CN1146377C - Disposable pull-on underwear with improved soiled disposal - Google Patents

Abstract

The disposable slip-on underwear disclosed in this invention comprises a main body having a front area, a back area, and a crotch area between the front and back areas. The main body includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet connected to the top sheet, and a moisture-absorbing core located between the top and bottom sheets. The disposable slip-on underwear of this invention also includes front side sheets extending laterally from each side of the front area of the main body; back side sheets extending laterally from each side of the back area of the main body; seam pieces 66 extending laterally from the front and back side sheets respectively; overlapping seam structures 32 that connect the respective seam pieces to form an overlapping seam structure, thereby forming two leg openings and a waist opening; and a waste disposal member 31 for maintaining the slip-on underwear in a configuration suitable for disposal, engaging with at least one of the front and back side sheets.

Description

Single-use pull-on underwear with improved soiled disposal

Technical field

The present invention relates to disposable pull-on underwear. Examples of such single-use pull-on undergarments include disposable undergarments, pull-on diapers, training pants, and menstrual disposable underpants. More specifically, the present invention relates to integral disposable absorbent pull-on undergarments, such as pull-on diapers, training pants, pull-on briefs for incontinent patients, etc., which improve soiled disposal.

Background technique

Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are worn by infants and other incontinent individuals in order to absorb and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent undergarments with fixed sides, such as training pants or pull-on diapers, are becoming increasingly popular for ambulatory and toilet-trained children. These training pants have side panels that are sewn together at the edges to create two leg openings and a waist opening. In order to retain bodily waste, these training pants should fit snugly around the waist and legs of the wearer without bending, sagging or gradually sliding down from their proper position on the body.

After the training pants or pull-on diapers become soiled with urine or body discharge, they are removed from the wearer by tearing the seams of the side panels. Then, fold the removed training pants or pull-on diaper so that the soiled portion is contained and discard. In order to prevent the soiled training pant or pull-on diaper from unfolding, and/or to keep the soiled part inside, it is desirable that such training pant or pull-on diaper have a feature that ensures or maintains the folded diaper in the folded position. The state's disposal artifact. Some examples of such training pants are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,575,784 issued November 19, 1996 to Ames-Ooten et al. and European Patent Publications EP 623330 and EP 0732094.

However, the presence of such a disposal member sometimes causes retained urine or body waste to leak from both sides of the folded diaper, especially when the side edges of the diaper are improperly folded inward. In addition, such disposal members may impede the movement of the wearer and/or affect the aesthetics of the diaper.

Contents of invention

The invention relates to a disposable pull-on underwear. The disposable pull-on underwear of the present invention includes a main body having a front region, a rear region, and a crotch region between the front region and the rear region. The main body comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet connected to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable pull-on underwear of the present invention also includes front side panels extending laterally outward from both sides of the front area of the main body; rear side panels extending laterally outward from both sides of the rear area of the main body; The seam panel extending laterally outward from each of the back side panels; the seam that joins the corresponding seam panels together in overlapping fashion for the purpose of making a lapped seam construction, whereby two leg openings are formed and a waist opening; and a disposal member engaged with at least one of the front and rear side panels, which member can ensure that the above-mentioned pull-on underwear has a configuration that is convenient for disposal. An outwardly extending tear tab, the disposal member engages the tear tab, the tear tab has an outer surface and an inner surface, the disposal member is located on the inner surface of the tear tab. The disposal member is a mechanical fastener which, together with the negative, constitutes a mechanical fastener for disposal.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Description of drawings

Although the description ends with the claims that specifically indicate and clearly limit the protection scope of the present invention, there is no doubt that the present invention will be better understood through the following descriptions of some preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Components that are substantially the same are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the disposable pull-on undergarment of the present invention in its normal use configuration;

Figure 2 is a simplified plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a flattened, non-contracted state, showing the panels or regions of the undergarment;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a flattened, non-contracted state, showing the outer surface and partially cut away to reveal the underlying structure;

Fig. 4 is a partial view of the pull-on underwear cut along line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the pull-on underwear shown in Figure 1 in a flattened, non-contracted state, showing the inner surface and partially sectioned to reveal the underlying structure;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the tear tab and seam panel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the seam panel taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6, illustrating the forces generated during wear;

Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the seam panel shown in Figure 7A when the pull-on diaper is torn;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pull-on diaper when it is folded after soiling;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pull-on diaper shown in Figure 8 retained in its discarded shape;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the pull-on diaper shown in Fig. 8 held in another shape upon disposal.

Detailed ways

The full texts of all cited documents are included in the description as references. As far as the prior art is useful to the claimed invention, the citation of any reference document shall not be considered as any limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "pull-on underwear" means an article intended to be worn by a person having a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings into which the wearer's legs The article can be put on the wearer by pulling the article up to the waist. The term "disposable" means that such underwear is not intended to be laundered or otherwise recycled, or reused as underwear (i.e. the item is used once and discarded, preferably recycled, composted or Dispose of in an otherwise environmentally compatible manner). "One-piece" pull-on underwear refers to a pull-on underwear made of several separate parts joined together into a whole, except that the side panels are not separate parts joined to a separate main body, because the side panels are made of Or at least one layer of material of the main body constitutes (that is, the underwear does not need to be operated separately like a separate main body and independent side panels). Such pull-on underwear is also preferably "absorbent" in order to absorb and retain various exudates from the body. A preferred embodiment of the pull-on underwear of the present invention is the one-piece disposable pull-on underwear, pull-on diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1 . As used herein, the term "pull-on diaper" refers to a pull-on undergarment commonly worn by infants and other incontinent patients to absorb and retain urine and feces. However, it should be noted that the invention is also applicable to other pull-on undergarments such as training pants, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene undergarments or panties, and the like. As used herein, the term "panel" is used to refer to a region or part of a pull-on undergarment. [While a "slice" is usually a distinct region or component, a "slice" may also have some overlap (functional identity) with an adjacent slice]. In this context, the terms "joined" or "joined" include the means of directly fixing a part to another part to keep the shape of a part on the other part, and the fixing of a part to an intermediate part and then the intermediate part. A part is fixed to another part so that the part indirectly maintains its shape on the other part.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the pull-on diaper 20 includes a main body 41 having a front region 26 , a rear region 28 , and a crotch region 30 between the front region 26 and the rear region 28 . The main body 41 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 80, a liquid impermeable backsheet 22 connected to the topsheet 80 and an absorbent core 84 (not shown in Figure 1) disposed between the topsheet 80 and the backsheet 22. The pull-on diaper 20 also includes front side panels 46 each extending laterally outward from a respective side of the front region 26 of the main body 41 and rear side panels 48 each extending laterally outward from a respective side of the rear region 28 of the main body 41 . The pull-on diaper 20 also includes seam panels 66 extending laterally outwardly from the front and back side panels 46 and 48, respectively, and tear tabs 31 extending laterally outwardly from the seam panels 66. Some preferred embodiments of the pull-on diaper 20 are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,569,234, issued October 29, 1996 to Buell et al.

The front and rear side panels 46 and 48 of the present invention may be any member extending laterally outward from the respective side edges of the main body 41 . In some preferred embodiments, each of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 is a projecting member projecting laterally outwardly from the main body 41 (shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 3). The front side panels 46 and the back side panels 48 are preferably integral parts of the pull-on diaper (i.e., they are non-individually operable parts that remain on the pull-on diaper, and are preferably formed from one of the layers of the pull-on diaper. A part formed by extending one or more layers). More preferably each piece of seam panel 66 is the extension thing of corresponding front and back side panel 46 and 48, or is the extension thing of at least one of all components used by the present invention, or any other combination of some components an extension of. Each tear tab 31 is preferably an extension of the corresponding seam panel 66, or of at least one of the components used in the present invention, or of any other combination of components. In some preferred embodiments, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are continuous pieces extending continuously from the main body 41 . More preferably, at least one, and preferably both, of the front and back side panels 46 and 48 comprise a continuous layer or film material 42 which is a part of the main body 41 and extends continuously therefrom. In alternative preferred embodiments, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are separate components (not shown) secured to the side edges of the main body 41 .

In a preferred embodiment, the front and back side panels 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in at least the transverse direction. As used herein, the term "elastically extensible" means that the undergarment or portion thereof elongates in at least one direction (preferably in the transverse direction for the side panels) upon application of tension (usually transverse tension to the side panels) and the removal of the tension At the same time, the aforementioned undergarment or part returns to approximately its original size and shape. More preferably, the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 are elastically extensible in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

The pull-on diaper 20 also includes seams 32, each of which joins corresponding seam panels 66 together in a superimposed manner to form an overlapping seam structure, thereby defining the two leg openings 34 and the waist opening 36. . The joint of the seam 32 of the present invention may be preformed from any particular material known in the art to be suitable for use in the seam panel. Thus, sonic sealing, heat sealing, pressure bonding, bonding or gluing, sewing, self-fusion bonding, and the like are suitable processes. The seam panels 66 are preferably joined by a pattern of heat/pressure or ultrasonic welding.

A continuous girdle 38 is formed around the waist opening 36 . The function of the continuous girdle 38 is to dynamically generate a snug force during wear and to distribute the force generated by said movement around the waist. Accordingly, the pull-on diaper 20 preferably includes a chassis layer 40; a first band layer 42 and a second band layer 44. Preferably, the elastic waist member 50 is provided in both the front region 26 and the rear region 28 . In addition, the pull-on diaper 20 also includes elastic leg members 52 . More preferably, at least the side panels 46 and 48 of the pull-on diaper 20 are provided with slits or apertures (not shown) for breathability and ventilation. Since the first girdle layer 42 and the second girdle layer 44 preferably have a non-woven fabric like cloth in appearance, and the main body layer 40 is preferably a plastic film, the pull-on diaper 20 has a unique aesthetic appearance and can be stored in the crotch region. While providing the advantages of excrement, it also provides underwear-like comfort for the caregiver and wearer in the waist area.

The continuous band 38 is elastically extensible within the side panels 46 and 48, and by initially fitting the pull-on diaper 20 to the wearer, the wearer feels more comfortable and fits the body shape better. The sides of the diaper expand and condense to maintain a good fit throughout wear as the diaper is subjected to forces from waste that distribute along the waist and legs. The continuous shroud 38 may consist of several different sheets of material as defined below.

Fig. 2 is a simplified plan view of the pull-on diaper 20 of Fig. 1 showing the diaper panels and their position relative to each other in a flattened, ungathered condition. The pull-on diaper 20 has a crotch region 30 comprising a main panel 56 and a pair of leg flaps 58, a front region 26 and a rear region 28; , Front side panels 46 and seam panels 66; the above-mentioned rear region includes a central panel composed of a waistband panel 60' and a middle panel 62', a rear side panel 48, a seam panel 66' and a tear-off tab 31. Although the absorbent core 84 normally extends into the mid-panels 62 and 62' of the shroud, the absorbent core 84 (not shown in Figure 2) is often positioned within the main panel 56 since exudates are often excreted within the confines of the main panel.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, generally the leg panels 58 originate from and extend laterally outwardly along each side edge 68 of the main panel 56. As shown in FIG. Each leg panel 58 generally forms at least a portion of an elastic leg member 52 (shown in FIG. 3 ). The aforementioned continuous band 38 (front region 26 and rear region 28) extends generally longitudinally outwardly from each transverse edge 69 of the crotch region 30 (main panel 56 and leg panels 58). In the front region 26, the center panel 62 generally begins at the transverse edges 69 of the crotch region 30 and extends longitudinally outwardly along each transverse edge 69. The waistband panel 60 generally begins at the center panel 62 and extends longitudinally outwardly along the center panel 62 . Each side panel 46 generally begins and extends laterally outwardly from the center panel (panels 60 and 62). Each seam panel 66 generally begins with each side panel 46 and extends laterally outward along the side panel 46 . In the rear region 28, the center panel 62' generally begins at the other transverse side edge 69 of the crotch region 30 and extends longitudinally outwardly along the side edge 69. Waistband panel 60' generally begins and extends longitudinally outwardly along the center panel 62'. Each side panel 48 generally starts from the center panel (panels 60' and 62') and extends laterally outward along the center panel. Each seam panel 66' generally begins with each side panel 48 and extends laterally outwardly along the side panel. Each tear tab 31 generally starts from each seam panel 66' and extends laterally outwardly along the seam panel. Disposal members 33 are provided on each tear-off tab 31 . The front region 26 has an end edge 70, leg edges 71 and side edges 72 in addition to some panels. Rear region 28 also has an end edge 70', leg edge 71' and side edges 72' in addition to some panels. The crotch region 30 has leg edges 74 .

The waistband panel 60 is preferably elastically extensible, and more preferably elastically shrinkable or gathered to better position the pull-on diaper 20 within the central portion of the waist opening 36 . In order to keep the absorbent core 84 flat during use, the middle panel 62 is not bunched. Although the middle panels 62 and 62' can be elastically extensible (but not gathered), they are preferably inextensible.

Figure 3 is a partially cut-away plan view of the pull-on diaper 20 of Figure 1, showing the diaper in its flattened, uncontracted state (i.e., except for the side panels 46 and 48, the other parts have been flattened by the elastic-induced constriction , in a relaxed state), the backsheet 22 of the diaper is facing the viewer, and the front region 26 and the rear region 28 have not yet been connected together by the seam 32. The backsheet 22 of the pull-on diaper 20 is the portion which is kept away from the wearer's body during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the backsheet 22 of the pull-on diaper 20 includes a first belt layer 42 in the front region 26, a second belt layer 44 in the back region 28, and a belt layer in the crotch region. 30 in the body layer 40 . (Opposite the backsheet 22 is the inner surface 24 of the diaper, which is that portion of the diaper which is in contact with the body of the wearer during use).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the chassis layer 40 is preferably formed from a continuous sheet or web defining the front region 26, the back region 28 and the crotch region 30. Thus, the chassis layer 40 is the primary layer or face of the pull-on diaper. (The term "layer" here is not necessarily limited to components made of a single layer of material, and a "layer" may actually be formed by a laminate or combination of several sheets or webs of the desired material.) The main body layer 40 has Inner surface 76 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) and outer surface 77 . The inner surface 76 and outer surface 77 of the chassis layer 40 correspond in orientation to the inner surface 24 and the backsheet 22 of the pull-on diaper 20 . Since the chassis layer 40 preferably defines the front region 26, the rear region 28 and the crotch region 30, the chassis layer 40 also has corresponding regions and segments as previously defined. (For brevity, these areas and segments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the pull-on diaper in FIG. 77 , and extend from one side edge 72 across the front region 26 continuously to the other side edge 72 in the transverse direction, and extend from one end edge 70 to at least the leg edge 71 in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first belt layer 42 is bonded to the chassis layer 40 . The second belt layer 44 is located on the outer surface 77 in the rear region 28 of the main body region 40, and extends continuously across the rear region 28 from one side edge 72' in the transverse direction to the other side edge 72', and extends from one end in the longitudinal direction. The rim 70' starts at least as far as the leg rim 71'. Preferably, the second belt layer 44 is bonded to the chassis layer 40 . The girdle layers then combine with the chassis layer 40 to form a continuous girdle 38 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) about the waist of the wearer. As will be described in detail below, different regions of the above-mentioned cuff have different elastic properties, which can improve the fit and body fluid retention performance of the pull-on diaper 20 .

Elastically stretchable stretch laminates are formed in the corresponding side panels 46 and 48 of the front region 26 and rear region 28 . Each front side panel 46 includes at least the portion of the first belt layer 42 in the side panel, and an elastic sheet member 78 joined thereto. In this embodiment, this portion of the chassis layer 40 constitutes the side panel. piece. The elastic sheet member 78 is preferably positioned between the main body layer 40 and the first belt layer 42, and preferably extends longitudinally from the end edge 70, preferably to the leg edge 71. Each rear side panel 48 includes at least the portion of the second belt layer 44 in each side panel and an elastic sheet member 78' joined thereto. In this embodiment, this portion of the main body layer 40 constitutes the side pieces. The above-mentioned elastic side panel members 78' are preferably disposed between the main layer 40 and the second belt layer 44, more preferably extending longitudinally from the end edge 70', and preferably extending to the leg edge 71'. In the pull-on diaper embodiment shown in Figure 3, each side panel preferably also includes the portion of the topsheet 80 (separation layer) which is located within the side panel. The side panels are mechanically stretched or drawn (indicated by tension lines) to render the side panels elastically stretchable at least in the transverse direction. [The transverse direction (X direction or width direction) is defined as the direction parallel to the transverse centerline of the pull-on diaper; the longitudinal direction (Y direction or length direction) is defined as the direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline; the axial direction (Z direction or Thickness direction) is defined as the direction through the thickness of the diaper. ]

The elastic waist member 50 is provided on either the waistband panel 60 of the front region 26 or the waistband panel 60' The elastic waist member 50 is an elastically extensible member, preferably an elastically contractible member that is gathered together so as to dynamically conform to the waist of the wearer within the central panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic waistband member 50 is preferably an integral waistband/waistband 82 operatively attached to the waistband panels, preferably the topsheet 80, in an elastically gathered state. on the main floor. The integral waist cover/belt 82 acts as a barrier to prevent the leakage of excrement from the waist opening of the pull-on diaper 20, and is also a retractable belt that fits the pull-on diaper 20 around the waist of the wearer. belt. In this most preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned integral waist cover/belt is also breathable, allowing water vapor to exit the pull-on diaper near the waist opening

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the pull-on diaper 20 also has elastic leg members 52 for enhancing the fit of the crotch region 30 at the legs. The pull-on diaper 20 also has a topsheet 80 and an absorbent core 84 (not shown) positioned between the topsheet 80 and the chassis layer 40 to form an absorbent assembly that cooperates with the continuous belt to retain waste.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pull-on diaper 20 taken along line 4-4 in the front region 26 of FIG. 3 . The chassis layer 40 is shown as forming the main layer or main layer of the pull-on diaper 20 and having an inner surface 76 and an outer surface 77 . The first belt layer 42 is located on the outer surface of the chassis layer 40 and forms the backsheet 22 of the pull-on diaper 20 in the front region 26 . Preferably, the elastic sheet member 78 is positioned between the first belt layer 42 and the chassis layer 40 . The topsheet 80 is preferably located on and bonded to the inner surface 76 of the chassis layer 40 . The topsheet 80 preferably comprises a liquid permeable primary layer 86 and two barrier layers 88 . The isolation layer 88 extends laterally outward from the main layer 86 to the side edge 72 . Each spacer layer 88 includes a tab portion 90 and an upstanding portion 92 . The upstanding portion 92 is not attached to the main layer 86 so that the gathering force generated by the elastic spacer member 94 during use can cause the upstanding portion 92 to stand upright from the surface of the main layer 86, thereby forming an insulating cuff 93 which is a barrier layer or wall . Tab portion 90 extends laterally outward from upstanding portion 92 (proximal edge) to side edge 72 . The absorbent core 84 is preferably positioned between the primary layer 86 and the chassis layer 40 . The structure of the rear region 28 is preferably the same as that of the front region 26 .

Figure 5 is a partial view of the pull-on diaper 20 shown in Figure 1 in a flattened, non-contracted state (i.e., the elastically induced gathers in segments other than the side panels, which are in a relaxed state) In cross-section, the inner surface 24 of the pull-on diaper 20 is facing the viewer, and the front region 26 and the rear region 28 have not yet been seamed together. To provide the desired absorbency for bodily waste containment, the pull-on diaper 20 includes a liquid permeable topsheet 80 and an absorbent core 84 positioned between the topsheet 80 and the chassis layer 40 . In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the topsheet 80 preferably comprises three distinct layers bonded together. A primary liquid permeable layer 86 is positioned over the absorbent core 84 to quickly absorb liquids into the diaper. The barrier layer 88 is bonded to the main layer 86 and is preferably stretchable, preferably hydrophobic, so that the side panels do not tear or tear when subjected to mechanical stretching, and along the pull-on Separate cuffs 93 are formed on both sides of the diaper 20 . The isolation layer 88 has tab portions 90 and channel or upstanding portions 92 to form the various components of the elastic leg members 52 . The elastic leg member 52 preferably includes a sealing cuff 91 and a spacer cuff 93 . The sealing cuff 91 is preferably formed by operatively joining one or more elastic leg members 96 to the chassis layer 40, or the barrier layer 88, or both, preferably at the legs of the crotch region 30. Between the isolation layer 88 of the body layer 40 in the airfoil and the airfoil portion 90 . The isolation cuff 93 preferably consists of a tab (upstanding portion 92 of the isolation layer 88), a closure member 86 for securing the longitudinal end of the upstanding portion 92 to the main layer 86, and a seal operatively engaged on the above-mentioned upstanding portion 92. Elastic spacer members 94 are formed.

The elastic stretchability of the side panels 46 and 48 can be provided by a variety of different materials and constructions, and the different parts of the belt (such as the layers of the belt or the main body layer) can be made of common elastic materials, or the side panels of the belt It can be composed of a variety of different elastic laminate structures. For example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003, issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, entitled "Contractible Side Portions of Disposable Diapers," the side panels of the shroud may include a piece of elastic material that is The elastically contractible state is operatively joined to one or more non-elastic members (either the belt layer, or the chassis layer, or both). In addition, the side panels may be a A web with a structure similar to elastic thin film (SELF). While the side panels of the girdle can be made from a variety of different extensible or elastic materials known in the art, one or more side panels of the girdle can be made from a stretch laminate, preferably each side panel made of stretch laminate

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic sheet members 78 are operatively joined to the side panels 46 and 48, preferably between the chassis layer 40 and the belt layers 42 and 44, so that the side panels 46 and 48 is elastically extensible at least in the transverse direction. It has been found that particularly suitable elastic materials for use as elastic sheet parts (especially for zero stress stretch laminates) are elastomeric films based on styrenic block copolymers, preferably with a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.064 mm (0.002 inch - 0.0025 inch), such as the film produced by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the trade designation PA18-2870; or the Exxon 500 elastic film series produced by Exxon chemical of Baytown, Texas. Other suitable elastic materials that can be used as the elastic side panels include "active" synthetic or natural rubber, other synthetic or natural rubber foams), elastomeric films (including heat-shrinkable elastomeric films), elastic woven or nonwoven Flocks, scrims, elastomeric compounds, etc. Preferably, the elastic sheet member 78 is a sheet of elastic scrim material. Such elastic scrim materials have a plurality of first fibers intersecting with a plurality of second fibers to form a mesh-like open structure with a plurality of apertures. Each aperture is defined by at least two adjacent first fibers and at least two adjacent second fibers such that the apertures are substantially rectangular. A preferred elastic scrim is available from the Conwed Plastics Company under the trade designation TN2514.

In a more preferred embodiment, the elastic sheet member is secured to the chassis layer 40, the belt layers 42 and 44, or both the chassis layer and the belt layer in a substantially unstretched (zero strain) state. , so that the elastic sheet member is operatively combined on the side panels. At least a portion of the composite stretch laminate comprising elastic sheet members thus obtained is then subjected to mechanical stretching sufficient to impart permanent elongation to the non-elastic components of the stretch stack (body layer, barrier layer, and belt layer). The composite stretch laminate is then returned to its substantially unstretched state. The side panels thus become a "zero strain" stretch laminate. (Alternatively, elastic sheet members in tension are operably bonded and then mechanically stretched; this is of course less desirable than a "zero strain" stretch laminate.) In this context, the term "zero strain" "Stretch laminate means a laminate comprising at least two layers of material secured to each other in a substantially unstretched ("zero strain") condition along at least a portion of their commonly elongated surfaces Together, one of the layers is a stretchable and elastic (i.e., returns to substantially its unstretched dimensions when the tension is removed) material, and the second layer is stretchable (but not necessarily elastic) Material, when stretched, the second layer is permanently elongated, at least to some extent, and does not fully return to its original, undeformed shape when the applied tension is released. Thereby, the obtained stretch laminate is elastically stretchable in the direction of the initial stretch at least within the range of the initial stretch point. A particularly preferred method and apparatus for making stretch laminates uses intermeshing corrugated rolls to mechanically stretch the components. US Patent No. 5,167,897 issued to Weber et al. on December 1, 1992, US Patent No. 5,156,793 issued to Buell et al. on October 20, 1990, and US Patent No. 5,143,679 issued to Weber et al. on September 1, 1992. particularly preferred devices and methods.

The continuous girdle 38 creates a dynamic fit in the pull-on diaper 20 when the diaper is put on the wearer, so that the pull-on diaper is compatible with the wearer even if body exudates are absorbed in the absorbent core. It fits the wearer's body, keeps it on the wearer's body, and also distributes the dynamic forces generated during wear around the waist, thereby providing supplementary support for the absorbent core without absorbing moisture in the middle panel of the pull-on diaper. Core piping or wrinkling. said girdle is designed to be elastically extensible in some sections and at least elastically extensible in other sections around the waist opening, preferably elastically tuckable; elastically extensible around the leg opening portions; and No bunching or coalescence in the region of the midsheet where the absorbent core is located. In order to make the pull-on diaper not easily slip out of the buttocks due to excessive stretching, so that the diaper can be worn more conveniently, the elastic extensibility of the girdle also has a "force/elongation wall". long wall", the girdle does not produce elastic elongation. This "force/extension wall" is important for young children who need to put the diaper on themselves without being able to fully pull and position the fully extended diaper over the buttocks by themselves. Wear tension is more controlled with a girdle webbing that surrounds the absorbent core. The diapers thus produced conform to the waist of the wearer without bulging. The girth over the absorbent core can be greatly reduced by providing a continuous normal force that compresses the absorbent core against the body during wear based on the hoop tension created in the girdle. The band gathers or shrinks. Thus, the absorbent core of the diapers of the present invention is compared to diapers that form an elastic contraction or gather over the confines of the absorbent core, or diapers that do not provide a band around the confines of the absorbent core where the hoop tension is concentrated in the span and distributed across the span. Better seal, more comfort, less notch.

Seam panels 66 and 66' are portions that are to be sewn or joined together by the manufacturer to form the defined waist opening 26 and leg opening 34. As shown in Figure 2, the seam panels 66 and 66' extend laterally from each side panel 46 and 48 outwardly to the side edge 72 or 72', and longitudinally from the end edge 70 or 70' to the leg edge 71, respectively. or 71'. The seam panels are preferably extensions of the main body layer and other components such as the belt layer and top layer or any other combination of these components. In a preferred embodiment, each seam panel is formed from a portion of each of the chassis layer, the belt layer, the elastic sheet member and the barrier layer of the topsheet. (In seamed panels, the stretch laminate is preferably not subject to mechanical stretching, although it can be stretched if desired to provide additional elongation properties in this region.)

In a more preferred embodiment, the seam 32 has a predetermined seam pattern, and the seam can be easily torn by using the tear tab 31 . Seam 32 is preferably an interrupted pattern of individual joints or groups of joints 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the seam 32 includes four sets of bonding electrodes 4a-4d. Other suitable seams may be any multiple sets of graphics (eg, two sets, three sets, five sets or more). As long as the seam can be easily torn with the tear tab 31, any joint and/or joint set shape can be used. Preferred joint and/or joint set shapes include circular, oval, triangular and rectangular.

The spacing between adjacent sets of bonding points 4a-4d forms gaps or non-bonding portions 5a-5c in the seam 32. As the diaper 20 is worn, the seams 32 may wrinkle as the wearer moves. The corrugations of the seam 32 at the intervals between adjacent sets of joins provide passages for air to pass in and out of the diaper during use of the diaper, thereby making the diaper breathable. Thus, the non-bonded portion of the seam 32 (ie, the sum of all the individual separation distances) determines the air permeability of the seam, and thus of the diaper. Of course, the unbonded portion of the seam 32 increases, and the strength of the seam 32 decreases. The non-bonded portion of the seam 32 preferably ranges from about 20% to about 65% of the total seam length as measured along the seam 32 from the leg opening 34 to the waist opening 36. Examples of suitable seams have an unbonded portion of about 30%, 35% or 40% of the total seam length. It is generally not desirable to have a non-bonded fraction below about 20%, as this will not allow sufficient air flow into the diaper to achieve ventilation of the diaper. A non-bonded portion higher than about 65% is also generally not desired, as this allows sufficient air flow into the diaper to achieve the diaper's ventilation, but the diaper is not strong enough to withstand high forces and tensions during wear .

The seam patterns preferably include patterns of different seam strengths which have varying bond strengths between the seam panels 66 so that the seams can be easily torn open using the tear tab 31. In some preferred embodiments, the bond strength can be controlled by varying the amount of polymeric material contained in seam panel 66 . For example, in order to improve the bonding strength, a larger non-woven material, a thicker plastic film can be used, or by adding several layers of additional materials in the seam sheet 66 to increase the amount of water contained in some parts that constitute the side panel 66. Amount of polymer material. For example, several layers of additional plastic film or nonwoven webs are bonded to the seam panel 66 . Alternatively, the layers constituting the diaper can be made to extend beyond the intended area of the seam and then be tucked into the seam panel to incorporate additional layers in the seam panel. Examples of such seams are disclosed in the above-mentioned reference US Patent No. 5,236,430.

In some preferred embodiments, the tear tab 31 may be located anywhere along the edge of the seam panel 66 . In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the tear tabs 31 are located on the outwardly extending portions at approximately equal intervals 5a of the example joint sets 4a and 4b.

The location of the tear tab 31 is preferably offset between the leg opening 34 and the waist opening 36 . In a preferred embodiment, the tear tab 31 is located closer to the leg opening 34 than to the waist opening 36 . In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the tear tab 31 is located closer to the waist opening 36 than to the leg opening 34 . This offset of the position of the tear tab 31 suggests to the user where he/she should start tearing the diaper with his/her fingers.

FIG. 7A shows an overlapping seam structure 32 formed by joining seam panels 66 . A seam member 32 is shown enlarged in both thickness and width for explanatory purposes. Arrows _F1 and _F2 show the direction of the forces generated during donning of the diaper 20 which act through the front and back side panels 46 and 48 on the seam members 32 in the seam panels 66 and 66'. The overlapping seam construction described above has the necessary seam strength required to maintain the pull-on diaper on the wearer's waist region. Figure 7B shows the forces _F3 and _F4 exerted on the tear tab 31 and the front side panel 46, respectively, when tearing the pull-on diaper during removal of the diaper from the wearer. Forces _F3 and _F4 act effectively in opposite directions to separate seam panel 66 of front side panel 46 from seam panel 66' of back side panel 48. The positional bias of the tear tab 31 focuses the tear force _F3 on the particular seam member 32 closest to the leg opening 34 or waist opening 36 . Therefore, the user can tear the pull-on diaper 20 from the leg opening 34 or the waist opening 33 with only a small force.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pull-on diaper 20 has a disposal member 33 connected to a tear tab 31 to keep the pull-on diaper in a shape suitable for disposal. In some preferred embodiments, the torn loop loop 31 has an inner surface 35 and an outer surface 37 (shown in FIG. 9 ). Above-mentioned disposal member 33 is connected on the inner surface 35 of tearing tab 31, therefore, waste disposal member 33 is between tearing tab 31 and front side panel 46, and is hidden between them (as shown in Figure 1 ).

The disposal member 33 may be any material capable of maintaining the pull-on diaper 20 in a shape suitable for disposal. In some preferred embodiments, the disposal member is a material that can be engaged or adhered to at least a portion of the rear panel 22 or one of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 to facilitate disposal. In a preferred embodiment, the disposal member 33 is a mechanical fastener which together with the rear panel 22 constitutes a mechanical fastener for disposal. In another preferred embodiment, the disposal member 33 is a mechanical fastener that forms a mechanical fastener with one of the front and rear side panels 46 and 48 to facilitate disposal. The above-mentioned mechanical fastener can be any known member capable of realizing closure such as a button, a snap button, a hook-shaped fastener material or a ring-shaped fastener material.

The above-mentioned mechanical fixing device may be any mechanical fixing member known in the prior art. U.S. Patent No. 5,058,247, Thomas, entitled "Mechanical Fastening End," issued October 22, 1991; and Scripps, issued September 26, 1989, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having U.S. Patent 4,869,724 of "Mechanical Fastening Assembly"; and U.S. Patent 4,846,815, entitled "Disposable Diaper with Improved Fastening Means", issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989, all list some mechanical fastening components including Fixtures.

In a preferred embodiment, said mechanical fastening means is a hook and loop type fastening. As used herein, the term "hook and loop type fastener" refers to a fastening member comprising a "hook" fastening material and a matching loop fastening material. "Hook" is used to denote a web with engaging elements. Thus, a hook fastening web may refer to a kind of protruding fastening element. It should also be noted that the use of the term "hook" is not limited to include engagement members of any shape known in the art, but also applies to engaging mating wickers. so. Hook retaining panels can be made from many materials. In addition, the above-mentioned engaging elements may be, for example, hook-shaped, "T"-shaped, "mushroom-shaped" or any other shape known in the prior art. Suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene or any combination of these materials. An example of a preferred hook fastener web is available from Sumitomo 3M under the trade name XPH-5089. Another preferred hook fastener web is described in US Patent No. 5,058,247, issued October 22, 1991 to Thomas, entitled "Mechanical Fastening End".

In another preferred embodiment, the disposal member is a hook fastener material, and the backsheet 22 or one of the front and rear panels 46, 48 includes a loop fastener material at least where overlapping is desired. More preferably, said hook fastener material includes a backing and a plurality of engagement members projecting from the backing. The hook fastener web is capable of engaging the fibrous members of the loop fastener web formed in or on the backsheet 22 or one of the front panel 46 and back panel 48 . The substrate and tear tab 31 may be joined by any suitable means. In some preferred embodiments, the above-mentioned backing is bonded directly to the inner surface of the tear-off tab 31 .

In other preferred embodiments, the backsheet 22 or the front panel 46 and the back panel 48 include straps (not shown) at least on the desired overlapped portion of the disposal member 33 for disposal. The wickers described above may be engaged with or adhered to the waste disposal member 33 . The above-mentioned bridge members can be made of many kinds of materials, and can also be made into various shapes that can firmly cooperate with the engaging parts. For example, wickers may include the same mating pieces or different mating pieces. The term "same mating member" is used herein to define those mechanical fasteners in which the engaging members and wickers have the same shape or configuration. The term "different mating parts" is used to denote those components in which the engaging parts are different from the wicker parts but engageable with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the wickers comprise a number of fibrous elements, such as annular fastener webs, which are engageable with engaging elements of the waste disposal member 33 . The annular fastener material can be made from a wide variety of material providing a fibrous part, preferably a ring. Suitable materials include textile materials, nonwoven materials, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any other known loop fastener materials, or combinations of these materials. A preferred annular fastener web includes formed engaging elements projecting from the textile substrate. An inexpensive annular fastener web and the manufacture of the same are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,032,122, issued July 16, 1991 to Noel et al. Methods. Additional suitable wicker webs are described in US Patent No. 5,326,612, issued July 5, 1994 to David J.K. Goulait, entitled "Nonwoven Dimples for Fastening Devices and Method of Making Same".

In another preferred embodiment, the wicker has a base and a plurality of engagement members extending from the base. The backing is bonded to the backsheet 22 or to portions of the front panel 46 and back panel 48 where overlap is desired. The wickers can be joined to the backsheet 22 or the front and rear panels 46 and 48 by any means known in the art, including but not limited to bonding, bonding, heat, pressure, ultrasonics, or their any combination of . Additionally, wickers may be formed in portions of the chassis 22 and the front and back panels 46 .

In some preferred embodiments, the backsheet 22 comprises a layer of plastic film and a layer of nonwoven web that is bonded on the outward facing surface of the plastic film, and makes the nonwoven web cover at least a part of the outward facing surface of the plastic film, Preferably the coverage is higher than 70%, more preferably substantially the entirety of the outwardly facing surface of the plastic film. At least a portion of said nonwoven web constitutes a wicket. The aforementioned plastic film is preferably moisture-permeable. The nonwoven web can be joined to the plastic film by any suitable fastening means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive coating, or an adhesive coating consisting of rows of separate lines, spirals, or spots The woven web is secured to the plastic film. Suitable nonwoven webs include a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven web known as 13561DAPP available from Fiberweb Co. Ltd., SC, USA. Another suitable nonwoven web is a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven web known as L4819 commercially available from Veratec Co., Ltd., MA, USA.

In an alternative embodiment, the disposal means is an adhesive connector that can be adhered or adhered to the backsheet 22 or the front panel 46 and back panel 48 to facilitate disposal. In a more preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned viscous attachment includes adhesive positioned on the inner surface of the tear tab 31 and positioned on the adhesive so that the adhesive is not exposed until the pull-on diaper is soiled. release liner. The above-mentioned viscous connecting member may be any adhesive or glue used in the prior art. Preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive is used. A release liner is used to prevent adhesive connections from drying out and sticking to unintentional surfaces before use. Any conventional release liner used for this purpose can be used.

After the pull-on diaper 20 is used or dirty, grasp and tear the tab 31 and the front side panel 46, and tear the dirty diaper 20 along the seam 32, and then the dirty diaper 20 can be taken off from the wearer. of diapers 20. The removed diaper 20 is then rolled into a configuration for disposal so that, as shown in FIG. 8, retained soil remains within the soiled diaper. In order to secure the folded or rolled diaper 20 with the disposal member 33, any shape can be selected. For example, the tear tab 31 is bonded to the backsheet 22 by means of a disposal member 33 (not shown) so as to be bound into a configuration suitable for disposal as shown in FIG. 9 . Alternatively, one of the tear tabs 31 on one side is bonded to the rear side panel 48 on the other side by the disposal member 33 so as to bind into a discarded shape as shown in FIG. 10 . In these examples (shown in Figures 9 and 10), the disposal member 33 is either a mechanical fastener, or is provided on the tear tab 31 and can engage the backsheet 22 or the rear side panel 48, or is adhered to the Adhesive on backsheet 22 or backside panel 48. Therefore, the folded structure suitable for disposal effectively prevents the retained urine or body waste from leaking from both sides of the folded diaper 20 .

The absorbent core 48 is preferably adjacent to the inner surface 76 of the chassis layer 40, and is preferably joined to the inner surface of the chassis layer by attachment means (not shown) well known in the art. For example, the body layer may be secured by a uniform, continuous coating of adhesive, a pattern of adhesive coating, or an adhesive coating consisting of rows of separate lines, spirals, or spots. onto the absorbent core. The attachment means is preferably an adhesive coating with an open screen pattern as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986, issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola and Tucker, entitled "Disposable Waste Containing Underwear." U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Spragne, Jr. on October 7, 1975, U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecler et al. on November 22, 1978, and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989 The devices and methods disclosed in both illustrate an example of an open mesh-shaped adhesive layer connection means consisting of several spirally patterned adhesive filaments. In addition, the above-mentioned fixing means may also be thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic connection, dynamic mechanical connection, or other suitable fixing means known in the art or a combination of these fixing means.

The absorbent core 84 can be any absorbent member that is generally soft, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. Absorbent cores can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T", asymmetrical, etc.), and can be made from a variety of absorbent cores commonly used in the manufacture of disposable diapers and other absorbent products. The absorbent core is made of a liquid material (such as ground wood pulp commonly known as breathable stuffing). Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped fibrous wadding; melt-blown resins comprising co-formed, cross-linked cellulosic fibers; fabrics with fabric covers; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polyesters; absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent material or combination of these materials. The shape and structure of the absorbent core can also vary (for example, the absorbent core can have zones of different thicknesses, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or low average density and low average basis weight acquisition zones, or can have one or more layers or multiple structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be compatible with the design load and intended use of the pull-on diaper. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core can also be varied to suit a variety of wearers ranging from adults to infants.

A preferred embodiment of the absorbent core is an asymmetrical, reshaped hourglass shape having a body surface (inner surface) facing the wearer's body and a diaper surface opposite said body surface. U.S. Patent No. 5,360,420, issued to Cook, Lash, Moore and young on November 1, 1994, entitled "Absorbent Structure Comprising Reinforcing Fibers and Superabsorbent Material," describes a widely accepted and commercially successful Examples of absorbent structures useful as the absorbent core of the present invention. Recommended is an absorbent core as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,610,478, issued September 9, 1986 to Weisman and Goldman, entitled "High Density Absorbent Structure", which comprises an acquisition/distribution layer and A storage layer consisting of chemically strengthened cellulose fibers underlying the acquisition/distribution layer made of a blend of wood pulp fibers and superabsorbent material.

The topsheet 80 is adjacent the body surface of the absorbent core 84 and is preferably bonded to the absorbent core 84 and the chassis layer 40 by attachment means (not shown) as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet and chassis layer are generally joined directly to the absorbent core or elastic sheet member or other component of the pull-on diaper, and the topsheet and chassis layer are joined together indirectly.

The topsheet 80 is preferably a three-element structure as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,795,454, issued January 3, 1989 to Dragoo, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Double Leak-Resistant Closure". As shown in FIG. 5, the topsheet 80 includes a main layer 86 and two barrier layers 88 joined to the main layer and extending laterally outwardly from the main layer 86. As shown in FIG. The primary layer 86 is a liquid permeable web which allows liquids to rapidly pass through its entire thickness and be absorbed by the absorbent core. Both barrier layers 88 are preferably hydrophobic to prevent leakage of exudates to the outside of the diaper, and are preferably stretchable to reinforce the stretch laminate.

Although several specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it is clear that those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Apparently, those examples and embodiments described in this specification are for illustration only, and any modification and change suggested by any person skilled in the art will not go beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

1. A disposable pull-on underwear comprising: A body having a front region, a rear region and a crotch region between the front region and the rear region, the body comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet connected to the topsheet, and an absorbent core; front side panels projecting laterally from each side of the front region of the main body; rear side panels projecting laterally from each side of the rear region of the main body; seam panels extending laterally from each of said front and back side panels; joining the respective seam panels in an overlapping manner to form a laminated seam structure, thereby forming the seams of the leg openings and the waist opening; a disposal member associated with at least one of the front and rear side panels for maintaining the pull-on undergarment in a configuration suitable for disposal, Wherein, the underwear also includes a tear-off tab extending laterally from the seam, the waste disposal member is engaged with the tear-off tab, the tear-off tab has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the The disposal member is located on the inner surface of the tear-away tab, The disposal member is a mechanical fastener constituting, together with the negative, a mechanical fastener for disposal. 2. The disposable pull-on undergarment of claim 1, wherein said seam is an intermittent seam joining the seam panels intermittently. 3. The disposable pull-on undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the disposal member is a mechanical device constituting a mechanical fastening device for disposal together with one of the front and rear side panels. Fastener. 4. The disposable pull-on undergarment of claim 1, wherein the location of the tear tab is offset between the leg opening and the waist opening. 5. The disposable pull-on underwear of claim 1, wherein the front and rear side panels are elastically extensible at least in the transverse direction. 6. The disposable pull-on undergarment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front and rear side panels is a continuous panel extending continuously from the main body. 7. The disposable pull-on underwear according to claim 1, wherein the seam has a definite seam pattern, so that the seam can be torn conveniently by means of tear tabs.

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