mm, more preferably at least 750 mm (stretched circumference). The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along line 35 may be from 300 mm to 540 mm, preferably from 390 mm to 490 mm. The smallest height of the continuous waist zone 38 measured along the seams 32 may be from 50 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 80 mm to 120 mm. The height of the continuous waist zone 37 (i.e., the continuous stretch waist feature 60) may be from 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. The combined lateral length of the stretch tabs 46 and 48 in one side of the pull-on diaper 20, along line 35, is from 50 mm to 120 mm, preferably from 60 mm to 100 mm.

A pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 14, when it becomes an assembled configuration, can provide a stable fit around the waist opening and less skin irritation around the leg openings. To achieve this, the side elastomeric material 124 can use a material having a lower SCRF50% strength. At the same time, the strength of the waist elastomeric material 200 can be increased by using a material having a higher SCFR50% strength. The waist elastomeric material 200 can be pre-stretched before being attached to the waist portion 6 and Ί_ ^{For this} purpose. Accordingly, the pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 14, when it becomes an assembled configuration, can provide a stable fit around the leg openings and less skin irritation around the waist opening. To achieve this, the waist elastomeric material 200 uses a material • ·

having a lower SCRF50% strength. At the same time, the strength of the side elastomeric material 124 can be increased by using a material having a higher SCFR50% strength. The side elastomeric material 124 can be pre-tensioned before being attached to the ear pieces 10 and 11 for this purpose.

Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pull-on diaper 20. As shown, the outer side edges 46D and 48D are non-parallel to the inner side edges 46C and 48C and non-parallel to the longitudinal centerline (not shown in Fig. 15). The outer side edges 46D and 48D extend laterally outwardly at the lower end edges 46B and 48B. Thus, the expandable tab 46 and 48 has a lateral width L5 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D at the lower end edge 46B and 48B, and a lateral width L4 between the inner side edge 46C and 48C and the outer side edge 46D and 48D at the higher end edge 46A and 48A. The lateral width L4 is greater than the lateral width L5, therefore, the lateral width (usable amount of elastomeric material in the lateral direction) of the expandable tab 46 and 48 is greater at the higher end edge 46A and 48A than at the lower end edge 46B and 48B. The extensibility at the higher end edge 46A and 48A is increased. Additionally, since both the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48 have a greater lateral width (usable amount of elastomeric material) at the higher end edge 46A, 48A, the lateral width (usable amount of elastomeric material) at the higher end edge 46A and 48A becomes further increased by the connection of the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48. In the configuration where the expansion tab 46 and the expansion tab 48 are connected, the seam 32 is non-parallel to the longitudinal center axis 100, so that the seam 32 protrudes laterally outwardly at the higher portion 32B of the seam 32, as shown in Fig. 16. In Fig. 16, because the waist elastomeric material 200 is pre-tensioned before • · ····

9 ·· · · · • ·

In yet another preferred embodiment, where the pull-on diaper shown in Fig. 15 becomes an assembled configuration, the initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist end edges 151 and 155 may be from 220 mm to 520 mm in the unstretched state, preferably from 270 mm to 420 mm. The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along the waist end edges 151 and 155 extends to at least 650 mm, preferably at least 700 mm, more preferably at least 750 mm (stretched circumference). The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 along line 35 may be from 300 mm to 530 mm, preferably from 380 mm to 480 mm. The smallest height of the continuous waist zone 38 measured along the seams 32 may be from 50 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 80 mm to 120 mm. The height of the continuous waist band zone 37 (i.e., the continuous stretch waist feature 22) may be from 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm. The combined lateral length of the stretch tabs 46 and 48 in one side of the pull-on diaper 20 along line 35 is from 50 mm to 120 mm, preferably from 60 mm to 100 mm.

A pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 15, when in an assembled configuration, reduces pressure on the wearer's skin locally, particularly around the waist opening 36, because the expansion tab 46 and 48 have a greater lateral width (the amount of usable elastomeric material in the lateral direction) at the higher end edges 46A and 48A. If necessary, the waist elastomeric material 200 may utilize a material having a lower SCRF50% strength to further reduce pressure around the waist opening 36. However, reducing the SVCRF50% strength around the waist opening 36 may result in a loss of consistent fit for the entire pull-on diaper. Accordingly, increasing pressure around the leg opening 71 may be necessary to achieve consistent fit for the entire pull-on diaper. This can be achieved by pre-tensioning only the side elastomeric material 124 before joining the ear pieces 10 and 11. Additionally, the side elastomeric material 124 can utilize a material having a higher SCRF50% strength to further increase the pressure around the leg opening 34. These force distribution combinations allow the pull-on diaper to achieve a consistent fit around the leg opening, with less occurrence of reddening of the skin around the waist opening. Alternatively, a pull-on diaper having the configuration shown in Fig. 15, when in an assembled configuration, can provide a consistent fit around the waist opening and less occurrence of reddening of the skin around the leg openings. To achieve this, the side elastomeric material 124 can utilize a material having a lower SCRF50% strength to reduce the pressure around the leg openings 34. The waist elastomeric material 200 can utilize a material having a higher SCFR50% strength. Furthermore, the waist elastomeric material 200 may be pre-tensioned prior to attachment to the waist portion 6 and for that purpose.

The continuous waist zone 38 contributes to the dynamic generation of a seating force in the pull-up diaper 20 when placed on a wearer to maintain the diaper on the wearer. Although the greater seating force generated by the continuous waist zone 38 is preferred for permanently seating the pull-up diaper, the continuous waist zone 38 generating this higher force creates a difficulty in placing the pull-up diaper on the wearer because the diaper applicator must • » • · • · · · • ·

0 0 apply more force to the stretch diaper to stretch the continuous waist zone 38 to provide a wider waist opening and wider leg openings. Since the continuous waist zone 38 includes the side elastomeric material 124 and the waist elastomeric material 200, both elastomeric materials must be stretched during the diaper application process. Therefore, the stretch properties of the continuous waist zone 38 including the side and waist elastomeric materials are much more important than those of the single stretch waist feature 60 and/or the single stretch tabs 46 and 48, although the stretch property of the single continuous stretch waist feature 60 still remains important. Prior art such as U.S. Patent No. 5,601,547, issued February 11, 1997 (Kato et al.), describes a waist elastic system with an increased modulus of elasticity in infant training pants, providing a more comfortable fit and ease of use. However, this publication only relates to improvements to the waist elastic system.

The continuous waist zone 38 is stretchable to a range from the original stretch (i.e. 0%). The stretch is calculated from the equation:

((stretched circumference - initial circumference) / initial circumference) x 100, and is expressed in units of % (percent). The initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 is the circumference in the unstretched state of the continuous waist zone 38. The stretched circumference is the circumference in the stretched state of the continuous waist zone 38. The wider range of stretching allows for a wider waist opening and wider leg openings for the application of the pull-on diaper 20. The wider stretched circumference allows for a wider space between the stretched pull-on diaper and the wearer's body for the application of the diaper. The circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 is the circumference measured along the waist edge of the continuous waist zone 38 (i.e., the waist edges 151 and 155 of the continuous stretch waist fitting 60).

To provide the ease of use advantage of a pull-on diaper (i.e., wider waist openings and wider leg openings), the initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper may be from about

220 mm to about 500 mm, and an expanded circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of at least about 650 mm. More specifically, the initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants from about 7 kg to about 10 kg, is between about 220 mm and about 460 mm, preferably about 250 mm and about 360 mm. The initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants from about 9 kg to about 14 kg, is between about 240 mm and about 480 mm, preferably about 270 mm and about 380 mm. The initial circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants weighing about 13 kg or more, is between about 260 mm and about 500 mm, preferably about 290 mm and about 400 mm. The expanded circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants from about 7 kg to about 10 kg, is at least about 650 mm, preferably about 700 mm. The expanded circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants from about 9 kg to about 14 kg, is at least about 700 mm, preferably about 750 mm. The expanded circumference of the continuous waist zone 38 of the pull-on diaper, designed to fit infants weighing about 13 kg or more, is at least about 750 mm, preferably about 800 mm. The pull-on diaper has a stretch range up to elongation of at least 125%, preferably about 135%, and more preferably about 150%.

The continuous waist zone 38 also has a stretch (elongation) curve vs. force and modulus of elasticity over a certain stretch range. The stretch vs. force curve represents the relationship between the force required to stretch the continuous waist zone 38 and the stretch of the continuous waist zone 38. The modulus of elasticity represents the amount of change in force to change the stretch and is expressed in units of g/% stretch (grams/percent stretch). The method for obtaining the modulus of elasticity is given below. A higher modulus of elasticity means a greater amount of change in force to stretch the continuous waist zone 38. If the modulus of elasticity becomes significantly high, the wearer experiences this portion as a restriction (limit) • φ stretch. Therefore, a lower modulus of elasticity means a smaller amount of change in force to stretch the continuous waist zone 38. This allows the wearer to stretch the continuous waist zone 38 without applying a higher force and may not experience a restriction in stretch. It is therefore preferred that the continuous waist zone 38 have a lower modulus of elasticity in the stretched circumference for use of the pull-on diaper. In addition, a lower force to stretch the pull-on diaper into the stretched circumference for use (putting on) the diaper is preferred.

To ensure the benefit of using a pull-on diaper (i.e., lower force to achieve stretch for putting on the pull-on diaper and lower modulus of elasticity in stretch for using the pull-on diaper), the modulus of elasticity at 125% stretch is no greater than about 150 grams/% stretch, preferably no greater than about 120 grams/% stretch, more preferably no greater than about 100 grams/% stretch. The modulus of elasticity in the stretch range to 125% stretch is preferably no greater than about 150 grams/% stretch, more preferably no greater than about 120 grams/% stretch. The modulus of elasticity at 135% stretch is no greater than about 200 grams/% stretch, preferably no greater than about 175 grams/% stretch, more preferably no greater than about 150 grams/% stretch. The modulus of elasticity in the stretch range to 135% stretch is preferably no greater than about 200 grams/% stretch, more preferably no greater than about 175 grams/% stretch. The modulus of elasticity at 150% stretch is preferably no greater than about 300 grams/% stretch, more preferably no greater than about 250 grams/% stretch, even more preferably no greater than about 250 grams/% stretch. The force to achieve 125% stretch is preferably no greater than about 5,000 grams, more preferably no greater than about 4,500 grams. The force to achieve 135% stretch is preferably no greater than about 6,000 grams, more preferably no greater than about 5,500 grams. The force to achieve 150% stretch is preferably no greater than about 9,000 grams, more preferably no greater than about 8,000 grams.

• · ··

Fig. 18 shows one preferred example of force versus stretch curves of the continuous waist zone 38 of a pull-on diaper of the invention. Fig. 19 shows a modulus of elasticity versus stretch curve from the example shown in Fig. 18. Methods for obtaining the force versus stretch curve of the continuous waist zone 38 and the modulus of elasticity versus stretch curve are set forth below.

This method is a modified version of the maximum elongation test method included in the Sintech TestWorks software package for measuring the force vs. elongation curve. This measurement is essentially designed to mimic the user's habit of applying a pull-up diaper to a wearer using an Instron force tester and two horizontal bars instead of jaws, starting from a force of 0 g to a force of 10,000 g, or when the diaper ruptures, which represents the maximum force applied to the continuous waist zone. This method provides a force vs. elongation curve from the unstretched state to the ultimate elongation of the given zone. The force vs. elongation data generated as described above can then be converted to an extensibility modulus vs. elongation.

This test method requires the following sample preparation:

(1) The test sample should be removed from the given package.

(2) Measure the inner circumference of the diaper at the waist edge of the diaper using a measuring tape, without stretching the diaper during measurement (unstretched diaper circumference).

This test method includes the following equipment:

1) Examiner pull cycle: Instron Model 5564 2) Operational software: Sintech TestWorks, version 3.0 3) Dynamometer: Instron, static load cell 100 N

(4) Jaw: rod with diameter 20 mm x length 150 mm, coated

Teflon, fixed horizontally to the upper and lower jaws.

This test method is performed with the following settings:

(and;

(2;

O;

(4;

(5) (6) (7)

Test method: tensile

Movement speed: 50.8 cm/min.

Gauge length: the distance between the center of the upper rod and the lower rod is calculated as follows:

(gauge length) = (diaper circumference unstretched) / 2-30 mm cycle 1

Cycle number: Fracture sensitivity (bursting) Ultimate load:

Input for calculations:

) : 75%

000 g diaper circumference unstretched, load point at 500 g, 1,000 g, 2,000 g, 3,000 g, 4,000 g, 5,000 g,

000 g, (8) Calculation results: diaper circumference at 0 g (i.e., unstretched), stretch at load point at 500 g, at 1,000 g, at 2,000 g, at 3,000 g, at 4,000 g, at 5,000 g, at 6,000 g, at peak load, load at maximum, circumference at peak load,

The circumference of the diaper at a certain load point is calculated as follows:

(Diaper circumference) = (Diaper circumference unstretched) + (stretch) x 2

The expansion at a certain load point is calculated as follows:

(Stretch) = (diaper circumference stretched - diaper circumference unstretched) / (diaper circumference unstretched).

The test method is performed as follows:

(1) Preparation of sample diapers and measurement data.

• 9 (2) Setting the Instron load cell and the protrusion after setting the Instron higher, then calibrating the load cell.

(3) Log in to the TestWorks system.

(4) Select the tensile test method according to the relevant menu, then display the control panel, load meter, stretch meter and handset.

(5) Enter the unstretched diaper circumference data into the length of the measuring tape in the calculation input.

(6) Adjust the gauge length using a ruler according to the gauge length adjustment described above.

/Ex.: Circumference of unstretched diaper = 380 mm -> gauge length = 380/2-30 = 160 mm) (7) Reset the load in the load meter and the stretch in the stretch meter.

(8) Measure the weight of the product by placing the product to be tested on the upper bar, then resetting the load again.

(9) Place the sample diaper on the protrusion, checking that the cuff/leg elastics do not stick to the rod.

(10) Do not reset the load meter after placing the diaper on the protrusion.

(11) Tap Go and start measuring.

(12) When the measurement is made, the protrusion returns to its initial position.

(13) Tap Save to save the data and remove the diaper.

(14) Repeat step 6-13 for another sample.

The relevant data are evaluated as follows:

(1) Once completed for all samples, export the data to an appropriate spreadsheet program (i.e. Microsoft Excel).

(2) The force vs. stretch curve is obtained by plotting the force in grams against the stretch of the diaper in percent.

· «···

• · · • 9 · · · · • 9· 999 (3) The modulus of elasticity is obtained by dividing the difference in force between two consecutive data points by the difference in elongation between the two same points.

(4) The modulus of elasticity vs. stretch curve is obtained by plotting the modulus of elasticity obtained in step (3) against the stretch of the diaper in percent.

As noted above, the continuous waist zone 38 creates a seating force in the pull-on diaper 20 when placed on a wearer to maintain the pull-on diaper on the wearer. The continuous waist zone 38 further includes a zone of extensibility that includes elastic materials such as the side elastomeric material 124 and the waist elastomeric material 200. The zone of extensibility may further include an elastomeric leg material. The elastomeric leg material includes an elastomeric material such as elastic strands 64, as shown in Fig. 3. The elastomeric leg material may include the material used for the side elastomeric material 124 or the waist elastomeric material 200. The zone of extensibility herein refers to a continuous area or continuous zone of the pull-on diaper made extensible by an elastomeric material having the form of a continuous sheet with or without apertures, or in the form of strands that are not connected to each other. The stretch zone is that portion of the continuous waist zone 38 that essentially generates skin contact pressure in the continuous waist zone 38. The skin contact pressure generated by the stretch zone contributes to maintaining the pull-on diaper on the wearer (keeping the pull-on diaper in place). The skin contact pressure in the stretch zone may not be uniform throughout. For example, the skin contact pressure of the stretch zone between approximately the waist opening and approximately the leg opening may be different from each other. Additionally, the skin contact pressure may vary around the radial circumference of the diaper or the leg circumference of the diaper.

In .

In the zone of extensibility, the elastic component of the elastomeric material (such as the plurality of first strands 125 and the plurality of second strands 127 of the elastomeric mule 124 shown in FIG. 8 ) pressing against the skin typically exerts a higher skin contact pressure than the remainder of the area of the zone of extensibility (such as the plurality of openings 132 of the elastomeric mule shown in FIG. 8 ). Accordingly, the lower skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin results in a reduced local effect on the skin.

The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material (side elastomeric material and/or waist elastomeric material) pressing against the skin should be no less than about 0.689 kPa to maintain the diaper 20 on the wearer, preferably no less than about 1.378 kPa, more preferably no less than about 2.067 kPa. The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material (side elastomeric material and/or waist elastomeric material) pressing against the skin should be no greater than about 5.1 kPa to prevent the skin from being stretched, preferably no greater than more preferably no greater than about 3.78 kPa selected from the above range of skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin is effective in providing the pull-on diaper with a reduced risk of the diaper sagging, breaking or sliding down from placement on the wearer, a limited risk of skin exposure in the stretch zone and a limited risk of local skin exposure to the elastomeric material. The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material (leg elastomeric material) pressing against the skin should be no less than about 0.689 kPa to maintain the pull-on diaper 20 on the wearer, preferably no less than about 1.378 kPa, more preferably no less than about 2.067 kPa. Skin contact pressure of elastomeric material (elastomeric material in the kPa zone, about 4.47

Any combination •44444 4« · · · · • 4« 44 44 4444

444 444 444

4444 4444 ·

4444 444

4444 444 44 444 44 444 feet), pressing against the skin, should not be greater than about 5.1 kPa, so as not to affect the skin in the zone of expansion, preferably not greater than about 4.47 kPa, more preferably not greater than about 3.78 kPa. A method for achieving the skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin is given below.

The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin within the zone of extensibility around the waist opening may be greater than the skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin in the remainder of the area within the zone of extensibility, to ensure a stable fit of the pull-on diaper around the waist opening. The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin within the zone of extensibility around the leg opening may be greater than the skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin in the remainder of the area within the zone of extensibility, to ensure a stable fit of the pull-on diaper around the leg opening. The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin around the waist opening and leg openings within the zone of extensibility may be greater than the skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin in the remainder of the area within the zone of extensibility. The difference between the highest skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin within the expansion zone and the lowest skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin should be less than about 4.47 kPa, preferably less than about 3.1 kPa, more preferably less than about 1.7 kPa. As the difference approaches zero, the skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin within the expansion zone approaches a uniform pressure throughout. This further contributes to reducing the effects on the skin caused by the pressure difference.

The pull-on diaper 20 further includes an additional elastomeric material, such as a spacer 58 of the inner barrier cuff 54. It is preferred that the additional elastomeric material incorporated into the pull-on diaper 20 provide a skin contact pressure of the additional elastomeric material pressing against the wearer's skin of no greater than about 5.1 kPa. Preferably, the skin contact pressure of the additional elastomeric material pressing against the wearer's skin is no greater than about 4.47 kPa, preferably no greater than about 3.78 kPa.

A method for measuring the skin contact pressure of an elastomeric material pressing against the skin within the expansion zone is set forth below. A method called the AMI Air Pack Surface Contact Pressure Measurement System is commercially available from AMI Co., Ltd. for measuring the surface contact pressure generated between soft materials. This method is adapted to measure the contact pressure between a diaper and the wearer's body. The indicated air pressure represents the contact surface pressure force from which the force absorbed by the ductility of the material has been subtracted. The sensing section is composed of an air pack made of a very soft, thin film, a tube leading to the main unit, and the measured value is converted into a DC output (10 mV = 1 gf/cm ² ).

This test method requires the following sample preparation:

(1) The test sample should be removed from the given package.

(2) Measure the width of the elastomeric material component itself (i.e., elastic strands) at 50% stretch and calculate the percentage area of the elastomeric component.

This test method, called the AMI Air Packet Surface Contact Pressure Measurement System, includes the following equipment:

(1) Air packet: AMI What. , Ltd, Model with diameter 15 (2) Main unit: AMI What, Ltd, AMI 3037-2 (3) Optional unit: AMI What. , Ltd, AMI 3037-2B (4) Air cylinder: AMI What, Ltd, (5) Calibration kit : AMI What, Ltd, (6) Data collector: ANRITSU METER Co., Ltd, AM-7052 (7) Data conversion software: ANRITSU METER Co., Ltd

DATA COLLECTOR System AMS7006WIN version 2.0 for Windows

The test equipment described above requires the following settings:

(1) Connect the output cable to the output connector of the main unit and connect the opposite side of the output cable to the data collector.

(2) Turn on the power.

(3) Use the gear wheel, push the air cylinder head into the end at the shortest length.

(4) Connect the air pack to the air cylinder.

(5) Insert the pin into the blue head on the gear wheel, turn it until the pin reaches the end, wait 3 seconds.

(6) Press the release lever to equalize the air cylinder pressure with the ambient pressure, wait 3 seconds.

(7) Insert the pin into the hole of the gear wheel with the same color as the air packet, turn the wheel until the pin reaches the end.

(8) Remove the air pack from the air cylinder, turn the wheel until the pin reaches the end.

(9) Check that the output signal from the main unit is at zero with a tolerance of 5 mV (0.5 gf/cm ² ).

4444 ·* · ·· • 4« 4 4 44 4 4 4 t - 4 444 4 4 4 4 4

4 4 4 · 44·· • 4 4 · 4 4 4 (10) Connect the air pack to the main unit (connection should be done in one operation. If you are reconnecting the connection, the internal volume of the air pack must be replaced).

(11) Press the air pack with the flat of your hand or finger to remove all air from it, check the output signal transmitted from the main unit, note that this is the maximum measurement value and the system cannot measure any values exceeding the maximum measurement value. If the contact surface is bent too much and the output signal from the main unit exceeds +20 mV (2 gf/cm ² ), connect the air cylinder and press the release lever.

(12) Prepare at least two air packets for standard measurements.

This method requires a standard dummy as follows:

The standard dummy 350, shown in Figs. 20 and 21, is modeled after the body shape of the wearer in a sitting position. The shape and size of the standard dummy 350 should be based on body size data taken from actual diaper wearers. The standard dummy 350 has a top portion 352 and a bottom portion 354. The top portion 352 and the bottom portion 354 are divided by a lower torso line 380. The lower torso line 380 is a circumferential line through the top of the pubic bone. The upper portion 352 includes a torso portion 353. The torso portion 353 has a top surface 355 (shown in FIG. 22 ) surrounded by a waistline 357, which is a circumferential line around the upper waist of the torso portion 353. The torso portion 353 has a height defined by the height between the waistline 357 and the lower torso line 380. The circumference of the torso portion 353 gradually increases from the waistline 357 toward the lower torso line 380. The lower portion 354 includes a side portion 356 at the rear of the lower portion ·· ·»·· ·· · »· * • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · « · · > ·

354, and leg members 358 extending from the side portion 356 at the front of the lower portion 354. The side portion 356 and the leg members 358 are divided by a crotch fold line 359 along a flat fold in the front of the body. The two leg members 358 have a crotch angle 362, which is the angle between the inner thighs 364. The leg member 358 has a thigh line 366, which is a circumferential line around the thigh of the leg member 358. The upper surface 355 has a shape surrounded by a waist line 357, which includes straight and curved lines. Fig. 22 shows one preferred example of the shape of the upper surface 355, which is determined and based on the actual size of the wearer. The standard mannequin is made of vinyl chloride.

Below are the actual dimensions of a standard dummy for a diaper designed to fit a wearer weighing from about 7.0 kg to about 10.0 kg.

Circuit at the waistline: 460 mm Circuit in the lower torso line: 470 mm Circuit in the crotch line: 310 mm Circuit in the thigh line: 275 mm Height trunk: 75 mm Angle : crotch: about 60 degrees

Below are the actual dimensions of a standard dummy for a diaper designed to fit a wearer weighing from about 9.0 kg to about 14.0 kg.

Waistline circumference: 495 mm Circumference at the lower torso line: 505 mm Circumference in the crotch line: 330 mm Circumference in the thigh line: 290 mm Height of the torso: 80mm

0« «0 ·· «000 • 0

000

0 « ·· 000

Crotch angle: about 60 degrees

Below are the actual dimensions of a standard dummy for a diaper designed to fit a wearer weighing approximately 13.0 kg and above.

Circuit at the waistline: 520 mm Circuit in the lower torso line: 530 mm Circuit in the crotch line: 350 mm Circuit in the thigh line: 305 mm Height trunk: 85 mm Angle : crotch: about 60 degrees

Below are the measurement points for the waist elastomer and side elastomer material.

Point Pl is the point of the minimum radius of the waistline curvature on the right side of the wearer's torso. Point P2 is the point of the minimum radius of the waistline curvature on the left side of the wearer's torso. Point P3 is the point in the center of the back of the torso. Point P4 is the point in the center of the front of the torso. These measurement points Pl, P2, P3 and P4 should be attached approximately 10 mm below the waistline and should be fully covered by the waist material of the sample diaper. Point P5 is the point in the front of the right leg section and point P6 is the point in the front of the left leg section. The air packets for measurement points P5 and P6 should be attached just below the elastomeric material that contacts the leg section of the dummy.

The measurement points for the lateral elastomeric material are the points where the elastomeric material presses against the skin of the standard dummy.

This method is carried out as follows.

(1) Set the pressure measurement system according to the values above.

μ «··· • · • ··· ·« · ·· »9·· 9 9« • · · · · (2) Preparation of sample diapers and attachment of the diaper to the standard mannequin.

(3) Place two air packets at points P1 and P2 and measure the pressure.

(4) Record the pressure measurement data and check that the pressure signal returns to zero with a tolerance of 5 mV (0.5 gf/cm ² ).

(5) Place two air packets at points P3 and P4 and measure the pressure.

(6) Record the pressure measurement data and check that the pressure signal returns to zero with a tolerance of 5 mV (0.5 gf/cm ² ).

(7) Place two air packets at points P5 and P6 and measure the pressure.

(8) Record the pressure measurement data and check that the pressure signal returns to zero with a tolerance of 5 mV (0.5 gf/cm ² ).

(9) Repeat step 2 to 8 for 1 sample diaper.

The relevant data are evaluated as follows:

(1) The local average skin contact pressure within the expansion zone is obtained by converting the measured voltage into pressure units of psi (10 mV = 1 gm/cm ² ).

(2) The skin contact pressure of the elastomeric material pressing against the skin is then obtained in psi by dividing the above-obtained local average skin contact pressure within the expansion zone by the area in percent of the given elastomeric component.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications and/or changes will occur to a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (29)

PATENT CLAIMS (revised page) 1. A disposable garment absorbent article having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region between said front and back regions, and comprising: a retention assembly having a topsheet, a backsheet bonded to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the retention assembly having a central waist edge and side edge portion, a waist edge tab portion, and a waist portion in the anterior region; in a rear region where the tab portion extends laterally outward from each lateral edge of the center portion and the waist portion extends longitudinally outward from the waist edge of the center portion and the waist edge of the tab portion, a waist elastomeric material attached to and extending continuously along the waist portions the front and rear regions so as to form a continuous extensible waist in the front and rear regions, the side elastomeric material attached to the ear piece to form the extensible ears, wherein the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material are separate elements and are arranged to be relative to one another do not overlap, and attach the seams extending each tab portion to a corresponding portion in the opposing region to form two leg openings and a waist opening such that the extensible passports form a continuous, extensible waist feature. A disposable article according to claim 1, wherein the waist portion comprises a substantially non-elastic material, the waist elastomeric material is pre-tensioned and is * 0000. A A J /. 00 00 (modified side) attached to a substantially non-elastic material, and the waist elastomeric material and the substantially non-elastic material are subjected to mechanical stretching to form an extensible waist that is extensible beyond the waistband. the length of the substantially inelastic material. 3. A disposable article according to claim 2 wherein the waist elastomeric material and the substantially inelastic material are subjected to mechanical stretching before the waist elastomeric material returns to a substantially non-stretched state. 4. A disposable article according to claim 1 wherein the extending tab is formed from a zero-stress extensible laminate. 5. A disposable article according to claim 1, wherein the waist elastomeric materials comprise two separate portions, one of which is attached to the waist panel in the front region, the other being attached to the waist panel in the rear region, and that the two the parts are connected to each other in seams. 6. A disposable article according to claim 1, wherein the waist elastomeric material and the side elastomeric material are disposed substantially continuously between the waist opening and the foot opening and form a composite side elastomeric web extending between the waist opening and the apertures (adapted). side), this composite side elastomeric mesh exhibits the extensibility behavior as a single elastomeric material. 7. The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the backsheet comprises an inner barrier film and a nonwoven outer wrapper, and wherein the nonwoven outer wrapper is configured to overlap the outer side of the inner barrier film. 8. A disposable article according to claim 7, wherein the extensible waist comprises an expanded portion of the outer shell and a waist elastomeric material. 9. A disposable article according to claim 7, wherein the extending tab comprises an expanded portion of the outer shell and a side elastomeric material. 10. The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the waist elastomeric material is covered within the innermost surface of the article. A disposable garment absorbent article having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between said front and back regions, the disposable article comprising: a containment assembly, a waist elastomeric material, a side elastomeric material, and seams attaching portions of the disposable article in the front region to its parts in the rear region to form a waist opening and leg openings, the product being characterized in that: (Modified side) has a continuous waist zone which is formed by at least a waist elastomeric material and a side elastomeric material, the continuous waist zone being extensible in the span stretching to at least about 125% stretching, the continuous waist zone has an expansion modulus within the stretching range, an expansion modulus of 125% stretching is not greater than about 150 grams / percent stretching, and a stretching force of 125% is not greater than 5000 grams. 12. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the modulus of elongation in the range of stretching to about 125% is not greater than about 150 grams / percent elongation. 13. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the expansion modulus at 135% stretching is no greater than about 200 grams / percent stretching. 14. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the expansion modulus at an elongation of 125% is not greater than about 120 grams / percent elongation. 15. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the modulus of expansion in the range of about 125% to about 120% is not greater than about 120 grams / percent elongation. 16. A disposable article according to claim 11, wherein the force to achieve a stretch of 125% is not more than about 4,500 grams. 17. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the continuous waist zone has an initial circumference of between about 220 mm and about 500 mm. 18. The disposable article of claim 11, wherein the continuous waist zone is extensible to a circumference of at least about 650 mm. 19. A disposable article according to claim 11, wherein the retention assembly has a central waist edge portion and the waist portion extends longitudinally outwardly from each waist edge of the central portion in the front region and the rear region, the portion the waist has an original length before the waist elastomeric material is attached thereto, and the waist elastomeric material is attached to form the extensible waist, and that the extensible waist is made extensible so that it extends beyond the original length of the waist portion. 20. A disposable article according to claim 11, wherein the containment assembly has a central portion with side edges, and a tab portion extending laterally outwardly from each side edge of the central portion in the front region and the rear region to the part. a side elastomeric material is attached to the ear and forms an extensible ear, wherein the extensible ear is formed from a zero-tension extensible laminate. 99 99 99 99 99 9 99 99 99 999 999 99 999 99 (revised page) 21. A disposable garment absorbent article of the type worn around a wearer's torso having a front region, a back region and a crotch region between the front and back regions, a waist opening and a foot opening, and wherein the article has an extensibility zone comprising lateral elastomeric material; a waist elastomeric material wherein when the article is placed on a standard dummy, the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of the standard dummy is not more than about 5.1 kPa. 22. The disposable article of claim 21, wherein the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of the standard dummy is no greater than about 4.47 kPa. 23. A disposable article according to claim 22, wherein the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of the standard dummy is not more than about 100 psi. 24. The disposable article of claim 21, wherein the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of the standard dummy is not less than about 0.69 kPa. 25. A disposable article according to claim 24, characterized in that 81a (modified side), wherein the skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of the standard dummy is not less than about 1.38 kPa. 26. The disposable article of claim 21, wherein the difference between the highest skin contact pressure and the lowest skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of a standard dummy is no greater than about 4.47 kPa. 27. The disposable article of claim 26, wherein the difference between the highest skin contact pressure and the lowest skin contact pressure of the side elastomeric material and the waist elastomeric material pressing against the skin of a standard dummy is no more than about 3.1 kPa. 28. The disposable article of claim 21, wherein the lateral elastomeric material is in the form of a continuous sheet. 29. The disposable article of Claim 21 wherein the waist elastomeric material is in the form of a continuous sheet.