Absorbent Article with Unitary Elastomeric

(19) &

(11) EP 1 578 326 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: A61F 13/15 (2006.01) 04.04.2012 Bulletin 2012/14 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 03752290.1 PCT/US2003/028632

(22) Date of filing: 11.09.2003 (87) International publication number: WO 2004/060235 (22.07.2004 Gazette 2004/30)

(54) ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH UNITARY ELASTOMERIC WAISTBAND WITH MULTIPLE EXTENSION ZONES ABSORBIERENDER ARTIKEL MIT EINHEITLICHEM ELASTOMEREN TAILLENBAND MIT MULTIPLEN EXTENSIONSBEREICHEN ARTICLE ABSORBANT AVEC BANDE DE CEINTURE ELASTOMERE UNITAIRE A ZONES D’EXTENSIONS MULTIPLES

(84) Designated Contracting States: (74) Representative: Davies, Christopher Robert AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR Dehns HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR St Bride’s House 10 Salisbury Square (30) Priority: 20.12.2002 US 324664 London EC4Y 8JD (GB) (43) Date of publication of application: 28.09.2005 Bulletin 2005/39 (56) References cited: EP-A- 0 803 602 EP-A- 1 350 495 (73) Proprietor: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. WO-A-99/60974 WO-A-03/003961 Neenah, WI 54956 (US) US-A- 4 515 595 US-A- 4 936 840 US-A1- 2003 109 842 US-A1- 2004 010 241 (72) Inventor: HANCOCK-COOKE, Catherine, M. US-B1- 6 313 372 US-B1- 6 325 787 Neenah, WI 54956 (US)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 578 326 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 578 326 B1 2

Description sioned condition to the liner material and/or outer cover, it is very difficult to accurately predict and control the elas- TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION ticity of the respective portions under multiple wear conditions. As other materials are added or attached at the [0001] The present invention relates generally to the 5 waistbands,such as containmentflaps, the overall elastic field of absorbent articles and garments, such as chil- modulus of the waistband changes. A change in the outer dren’s training pants, disposable diapers, incontinence cover material or liner material will change the elastic articles, and the like, and more particularly to an improved modulus of the waistbands, and so forth. To accommo- waistband configuration for use in such articles. date for such variance, manufactures tend to use more 10 elastic material than would otherwise be necessary. Un- BACKGROUND fortunately, the elastic materials are relatively expensive. [0006] With the diaper configurations wherein the [0002] Various types of disposable absorbent articles chassis waistband regions are non-elastomeric and elas- such as disposable diapers, training pants, swim pants, ticity is provided by elastomeric tab strips, the bonds be- incontinence articles, and the like, utilize a chassis incor- 15 tween the elastomeric strips and chassis sides must be porating an absorbent system and an elastomeric waist- particularly strong to withstand the tensile forces exerted band. The waistband provides for enhanced fit, comfort by the strips in use. The same concern applies to the to the wearer, and improved product performance. bonds between the elastomeric strips and fastening [0003] Much attention has been paid in the art to de- strips. Many consumers believe that they must stretch velopment of various elastomeric waistband configura- 20 the elastic tabs as much as possible in order to obtain a tions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,679 discloses secure fit of the diaper. This results in significant tensile various embodiments of a pull-on pant-like article having forces being exerted at the bond points. Tab tears at gathered elastic waistband portions. U.S. Pat. No. these locations is a common complaint with consumers. 4,639,949 describes a disposable absorbent garment Adding additional length to the elastic strips would only having an improved elastic waistband with an elastic el- 25 add significant cost, may degrade fit and performance, ementjoined in a stretched condition to a marginal portion and may impede attachment of both tabs along the front of an exterior panel of the garment with a plurality of waist region of the chassis. Also, from a manufacturing spaced bond points. U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,251 describes standpoint, the process of forming the multi-component a disposable diaper having gathered elasticized front and elastomeric tabs and bonding the tabs to the article chas- back waistband portions. Tape fasteners are provided 30 sis is material intensive and relatively complicated. on back side flaps for fastening the front and back regions [0007] US 4,936,840 discloses a disposable diaper of the article together on a wearer. U.S. Pat. No.having a support band in a front waist region. US 5,676,661 similarly discloses a diaper configuration hav- 6,313,372 discloses an absorbent article having side ing elasticized waistband portions and tape members ex- panels each comprising a stretch activated elastic com- tending from the side margins of the back waist region. 35 posite. US 6,325,787 discloses elastic side panels each The tape members include a fastening strip, such as a affixed to an elastic rear waist feature. US 4,515,595 dis- hook-type material, that attaches to a corresponding closes disposable diapers with elastically contractible landing pad material provided on the front waist region waistbands. to secure the article to a wearer. [0008] The present invention provides an improved [0004] With a known commercial disposable diaper 40 elastic waistband configuration that may help alleviate (the HUGGIES® brand from Kimberly-Clark Corp. of deficiencies of current configurations. Neenah, Wisconsin, USA) elasticity is provided to the [0009] Objects and advantages of the invention will be back waistband by elastomeric strips bonded to side edg- set forth in part in the following description, or may be es of the chassis at the waist region. A non-elastic ma- obvious from the description, or may be learned through terial strip is bonded to the outboard end of the elasto- 45 practice of the invention. meric strips, and a micro- hook material strip is laminated [0010] In general, the present invention relates to a to this non-elastic material. For securing the diaper on a unique elastomeric waistband configuration for use in a wearer, the hook material attaches to a piece of non- variety of absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, woven web material adhered to the outer cover at the child’s training pants, incontinence articles, diaper pants, front waist region. Thus, with this configuration, the chas- 50 disposable swim pants, and the like. For purposes of de- sis has generally non-elastomeric waistband portions, scription only, embodiments of an absorbent article ac- and the degree of elasticity provided around the waist of cording to the invention will be made with reference here- a wearer is a function of the elastomeric tab strips. in to a disposable diaper. It should be understood that [0005] Conventional elastomeric waistband configura- the invention is not limited to disposable diapers. tions may, however, be improved upon. For example, 55 [0011] An absorbent article according to the invention with diaper configurations wherein elastomeric waist- includes a chassis having a front waist region, a back band portions are defined at the longitudinal ends of the waist region, and a crotch region extending between the chassis by adhering elastic strands or strips in a ten- front and back waist regions. An outer cover member and

2 3 EP 1 578 326 B1 4 a bodyside liner extend longitudinally between the front a defined center portion extending on either side of a and back waist regions. An absorbent body structure is longitudinal centerline of the chassis. The bonded sur- sandwiched between the outer cover member and the face area gradient may then decrease from the centerline bodyside liner. The construction of such a chassis, and portion towards the lateral sides of the chassis. The mod- suitable materials for the chassis, are well known to those 5 ulus of elasticity will vary as a function of the bonded skilled in the art. surface area gradient. [0012] An elastomeric structure is attached to at least [0016] A fastening device may be configured on the one of the front and back waist regions. The elastomeric elastomeric attachment tabs. The fastening device may structure may be formed of a single material, such as a be, for example, a releasable adhesive, or a piece of strip of elastic material, or as a combination of materials, 10 hook material that attaches to a loop or nonwoven ma- such as a stretch bonded laminate material. The elasto- terial on the outer cover in the front waist region. Various meric structure extends completely across the respective such fastening devices are well known and used in the waist region and beyond the lateral sides of the chassis art for disposable diapers. so as to form elastomeric attachment tabs. The elasto- [0017] Aspects of the invention will be described below meric structure has a predetermined degree of elasticity, 15 in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown or first modulus of elasticity, such that when attached to in the figures. the waist region, a resulting elastomeric waistband portion is defined as the combination of the elastomeric BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES structure and the material of the waist region. The elastomeric waistband portion has an overall second modu- 20 [0018] lus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity of the elastomeric structure alone (corresponding Figure 1 is a bodyside plan view of an absorbent to that of the attachment tabs). article according tothe invention with all elastic mem- [0013] In a particular embodiment, the elastomeric bers shown in an extended stretched condition structure is attached to waistband region of the article in 25 Figure 2 is a perspective view of an absorbent article a tensioned state such that upon the elastomeric struc- according to the invention with the elastic members ture relaxing, the waistband portion is gathered and shown in a relaxed state. stretchable at least to an extent permitted by the degree Figure 3 is a partial bodyside plan view of a waist- of gathering of the waistband region. The elastomeric band portion incorporating an elastomeric structure structure may be tensioned to a maximum extent prior 30 according to the invention. to attachment to the waist region material, or may be Figure 4is a partialbodyside plan viewof an alternate tensioned to an extent less than a maximum elongation embodiment of a waistband portion according to the such that stretchability of the waistband portion is limited invention. by the degree of gathering of the waist region material Figure 5 is a partial bodyside plan view of still another and not the elastomeric structure. With this embodiment, 35 embodiment of a waistband portion according to the the elastomeric attachment tabs are further stretchable invention. upon the waistband portion being stretched to a maxi- Figure 6 is a graph of stress/strain curves for three mum extent. elastomeric materials. [0014] In an alternate embodiment, the waistband region of the chassis is extensible and the elastomeric40 DETAILED DESCRIPTION structure is attached to the chassis in a non-extended state with little or no resulting gathering. The maximum [0019] The invention will now be described in detail elongation will be determined by either the extensibility with reference to particular embodiments thereof. The of the chassis material or the extensibility of the elasto- embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the meric structure. 45 invention, and are not meant as a limitation of the inven- [0015] The invention also encompasses embodiments tion. For example, features described or illustrated as of absorbent articles having an elastomeric waistband part of one embodiment may be used with another em- portion with varying degrees of elasticity, or a varying bodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended modulus of elasticity, along the length of the waistband that the present invention include these and other mod- portion. Such an embodiment may or may not include 50 ifications and variations as come within the scope and the elastomeric attachment tabs. The varying modulus spirit of the invention. of elasticity may be defined with a varying bond pattern [0020] Within the context of the present description, between the elastomeric structure and waist region ma- the following terms may have the following meanings: terial. For example, the bond pattern may have a defined gradient of bonded surface area that changes along the 55 "Attached" and "joined" refers to the bonding, adher- length of the waistband portion. In one embodiment, ing, connecting, and any other method for attaching there may be a greatest surface area bonding between or joining two elements. Two elements will be con- the elastomeric structure and waist region material along sidered to be attached or joined together when they

3 5 EP 1 578 326 B1 6 are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to 4,789,699, 4781,966, 4,657,802, and 4,655,760. one another, such as when each is directly attached "Neck stretch-bonded" laminate" refers a laminate to an intermediate element. made from the combination of a neck-bonded lami- "Extendable" means that property of a material or nate and a stretch-bonded laminate. Examples of composite by virtue of which it stretches or extends 5 necked stretch bonded laminates are disclosed in in the direction of an applied biasing force normally U.S. Patent Nos. 5,114,781 and 5,116,662, which exerted by a consumer by at least about 25% of its are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference relaxed length. An extendable material may or may thereto for all purposes. Of particular advantage, a not have recovery properties. For example, an elas- necked stretch bonded laminate can be stretchable tomeric material is an extendable material having 10 in both the machine and cross-machine directions. recovery properties. A meltblown web may be ex- "Nonwoven web" refers a web that has a structure tendable, but not have recovery properties. of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but "Elastomeric, " "elastic," and "elasticized" refer to a not in an identifiable, repeating manner. Nonwoven material or composite which can be elongated by at webs may be formed, for example, by a variety of least 25% of its relaxed length and which will recover, 15 processes including melt-blowing, spunbonding, upon release of the applied force, at least 10% of its and bonded carded web processes. elongation. It is generally preferred that the elasto- "Sheet" refers to a layer which may be either a film meric material or composite be capable of being or a nonwoven web. elongated by at least 100%, more preferably by at "Member" when used in the singular can refer to a least 300%, of it relaxed length and recover at least 20 single element or a plurality of elements. 50% of its elongation. An elastomeric material is an "Modulus of elasticity" refers to a constant that nu- extendable material having recovery properties. merically measures or represents the amount of "Neck-bonded" laminate refers to a composite ma- elasticity a material possesses. Modulus of elasticity terial having an elastic member that is bonded to a may be defined as the slope of a stress strain curve non-extensible member while the non-elastomeric 25 between 0% and 80% of Stretch to Stop of the ma- member is extended in the machine direction creat- terial as measured by ASTM D2433 "Standard Test ing a necked material that is elastic in the cross-di- Method for Rubber Thread" or a similar test. "Stretch rection. Examples of neck- bonded laminates are dis- to Stop" of the material is defined as the elongation closed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,965,122; 4,981,747; at which elastic laminate material response to strain 5,226,992; and 5,336,545, which are incorporated 30 is controlled by the non-elastic member of the lami- herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. nate. "Reversibly-necked material" refers to a necked ma- "Tension" refers to a force tending to cause the ex- terial that has been treated while necked to impart tension of a body, or to the balancing force within memory to the material so that when force is applied that body resisting the tension. Tension may be ex- to extend the material to it pre-necked dimensions, 35 pressed in units of grams per unit of width. the necked and treated portions will generally recover to their necked dimensions upon termination of [0021] Aspects of the invention are explained below the force. A reversibly-necked material may include by reference to embodiments of a disposable diaper. As more than one layer. For example, multiple layers of mentioned, the invention is not limited to diapers, and as spunbonded web, multiple layers of meltblown web, 40 utility for various other absorbent articles, including, train- multiple layers of bonded carded web or any other ing pants, swim pants, incontinence articles, and the like. suitable combination of mixtures thereof. The pro- [0022] Fig. 1 shows a body facing plan view of a rep- duction of reversibly-necked materials is described resentative article 100, in this case a disposable diaper, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,965,122 and 4,981,747, incorpo- in its generally flat- out, uncontracted state (i.e., with sub- rated herein by reference for all purposes. 45 stantially all elastic induced gathering and contraction "Stretch-bonded" laminate refers to a composite ma- removed). The article components are attached or joined terial having at least two layers in which one layer is together by conventional suitable attachment methods a gatherable layer and the other layer is an elastic such as adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, layer. The layers are joined together when the elastic pinning, stitching or any other attachment technique layer is in an extended condition so that upon relax- 50 known in the art, as well as combinations thereof. For ing the layers, the gatherable layer is gathered. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a pat- example, one elastic member can be bonded to an- terned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive other member while the elastic member is extended or an array of separate lines, swirls or spots of construc- at least about 25% of its relaxed length. Such a mul- tion adhesive may be used to affix the various compo- tilayer composite elastic material may be stretched 55 nents. until the non-extensible layer is fully extended. Ex- [0023] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 in general, the amples of stretch-bonded laminates are disclosed, representatively shown diaper 100, is illustrated. This for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,720,415,diaper 100 is similar in many aspects to the Huggies®

4 7 EP 1 578 326 B1 8 brand of disposable diapers from Kimberly- Clark Corpo- ditional to the outer cover member. ration of Neenah, Wisconsin, USA. The article 100 in- [0027] The outer cover member 30 may be formed cludes a body or chassis 10 having lateral sides 20a and substantially from an elastomeric material. Alternately, 20b, a lengthwise, longitudinal direction 24, a lateral, the outer cover member may be formed from a non- elas- transverse cross-direction 26, a front waist region 14, a 5 tomeric and non-extendable material, or a non-elasto- back waist region 12, and an intermediate crotch region meric and extensible material. The outer cover member 16 interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The 30 may, for example, be composed of a single layer, mul- waist regions 12 and 14 comprise those portions of the tiple layers, laminates, spunbond fabrics, films, melt- article 100 which when worn, wholly or partially cover or blown fabrics, elastic netting, microporous web, bonded encircle the waist or mid-lower torso of the wearer. The 10 carded webs or foams comprised of elastomeric or pol- front 14 and back 12 waist regions have front and back ymeric materials. Elastomeric nonwoven laminate webs waistband portions 17, 11. The intermediate crotch re- may include a nonwoven material joined to one or more gion 16 lies between and interconnects the waist regions gatherable nonwoven webs, films, or foams. Stretch 14 and 12, and comprises that portion of the article 100 bonded laminates (SBL), neck bonded laminates (NBL), which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the 15 and necked stretch bonded Laminates (NSBL) are ex- wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. Thus, amples of elastomeric composites. Nonwoven fabrics the intermediate crotch region 16 is an area where re- are any web of material which has been formed without peated fluid surges typically occur in the training pant or the use of textile weaving processes which produce a other disposable absorbent article. structure of individual fibers which are interwoven in an [0024] The diaper 100 will typically include a porous, 20 identifiable repeating manner. Examples of suitable ma- liquid permeable bodyside liner 28 overlying an absorb- terials are spunbond-meltblown fabrics, spunbond-melt- ent body structure 32, and a substantially liquid imper- blown-spunbond fabrics, spunbond fabrics, or laminates meable outer cover member 30. The absorbent body of such fabrics with films, foams, or other nonwoven structure 32 is positioned and attached between the outer webs. Elastomeric materials may include cast or blown cover member 30 and bodyside liner 28. In certain em- 25 films or filaments, foams, or meltblown fabrics composed bodiments, a surge layer 48 may be optionally located of polyethylene polypropylene, or polyolefin copolymers, adjacent the absorbent structure and attached, for ex- as well as combinations thereof. The outer cover 30 may ample, by way of an adhesive. include materials that have elastomeric or extensible [0025] The outer cover member 30 and bodyside liner properties obtained through a mechanical process, print- 28 may be separate sheets joined at the respective lateral 30 ing process, heating process, or chemical treatment. For sides 20a and 20b. Leg elastics.34 may be incorporated examples such materials may be apertured, creped, along the lateral side margins of the chassis 10 outboard neck-stretched, heat activated, embossed, and micro- of the absorbent body structure 32 and are configured to strained; and may be in the form of films, webs, and lam- draw and hold the chassis 10 against the legs of the wear- inates. er. The elastic members 34 are secured to the chassis 35 [0028] The bodyside liner 28 may be formed from any 10 in an elastically contracted state so that in a normal one or combination of suitable materials known in the art. under-strain condition, the elastic members 34 effectively Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used as contract against the chassis. The use of elastic leg mem- the liner 28. For example, the material may include a bers in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers meltblown web, a spunbonded web, or a bonded-carded- and training pants is widely known and understood in the 40 web composed of synthetic continuous or discrete poly- art. mer fibers and/or natural fibers, a pattern bonded spun- [0026] Various materials are available and known in bonded web, airlaid web, or bonded carded web, as well the art for use as the outer cover member 30. Construc- as combinations thereof. The various fabrics can be com- tions of the outer cover member 30 may comprise a wo- posed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations ven or non-woven fibrous web layer which has been to- 45 thereof. In particular aspects, the material may be com- tally or partially constructed or treated to impart the de- prised of polymer fibers, networks, laminates, liquid per- sired levels of liquid impermeability to selected regions meable films, cellulosic fibers, rayon, water swellable that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent body. Al- gels, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable polymers ternatively, a separate liquid impermeable material could can include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and be associated with the absorbent body structure 32. The 50 bicomponent materials composed of these polyolefins. outer cover may include a gas-permeable, nonwoven The liner may be elastomeric or extensible or both. fabric layer laminated to a polymer film layer which may [0029] The liner 28may be composed of a substantially or may not be gas- permeable. Other examples of fibrous, hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may cloth-like outer cover materials can comprise a stretch optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise proc- thinned or stretch thermal laminate material. Although 55 essed to impart a desired level of wettability and hy- the outer cover member 30 typically provides the outer- drophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, most layer of the article, optionally the article may include the material can be a nonwoven, spunbond polypropyl- a separate outer cover component member which is ad- ene fabric. The fabric can be surface treated with an op-

5 9 EP 1 578 326 B1 10 erative amount of surfactant, such as about 0.6% AH- art and can be selected from natural, synthetic, and mod- COVEL Base N62 surfactant, available from ICI Ameri- ified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorb- cas, a business having offices located in Wilmington, Del. ent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica The surfactant can be applied by any conventional gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked poly- means, such as spraying, dipping, printing, brush coating 5 mers. Typically, a superabsorbent material is capable of or the like. The fibers forming the nonwoven material may absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in liquid, and be mono-component, bi-component, or multi-component desirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 fibers, and combinations thereof. times its weight in liquid. Suitable superabsorbent mate- [0030] The liner 28 may include blends or laminates rials are readily available from various suppliers. For ex- of fibers, scrim, webs, and films with perforations, aper- 10 ample, Favor 880 superabsorbent is available from tures, creping, heat activation, embossing, micro-strain- Stockhausen GmbH of Germany; and Drytech 2035 is ing, chemical treatment, or the like, as well as combina- available from DowChemical Company, ofMidland Mich- tions thereof. igan, USA. [0031] The article 100 may incorporate separate con- [0035] After being formed or cut into a desired shape, tainment flaps 58 attached to the chassis 10 at the waist- 15 the absorbent web material may be wrapped or encom- band portions 11, 17 and along a longitudinal side thereof passed by a suitable wrap that aids in maintaining the outboard of the absorbent structure 32. The flaps 58 may integrity and shape of the absorbent structure 32. contain elastic members 36 along at least a portion of [0036] The absorbent web material may also be a co- their free laterally inward side 62. The construction of form material. The term "coform material" generally re- such containment flaps 58 is well known and need not 20 fers to composite materials comprising a mixture or sta- be described in detail. Suitable constructions and ar- bilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non- rangements for the containment flaps 58 are described, thermoplastic material. As an example, coform materials for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116, which is incor- may be made by a process in which at least one melt- porated herein by reference for all purposes. blown die head is arranged near a chute through which [0032] The absorbent body structure 32 can be any 25 other materials are added to the web while it is forming. structure or combination of components which are gen- Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, erally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to a fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody wearer’s skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining pulp such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff and liquids and certain body wastes. The structure 32 may also superabsorbent particles, inorganic absorbent ma- be extensible or elastomeric. For example, the structure 30 terials, treated polymeric staple fibers and the like. Any 32 may include an absorbent web material of cellulosic of a variety of synthetic polymers may be utilized as the fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, syn- melt-spun component of the coform material. For in- thetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting stance, in some embodiments, thermoplastic polymers or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, can be utilized. Some examples of suitable thermoplas- binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic ma- 35 tics that can be utilized include polyolefins, such as pol- terials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, yethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; as well as combinations thereof. In a particular embodi- polyamides; and polyesters. In one embodiment, the ment, the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosic thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. Some examples fluff and superabsorbent hydrogel- forming particles. The of such coform materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent cellulosic fluff may comprise a blend of wood pulp fluff. 40 Nos. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al.; 5,284,703 to Ever- One preferred type of fluff is identified with the trade des- hart, et al.; and 5,350,624 to Georger, et al. ignation CR 1654, available from U.S. Alliance of [0037] The absorbent body structure 32 may include Childersburg, Alabama, USA, and is a bleached, highly an elastomeric coform absorbent web material, for ex- absorbent wood pulp containing primarily soft wood fib- ample as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,663,220 and ers. The absorbent materials may be formed into a web 45 4,741,949. In particular aspects, the elastomeric coform structure by employing various conventional methods material can have an overall coform basis weight which and techniques. For example, the absorbent web may is at least a minimum of about 50 g/m 2. The coform basis be formed with a dry-forming technique, an air forming weight can alternatively be at least about 100 g/m2 and technique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming can optionally be at least about 200 g/m2 to provide im- technique, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. 50 proved performance. In addition, the coform basis weight Methods and apparatus for carrying out such techniques can be not more than about 1200 g/m 2. Alternatively, the are well known in the art. coform basis weight can be not more than about 900 [0033] As a general rule, the superabsorbent material g/m2, and optionally, can be not more than about 800 is present in the absorbent web in an amount of from g/m2 to provide improved benefits. These values are im- about 0 to about 90 weight percent based on total weight 55 portant because they can provide the absorbent body of the web. The web may have a density within the range structure with desired stretchability and structural stabil- of about 0.10 to about 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter. ity without excessively degrading the physical properties [0034] Superabsorbent materials are well known in the or the liquid- management functionalities of the absorbent

6 11 EP 1 578 326 B1 12 body structure. Retention portions having excessively product under normal use conditions. Waistbands with low proportions of elastomeric coform material may not an excessively high tension of the elastic elements result be sufficiently stretchable. An absorbent web material in an uncomfortable fit, red-marking, and/or difficulty in having excessively large amounts of elastomeric coform pulling a pant-like structure up or down. On the other materials can exhibit an excessive degradation of their 5 hand, a waistband portion with too low of a tension results absorbency functionalities, such as an excessive degra- in a substantial loss of elasticity of the waistband portion dation of intake, distribution and/or retention properties. for repeated cycles of the article, or as the elastomeric [0038] Otherexamples of elastomeric absorbent struc- materials experience stress relaxation in use. This con- tures are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,362,389 B1. cern is also relevant with training pant articles wherein [0039] The absorbent web material utilized in the ab- 10 the user typically pulls the article down and back up to sorbent body structure 32 is also selected so that the go to the bathroom, etc. The loss of elasticity is also an individual absorbent body structure possesses a partic- issue with disposable diapers wherein the diaper may be ular individual total absorbency depending on the intend- removed to check whether it has been soiled or wetted. ed article of use. For example, for infant care products, To compensate for potential loss of elasticity under nor- the total absorbency can be within the range of about 15 mal use conditions, manufacturers typically incorporate 200-900 grams of 0.9 wt% saline, and can typically be waist elastics with a relatively high tension. However, as about 500g of saline. For adult care products, the total discussed, this may lead to product comfort issues. This absorbency can be within the range of about 400-2000 is particularly true if the elastomeric portions of the waist- grams of saline, and can typically be about 1300g of sa- band do not span the entire circumference of the waist line. For feminine care products, the total absorbency 20 opening of the article, but are provided in discrete trans- can be within the range of about 7-50 grams of menstrual versely extending sections or portions across the waist fluid, and can typically be within the range of about 30-40 opening. With this type of arrangement, the tension forc- g of menstrual fluid. es are not distributed evenly across the waistband and [0040] As described, the absorbent body structure 32 may negatively affect the fit or the article. may also include a surge management layer 48 which 25 [0043] In accordance with the present invention, a uni- helps to decelerate and diffuse surges or gushes of liquid tary elastomeric structure 66 having a known modulus that may be rapidly introduced into the absorbent body of elasticity for a given tensile stretching force is attached of the article. Desirably, the surge management layer can completely across the waist region of the article 100 be- rapidly accept and temporarily hold the liquid prior to re- tween the lateral sides 20a and 20b. This results in an leasing the liquid into the storage or retention portions of 30 elastomeric waistband portion extending completely be- the absorbent structure. The surge layer can be located tween the lateral sides 20a and 20b having an overall below the bodyside liner layer 28. Alternatively, the surge modulus of elasticity that is a function of the combination layer may be located on the body facing surface of the of the elastomeric structure 66 and materials of the waist bodyside liner 28. Examples of suitable surge manage- region to which it is attached. By varying the attachment ment layers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,166; 35 or bond points between the elastomeric structure 66 and and U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846. Other suitable surge man- waist region materials (for example by bond length, spac- agement materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. ing, etc.), the overall modulus of elasticity of the elasto- 5,820,973. meric waistband portion can be varied across the article [0041] Referring to the figures in general, an absorbent 100 between the lateral sides 20a and 20b. In other article 100 according to the invention includes an elas- 40 words, by increasing or decreasing the joined or bonded tomeric structure 66 attached to at least one of the front surface area between the elastomeric structure 66 and and back waist regions 11, 17. In the disposable diaper waist region 12, the overall elasticity and modulus of the embodiment illustratedin Fig.1, theelastomeric structure waistband portion can be adjusted. The modulus for the 66 is attached only to the back waist region 12. It should composite can also be altered by the shape of the waist be appreciated, however, that an article having an elas- 45 and attachment areas, attachment of the elastomeric tomeric structure 66 attached at the front and back waist structure to non- extensible chassis pieces, and intention- regions is within the scope and spirit of the invention. al non-attachment of the elastomeric structure to non- [0042] It has been found that a unitary elastomeric extensible chassis areas. structure 66 attached completely across the transverse [0044] Referring to the figures in general, the elasto- width of the chassis 10 at a waist region simplifies the 50 meric structure 66 is illustrated as a band 68 of a suitable manufacturing and assembly process of the article 100, elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials can and enables more precise prediction and control of the include, for example, elastic strands, Lycra® elastics, performance of an Elastomeric waistband. The elasto- elastic films, nonwoven elastic webs, meltblown or spun- meric structure 66 may be formed of any number of suit- bond elastomeric fibrous webs, as well as combinations able elastomeric materials, as described below, and will 55 thereof. Examples of elastomeric materials include ES- have a generally known degree of elasticity, or first mod- TANE® elastomeric polyurethanes (available from BF ulus of elasticity. Elastomeric waistbands are typically Goodrich & Co. located in Cleveland, Ohio), PEBAX® designed to ensure a comfortable and secure fit of the elastomers (available from AtoChem located in Philadel-

7 13 EP 1 578 326 B1 14 phia, Pennsylvania), HYTREL® elastomeric polyester with a simple unitary elastomeric structure. (available from EI Dupont de Nemours located in Wilm- [0047] Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of ington, Delaware), KRATON® elastomer (available from a varying gradient of bond points 72 resulting in a varying Shell Chemical Company located in Houston, Texas), or modulus of elasticity across the waistband region. In this the like, as well as combinations thereof. A suitable elas- 5 embodiment, the bottom points 72 are defined by elon- tomeric material for the elastomeric structure 66 may gated generally linear bonds wherein the length of each comprise a stretch- thermal laminate (STL), a neck- bond- point 72 is varied to vary the bonded surface area. For ed laminate (NBL), a reversibly-necked laminate, or a example, in the center region 74, the bond points 72 are stretch-bonded laminate (SBL) material. Methods of generally continuous. In an immediately outboard section making such materials are described, for example, in 10 73, the bond points 72 are defined by shorter linear bonds U.S. Patent Nos. 4,663,220; 5,226,992; and the EP Ap- with a greater spacing therebetween. Similarly, in the plication No. 0 217 032. most outboard sections 71, the bonds 72 are defined by [0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomeric even shorter linear bonds. structure 66 is defined by a band 68 of the elastomeric [0048] It should be appreciated that virtually any con- material attached to the waist region 12 with a defined 15 figuration of bond shapes or patterns may be used to bond pattern 70. As particularly illustrated in the perspec- define a varying bond gradient across the waistband re- tive view of Fig. 2, the elastomeric material may be at- gion between the lateral sides 20a and 20b of the article tached to the chassis material between the lateral sides 100. 20a and 20b in a tensioned state, such that upon releas- [0049] The invention also incorporates articles 100 ing the elastic band, the waist region material is gathered 20 wherein the elastomeric structure is bonded to the waist resulting in a stretchable or extendable waistband region. region 11 of the article with a generally uniform bond The waistband region is stretchable at least to an extent, pattern between the lateral sides 20a and 20b. Such a permitted by the degree of gathering of the waistband bond pattern is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 4. It should region, as is commonly understood in the art. In one em- be appreciated that virtually any combination of bond bodiment, the elastomeric band 68 may be attached in 25 shapes and patterns may be utilized in this regard. With a tensioned state that is less than its maximum elongation this embodiment, the elastomeric structure 66 extends such that stretchability of the waistband portion is limited laterally outboard of the sides 20a and 20b of the chassis by the degree of gathering of the waistband materials, 10 and defines attachment tabs 76, as can be particularly and not the elastomeric band 68. seen in Figs. 1 through 4. Referring to Fig. 3, the attach- [0046] Referring to Figs. 3 through 5, it can be seen 30 ment tabs 76 defined by the elastomeric structure 66 may that the bond pattern 70 may vary across the width of the also be utilized with an embodiment having a varying waistband portion between the lateral sides 20a and 20b. bond pattern across the waistband region. The attach- For example, referring to Fig. 3, the density of the bond menttabs 76 are thus defined by a transversely extending points (number of bond points/surface area) is greatest portion of the elastomeric band 68. This portion 78 has at a center portion 74 extending on each side of a longi- 35 the elasticity of the original elastomeric structure 66 be- tudinal centerline X of the chassis 10. Thus, along this fore attachment to the waist region material. Thus, this center portion 74, there is a given modulus of elasticity portion 78 has a different modulus of elasticity as com- that is a function of the bonded surface area between the pared to the elastomeric waist band region extending be- elastomeric band 68 and waist region materials. In the tween the lateral sides 20a and 20b. Additionally, the waistband regions laterally outboard of the center portion 40 attachment of the elastic structure 66 to the hook material 74, the density of bond points decreases and, thus, the 82 results in another composite modulus. Upon use of modulus of elasticity is varied in these regions (assuming the article 100, the elastomeric portions 78 will have dif- extensible waist region materials). The density of the ferent elastic characteristics as compared to the remain- bond points may decrease according to an established ing elastomeric waist band region. gradient towards the direction of the respective lateral 45 [0050] The attachment tabs 76 may incorporate any sides 20a and 20b. Referring to Fig. 3, for example, the manner of conventional fastening device 80 for securing gradient may reflect a linear change in the density of bond the article 100 to a wearer. For example, in the illustrated points, and thus result in a linear change in the modulus embodiment, the fastening device 80 is defined by con- of elasticity from the centerline X towards each of the ventional micro-hook material 82 that attaches to a non- lateral sides 20a and 20b. This particular arrangement 50 woven material (not shown) provided on the outside of may be beneficial in that the waistband region will be the front region, as is commonly understood in the art. more elastic towards the sides of the wearer as compared The fastening device 80 may also be a releasable adhe- to the centerline or small of the back region where, under sive, mechanical fastener, and so forth. normal use conditions, waistband elasticity at this region [0051] The configuration of embodiments 1 through 4 is not critical. On the other hand a reverse gradient of 55 may be beneficial in the situation wherein upon securing bond points may provide increased protection against the article 100 to a wearer, consumers tend to stretch waist leakage. Thus, the varying bond pattern allows for the elastomeric portions 78 of the tabs 76 to a perceived varying degrees of elasticity across the waistband region maximum extent. Even if this is done, the waistband re-

8 15 EP 1 578 326 B1 16 gions between the lateral sides 20a and 20b will still have of its initial tension (about 337 grams) some degree of stretchability and thus tension across [0056] For testing purposes, reference may also be the waistband region is controlled. made to ASTM Test Method D2433 "Standard Test Meth- [0052] In an alternate embodiment, the elastomeric ods for Rubber Thread." Sections 20-22 of the ASTM band 68 may be attached to the waist region of the article 5 standard may be referred to for tensile strength testing; 10 with the elastomeric band 68 in a less than fully ten- sections 23-24 for elongation at break; section 25 for sioned state, for example, at about 50 percent or less of stress at a predetermined elongation; and sections 35-39 its maximum elongation. With this configuration, the tabs for stress relaxation (load loss). will initially stretch out and then the waist region will also [0057] It should be understood that resort may be had stretch upon a threshold stretching force being applied. 10 to various other embodiments, modifications, and equiv- On the other hand, extension of the waist region before alents to the embodiments of the Invention described the tabs may be achieved by through shape changes of herein which, after reading the description of the inven- the elastomeric structure. For example, the elastomeric tion herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in structure may be significantly narrower in the waist region the art without departing from the scope of the present as compared to the tabs 76. 15 invention. [0053] Fig. 6 is a graph of the stress/strain curves for three different types of elastomeric materials, and is provided to conceptually illustrate differences in the elastic Claims modulus between various elastomeric materials. Each of the materials is representative of an elastomeric ma- 20 1. An absorbent article (100), comprising: terial that may be used to form portions of the waistbands in articles according to the invention. Material "A" was a a chassis (10) having a front waist region (14), laminate based LYCRA® spandex. Material "B" was a a back waist region (12), and a crotch region filament based laminate made up of 80% KRATON® (16) extending between said front and back G1730, 13% tackifier, and 7% wax. Material "C" was a 25 waist regions; film including 65.5.% KRATON® G1730, a low molecular an outer cover member (30) and a bodyside liner weight polyethylene wax, and a pressure sensitive ad- (28) extending longitudinally between said front hesive. Filaments of 80% KRATON®, 13% tackifier, and and back waist regions; 7% wax were overlaid on the film. an absorbent body structure (32) sandwiched [0054] The elastic modulus of a material relates to the 30 between said outer cover member and said bod- stress relaxation (load loss) and stress- elongation of the yside liner; material. Stress relaxation of an elastomeric material is a unitary elastomeric structure (66) attached to defined as the force required to hold a given elongation at least one of said front and back waist regions, constant over a period of time. A percentage of load loss characterized by said elastomeric structure ex- may be calculated from knowledge of initial and final35 tending completely across said respective waist loads over the time period, and may be acquired over a region and extending beyond lateral sides (20a, given time period using the Testworks data acquisition 20b) of said chassis so as to form elastomeric capability of an MTS Sintech tester. The stress-elonga- attachment tabs (76), tion behavior of the material is a measure of the tension said elastomeric structure having a predeter- necessary to elongate the material a given percentage. 40 mined first modulus of elasticity such that when Referring to Fig. 6, the various loads (tension) are re- attached to said waist region, a resulting elas- corded for 50% elongation of the respective materials. tomeric waistband portion is defined having an Samples of the materials may be tested using a Sintech overall second modulus of elasticity that is less 1/S testing frame. Rectangular laminate samples having than said first modulus of elasticity of said at- a 3-inch width are clamped at a grip-to-grip distance of 45 tachment tabs. 3 inches and pulled at a cross-head displacement of 20 inches/minute. The samples were tested to about 2000 2. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said ar- grams load limit. The elongation was calculated from ticle is a disposable diaper. knowledge of the change in length and the original length of the sample. The tension at 50% elongation was cal- 50 3. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said culated from the acquired data. elastomeric structure comprises a band (68) of elas- [0055] The amount of tension a material delivers to the tomeric material. bodyafter aperiod of time may be determinedby crossing the stress-relaxation data with the stress-elongation 4. The absorbent article as in any preceding claim, curve. For example, material C may have a stress- relax- 55 wherein said elastomeric structure comprises a uni- ation of 50% over a 12 hour period. If the material is tary band of elastomeric material. initially stretched to 50% elongation (load of 674 grams), then at 12 hours the material will deliver about one-half 5. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said

9 17 EP 1 578 326 B1 18

elastomeric structure comprises a band of stretch gradient is linear. bonded laminate material. 15. The absorbent article as in claim 10, wherein said 6. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said elastomeric waistband portion comprises a decreas- elastomeric structure is attached to said waist region 5 ing modulus of elasticity from a chassis centerline in a tensioned state such that said resulting elasto- thereof towards said lateral sides. meric waistband portion (11, 17) is gathered and stretchable at least to an extent permitted by the de- 16. The absorbent article as in claim 10, wherein said gree of gathering of said waistband region. elastomeric structure is bonded to said waist region 10 with a varying bond pattern (70) to achieve said var- 7. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein: ying modulus of elasticity across said elastomeric waistband portion. said elastomeric structure is attached to said back waist region, and 17. The absorbent article as in any of claims 10 to 16, said elastomeric structure is attached in a ten- 15 wherein said attachment tabs have a modulus of sioned state to at least one material along a elasticity that is less than said varying modulus of transverse portion of said waist region so as to elasticity of said waistband portion. define the elastomeric waistband portion (11) having said modulus of elasticity that is less than 18. The absorbent article as in claim 1, further compris- said modulus of elasticity of said attachment20 inga fastening device configured on said elastomeric tabs. attachment tabs.

8. The absorbent article as in claim 6, wherein said 19. The absorbent article as in claim 18, wherein said elastomeric structure is tensioned to an extent less fastening device comprises an adhesive. than a maximum elongation of said elastomeric25 structure such that stretchability of said waistband 20. The absorbent article as in claim 18, wherein said portion is limited by said degree of gathering, and fastening device comprises a hook material (82), said elastomeric attachment tabs are further stretch- said hook material engageable with a nonwoven web able upon said waistband portion being stretched to material on an outer side of said front waist region. a maximum. 30 21. The absorbent article as in claim 4, wherein said 9. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said elastomeric structure is bonded to said outer cover waistband portion is extensible, said elastomeric member and said bodyside liner along said elasto- structure being attached to said waist region in an meric waistband portion. untensioned state. 35 22. The absorbent article as in claim 21, further compris- 10. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said ing containment flaps (58) disposed longitudinally elastomeric waistband portion comprises a varying along said bodyside liner on opposite sides of said modulus of elasticity therealong. absorbent structure, said containment flaps extend- 40 ing to said back waist region, said elastomeric struc- 11. The absorbent article as in claim 10, wherein said ture bonded to said containment flaps. elastomeric waistband portion comprises an increasing modulus of elasticity from a chassis centerline thereof towards said lateral sides. Patentansprüche 45 12. The absorbent article as in claim 11, wherein said 1. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel (100), welcher umfasst: elastomeric structure is bonded to said waist region with a greatest surface area bond coverage along a einen Rahmen (10) mit einem vorderen Taillen- defined center portion (74) extending laterally across bereich (14), einem hinteren Taillenbereich (12) said centerline, and is bonded to said waist region 50 und einem Schrittbereich (16), der sich zwi- with less surface area bond coverage between said schen dem vorderen und hinteren Taillenbe- defined center portion and said lateral sides. reich erstreckt; ein äußeres Hüllelement (30) und eine körper- 13. The absorbent article as in claim 12, wherein said seitige Auskleidung (28), die sich der Länge less surface area bond coverage decreases accord- 55 nach zwischen dem vorderen und hinteren Tail- ing to a defined gradient. lenbereich erstreckt; eine absorptionsfähige Körperstruktur (32), die 14. The absorbent article as in claim 13, wherein said zwischen dem äußeren Hüllelement und der

10 19 EP 1 578 326 B1 20

körperseitigen Auskleidung angeordnet ist; Verlängerung der elastomeren Struktur, so dass die eine einheitlich elastomere Struktur (66), die an Dehnbarkeit des Taillenbundanteils begrenzt wird mindestens einen des vorderen und hinteren durch den Grad der Raffung, und wobei die elasto- Taillenbereichs befestigt ist, dadurch gekenn- meren Befestigungslaschen weiter dehnbar sind bis zeichnet, dass die elastomere Struktur sich 5 der Taillenbundanteil bis zu einem Maximum ge- komplett über den entsprechenden Taillenbe- dehnt ist. reich erstreckt und sich über die seitlichen Sei- ten (20a, 20b) des Rahmens hinaus erstreckt, 9. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wo- um so elastomere Befestigungslaschen (76) zu bei der Taillenbundanteil dehnbar ist, wobei die ela- bilden, 10 stomere Struktur an dem Taillenbereich in einem wobei die elastomere Struktur einen vorbe- nicht gespannten zustand befestigt ist. stimmten ersten Elastizitätsmodul aufweist, so dass, wenn an dem Taillenbereich befestigt, ein 10. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wo- resultierender Taillenbundanteil definiert wird, bei der elastomere Taillenbundanteil daran entlang welcher einen zweiten Gesamtelastizitätsmodul 15 einen variierenden Elastizitätsmodul aufweist. aufweist, der geringer ist als der erste Elastizi- tätsmodul der Befestigungslaschen. 11. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei der elastomere Taillenbundanteil einen sich ver- 2. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wo- größernden Elastizitätsmodul von einer Rahmenmit- bei der Artikel eine Einwegwindel ist. 20 tellinie in Richtung der seitlichen Seiten umfasst.

3. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wo- 12. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei die elastomere Struktur ein Band (68) aus ela- bei die elastomere Struktur an den Taillenbereich stomeren Material umfasst. mit einer größten Oberflächenbindungsdeckung 25 entlang eines definierten Zentralanteils (74) gebun- 4. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhe- den ist, welcher sich seitlich über die Mittellinie er- rigen Ansprüche, wobei die elastomere Struktur ein streckt, und an den Taillenbereich mit einer geringe- einheitliches Band aus elastomeren Material um- ren Oberflächenbindungsdekkung zwischen dem fasst. definierten Zentralanteil und den seitlichen Seiten 30 gebunden ist. 5. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die elastomere Struktur ein Band aus Stretch- 13. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 12, wo- Bonded Laminatmaterial umfasst. bei die geringere Oberflächenbindungsdeckung ge- mäß einem definierten Gradienten abnimmt. 6. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wo- 35 bei die elastomere Struktur an dem Taillenbereich 14. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 13, wo- in einem gespannten Zustand befestigt ist, so dass bei der Gradient linear ist. der resultierende elastomere Taillenbundanteil (11, 17) gerafft ist und mindestens in einem Ausmaß 15. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 10, wo- dehnbar ist, welches durch den Grad der Raffung 40 bei der elastomere Taillenbundanteil einen abneh- des Taillenbundanteils gewährt ist. menden Elastizitätsmodul von der Rahmenmittelli- nie in Richtung der seitlichen Seiten umfasst. 7. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei: 16. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 10, wo- 45 bei die elastomere Struktur an den Taillenbereich die elastomere Struktur an dem hinteren Tail- mit einem variierenden Bindungsmuster (70) gebun- lenbereich befestigt ist, und den ist, um den variierenden Elastizitätsmodul über wobei die elastomere Struktur in einem ge- den elastomeren Taillenbundanteil zu erreichen. spannten Zustand an mindestens einem Mate- rial entlang eines queren Teils des Taillenbe- 50 17. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der An- reichs befestigt ist, um so den elastomeren Tail- sprüche 10 bis 16, wobei die Befestigungslaschen lenbundanteil (11) zu definieren, der den Elasti- einen Elastizitätsmodul aufweisen, der geringer ist zitätsmodul aufweist, der geringer ist als der Ela- als der variierende Elastizitätsmodul des Taillenbun- stizitätsmodul der Befestigungslaschen. danteils. 55 8. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 6, wo- 18. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, wel- bei die elastomere Struktur in einem Ausmaß ge- cher des Weiteren eine Verschlussvorrichtung um- spannt ist, welches geringer ist als eine maximale fasst, die auf den elastomeren Befestigungslaschen

11 21 EP 1 578 326 B1 22

eingerichtet ist. 2. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit article est une couche jetable. 19. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 18, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung ein Haftmittel umfasst. 3. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans le- 5 quel ladite structure élastomère comprend une ban- 20. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 18, wo- de (68) de matériau élastomère. bei die Verschlussvorrichtung ein Hakenmaterial (82) umfasst, wobei das Hakenmaterial mit einem 4. Article absorbant selon l’une quelconque des reven- Vliesbahnmaterial auf einer äußeren Seite des vor- dications précédentes, dans lequel ladite structure deren Taillenbereichs in Verbindung gebracht wer- 10 élastomère comprend une bande unitaire de maté- den kann. riau élastomère.

21. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 4, wo- 5. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans le- bei die elastomere Struktur an das äußere Hüllele- quel ladite structure élastomère comprend une ban- ment und die körperseitige Auskleidung entlang des 15 de de matériau stratifié lié sous étirage. elastomeren Taillenbundanteils gebunden ist. 6. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans le- 22. Absorptionsfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 21, wel- quel ladite structure élastomère est fixée à ladite ré- cher des Weiteren Rückhaltelaschen (58) umfasst, gion de ceinture dans un état tendu, de telle sorte die der Länge nach entlang der körperseitigen Aus- 20 que ladite partie de bande de ceinture élastomère kleidung auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten der ab- résultante (11, 17) soit froncée et étirable au moins sorptionsfähigen Struktur angeordnet sind, wobei dans une mesure autorisée par le degré de fronçage sich die Rückhaltelaschen zu dem hinteren Taillen- de ladite région de bande de ceinture. bereich erstrecken, wobei die elastomere Struktur an die Rückhaltelaschen gebunden ist. 25 7. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :

Revendications ladite structure élastomère est fixée à ladite ré- gion de ceinture arrière, et 1. Article absorbant (100), comprenant : 30 ladite structure élastomère est fixée dans un état tendu à au moins un matériau le long d’une par- un châssis (10) ayant une région de ceinture tie transverse de ladite région de ceinture de avant (14), une région de ceinture arrière (12), manière à définir la partie de bande de ceinture et une région d’entrejambe (16) s’étendant entre élastomère (11) ayant ledit module d’élasticité lesdites régions de ceinture avant et arrière ; 35 qui est inférieur audit module d’élasticité desdi- un élément de recouvrement extérieur (30) et tes languettes de fixation. une doublure côté corps (28) s’étendant longitudinalement entre lesdites régions de ceinture 8. Article absorbant selon la revendication 6, dans le- avant et arrière ; quel ladite structure élastomère est tendue dans une une structure de corps absorbante (32) placée 40 mesure inférieure à un allongement maximum de en sandwich entre ledit élément de recouvre- ladite structure élastomère, de telle sorte que l’éti- ment extérieur et ladite doublure côté corps ; rabilité de ladite partie de bande de ceinture soit li- une structure élastomère unitaire (66) fixée à au mitée par ledit degré de fronçage, et lesdites lan- moins l’une desdites régions de ceinture avant guettes de fixation élastomères sont encore plus éti- et arrière, caractérisé en ce que ladite struc- 45 rables lorsque ladite partie de bande de ceinture est ture élastomère s’étend complètement en tra- étirée au maximum. vers de ladite région de ceinture respective et s’étend au-delà de côtés latéraux (20a, 20b) du- 9. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans ledit châssis de manière à former des languettes quel ladite partie de bande de ceinture est extensi- de fixation élastomères (76), 50 ble, ladite structure élastomère étant fixée à ladite ladite structure élastomère ayant un premier région de ceinture dans un état non tendu. module d’élasticité prédéterminé de telle sorte que lorsqu’elle est fixée à ladite région de cein- 10. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, dans le- ture,une partiede bande de ceinture élastomère quel ladite partie de bande de ceinture élastomère résultante soit définie, qui a un deuxième mo- 55 comprend un module d’élasticité variable le long de dule d’élasticité global qui est inférieur audit pre- cette dernière. mier module d’élasticité desdites languettes de fixation. 11. Article absorbant selon la revendication 10, dans le-

12 23 EP 1 578 326 B1 24

quel ladite partie de bande de ceinture élastomère ture élastomère. comprend un module d’élasticité augmentant à partir d’une ligne médiane de châssis de cette dernière en 22. Article absorbant selon la revendication 21, compre- direction desdits côtés latéraux. nant en outre des rabats de confinement (58) dispo- 5 sés longitudinalement le long de ladite doublure côté 12. Article absorbant selon la revendication 11, dans le- corps sur des côtés opposés de ladite structure ab- quel ladite structure élastomère est liée à ladite ré- sorbante, lesdits rabats de confinement s’étendant gion de ceinture avec une zone couverte par la jusqu’à ladite région de ceinture arrière, ladite struc- liaison de plus grande surface le long d’une partie ture élastomère étant liée auxdits rabats de confine- centrale définie (74) s’étendant latéralement en tra- 10 ment. vers de ladite ligne médiane, et est liée à ladite région de ceinture avec une zone couverte par la liaison de surface moindre entre ladite partie centrale définie et lesdits côtés latéraux. 15 13. Article absorbant selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ladite zone couverte par la liaison de surface moindre diminue selon un gradient défini.

14. Article absorbant selon la revendication 13, dans le- 20 quel ledit gradient est linéaire.

15. Article absorbant selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ladite partie de bande de ceinture élastomère comprend un module d’élasticité diminuant à partir 25 d’une ligne médiane de châssis de cette dernière en direction desdits côtés latéraux.

16. Article absorbant selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ladite structure élastomère est liée à ladite ré- 30 gion de ceinture selon un motif de liaison variable (70) afin d’obtenir ledit module d’élasticité variable en travers de ladite partie de bande de ceinture élas- tomère. 35 17. Article absorbant selon l’une quelconque des revendications 10 à 16, dans lequel lesdites languettes de fixation ont un module d’élasticité qui est inférieur audit module d’élasticité variable de ladite partie de bande de ceinture. 40

18. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un dispositif d’attache configuré sur lesdites languettes de fixation élastomères. 45 19. Article absorbant selon la revendication 18, dans lequel ledit dispositif d’attache comprend un adhésif.

20. Article absorbant selon la revendication 18, dans lequel ledit dispositif d’attache comprend un matériau 50 à crochets (82), ledit matériau à crochets pouvant s’engager avec un matériau en nappe non tissé sur un côté extérieur de ladite région de ceinture avant.

21. Article absorbant selon la revendication 4, dans le- 55 quel ladite structure élastomère est liée audit élé- ment de revêtement extérieur et à ladite doublure côté corps le long de ladite partie de bande de cein-

13 EP 1 578 326 B1

14 EP 1 578 326 B1

15 EP 1 578 326 B1

16 EP 1 578 326 B1

17 EP 1 578 326 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

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