FR2724110A1 - ABSORBENT ARTICLE, AS CHANGED FOR INFANTS, HAVING IMPROVED TRANSVERSAL ELONGATION CHARACTERISTICS - Google Patents

Abstract

The absorbent article has first and second end edges (106,107) extending between side edges (110); first and second waist sections (40, 38); fastening tabs (44) connected along the side edges (110) in the first waist section (40) and each having a user connecting section (52); a pair of elastic side sections (89) connected in the first waist section (40) and imparting spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity to the article; an attachment panel (200) extending from the first end edge (106) longitudinally inward for up to 76.2 mm and transversely between the user connecting sections (52), and providing a force of first cycle extension less than about 1720 g at 27% transverse extension.

Description

The present invention relates to extensible absorbent garments, such

  infant diapers, children's hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence garments and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent garment having a waist section provided with

  improved transverse elongation characteristics.

  Conventional disposable absorbent articles typically include a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the bodyside liner and the backsheet. Such disposable absorbent articles also include a fastening system for securing the product around the wearer's body. Suitable fastening systems include adhesive tapes, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. To improve the adaptation of the absorbent article around the carrier, conventional products have incorporated elastic materials. Examples of such materials

  mention may be made of the strands, strands or elastic tapes bonded to the support sheet, either along the longitudinal sides or along the longitudinal ends 25 of the product.

  Disposable absorbent articles of the aforementioned type, even those incorporating elastic materials, do not provide adequate transverse extensibility in the waist section of the product to facilitate the use of the fastening system and to accommodate the movements of the wearer. In addition, the elastic materials that have been placed in the waist section have not been positioned effectively to cooperate with the fastening system. As a result, conventional products have been subject to unwanted frequencies of fastener system failure or have caused red marks on the skin

of the carrier.

  To overcome the shortcomings discussed above of the prior art, a new absorbent article has been developed. The attachment system of the absorbent article can be easily stretched and secured to a fastening area to provide a better fit. In addition, the movements of the wearer do not cause the application of excessive forces on the wearer himself or on the fastening system, thus avoiding the formation of red marks on the skin of the wearer.

  carrier and reducing the failure rate of the fastening system.

  One aspect of the invention is an absorbent article having longitudinal side edges, and first and second end edges extending between the side edges. The article also includes a first waist section contiguous to said first end edge, a second waist section contiguous to said second end edge, and an intermediate section interconnecting the waist sections. The absorbent article has a backing sheet layer and, disposed thereon, an absorbent body. A fastening tab for the article is connected to the backing sheet layer along each of the side edges of the first waist section. Each bracket has a user connection section that is adapted to secure the article around a carrier during use. A pair of transversely separated, elastically elongate side sections are operably connected to the backsheet layer in the first waist section. The lateral sections advantageously provide the absorbent article with spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity. In particular, the absorbent article defines an attachment panel which is located in the first waist section and extends from the first end edge longitudinally inward over a maximum of 76.2 mm and transversely between the zones. User connection35 of the fastening tabs. The attachment panel provides a first cycle extension force of less than approx. 1720 g, or

  even at 1173 g, for 75.4 mm transverse extension.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening panel may provide a rate of change of force during the extension of the first cycle which is less than about 650 g-force relative to the percentage of elongation, as determined at 27% transverse extension during the

first cycle of extension.

  The various aspects of the invention provide a diaper having an attachment panel that can accommodate the extension required to secure the lugs as well as significant changes in the waist circumference of the baby. Both the desired level of force for a particular elongation and the rate of change of force during the extension of the first cycle for that particular elongation are controlled to reduce the occurrence of discomfort or discomfort.

red marks.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the

  following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings

  in which: Figure 1 shows a partially cutaway plan view of a change according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a set of side panels and fastening lugs according to the invention, in which the longitudinal dimension of a stress beam region is less than the length of the region of free end of the associated side panel member; Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of the side panel and lug assembly shown in Fig. 2; Figure 4 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the exchange according to the invention comprising a surge management layer and a pair of retaining flaps; Figure 5 is a partially cutaway plan view of another embodiment of a change according to the invention having a configuration of profiled non-rectangular side panels; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a side panel and tether assembly according to the invention, wherein the stress beam region is formed of a piece of material separated from the material used to form the bracket and wherein the longitudinal dimension of the stress beam region is substantially equal to the length of the free end region of the associated side panel member; Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the side panel and lug assembly shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a plan view of a side panel and tether assembly according to the invention, in which the stress beam region is formed of a piece of material which is separated and deviation of the material used to form the bracket; Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of the side panel and lug assembly illustrated in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 shows an aspect of the invention in which a plurality of forming members are provided; beams of effort; Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of the side panel and lug assembly shown in Fig. 10; Figure 12 shows an aspect of the invention having a plurality of force beam members constructed and arranged at one or more selected relative angles to each other; Fig. 13 shows an aspect of the invention having a plurality of load beam elements in which said load beam members can be constructed and arranged in different selected lengths; Fig. 14 is a side sectional view of the side panel and lug assembly shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 shows a fastening system having a primary stress beam area and an additional stress beam area; FIG. 16 shows another fastening system having a primary stress beam area and an additional stress beam area, wherein said additional stress beam area is spaced a small distance from the side edge of the beam. currency belt; Fig. 17 shows a fastening system having a stress beam area connected to an integral side panel with a backing sheet layer of a change; Figure 18 shows a partially broken plan view of an alternative embodiment of a change according to the invention; Figure 19 shows a test piece cut from the exchange shown in Figure 18; Fig. 20 shows the test piece of Fig. 19 mounted in the jaws of a tensile strength tester; Fig. 21 shows a partially broken plan view of a first control change; Figure 22 shows a test piece cut from the first control change of Figure 21; Fig. 23 shows the test piece of Fig. 22 mounted in the jaws of a tensile strength tester; Fig. 24 shows a partially cutaway plan view of a second control change; Figure 25 shows a test piece cut from the second control change of Figure 24; Fig. 26 shows the test piece of Fig. 25 mounted in the jaws of a tensile strength tester; Fig. 27 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the specimen of Fig. 19; Fig. 28 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the specimen of Fig. 22; Fig. 29 is a graph showing the tensile load characteristics of the specimen of Fig. 25; Figure 30 is a side sectional view similar to Figure 3 but illustrating a variation of the side panel and lug assembly; and Fig. 31 is a top plan view of the side panel and lug assembly of the

figure 30.

  The various embodiments of the invention will now be described in connection with a disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. It should be clear, however, that the present invention could be used in other articles, such as children's hygiene articles, feminine hygiene articles,

  adult incontinence garments and the like.

  Usually disposable items are intended for limited use and are not intended to be washed or otherwise cleaned for reuse. For example, a disposable diaper is discarded after it has been soiled by the user. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown a representative article of the invention, such as a disposable diaper 20 which is shown in the fully spread state with all stretched and pulled elastic gathers. The diaper 20 has opposite longitudinal side edges 110 and first and second end edges 106 and 107. The end edges 106 and 107 extend transversely between the side edges 110. The diaper 20 also has a first section of the diaper. belt, such as the back waist section 40, a second waist section such as the front waist section 38, and an intermediate section 42 which interconnects the first and second waist sections. The rear waist section 40 is contiguous with the first end edge 106 and extends inwardly therefrom. Similarly, the front waist section 38 is contiguous with the second end edge 107 and extends inwardly therefrom. By "inwardly" refers to the relative position of components relative to the longitudinal and transverse center of the article. When the article is placed on a carrier, the intermediate section 42 generally represents that portion of the article that is disposed between the legs of the wearer. The diaper 20 comprises a backsheet layer 22, an absorbent body 26 disposed on the backsheet layer, tie tabs 44 connected to the side edges 110 of the first waist section 40, and a pair of elasticized side sections. transversely spaced and operably connected to the backsheet layer in the first waist section. At least portions of the first and second waist sections 40 and 38 cooperate to form a circumferential waistband region which includes waistband portions that fit around the wearer's waist and attach to each other. . More specifically, the change includes a first fastening panel located in the first waist section 40 and a second fastening panel located in the second waist section 38. The first and second fastening panels 30 are schematically shown in FIG. 1 by the rectangles 200 and 202 respectively. In order to achieve a proper fit when the change is first set, and for the change to adapt to the movements of the wearer during use, it has been found desirable that the first attachment panel 200 has specific transverse elongation characteristics. In particular, the exchange components 20 are advantageously chosen and arranged such that the first attachment panel 200 provides a spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity, which is characterized in terms of a series of extension force, retraction force , and rate of change of forces. The transverse elasticity characteristics of the first fastening panel 200 are described below with

more details.

  In the various configurations of the invention, the diaper 20 may further comprise a liquid-permeable top sheet layer 24 superimposed and in facing relation with the backing sheet layer 22, the absorbent body 26 being interposed between the layer

  of support sheet and the top sheet layer.

  The change 20 has a longitudinal dimension in the direction 86 and a transverse dimension in the direction 88, as shown in Figure 1, and it can have any desired shape, such as rectangular, I-shaped, generally hourglass, or T-shaped. When T-shaped, the crossbar of the T may constitute the front waistband section of the diaper or, alternatively, may be the rear waistband section of the diaper. The backsheet 22 may generally provide a shell member exterior to the article and may be made of a liquid permeable material, but is preferably made of a material that is configured to be substantially impervious to liquids. For example, a typical carrier sheet may be made from a thin plastic film, or other flexible liquid impervious material. As used in the

  In this description, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are flexible and easily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body. The

  The support sheet 22 prevents the exudates contained in the absorbent structure 26 from wetting articles such as bedding and outer garments that are in contact with the change 20. In particular embodiments of the invention, the support sheet 22 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 / 1000th of an inch) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 / 1000ths of an inch). In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier sheet is a film having a thickness of about 0.25 to 0.038 mm (1 to 1.5 / 1000th of an inch). For example, the film of the carrier sheet may be about 0.031 mm (1.25 / 1000ths of an inch) thick. Alternative embodiments of the backsheet may comprise a woven or non-woven fibrous web layer that has been wholly or partially designed or processed to impart the desired levels of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are near or close to the absorbent body. . The backing sheet 22 usually forms the outer shell of the article. Alternatively, however, the article may include a separate outer wrapper element that adds to the backsheet. The carrier sheet 22 may optionally be made of a "breathable" microporous material which allows the gases, such as water vapor, to escape from the absorbent body 26 while preventing the liquid exudates from passing through. the support sheet. For example, the breathable backsheet may be a microporous polymeric film or a nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to provide a desired degree of liquid impermeability. For example, a suitable microporous film is a PMP-1 material available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan; or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 available from 3M

  Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The backing sheet may also be embossed, or otherwise matte finished, to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

  The size of the carrier sheet 22 is usually determined by the size of the absorbent body 26 and the exact currency model selected. For example, the carrier sheet 22 may have a general T-shaped, I-shaped, or hourglass-shaped shape, and may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 26 over a selected distance, such as a distance d at least about 1.27 cm (about 0.5 inches). In particular embodiments of the invention, the support sheet may

  extend beyond the edges of the absorbent body 26 by a distance of about 1.3 cm to 2.5 cm (about 0.5 to 1 inch).

  The topsheet 24 has a bodyside surface that is soft, soft, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 24 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 26 and is sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, thereby allowing liquids to pass through its thickness to reach the absorbent body. A suitable topsheet 24 can be made from a wide variety of web materials, such as porous foams, crosslinked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The top sheet 24 is usually employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from the retained liquid.

in the absorbent body 26.

  Different woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used as the topsheet 24. For example, the topsheet may consist of a meltblown web or a spunbond-bonded web.

  polyolefin fibers. The topsheet may also be a carded-bonded web of natural and / or synthetic fibers.

  In the context of this description, we mean

  "nonwoven web" means a web of materials which is formed without the use of a textile weaving or knitting process. The term "fabric" as used herein refers to all types of woven, knitted fibrous webs and

nonwoven.

  The topsheet fabrics may be made of a substantially hydrophobic material and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant, or otherwise, to provide the desired degree of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the upper sheet 24 may be a spunbonded nonwoven polypropylene fabric made of fibers of about 0.31-0.36 tex (about 2.8-3, 2 denier) formed into a web having a basis weight of about 20 g / m 2 (0.6 ounces / yard 2) and a specific gravity of about 0.06 g / cc. The fabric can be treated superficially at

  using about 0.28% Triton X-102 surfactant.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the diaper 20, for example, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 may be generally coextensive, and may have lengths and widths that are generally greater than the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent body 26. The upper sheet 24 is associated and superimposed on the support sheet 22, thereby defining the

periphery of the exchange 20.

  The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 are connected, or otherwise associated together, in an operative manner. As used herein, the term "associated" includes configurations in which the topsheet 24 is directly joined to the backsheet 22 by attaching the topsheet 24 directly to the backsheet 22, and configurations in which the topsheet 24 is indirectly joined to the carrier sheet 22 by fixing the upper sheet 24 to intermediate elements which in turn are attached to the carrier sheet 22. The topsheet 24 and the carrier sheet 22 can be attached directly to each other at the periphery of the exchange by attachment means (not shown) such as adhesive, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds or other fastening means known in the art. For example, a continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a plaster-applied layer of adhesive, a sprayed adhesive pattern or a row of separate lines, corrugations or construction adhesive spots may be used. Attach the top sheet 24 to the backing sheet 22. It should be understood that the attachment means described above may also be used to interconnect and assemble together the various other component parts of the article described herein. The absorbent body 26 may consist of an absorbent mass composed of selected hydrophilic fibers and highly absorbent particles. The absorbent body 26 is disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 22 to form the diaper 20. The absorbent body 26 has a structure which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. It must be understood that in the case of this

  In one embodiment, the absorbent body 26 may be formed of a single piece of integral material, or alternatively may be made of a plurality of separate individual pieces of material which are operatively joined together.

  Various types of wettable hydrophilic fibrous materials may be used to form the constituent portions of the absorbent body 26. Examples of suitable fibers include natural organic fibers composed of wettable materials, such as cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers made of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of a material which is wettable by nature, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers formed from naturally wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been rendered hydrophilic by a suitable means. The fibers may be rendered hydrophilic, for example by silica treatment, treatment with a material having a suitable hydrophilic pattern and which is not readily removable from the fiber, or coating the fiber non-wettable hydrophobic material of a sheath of a hydrophilic polymer during or after the formation of the fiber. In the context of the present invention, it is intended that selected mixtures of the various types of fibers mentioned above may also be employed. As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or fiber surfaces which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of contact angles and surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials may be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system. When measured with such a system, fibers having contact angles less than 90 are referred to as "wettable", while fibers having contact angles greater than 90 are referred to as "non-wettable". The absorbent body 26 may be made of a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulose down, mixed with particles of highly absorbent material. In particular arrangements, the absorbent body 26 may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and meltblown synthetic polymer fibers, or a mixture of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous coform material comprising a blend of natural fibers and or synthetic polymer fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers, or they may be non-uniformly mixed. For example, the concentration of superabsorbent particles can be smoothly arranged through a substantial portion of the thickness (Z direction) of the absorbent structure, with lower concentrations towards the body side of the body. absorbent and relatively higher concentrations towards the outer side of the absorbent body. Suitable Z-direction gradient configurations are described in US-A-4,699,823, issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al. Alternatively, the superabsorbent particle concentrations can be smoothly arranged over a substantial portion of the thickness (Z direction) of the absorbent structure, with higher concentrations toward the body side of the absorbent body and relatively lower concentrations towards the outer side of the absorbent structure. The superabsorbent particles may also be disposed in a generally separate layer within the hydrophilic fiber matrix. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbent can be selectively positioned at different locations within or along the fiber matrix. The high-absorbency material may comprise absorbent gelling materials, such as superabsorbents. Absorbent gelling materials can be natural, synthetic, and natural modified polymers and materials. In addition, the absorbent gelling materials may be inorganic materials such as silica gels, or organic compounds such as crosslinked polymers. The term "crosslinking" refers to any means for rendering normally water-insoluble, but swellable, materials normally water-soluble. Such means include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations, such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic or Van der Waals forces. Examples of synthetic gelling absorbent polymeric materials include alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers), copolymers of anhydride with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly (vinylpyrrolidone), poly (vinylmorpholinone), polyvinyl alcohol, and their mixtures and their

  copolymers. Other polymers suitable for use in the absorbent body include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl -

  cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and totally or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be used according to the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelling materials are described in US-A-3,902,236 issued August 26, 1975 to Assarson et al. Processes for preparing synthetic absorbent gelling polymers are described in US-A-4,076,663 issued February 28, 1978 to Masuda et al., And US-A-4,286,082 issued August 25, 1981 to Tsubakimoto and US Pat. al. Synthetic absorbent gelling materials are usually xerogels that form hydrogels when wet. However, the term "hydrogel" has

  has been commonly used to refer to both the wet and the wet form of the material.

  As indicated above, the highly absorbent material used in the absorbent body 26 is generally in the form of separate particles. The particles can have any desired shape, for example spiral or semi-spiral, cube, rod, polyhedron, etc. It is also intended to use shapes having a large ratio between the largest dimension and the smallest dimension, such as needles, flakes and fibers. Conglomerates of particles of absorbent gelling materials may also be used in the absorbent body 26. It is preferred to use particles having an average size ranging from about 20 microns to about 1 millimeter. "Particle size" means the weighted average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles. The hydrophilic fibers and the high-absorbency particles can be configured to form an average composite basis weight which is in the range of about 400 to about 900 g / m 2. According to some aspects of the invention, the average basis weight of the composite is in the range of about 500 to 800 g / m 2, 25 and preferably in the range of about 550 to 750 g / m 2. m2 to provide the desired performance. To improve the retention of the high-absorbency material, the absorbent body 26 may comprise an improved envelope, such as an envelope sheet 28, placed immediately adjacent and around the absorbent body 26. The envelope sheet is preferably a diaper Absorbent material which covers the main body side and outer side surfaces of the absorbent body, and preferably encompasses substantially all peripheral edges of the absorbent body to form a substantially total envelope around it. Alternatively, the cover sheet may provide an absorbent wrap that covers the major body side and outer side surfaces of the absorbent body and substantially encompasses only the side edges of the absorbent body. Accordingly, both the rectilinear portions and the inwardly curved portions of the side edges of the sheet

  envelope would be closed around the absorbent body. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the wrapper sheet would not be fully closed around the end edges of the absorbent body at the waist regions of the article.

  For example, the total wrap sheet 28, or at least the bodyside layer of the wrap sheet, may be made of a meltblown web of meltblown polypropylene fibers having a size. of fibers of about 5 microns and arranged to give a basis weight in the range of about 8 to 20 g / m2. Another example of an absorbent envelope 28 may consist of a thin cellulosic thin cellulose absorbent paper web of a mixture

  approximately 50:50 of softwood fibers and hardwood fibers. The thin absorbent paper has a basis weight of 5897 g (13 pounds) at the spool and a porosity of about 274.5 dm3 / dm2 (about 90 ft3 / ft2).

  Absorbent wrap sheet 28 may be comprised of a multi-element wrap sheet which comprises a separate bodyside skin layer and a separate outer skin wrap layer 3230, each of said layers extending beyond beyond all the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 26 or some of them. Such an envelope sheet configuration may, for example, facilitate the formation of a substantially total seal around the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 26. In the back waist section 40 of the illustrated change 20, the absorbent envelope may also be configured to extend an increased distance away from the periphery of the absorbent body 26 to add opacity and resistance to the rear side sections of the diaper. In the illustrated embodiment, the bodyside and outer side layers of the absorbent wrap sheet 28 extend at least 12.7 mm (about 0.5 inches) beyond the peripheral edges of the absorbent body. to provide an outwardly projecting flange-type bonding zone through which the periphery of the bodyside portion of the absorbent wrap sheet may be wholly or partially connected to the periphery of the outer-side portion of the wrap sheet; absorbent envelope. The bodyside and outer side layers of the wrapper sheet 28 may be made substantially of the same material, or be made of different materials. For example, the outer side layer of the wrapper sheet 28 may be composed of a material having a relatively lower basis weight and having a relatively high porosity, such as a wet-strength cellulosic thin wicking paper. and composed of softwood pulp. The bodyside layer of the wrapper sheet 28 may consist of one of the previously described shell sheet materials having a relatively low porosity. The low porosity bodyside layer can better prevent migration of the superabsorbent particles to the wearer's skin, and the lower base weight but high porosity outer layer can help reduce costs. comprise an inflow management layer 84 (FIG. 4) which helps to decelerate and diffuse influxes of liquids that can be introduced into the absorbent body 26 of the article. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the surge management layer 84 may be disposed on a bodyside surface facing inwardly of the top sheet layer 24. Alternatively, influx 84 may be located adjacent to a surface on the outer side of the topsheet 24. As a result, the surge management layer 84 would thus be interposed between the topsheet 24 and the absorbent body 26. 5 Other Suitable configurations for the surge management layer 84 are disclosed in US-A-5,192,606 issued March 9, 1993 to D. Proxmire et al; in EP-A-532 002 in the name of the Applicant; U.S. Patent Application No. 206,986 to C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled "Fibrous nonwowen web surge

  March 4, 1994; and French Patent Application No. 95 02156 in the name of the Applicant.

  The leg elastic members 34 are disposed in the lateral margins of the diaper 20 along each of the longitudinal side edges 110, but inwardly therefrom. The elastic leg members 34 are arranged to tighten and maintain the change 20 around the wearer's legs. The elastic members are attached to the diaper 20 while in an elastically contractible state so that, in a constrained normal configuration, the elastic members effectively contract the diaper 20. The elastic members 34 may be attached while in use. in one

  an elastically contractable state in at least two ways.

  For example, the elastic elements can be stretched and

  fixed while the change 20 is in the uncontracted state.

  Alternatively, the diaper 20 may be contracted, for example by pleating, and the elastic members may be attached and connected to the diaper 20 while the elastic members are at rest or in the unstretched state. Other means, such as a heat-shrinkable elastic material, can be used to scrub the garment. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the elastic leg members 34 extend substantially the entire length of the intermediate section 42 of the change 20. Alternatively, the elastic members 34 may extend the full length exchange 20 or any other suitable length providing the provision of elastically contractable lines for the particular exchange model. The elastic members 34 may be of any one of a multitude of configurations. For example, the width of the individual elastic members 34 may range from 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) to 25 mm (1.0 inch) or more. The elastic members may consist of a single strand of elastic material or they may consist of several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material, or they may be applied in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement. When the strands are not parallel, two or more of said strands may intersect, or interconnect otherwise, within the elastic member. The resilient members may be fixed to change by any of the various methods that are known in the art. For example, the elastic members may be ultrasonically bonded, heat sealed, and pressure sealed using a variety of bonding patterns, or adhesively bonded to the exchange using spray or corrugated traces of fusible adhesive. In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the elastic leg members 34 may consist of a carrier sheet (not shown) to which is attached a grouped set of elastics consisting of a series of individual elastic strands ( not shown). The elastic strands may intersect or be interconnected or be completely separated from one another. The support sheet may, for example, be

  consisting of a 0.002 cm thick film made of non-embossed polypropylene material. The elastic strands may, for example, be made of Lycra35 elastomer available from DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

  Each elastic strand has a titer usually in the range of about 470 to 1500 decitex (dtx) and may be about 740-1050 dtx. In particular embodiments of the invention, three or four strands are used for each elasticated leg band. In addition, the leg elastics 34 may be generally rectilinear or possibly curved. For example, the leg elastics can be arched inwards towards the longitudinal centerline of the diaper with the innermost point (or apex, relative to the transverse direction of the article) of the curved elastic strand set positioned approximately 19-38 mm (0.75-1.5 inches) inward from the outermost edge of the set of elastic strands. In particular embodiments, the curvature of the elastics may not be configured or positioned

  symmetrically with respect to the transverse median line of the exchange.

  The curved elastics may have an inwardly arched and outwardly arcuate curvature of the mirror image type, and the longitudinal center of the elastics may optionally be shifted by a selected distance in the range of about 0 -8 cm either in the direction of the front belt, or in the direction of the back belt of the change to achieve the desired fit and appearance. In particular embodiments of the invention, the innermost point (apex) of the set of curved elastics may be offset by about 0-12 cm in the direction of the front or rear waistband of the diaper, and the outwardly arcuate portion may be positioned toward the

front belt of the exchange.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the diaper 20 comprises a waist elastic 36 disposed in the margins of either the front waist section 38, or the rear waist section 40, or both. The waist elastics may be composed of any suitable elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric film, an elastic foam, multiple elastic strands, an elastomeric fabric or the like. For example, suitable size elastic constructs are described in US-A-4,916,005 to Lippert et al. The change 20 may also include a pair of elastic retaining flaps 82 (Figure 4) which extend longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 86 of the exchange. The retaining flaps are usually positioned laterally, inward with respect to the leg elastics 34, and substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center line of the diaper. Examples of suitable constructions of retaining flaps 62 are described in US-A-4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe. Other configurations of retaining flaps 62 are described in French Patent Application No. 95 02352 in the name of the Applicant. The retaining flaps may be made of a wettable or non-wettable material, as desired. In addition, the material of the retaining flaps may be gas permeable

  or both to gases and liquids.

  In an optional alternative embodiment of the invention, the change 20 may comprise elastic waist flaps, such as those described in US-A-4,753,646 issued June 28, 1988 to K. Enloe. Like the retaining flaps, the waist flaps can be made of a wettable or non-wettable material, as desired. The flap material may be gas permeable, or permeable to both gases and liquids. Absorbent article structures suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are described in US-A-5,192,606 issued March 9, 1993 to Proxmire et al. And EP-A-532,002 supra. To provide a system of releasable adhesive tapes, the change 20 may comprise an additional receiving member 46 which provides a target area for receiving the adhesive attachment of the fastening tabs 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 46 is arranged on the outer surface of the backing sheet 22 and is located on the second waist section, or front waist section, 38 of the diaper. The receiving member 46 is made of a suitable material, such as polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyester or the like, and is configured and arranged to provide reliable attachment of the fastening tabs, e.g. fastening tapes 44. In addition, the receiving piece and tying tapes are cooperatively constructed and arranged to allow a releasable adhesion which allows tying tapes to be removed from the receiving piece for repositioning and tying. For example, a suitable receptor construction is disclosed in US-A-5,024,672 issued June 18, 1991 to L. Widlund. Another receptor construction is disclosed in US-A-4,753,649 to Pazdernik. In various embodiments of the invention, the fastening tapes 44 may be located on either or both of the lateral end regions 116 and 118 of either, or both, waist sections 38 and 40, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the fastening tapes are located at the lateral lateral edges of the belt

  The fastening tapes 44 may be connected to the backsheet layer 22 directly or indirectly as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5.

  As indicated above, the diaper 20 is provided with a pair of transversely separated, elastically-elongate side sections 89 operably connected to the backing sheet layer 22. The side sections 89 provide the first fastening panel 200 of the diaper 20 with elasticity. transversely, and more particularly, a transverse elasticity which is located spatially close to the fastening tapes 44. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side sections 89 is formed of a separate side panel member 90. If the 1 and 5, each of the side panel members 90, also referred to simply as the side panel 90, extends transversely, in the illustrated embodiment, from the opposite transverse ends of one to the other. least of the belt sections of the carrier sheet 22, such as the rear waist section 40, to make the latches erales terminal of the article. In addition, each side panel may extend substantially from a transverse belt end edge 106 to approximately the location of a corresponding leg opening section of the diaper. Exchange 20, for example, includes a pair of transversely opposed leg openings formed by appropriate mid-sections of the illustrated pair of side edge regions 110 extending longitudinally. In addition, the side panel members 90 are preferably positioned along the longitudinal direction 86 of the diaper 20, so as to be generally located between the lugs 44. In the various configurations of the invention, the side panels 90 can be formed integrally with a selected component of the exchange. For example, the side panels 90 may be integrally formed with the layer of material which forms the backsheet layer 22, or they may be formed integrally with the material employed to make the top sheet 24 ( see for example Figure 17). In alternative configurations, the side panels may be separate elements that are connected to the backsheet 22, to the topsheet 24, between the backsheet and the topsheet, or any other combination of possibilities. The lateral panel elements 90 are advantageously two distinct elements separated spatially by a transversal distance equal to at least about 50% of the dimension taken in the transverse direction of the exchange in the vicinity of the first end edge 106, in particular by a transverse distance. equal to at least 82% of said transverse dimension of the exchange, and more particularly by a transverse distance equal to at least 87% of said transverse dimension of the exchange to obtain the desired performances. According to particular aspects of the invention, each of the side panels 90 may be formed of a separate piece of material which is then suitably assembled and secured to the selected portion of the front and / or rear waistband of the diaper. In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, for example, the side panels 90 are attached to the back waist section 40 of the backing sheet 22 and can be operatively attached to either backsheet and top sheet of the article. The side panels may extend transversely to form a pair of opposed waistband sections and are secured by suitable connecting means such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, clamps, staples, seams and the like as well as combinations of these means. The side panels 90 may be composed of a substantially elastomeric material, such as a polymeric film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. . According to particular aspects of the invention, the side panels 90 are made of a layered material and bound to the stretched state (abbreviated as SBL, according to the English nomenclature "Stretch-Bonded-Laminate"), a laminated material and bound with necking (abbreviated NBL, according to the English nomenclature "Neck-Bonded-Laminate"), an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material, or the like. For example, meltblown elastomeric fibrous webs suitable for forming side panels 90 are disclosed in US-A-4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to T. Wisneski et al. Examples of composite fabrics consisting of at least one layer of nonwoven fabric attached to a fibrous elastic layer are described in European Patent Application EP-0 110 010 published April 8, 1987, the inventors of which are designated J. Taylor et al. Examples of NBL materials are described in US-A-5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to Morman; in US-A-5,336,545 issued August 9, 1994 to Morman, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 276,924 to Haffner et al, filed July 19, 1994 and entitled "Composite elastic neck-bonded". material ". As previously indicated, various suitable constructions may be used to secure the side panels to the selected belt sections of the article. When the side panels are made of an elastomeric material, for example, suitable constructions for attaching a pair of expandable elastomeric members to the side portions of an article, to extend transversely outwardly beyond opposite side regions of the outer shell and liner components of an article can be found in US-A-4,938,753 issued July 3, 1990 to P. VanGompel et al. Alternatively, of course, the side panels may be fixed transversely inward with respect to the longitudinal side edges (variant not shown). The side panels 90 may be made of a material having a Gurley stiffness value not exceeding about 10,000 mg. Optionally, the material of the panels

  Lateral strengths have a rigidity value not exceeding about 2000 mg and, where appropriate, a stiffness value not exceeding about 200 mg.

  The side panels 90 may be made of a material having a Gurley stiffness value of not less than about 1 mg. Alternatively, the material of the side panels has a stiffness value of not less than about 4 mg, and where appropriate has a stiffness value of not less than about 8 mg. In the various configurations of the invention, the Gurley stiffness value can be referred to the transverse direction or both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the side panels. In particular embodiments of the invention, the elastomeric side panels are made of a material that can provide a stopping elongation of at least about 30% when subjected to a tensile force load applied in accordance with the present invention. transverse direction 88 of the side panel. Such a tensile force load is 26.2 grams per mm of sample length when the length of the sample is measured in the dimension that is perpendicular to the direction of the sample.

  applied load. Alternatively, the elastomeric side panel material may provide a stopping elongation of at least about 100% and optionally may provide a stopping elongation of at least about 300% to provide the desired performance.

  The percentage of elongation at standstill is determined by the formula: Lf Li x 100 Li or: Lf = final length; and

Li = initial length.

  The sample is taken from the side panel and has a rectangular shape with sample width and sample length. The width of the sample extends along the transverse direction 88 of the side panel and the length of the sample extends along the longitudinal direction 86 of the side panel. The length of the sample generally corresponds to the length of the outer edge of the side panel, and the width of the sample is sufficient to allow it to be grasped in a tensile tester with a 19 mm gripping jaw space ( 0.75 inches). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the side panels 90 are made of a laminated elastomeric material bound with necking comprising two layers opposite polypropylene bonded to the spinning and

  stretched with necking and with elastic film as soul.

  The core film may be made of an elastic material available from Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Texas (USA) under the trade designation KRATON G2755. The film forming a soul in such a form of execution

  has a basis weight of approximately 50-55 g / m 2 and the total composite has a basis weight of approximately 136 g / m 2.

  In conventional fastening systems, the fastening force is applied to the manufacturing connection area between the fastening tab 44 and the side sections of the rear waist section 40 substantially from one side to the other.

  the other of the base length 58 of the bracket.

  As a result, relatively low levels of effort are applied to the regions of the ear sections that are longitudinally adjacent to the side edges of the lug. As a result, longitudinally adjacent regions tend to wrinkle and roll away from the wearer's body. This formation of pleats and rolls is aesthetically unpleasant and can create spaces along the belt and along the region of the leg openings of the exchange, spaces through which waste can leak from the exchange. This difficulty has been solved by using complex fastening systems which extend substantially along the length of the free edge of the ear sections of the article. Other attempts to solve this problem have employed multiple fastening tapes or a large and wide tying tape. Wide tying tapes or tying tapes transmitted excessive forces to the user connection area of the tether system. Such efforts may tend to disconnect the user connection area of the fastening system, deleteriously, when the wearer exerts movements. In addition, such configurations may not sufficiently conform and adjust to the wearer's movements and may result in excessive irritation of the wearer's skin. To help overcome these difficulties, the exchange may advantageously, but not necessarily, include an original reinforcement, namely the stress beam region 98. The stress beam region 98 may disperse and dissipate the home forces on the entire length of each side panel 90. In addition, the stress beam zone can provide sufficient stiffening and reinforcement to its associated waist section to help prevent unwanted and excessive wrinkle formation, yawning downwards. or a foldback of the lateral end of the belt or side panel during the use of the article.20 In particular embodiments, the stress beam region 98 may be formed integrally to from the same material used to form the side panel 90 associated therewith. For example, a portion of the free end of a side panel may be doubled one or more times along longitudinally extending fold lines to create a beam zone.

  useful effort. Alternatively, the stress beam region may be made by densifying or embossing a selectively sized and shaped region of the side panel 90 to a degree that provides useful levels of strength and rigidity.

  The stress beam region 98 may comprise a stiffening or reinforcing member provided by a suitably shaped and dimensioned region of a material which is integrally formed with the tie tape substrate 48. Alternatively, the stress beam region may comprise a separate stiffening or reinforcing member 97 which is suitably configured and assembled on the free end region of the side panel. For example, the stress beam region may be provided with a suitably dimensioned and shaped part of a material affixed to a suitable surface of each side panel 90, such as a bodyside surface, inwardly of each panel. The material may be a polymeric film, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric or the like as well as a combination of such materials. In a particular configuration, the stress beam region may comprise a stiffening element made of the material used to construct the glue refractory tape 74 and / or the fastener ribbon substrate 48. In the various configurations of the invention the stress beam region may be substantially non-stretchable and / or substantially non-elastomeric. Referring to Fig. 2, a stress beam region 98 may be operably connected to each side panel 90 along the free end region 92 of the side panel by suitable fastening means, such as by an adhesive bond, a thermal bond, an ultrasonic bond, pressures, staples, seam or the like and a combination thereof. The stress beam zone has a transverse dimension, or width, 100 and a dimension

  In order to achieve the desired performance, it may be advantageous to position the stress beam region 98 at a median location along the length of the side panel 90.

  According to a particular aspect of the invention, the length 102 of the stress beam region is at least about 33% of the length 94 of the free end region 92 of the side panel 90. As a variant, the length of the force beam region is at least about 80% of the length 94 of the free end region of the side panel, and optionally, it is about 100% of the length of the end region free to bring the expected benefits. Particular configurations of the invention may include a stress beam area having a length of up to about 125% of the length 94 of the free end region of the side panel to provide the expected performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the length of the stress beam region is not less than about 1.25 cm. Alternatively, the length of the stress beam region is not less than about 2.5 cm, and if necessary is not less than about 5 cm to give the expected performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the length of the stress beam region does not exceed about 15 cm. Alternatively, the length of the zone of

  Beam effort does not exceed about 13 cm, and if necessary, it does not exceed about 10 cm to give the expected performance.

  In the various configurations of the invention, the width 100 of the stress beam region is not less than about 0.1 cm. Alternatively, the width of the stress beam region is not less than about 0.5 cm and optionally not less than about 1.0 cm to provide the expected performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the width of the

  Stress beam area does not exceed about 10 cm. Alternatively, the width of the stress beam region does not exceed about 5 cm, and if necessary does not exceed about 2.5 cm to give the expected performance.

  One particular aspect of the invention may be configured to employ a separate piece of material that operably forms an element overlapping the side panel material 90 to achieve the expected force beam area 98. In the configurations shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 6, for example, substantially 100% of the width of the separate stress beam zone member may be arranged to cover the side panel material 90. Although a preferred construction of the invention may have its stress beam region 98 connected directly to the bracket 44, the various aspects of the invention may include configurations in which the stress beam region is a separate component that is spaced from, and indirectly connected to, the terminal end of the bracket by means of an intervening part of material. The embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 8 comprises a zone of force beam 98 disposed on the side panel 90 at a position which is intermediate between the fastening tab 44 and the absorbent body 26. According to particular aspects of the invention, the difference distance 105 between the edge of the fixed section 96 of the side panel 90 and the edge closest to its associated stress beam zone is in the approximate range 0, 1-12.4 cm, and if necessary, it is about 2.5 cm to give the desired performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the separation distance 128 between

  the end of the zone associated with the manufacture of the fastening tab 44 and the edge closest to its associated stress beam zone is in the approximate range 0.1-2.54 cm.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the various configurations of the invention may include a stress beam region 98 including a series of individual stress beam members 122. When stress beam members 30 are generally parallel and of approximately the same length, for example, said multiple elements can act effectively as would a single stress beam zone 98. A multi-element stress beam zone can be designed and configured in an original manner to offer mastery and selective distribution of efforts through its

  associated side panel element 90.

  For example, the multi-element force beam zone may comprise individual elements spaced from each other by a selected separation distance 127. The separation distances may advantageously create flexure regions 124 between the beam members of the beam beam. individual efforts. In the illustrated embodiment, the bending regions can provide longitudinally extending bending areas that provide flexibility and pivotability.

increased around these areas.

  As shown in Fig. 10, useful bending joints are created between the individual parallel beam members, thereby creating controlled areas along which the composite beam region

  can usefully bend and flex resiliently.

  In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the separation distance 127 between the beam elements of spaced forces can be in the range

approximately 1-10 mm.

  Another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in Figure 12, may include a side panel 90 having a multi-element stress beam area in which the individual force beam members 122 are arranged at a selected angle relative to each other. The various configurations of the invention may be such that the angle 126 between the stress beam members is within the approximate range of 1-179. In particular aspects of the invention, the angle 126 is in the approximate range 1-89 and the case

  where appropriate, it is in the approximate range 1-44 to provide the desired performance.

  Other aspects of the invention may incorporate a multi-element stress beam zone into

  which the individual beam members 122 may have different lengths, as shown in FIG. 13.

  The length of each individual force beam member 122 may be a selected proportion of the length of the free end of its associated side panel member 90. The length of a beam member may be up to reach 100% of the length of the free end or reach only 5% of the length of the free end. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the load beam elements are arranged in progressively increasing lengths as one moves away from the bracket 44. Alternatively, the beam elements of efforts could be arranged with lengthy progressive lengths

  decreasing as one moves away from the fastening tab 44, and possibly they could be arranged along other lines depending on the desired pattern of the flexure regions 124.

  In particular aspects of the invention, the stress beam region 98 extends along the length of the side panel 90 to be substantially co-terminal with the transversely extending belt edge 106 of the article. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 44 is approximately centered with respect to the length of the end region 98. Alternatively, the location of the bracket 44 could be offset longitudinally relative to the A selected distance is moved away from the longitudinal center of the stress beam region 98. According to particular aspects of the invention, the fastening tab 44 may be spaced from the waist edge 106 by a distance from the center. 120 gap that does not exceed about 6 cm. As a variant, this distance does not exceed about 4 cm, and if necessary does not exceed about 2 cm to give the expected advantages. In

  In other aspects of the invention, the edge of the bracket 44 may be arranged to substantially coincide with the belt edge 106 to provide improved performance.

  In the various aspects of the invention, the stress beam region 98 may provide a stiffness value that is greater than the rigidity value of the side panel 90. More particularly, the stress beam region may advantageously be constituted of a material that provides a Gurley rigidity value at the stress beam of at least about 20 mg and in preferred configurations a Gurley stiffness value of at least about 100 mg. Alternatively, the material of the stress beam region 98 provides a stiffness value of at least about 200 mg and, if desired, a stiffness value of at least about 400 mg. If the stress beam zone is too rigid, however, it may cause excessive irritation and redness on the wearer's skin. Accordingly, other aspects of the invention may be designed such that the stress beam zone 98 material gives it a Gurley stiffness value of not more than about 50,000 mg. In a variant, the material of the beam

  The stress may give a stiffness value of not more than about 10 000 mg and, where appropriate, a stiffness value of not more than about 1000 mg to achieve the desired performance.

  In the various configurations of the invention, the desired Gurley rigidity value can be taken into consideration.

  consideration with respect to the longitudinal direction, or with respect to both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the stress beam zone.

  According to other aspects of the invention, the assembled force beam zone 98, with respect to its associated side panel 90, provides a stiffness ratio of at least about 5: 1. Alternatively, the stiffness ratio is at least about 10: 1 and if desired is at least about 30: 1. According to other aspects of

  the invention, the stress beam region 98 and its associated side panel 90 have a stiffness ratio that does not exceed about 50,000: 1. Alternatively, the stiffness ratio does not exceed about 5000: 1, and if desired, it does not exceed about 500: 1 to give the expected benefits.

  In the various configurations of the invention, the effort beam 98 may comprise at least one hinge region 112, resilient, bending controlled. In the illustrated embodiment, the stress beam 5 comprises a series of resilient hinges 112 extending generally transversely. According to particular aspects of the invention, the hinge regions 112 may optionally make an angle of a certain number of degrees with respect to a line which is substantially parallel to the transverse direction 88. The resulting offset angle 114 may to be included in the range

  ranging from about -40 to about +400. As a variant, the offset angle can be in the approximate range 0o-40o, and if appropriate, in the approximate range 10-

  30 to give the expected benefits.

  The hinge regions 112 may be configured to have a relatively lower rigidity than the other regions of the force beam 98. After bending, in response to an applied load imparted by the wearer, the selected resiliency, offered by a structured spring action given by the

  hinge regions 112, can provide a useful recovery force that substantially returns the hinge region to its initial configuration once the applied force ceases.

  In the illustrated embodiment, an attachment means, such as the tape tie tab 44, is operably connected to each of the side panels 90. In the illustrated configuration, the junction area along which the tab is The fastener 44 intersects the terminal side edge of the panel 90, providing a relatively narrowed panel junction region 80. The connection can be accomplished by means of suitable fastening means, such as an adhesive bond, a thermal bond, an ultrasonic bond, pressures, staples, seam or the like. Alternatively, the fastener tape substrate may be formed integrally with the material used to form the stress beam region 98. In alternative configurations, the fastening tab may be joined directly or indirectly to the stress beam region 98 associated with the respective side panel. For example, the bracket 44 may be indirectly connected to its associated stress beam region 98 through an intervening region of the panel

  side 90 as shown by way of example Figure 8.

  In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the fastener means components cooperate to join the front and rear waistband sections of the article around a wearer thereby forming a circumferential waistband area. In particular, the back waist section of the illustrated embodiment overlaps the front waistband section of the article and the fastening means operatively attaches to intended regions of the front waistband section. The bracket 44 has a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension. In addition, the bracket has a base 56, a user interface end 52, and an intermediate section 64 that interconnects the base and the end regions. The base 56 has a length 58, the end 60 has a length 62 and the intermediate section 64 has a

length 66.

  According to particular aspects of the invention, the fastening tab 44 has, along its respective panel joining zone 80, a base length 58 that does not exceed about 90% of the length 102 of the As a variant, the base length of the fastening lug does not exceed about 80% of the length of the stress beam zone, and may not exceed about 50% of the force beam zone. the length of the area of

  effort beam to achieve the desired performance.

  According to other aspects of the invention, the bracket 44 has a base length 58 which is not less than about 1% of the length 102 of the bracket 98. Alternatively, the length of the bracket 44 is base is not less than approximately 5% of the length of the stress beam zone, and where appropriate, not less than approximately 20% of the length of the stress beam zone to give the desired performance. Accordingly, when the fastening means is used to secure the article to the wearer, the end sections 104 of the stress beam area are not attached to the front waistband of the article by attaching the article to the article. the article on the wearer. As a result, the unattached end sections 104 may advantageously slide, bend, or otherwise move relative to the fixed portions of the article without unduly disturbing the attachment between the user's leg binding area. fastening area and the fastening area of the article. In addition, the base length 58 of the bracket 44 is advantageously less than

  about 83% of the length 93 of the side panels 90.

  In the illustrated embodiments, the length 58 of the base 56 of the bracket 44 is relatively greater than the length 66 of the intermediate section 64 of the bracket. Alternatively, however, the base length 58 may be equal to or less than the length of the intermediate section 66. In any case, the construction of the fastening system according to the invention may provide the bracket with a meeting zone 69 which is positioned between the beam of effort zone 98 and the user connection zone 52 of the bracket. As determined when the fastening tab is in a state of rest and substantially devoid of tension, the meeting zone generally represents the narrowest region of the fastening tab relative to the portions of the fastening tab which are remote from the terminal end sections of the tab. The meeting zone 69 may advantageously provide a relatively more flexible pivoting region which may facilitate a freer, less restricted, relative movement between the stress beam zone of the fastening system and the user link zone of the grip leg. 'attached. As a result, the straining beam 98 can help maintain the desired appearance and fit of the belt during the wearer's movements, and the user linkage area 52 can maintain a more reliable fixation with reduced occurrence of wear. abrupt, unexpected and undesirable openings. The meeting area can help to isolate the user connection area of the fastening system, the self-adjusting movements of the side panels 90 and the stress beam areas of the fastening system. In the illustrated embodiment, the meeting zone 69 is made of a substantially non-extensible and substantially non-elastomeric material but, alternatively, it may be composed of an elastomeric material which has been functionally assembled or otherwise incorporated into the structure

of the bracket.

  In particular aspects of the invention, the length of the meeting zone 69 is not less than about 0.5 cm, as determined when the tether is in the idle state, devoid of tension. Alternatively, the length of the meeting area is not less than about 1 cm, and if necessary, it is not less than about 1.5 cm to give the desired performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the length of the meeting zone 69 does not exceed about 12.5 cm. As a variant, the length of the meeting zone does not exceed about 7 cm, and possibly, it

  does not exceed about 3 cm to give the expected benefits. In the illustrated embodiments, for example, the length of the meeting area may be about 2.5 cm.

  According to other aspects of the invention, the ratio between the length 102 of the stress beam zone and the length of the meeting zone 69 of the tab (meeting ratio) is greater than 1.5: 1, and alternatively, it is not less than about 2: 1 to give improved performance. According to other aspects of the invention, the reunion ratio does not exceed about 10: 1 and alternatively does not exceed about 7: 1 to give the expected properties. In the illustrated embodiments, the

  meeting report can be about 2.5: 1.

  In the various embodiments of the invention, the bracket 44 may be configured to provide an adhesive attachment mechanism. More particularly, the user connection zone 52 of the bracket 44 may comprise a primary adhesive layer 54 disposed across a fastening surface 68 provided on the tape substrate 48. The adhesive is configured to provide a desired degree of adhesion and fixation when applied against the receiving zone provided on the article. In addition, the adhesive may be configured to be capable of allowing separation and refixing one or more times over the intended receiving area. An example of a suitable reattach tape system for this purpose is described in US-A-5,147,347 issued September 15, 1992 to Y. Huang et al. In other embodiments of the invention, the attachment means may be in the form of interlocking mechanical type fasteners, such as hooks, loops, snaps, buttons and the like. According to particular aspects of the invention, the attachment means may be provided by a hook and loop fastening system, a mushroom and buckle attachment system or the like (hereinafter referred to as a hook and loop fastener). ). Such fastening systems generally include a "hook" component and a cooperating "loop" component that engages and interlockes with the hook component. Such systems are for example available under the trademark VELCRO. Examples of suitable hook and loop fastening systems are described in US-A-5,019,07335 issued May 28, 1991 to T. Roessler et al. In a typical configuration of a hook and loop fastening system, a portion of the hook material is operationally joined to the fastening surface 68 of the fastener strap substrate 48 and the loop material is used to form a fastener area. The corresponding piece may, for example, be attached to the receiving area provided on the outer surface of the backing sheet 22. Another configuration of a hook and loop fastening system suitable for The invention could have the loop material attached to the attachment surface 68 of the fastener ribbon substrate 48. In this case, a piece of hook material would be used to form the receiving area piece 46. The tie tab 44 may advantageously have a stiffness value that differs from the rigidity value of the stress beam area. 98. As a result, the bracket 44 may be selectively configured such that it has a user linkage area 52 that is capable of being secured, separated, and remapped without unduly deforming or tearing the intended receiving area of the device. Article. On-demand determination of the characteristics of the fastening tab 44 can be accomplished while maintaining the desired characteristics at the stress beam zone 98. The stress beam zone retains its ability to distribute the forces of a beam. one side to the other of the length 94 of the free end of the side panel 90 without impairing the fixing and refixing capabilities of the fastening tab 44. According to particular aspects of the invention, the fastening tab 44 is made of a material that gives it a Gurley rigidity value that does not exceed about 500 mg. Alternatively, the fastening tabs have a rigidity value that does not exceed about 150 mg, and if necessary, a rigidity value that does not exceed about mg. According to other aspects of the invention, the fastening tab 44 has a Gurley stiffness value of not less than about 5 mg. Alternatively, the fastening tab has a stiffness value of not less than about mg, and optionally, it has a Gurley stiffness value of not less than about 25 mg. In the various configurations of the invention, the Gurley rigidity value can be appreciated with respect to the transverse direction, or with respect to both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the fastening tab. In the context of the present invention, the different stiffness values are determined by reference to a bending moment produced by a force which is directed perpendicularly to the plane substantially defined by the length and the width of the component to be tested. A suitable technique for determining the stiffness value described herein is a Gurley Rigidity test, whose

  description is given in TAPPI Standard Test T 543 pm-84

  [Paper stiffness (Gurley rigidity tester)]. A suitable apparatus for testing is the Gurley Model 4171-D Digital Rigidity Tester manufactured by Teledyne Gurley (514 Fulton Street, Troy, NY 12181-0088, USA). This instrument makes it possible to test a wide variety of materials using various lengths and widths, in combination with the use of a weight of 5, 25, 50 or 200 g placed in one of three positions on the index of the apparatus. In the context of the present invention, the Gurley stiffness values indicated are intended to correspond with values that would be generated by a "standard" size sample. As a result, the scale readings of the Gurley stiffness tester are appropriately converted into stiffness values of a standard size sample and expressed in mg. A standard size sample is 25.4 mm (1 inch) wide and has a nominal length of 76.2 mm (3 inches) [actual length 88.9 mm (3.5 inches)]. The actual length of the sample is the nominal length, plus an additional length of 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) to hold the sample in the clamp and another additional length of 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) ) to cover the arm. Factor tables for reading the scale readings generated by non-standard size samples and converting them to standard size sample stiffness readings are given in the instruction manual of the test device of Gurley rigidity provided by Teledyne Gurley. As a result, samples of other dimensions may also conveniently be used, provided that the appropriate conversion factor is applied to determine the appropriate value which corresponds to

the standard size sample.

  According to particular aspects of the invention, the user connection end 60 of the bracket 44 may have a length 62 which is greater than the length 66 of the intermediate section 64 of the bracket, as shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the length of the end may correspond to the greater length of the user connection zone 52 of the fastening tab. invention, the length 62 of the end 60 may also be greater than the length

  58 of the base 56 of the bracket.

  More particularly, the length 62 of the end may be at least 10% greater than the intermediate length 66. Alternatively, the length of the end may be at least about 20% greater than the intermediate length, and where appropriate it can be at least about 40% greater than the intermediate length. In other aspects of the invention, the length 62 of the end may not be greater than about 500% of the intermediate length 66. Alternatively, the length 62 of the end does not exceed about 100% of the length. the intermediate length 66, and where appropriate, it does not exceed

  about 60% of the intermediate length.

  The length 62 of the end may be at least about 2% greater than the length 58 of the base. Alternatively, the length 62 of the end may be at least about 20% greater than the length 58 of the base, and if necessary, it may be at least about 40% greater than the length of the base . In other aspects, the length 62 of the end may not exceed about 500% of the length 58 of the base. Alternatively, the length 62 of the end may not exceed about 100% of the length 58 of the base, and alternatively, it may not exceed about 60% of the length of the base of the bracket for In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the intermediate section 64 of the bracket 44 may be configured to provide an expansion zone to the bracket. The expansion zone provides a gradual transition between the length 58 of the base and the length of the end. To avoid the creation of excessive stress concentration that could initiate unwanted tears, the transition zone is substantially free of sharp nicks or sharp angles. The relatively smaller lengths of the base and / or the intermediate zone of the tab 44 may advantageously contribute to the improved performance provided by the invention. The relatively longer length at the end of the user connection area 5225 helps to provide a larger user bond area that can improve the security of the fastening system. Simultaneously, the relatively smaller length of the base and / or the intermediate zone of the tab 44 may offer a relatively greater ease of bending and / or twisting or other movements, as compared to the user's binding area. the paw. As a result, the attachment can be maintained at high levels while allowing for substantially continuous dynamic adjustment adjustments at the points of interconnection between the front and rear waistband sections of the article. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a tape tie 44 may be comprised of a tape substrate member 48 having the desired fastening means, such as a primary adhesive layer 54 , positioned and disposed on a major surface thereof, such as surface 68. The substrate member may, for example, be made of a suitable polymeric fabric or film, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable polyolefin. The material constituting the substrate element 48 may be opaque, translucent or transparent, as desired, and may include drawings. Alternatively, the material may be tinted and / or textured, and it may also be selectively embossed. According to particular aspects of the invention, the substrate element 48 may be made of a substantially non-extensible and / or substantially non-extensible material.

  elastomer to give expected benefits.

  The attachment tab includes a manufacturing connection area 50 for connecting the ribbon substrate member to a selected portion of the diaper 20, and a user connection zone 52 for connecting and securing the waistband sections of the diaper around the body of a carrier. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the connection zone to the manufacture of the bracket 4425 is attached to the free end region 92 of the side panel 90, and is constructed and configured to

  give the beam box of effort 98.

  The user connection zone 52 may be operatively connected to a finger grip 70 which has a gripping zone 72 substantially unsuitable for attachment. The gripping zone, according to a particular aspect of the invention, may consist of a layer of absorbent material, such as a nonwoven fabric. The manufacturing connection zone 50 of the fastening tab, or fastening tape, 44 is intended to be attached to the desired area of the associated article during manufacture of the article. The user connection zone 52 of the fastening tab 44 is provided to secure the article to the wearer during use. The exemplary embodiment of the fastener tape, for example, includes a layer 54 of primary adhesive applied to a selected surface thereof to provide an adhesive fastening system. In the illustrated embodiment of the change 20, the connection zone to the manufacture of the fastening tab 44 is attached to the lateral ends of the rear waistband 40 and the user connection zone 52 of the fastening tape is used to attaching the lateral ends of the rear waistband to the corresponding lateral ends of the front waistband 38 to secure the diaper around the waist of a child. The user connection zone 52 is joined to the finger gripping tab 70 which, as indicated above, comprises a gripping zone 72 substantially devoid of fastening property. The gripping zone may for example consist of a layer of absorbent material 20 exposed, and at least a portion of the absorbent material to be naked can be positioned and arranged operatively to

  be turned in the same direction as an inward facing side of the tie tape.

  In the case of an adhesive fastening tab, a

  layer 54 of primary adhesive may be disposed on an inwardly facing surface of the ribbon substrate 48.

  The portion of the adhesive disposed on the manufacturing bonding zone 50 can be used to assemble the fastening tab 44 to the change 20 during the manufacture of the change. The portion of the adhesive layer 54 disposed on the user link 52 can be used to set the

  change on an infant. The particular parameters of the adhesive layer 54 can be selected and customized to provide the desired adhesive properties, such as the shear strength of the adhesive and the peel strength of the adhesive.

  Suitable materials suitable for making the fasteners 44, such as sheet materials for making the substrate member 48 and adhesive materials for making the layer 54 are available from various manufacturers, such as 3M Company, Disposable Products Division. , 3M Center, St Paul, Minnesota, USA; and Avery International, Specialty Tape Division, Painesville, Ohio, USA. Examples of suitable fastener tape materials include the FT-4901 material available from

  from Avery International, and KN 3233 material available from 3M Company.

  The illustrated embodiment of the tape attachment system includes a glue-resistant tape 74 to maintain the user linkage area 52 of the fastener tape in the storage position, said glue-resistant tape protecting the tape layer region. primary adhesive 54 of the user connection area against contamination or premature bonding against other parts of the exchange 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonding refractory tape 74 is disposed in a relationship the illustrated embodiment of the glue refractory tape 74 includes an anchor surface 7625 and an opposed refractory surface 78. The surface anchor 76 receives a suitable anchoring adhesive layer, and the refractory surface 78 receives a selected layer of a tack-resistant coating, such as ment consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) durci30 (crosslinked). Adhesive tapes suitable for this purpose are available from various vendors such as 3M Company and Avery International. For example, tack-resistant tape materials suitable for the invention include FT-4430 and FT-443335 materials available from Avery International. The glue-resistant tape material includes a refractory surface against which the adhesive-bearing surface

  the tether strap can be stored and protected vis-à-

  vis contaminations. However, the fixing adhesive can easily separate from the refractory surface at

collage when desired.

  According to a particular embodiment of the invention, an end-end portion of the glue-resistant tape 74 may optionally overlap and adhesively bond to an intermediate section of the substrate member 4L along a bonding region. which goes from one side to the other of the length of the substrate element. The resulting interconnection between the substrate member 48 and the glue refractory tape 74 provides a Y-connection which can strengthen the assembly and attachment of the fastening tab 44 to the area of the exchange 20 which is clamped between the The bonding refractory tape 74 and the manufacturing bonding zone 50 of the tape substrate member 48. In other aspects of the invention, the bonding refractory tape 74 may be constructed and configured to realize the bonding zone.

beam of effort 98.

  An alternative construction of the assembly including the side panel and the bracket is shown in Figures 30 and 31. The end free end region 92 of the side panel 90 is sandwiched between the leg substrate member. The finger grip 70 may comprise multiple layers, such as an intermediate layer 71 which may be formed of the same material as the side panel 90. Advantageously, primary peaks may be provided. occur in the curved contour of the fastening tab 44 at the locations where the bonding refractory tape material 74 is laminated to the side panel 90, so that the primary peaks are less noticeable to the touch by the wearer. User connection of the ribbon substrate member 48 has a distal end section 108 which is intended to be grasped by the user for the purpose of positioning and bonding the user connection region of the fastener tape 44 to a fastening area of the article provided for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the user will usually grasp the end section 108 to glue the fastener tape against the receiver 46. The distal end section 108 may be constructed to be non-rigid. adherent and unsuitable for bonding so that the end section can be more easily found and

raised by the user.

  In a particular aspect of the invention, the fastening tab 44 may include a separate finger grip tape member 70 connected to the end 60 of the substrate along an attachment region. The junction which is shown as being of the overlap type may consist of an adhesive bond, an ultrasonic bond, a thermal bond or the like. The finger grip may directly cover the adhesive layer 54 or it may cover the surface of the substrate member 48 which is opposed to the adhesive layer 54, as desired. When the finger grip 70 is joined to the adhesive layer 54, the substrate 48 can be configured to cover the entire

  surface of the finger grip.

  In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the finger grip tab 70 may be constructed by applying a particular physical or chemical treatment to the end 60 of the substrate member 48. In the illustrated embodiment, by For example, the finger grip may be a layer of refractory tape material for bonding. According to others

  In the configurations, the treatment can be performed to impart desired absorption and / or touch characteristics to the gripping region of the resulting finger grip.

  In still other aspects of the invention, the finger grip 70 may be made of a material that is capable of absorbing selected amounts of contaminants, such as powders, liquids, and creams that may find on the fingers of the user. According to one aspect of the invention, the material forming the finger grip, in particular the portion constituting the gripping area of the finger grip, has an absorption capacity value of at least about 8% by weight vis-à-vis colorless mineral spirit having a Saybolt viscosity

from about 80-90 to 37.8 C (100 F).

  The finger grip 70 may also be made of a material that provides a complement or contrast to the touch compared to the substrate member 48. According to a particular aspect of the invention, for example, the grip tab the finger may be made of a material that provides a gripping surface having a coefficient of friction value that is not less than about 0.12. A suitable technique for determining the coefficient of friction value is provided by a KAWABATA surface feature test apparatus, model KES-FB-4, which is a device produced by KATO TECH Co. Ltd., Kyoto, Japan and which is available from TEX-MAC, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. One way of using the device

  consists of a method of measuring the coefficient of friction value called "MIU".

  Finger grip tab 70 may also be configured to provide a gripping surface that has a surface roughness value of not less than about 2.75 gm. A suitable technique for determining the surface roughness value is the use of

  the aforementioned KAWABATA surface feature testing apparatus. One mode of use of the apparatus consists of a surface roughness value measurement method called "SMD".

  Still in another aspect of the invention, the finger grip tab 70 may be configured to provide a visually contrasting appearance compared to the substrate member 48. For example, the finger grip tab may be colored or it may include prints which facilitate its visual distinction from other portions of the change 20. In preferred configurations, the contour of the peripheral end of the finger grip is curved and substantially free of Acute corners that could excessively irritate the skin of the wearer. The finger grip 70 has a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, and it can be configured to provide a gripping surface of at least about 39 mm 2. Alternatively, the gripping surface is at least about 128 mm 2 and optionally at least about 253 mm 2. In preferred embodiments, the gripping surface provided by the gripping tab at the

  finger 70 can be in the range of approximately 150-300 mm2.

* The gripping area of the gripping finger, in combination with the chosen dimensions of said tab, can contribute to increase the surface of the

  finger grip with which the thumb and forefinger of the user come into contact during the capture. As a result, the user can more easily hold the tab and better avoid contact with the primary adhesive layer 54.

  The ease of gripping the finger grip can be increased when the general shape of said tab corresponds approximately to the shape of the thumb and the gripping index. With particular configurations of the finger gripping tab, the gripping surface

  provided by said tab is at least about 20 mm 2, preferably at least about 64 mm 2, and more preferably at least about 127 mm 2. In preferred embodiments, the gripping surface provided by the finger gripping tab 70 is in the approximate range.

  mm2. The material of the finger grip tab 70 may be substantially coextensive with the width of the substrate end 60 and may terminate at the terminal end in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the finger grip tab 70 may extend beyond the terminal edge of the leg substrate member. According to other aspects of the invention, the fastening system may comprise a zone of primary force beam 98 and at least one other zone of additional force beam 99, as shown by way of example

  FIGS. 15 and 16. The extra force beam zone may be substantially coterminal with the belt end 172 (FIG. 15) or it may be separated from this end end by a small selected distance (FIG. 16).

  In the illustrated configurations, a waist section, such as the back waist section 40 of the article, has at least one side end region 172 to which is attached a side panel 90. Usually, the article comprises another an opposing waist end region which has a similar configuration and construction but in the manner of an image in a mirror. The end region 172 may include an additional force beam area 99 that extends along the longitudinal dimension of the end region.

  of the belt and which also has a selected transverse dimension. The construction of the stress beam region 99 may incorporate the various structures and configurations described with respect to the primary stress beam zone 98.

  In the illustrated configurations, the length of the extra force beam area 99 is arranged to be substantially coterminal with the corresponding length of the associated belt end 172. Alternatively, however, the length of the beam region of Extra effort may be less than the length of the belt end. The length of the stress beam region 99, however, is greater than the length of the side panel 90. In addition, it may be desirable to center approximately the length of the extra force beam zone in relation to the length

from the waist end.

  When using the additional force beam zone 99, it is capable of supporting the imparted force through the side panel 90 and distributing this force over a larger support structure surface of an article, such as than 20. This also avoids undesirable stress concentrations that could tear or warp areas excessively.

  localized exchange components.

  During adaptation of the change 20 to the baby, the fastening tabs 44 are usually grasped and released from the glue-refractory tape material 74. Upon attachment of the user-binding area 52 to the second fastening panel 202 (FIG. 1), the side sections 89 are elongated such that the first and second attachment panels 200 and 202 are closely fitted to the carrier. Advantageously, the transverse elongation of the first fastening panel 200 is provided primarily by the side sections 89, rather than primarily by the waist elastic member 36, so that the first fastening panel is easily stretchable when it is The position and elasticity of the side panels 89 allow for improved fixation even when the baby is lying down. According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse elongation characteristics of the first section of the belt 40 are chosen such that the first attachment panel 200 (Figure 1) can accommodate the elongation necessary to secure the brackets 4435 and sen3ible changes affecting the waist circumference of the baby . When the fastening tabs 44 are attached to the receiving zone piece 46, the first fastening panel 200 tends to elongate about 2.54 cm (1 inch) so that the exchange is adapted closely. around the baby. In addition, when the baby changes position, for example when moving from a supine position to a sitting position, the average baby's waist circumference is likely to increase by at least about 5.08 cm (about 2 inches). . The first attachment panel 200 of the diaper 20 can accommodate such elongations, and in particular elongations of about 7.62 cm (3 inches) for a size change.

  average, without generating substantial coercion.

  Both the precise level of force for a particular elongation and the rate of change of force for that particular lengthening are controlled to minimize the occurrence of discomfort or red marks on the skin. Thus, it is believed that the proper fastening of the exchange is improved when the fastening panel 200 provides sufficiently low levels of resistance to particular lengths of extension. The procedure for determining the degree of resistance to a particular length of extension is described below. It is believed desirable, however, that the first attachment panel 200 provides, at 27% transverse extension, a first cycle extension force of less than about 1720 grams, particularly less than about 1173 grams, and more particularly an average of not more than about 1095 g. Furthermore, at 26% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a first cycle extension force of less than about 1570 g, in particular less than about 1116 g, and more particularly, an average of not exceeding approximately 1038 g. At 24% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously offers an extension force

  in the first cycle less than about 1220 g, in particular less than about 1003 g, and more particularly, an average of not more than about 929 g.

  At 22% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a first cycle extension force of less than about 870 grams, and more particularly an average of not more than about 815 grams. And at 20% transverse extension, the attachment panel 200 advantageously has a first cycle extension force of less than about 774 g, and particularly, a

  average not exceeding about 696 g.

  It is also important for the adaptation of the exchange, the rate of change of the resistance force during the extension of the first cycle. In particular, at 27% extension, the first attachment panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change (an increase) in force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about 650 g-force compared to the percentage of elongation (g /% elongation), in particular less than about 500 g /% elongation, and more particularly, not more than about 350 g /% elongation. At 25% transverse extension, the first fastening panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about g /% elongation, in particular less than about 94 g /%. % elongation, and more particularly, not exceeding about 58 g /% elongation. And at 20% transverse extension, the first attachment panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about g /% elongation, in particular less than about

  84 g /% elongation, and more particularly, not exceeding about 58 g /% elongation.

  During the first retraction cycle, it is desirable for the first attachment panel 200 to have, at 26% transverse extension, a first cycle retraction force of less than about 1080 g, particularly less than about 781 g, and more particularly, an average of not more than about 694 g. At 24% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a first cycle shrink force of less than about 630 grams, particularly less than about 559 grams, and more particularly, an average of not more than about 495 grams. At 22% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a first cycle shrink force of less than about 390 grams, and more particularly an average of not more than about 356 grams. And at 20% transverse extension, the attachment panel 200 advantageously provides a retraction force in the first cycle

  less than about 250 g, and more particularly an average of not more than about 239 g.

  Furthermore, during the first retraction cycle, it is desirable for the first attachment panel 200 to have, at 25% extension, a rate of change (reduction) of force less than about 180 g /% elongation, particularly less than about 139 g /% elongation, and

  more particularly not exceeding about 97 g /% elongation.

  When the change 20 is in use, a wide range of forces are applied to the first and second attachment panels 200 and 202 depending on the position and movements of the child. The elasticity characteristics of the first fastening panel 200 after repeated elongations are also an important factor. According to one aspect of the invention, the first attachment panel 200 provides, at 27% transverse extension, a second cycle extension force of less than about 1550 g, in particular less than about 1033 g, and more particularly an average of not more than about 933 g. Furthermore, at 26% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a lower cycle extension force of less than about 1340 g, in particular less than about 929 g, and more particularly, an average not exceeding about 840 g. At 24% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a second cycle extension force of less than about 970 g, in particular less than about 753 g, and more particularly, an average not exceeding about 681 g. At 22% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a second cycle extension force of less than about 660 g, in particular less than about 609 g, and more particularly, an average not exceeding about 542 g. And at 20% transverse extension, the attachment panel 200 advantageously provides a second cycle extension force of less than about 480 g, and more particularly, a

  average not exceeding about 411 g.

  Another aspect of the invention relates to the rate of change of resistance force during the extension of the second cycle. At 27% extension, the first fastening panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, of less than about 530 g /% elongation, in particular less than about 402 g. % elongation, and more particularly, not exceeding about 274 g /% elongation. At 25% transverse extension, the first attachment panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, of less than about 190 g /% elongation, in particular less than about 139 g. % elongation and more particularly, not exceeding about 87 g /% elongation. And at 20% transverse extension, the first attachment peg 200 advantageously provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, of less than about 75 g /% elongation, in particular less than about 67 g /% elongation and more particularly not exceeding

about 59 g /% elongation.

  During the second retraction cycle, it is desirable for the first attachment panel 200 to have, at 26% transverse extension, a second cycle retraction force of less than about 1020 g, particularly less than about 752 g, and more particularly, an average not exceeding about 679 g. At 24% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a second cycle shrink force of less than about 590 grams, particularly less than about 535 grams, and more particularly, an average not exceeding about 480 g. At 22% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously provides a second cycle shrink force of less than about 360 grams, and more particularly, an average of not more than about 341 grams. And at 20% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously provides a second cycle shrink force of less than about 230 grams, and more particularly, an average of not more than about 224 grams. retraction, it is also desirable that the first attachment panel 200 provides, at 25% transverse extension, a force variation rate of less than about 170 g /% elongation, in particular less than about 136 g /% elongation and more particularly, not exceeding about

101 g /% elongation.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the first attachment panel 200 provides, at 27% transverse extension, a third cycle extension force of less than about 1550 g, in particular less than about 1251 g, and more particularly, not exceeding about 951 g. Furthermore, at 26% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously has a third cycle expansion force of less than about 1370 g, in particular less than about 1114 g, and more particularly, not exceeding not about 858 g. At 24% transverse extension, the fastening panel 200 advantageously provides a third cycle extension force of less than about 920 grams, particularly less than about 800 grams, and more particularly, not more than about 680 grams. At 22% transverse extension, the attachment panel 200 advantageously has a third cycle extension force of less than about 630 g, in particular less than about 586 g, and more

  particularly, not exceeding about 542 g.

  With regard to the rate of change of the resistance force during the extension of the third cycle, at 27% extension, the first attachment panel 200 advantageously offers a rate of change of force less than about 210 g in particular, less than about 156 g /% elongation, and more particularly, not more than about 0101 g /% elongation. At 25k transverse extension, the first attachment panel 200

  advantageously provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the third cycle, of less than about 180 g /% elongation, in particular less than about 131 g /% elongation, and more particularly, not more than about 81 g /% elongation.

  The following examples are given to allow a more detailed understanding of the invention. Quantities,

  Particular proportions, compositions and parameters are given by way of example only and are not limiting in any way.

Example 1

  A change 300 as shown in Fig. 18 has been made to illustrate the particular features and advantages of the present invention. The diaper 300 includes a backsheet layer 22, a topsheet layer 24, and an absorbent body 26 disposed between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer. The bodyside and outer shell layers 30 and 32 cover the major surfaces of the absorbent body 26, and are sealed to each other along their side edges. An influx management layer 84 is used between the body side wrapper layer 30 and the upper sheet layer 24. The change 300 also includes leg elastic members 34, a waist elastic 36, and waist straps.

elastic restraint 82.

  The elastic side sections 89 have been formed by transversely separated resilient panel members 90. The panel members 90 are operatively connected to the backsheet layer 22, by direct connection to the topsheet layer 24 which in turn is directly connected to the backsheet layer. Fastening lugs 44 include a stress beam region 98 which is attached to the regions

  free terminal end 92 of the side panels 90.

  The fastening tabs 84 comprise a user connection zone 52 which is illustrated in FIG. 18 in a transversely deployed position. To analyze the transverse elasticity of the rear waistband section 40, a specimen (FIG. 19) was cut from the change 300 using a blade device known as a "cutter". In particular, the test piece was taken from the waist section which has the fastening tabs 44. The test piece has a longitudinal dimension parallel to the transverse direction 88 of the diaper 300 and includes the transversely extending portions. The maximum width of the specimen, indicated by the arrow 302 in FIG. 19, is 7.62 cm (3 inches). The width of the specimen was measured parallel to the direction 86 of the exchange 300 along the median line of the exchange. Transversally outwardly from this longitudinal center line, the width of the test piece may be less than 7.62 cm because of the size of the fastening tabs 44 (see FIG. 19) or possibly the curvature (no. shown) of the first end edge 106. The long edges of the test pieces are formed by the first end edge 106 of the change 300 and the straight edge which is cut parallel to the direction 88 (Figure 1) of the change 300 Because the intention was to test the elastic response of the attachment panel 200 of the change 330, care was taken in preparing the test piece not to stretch the elastic components of the exchange. The test specimen was spread flat, and again without attempting to stretch the elastic components of the exchange, the distance between the user connection areas 52 of the fastening tab 44 was recorded. This distance represents the length of the attachment panel 200 and is illustrated by the arrow 304 in FIG. 19. For the illustrated change 300, this distance was 27.94 cm (11 inches). The backing sheet layer 22 The exchange consisted of 0.025mm (1.25 / 100 inch) thick polyethylene film containing TiO2 to increase opacity. The topsheet 24 was a spun bonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric composed of about 0.31-0.36 tex (2.8-3.2 denier) fibers formed into a web having a basis weight of about 20 g / m2. The fabric was surface treated with about 0.27% Triton X-102 as surfactant. Absorbent body 26 had a matrix of cellulose fibers mixed with superabsorbent particles. The bodyside and outer shell layers 30 and 32 were formed of cellulosic thin paper webs. Leg elastic members 34 were composed of a carrier sheet to which were attached four strands of 740 decitex LYCRA elastomer. The leg elastics were bent so that the elastic members were arched inwardly at the crotch portion of the diaper. The surge management layer 84 was interposed between the topsheet 24 and the absorbent body 26, and consisted of a composite fabric of a through-air-dried carded-web. The web consisted of a blend containing 0.67 tex (6 denier) polyester fibers and 0.33 tex (3 denier) two-component fibers, and

  it had an overall basis weight of about 51 g / m2.

  Size elastic 36 had a longitudinal dimension of approximately 25 mm and a transverse dimension of approximately 102 mm, as measured with the spread in the extended position. The waist elastic was located at each of the longitudinal ends of the diaper and consisted of a stretch-bonded stretch-laminated elastomeric fabric having a total basis weight of approximately 72 g / m 2. The fabric contained a core of meltblown fibers having an approximate basis weight of 45 g / m 2 sandwiched between two layers facing spunbonded polypropylene, each of which was vis-à-vis -vis having a basis weight of approximately 13 g / m2. The exchange comprised two retaining flaps 82, each of which consisted of a "spunbonded" / "meltblown" / "spunbonded" polypropylene laminate fabric having a total basis weight of about 29 g / m 2. m2, and each of the flaps were elastic by two strands of LYCRA elastomer of 470 decitex. The components of the exchange corresponded to those used commercially in the manufacture of

  HUGGIESR UltraTrim changes in March 1994 by Kimberly-Clark20 Corporation of Neenah, Wisconsin, USA.

  The exchange further comprised a pair of transversely opposed elastic side panels 90 which were comprised of a laminated and necking-bonded elastomeric fabric. The fabric had an elastomeric film core composed of KRATON G 2755 sandwiched between two layers facing spun-bonded polypropylene and stretched with necking. The KRATON elastomer core had a basis weight of about 50-55 g / m2, and the total composite laminate had a basis weight of about 136 g / m2.30 The side panels were rectangular with a longitudinal dimension about 64 mm (about 2.5 inches) and an effective transverse dimension of stretchable material that was about 19 mm (about 0.75 inches). The adhesive fastening lugs 44 were made of FT-4901 material available from Avery International, and the bonding refractory tapes 74 were made of FT-4430 material, also available

from Avery International.

Example 2

  For comparison purposes, the transverse elastic properties of a first control change 320, as shown in Figure 21, were analyzed. The first foreign exchange 320 was purchased in Japan and sold by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trade name "Pampers for Girls". The 320 exchange was introduced in the United States during the first quarter of 1994, and it included a top sheet 322 connected to a backing sheet 324 with an absorbent structure 326

  disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

  The absorbent structure had layers of thin absorbent paper 328 against its major surfaces. Elastic restraining flaps 330 were attached to the topsheet 322 and the backsheet 324. The backsheet 324 was folded over the bodyside side surface along a side margin at 332.20. leg elastics 334 oriented longitudinally in the lateral margins of the diaper. The control change 320 also included side elastic members 336 and a waist elastic member 338 connected to the backsheet 324. The tie tabs 340 of the check change 320 included an attachment tape 342 and a glue-resistant tape 344. A test piece (FIG. 22) was cut from the first control change 320 in the same manner as that

  indicated above. The test piece was taken from the waist section which includes the fastening tabs 340.

  The specimen had a maximum width of 7.62 cm (3 inches). The length 350 of the fastening panel cut from the first control change 320, measured between the user connection zones of the fastening tabs 340,

was 27.94 cm (11 inches).

Example 3

  To continue the comparison, the transverse elastic properties of a second control change 360 (FIG. 24) were also analyzed. The second exchange witness 360 was purchased in the Netherlands and was sold by The Procter & Gamble Company. It is believed that the exchange had the commercial designation "Pampers Stretch Ultra Thin". The second control change 360 was introduced in the United States in the first quarter of 1994 and included an upper sheet 362 connected to a carrier sheet 364 with an absorbent structure 366 disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Thin absorbent paper layers 368 were disposed against the main surfaces of the absorbent. Elastic retainer flaps 370 were attached to the topsheet 362 and the backsheet 364 was folded over the side surface

  bodily along a lateral margin in 372.

  The control change 360 also included a pair of leg elastics 374 oriented longitudinally in the lateral margins of the exchange. Lateral elastic members 376 were disposed between the topsheet 362 and the backsheet 364, while a waist elastic member 378 was located on the top of the topsheet. The exchange included legs

  fastener 380 with an attachment tape 382 and a refractory bonding tape 384.

  Again, a test piece (Fig. 25) was cut from the second control change 360 in the same manner as described above. The specimen, taken from the waist section that included the fastening tabs 380, had a maximum width of 7.62 cm (3 inches). The length 390 of the attachment panel, cut from the

  Second change control 360 and measured as in the other cases between the user connection areas of the attachment panels 380, was 27.94 cm (11 inches).

  The transverse elongation characteristics of the exchange 300 represented by way of example in FIG. 18 and those of the first and second control exchanges 320 and 360 have

  were evaluated according to the procedure below.

  Principle of the test In general, the procedure determines the stress / strain curve under cyclic conditions and the final elongation (up to constant load) of the thermoplastic fabrics. The stress / strain curve is generated for the repeated number of cycles. A final elongation is then obtained at a predetermined load and the elongation is measured at this point. Conceptually, the test method is similar to ASTM D 4964-89 "Standard Test Method for Tension and Elongation of Elastic Fabrics" and can be in the form of an instruction and computer control file that operates in cooperation with standard test equipment control software. One company properly versed in such software is Sintech, Inc. of Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. Watering Any Constant Speed Extension (CRE) tensile testing machine that can be controlled by test software can be used. A suitable device is a tensile tester

Sintech.

  Procedure After the tensile tester has been calibrated according to the standard operating procedure, the reference length is adjusted to the length of the attachment panel (304 in Figure 19, 350 in Figure 22; 390 in Fig. 25), which, in the case of the exchanges given above by way of example, was 11 inches in all cases. The control software is implemented and the following set of test conditions are entered: Traverse speed = 500 mm / min, Total load = 11340 g [(for a 11.34 kg load cell) (25 pounds)], Reference length = 279.4 mm (11 inches) in this case, Sample Width = 76.2 mm (3 inches), Elongation during Cycle = 27% (note: for currency 300 , 320 and 360 which have the same reference length, this gives a total elongation of 75.4 mm (2.97 inches) since 279.4 mm x 0.27 = 75.4 mm (11 inches x 0.27 = 2.97 inches), Number of Cycles = 2, Burst Load (at the third expansion) = 2000g, Points of Length at which the force is saved =

7, 8, 14, 20, 22, 24 and 26%.

  The test sample is clamped into the jaws 306 of the tensile tester as shown in FIGS. 20, 23 and 26, such that the jaws are aligned with the innermost exposed portions of the attachment surfaces 68 substrate 48 of fastening tabs. The weight of the samples in this case was approximately 5 g. The load on the samples, before the test started, was in the order of 10-20 g to ensure that there is neither too much "slack" nor too much stress. 20 The test is implemented . The jaws are separated at a constant rate of extension of 500 mm / min, extending the sample to a predetermined elongation of 27% (the length of the sample in this case is 279.4 mm (11 inches) at 350.8 mm (13.97 inches), or a total elongation of 75.4 mm (2.97 inches), at which point the crossbar stops and returns immediately at 500 mm / min to the original length of 279.4 mm (11 inches) This is a cycle consisting of an extension phase and a retraction phase At the end of the first cycle, the crossbar stops again, changes direction and immediately begins the second cycle of extension and retraction.This accomplishes, the crossbar is then moved to cause a further extension to a predetermined stop load of 2000 g At this stage, the test is completed and the cross section returns to the predetermined reference length of 279.4 mm (11 inches). five separate phases in the stress / strain curve that are determined by this procedure. A first extension cycle giving an elongation of 0% to 27%, a first retraction cycle giving an elongation of 0% to 27%, a second extension cycle giving an elongation of 27% to 0%, a second retraction cycle giving an elongation of 27% to 0% and a third extension cycle to a

charge of 2000 g.

  Once the test is finished, the data can be printed either in the form of a table, or in a graphic form, expressed in load (grams) according to the elongation (in%). Data can be analyzed to determine the instantaneous slope of curves

  load / elongation for a desired elongation value.

  A total of five samples were tested for each of the exchanges, namely the exchange 300 according to the invention, the first control change 320 and the second control change 360. Figures 27 to 29 show graphs which show the load characteristics of pulling test pieces of the change 300 (FIG. 27), the first control change 320 (FIG. 28) and the second control change 360 (FIG. 29). For each type, the graphs refer to the last of the five samples tested. Below are tables of force versus elongation and slopes as a function of elongation values at different percentage levels of elongation of the tested currents. The strength data presented for the first and second cycles show each individual test (numbers 1-5) and the average of the five samples tested. Slope data and extension data at the third cycle have not been

  recorded only for the last of the five samples tested.

  Extension to the first cycle Elongation% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% 27% (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.0) (mm) (39.1 55, 9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4) Force (grams) Change 300 No. 1 247 624 748 867 970 1029 No. 2 249 632 758 869 975 1029 No. 3 352 774 894 1003 1116 1173 No. 4 314 740 854 970 1085 1141 No. 5 295 712 822 934 1043 1105 Avg. 292 696 815 929 1038 1095 Chanqe 320 No. 1 457 893 1118 1388 1677 1828 No. 2 461 896 1134 1404 1660 1810 No. 3 452 894 1127 1397 1678 1827 No. 4 424 816 1033 1292 1578 1730 No. 5 467 912 1147 1410 1676 1813 Moby. 452 882 1112 1378 1654 1802 Chanqe 360 No. 1 283 746 1009 1394 1799 1983 No. 2 325 801 1082 1456 1823 1985 No. 3 284 793 1083 1476 1865 2040 No. 4 261 703 933 1275 1664 1854 No. 5 243 665 880 1229 1649 1846 Avg. 279 742 997 1366 1760 1942

69 2724110

  Retraction at first cycle Elongation% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9) (rmm) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67 , 1 72.6) Strength (grams) Chance 300 No. 1 62 237 357 500 703 No. 2 57 241 364 504 705 No. 3 48 166 267 383 532 No. 4 70 293 413 559 781 No. 5 67 258 380 529 751 Avg. 61 239 356 495 694 Change 320 No. 1 78 276 429 693 1149 No. 2 77 276 431 700 1158 No. 3 74 276 429 696 1156 No. 4 69 252 392 638 1083 No. 5 78 278 433 699 1149 Avg. 75 271 423 685 1139 Change 360 No. 1 77 368 501 716 1211 No. 2 96 392 521 747 1241 No. 3 73 391 523 755 1263 No. 4 77 353 479 671 1136 No. 5 73 337 468 661 1128 Avg. 79 368 498 710 1196

2724110

  Second Cycle Extension Elongation% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% 27% (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2, 9 3.0) ((m) (39.1 55 , 9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4) Force (grams) Change 300 No. 1 122 402 533 672 831 924 No. 2 119 410 543 680 836 926 No. 3 103 321 448 576 709 786 No. 4 144 476 609 753 929 1033 No. 5 135 446 580 726 895 995 Average 124 411 542 681 840 933 Change 320 No. 1 207 530 748 1053 1432 1638 No. 2 207 538 760 1068 1447 1653 No. 3 200 536 758 1064 1447 1657 No. 4 187 483 685 975 1349 1555 No. 5 209 538 760 1066 1440 1641 Medium 202 525 742 1045 1423 1629 Chanqe 360 No. 1 150 536 740 1102 1583 1831 No. 2 183 577 790 1164 1627 1848 No. 3 153 573 795 1189 1667 1902 No. 4 146 509 693 1014 1477 1717 No. 5 139 485 667 981 1461 1715 Average 154 536 737 1090 1563 1803

71 2724110

  Second Cycle Retraction Elongation% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9) (mm) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67 , 1 72) 6) Force (grams) Change 300 No. 1 57 218 337 474 672 No. 2 51 222 341 480 677 No. 3 47 168 276 405 577 No. 4 64 276 392 535 752 No. 5 61 238 358 504,718 Avg. 56 224 341 480 679 Number 320 No. 1 68 254 397 649 1089 No. 2 65 255 402 661 1108 No. 3 64 252 398 653 1100 No. 4 59 231 364 601 1029 No. 5 68 254 399 654 1092 Avg. 65 249 392 643 1084 Change 360 No. 1 68 346 478 677 1158 No. 2 85 370 495 706 1196 No. 3 65 371 499 715 1216 No. 4 68 334 459 638 1095 No. 5 67 318 448 629 1084 Avg. 70,348 476,673 1150

72 2724110

  Extension to the third cycle Elongation

% 14% 20% 22% 24% 26% 27%

  (inches) (1.5 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.0) (mm) (39.1 55.9 61.5 67.1 72.6 75.4) Strength (grams) Change 300 121 404 542 680 844 951 Change 320 187 491 693 980 1373 1554 Change 360 128 462 633 923 1391 1660 Extension to the first cycle Lengthening

% 15% 20% 25% 27%

  (inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8 3.0) (m) (41.9 55.9 69.9 75.4) Slope grams /% (g / mm) Change '300 67 (24, 0) 58 (20.8) 58 (20.8) 350 (125.3) Change 320 66 (23.6) 122 (43.7) 135 (48.3) 657 (235.1) Change 360 51 ( 18.3) 112 (40.1) 208 (74.4) 713 (255.2) Retraction in the first cycle Elongation

% 15% 20% 25%

  (inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8) (mm) (41.9 55.9 69.9) Slope grams /% (g / mm) Change 300 15 (5.4) 59 (21.1 ) 97 (34.7) Change 320 30 (10.7) 59 (21.1) 194 (69.4) Change 360 22 (7.9) 59 (21.1) 184 (65.9)

73 2724110

  Extension to the second cycle Elongation

% 15% 20% 25% 27%

  (inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8 3.0) (mm) (41.9 55.9 69.9 75.4) Slope grams /% (g / mm) Change 300 37 (13.2 ) 59 (21.1) 87 (31.1) 274 (98.1) Change 320 37 (13.2) 103 (36.9) 196 (70.2) 539 (192.9) Change 360 29 (10) , 4) 81 (29.0) 249 (89.1) 625 (223.7) Retraction at second cycle Elongation

% 15% 20% 25%

  (inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8) (m) (41.9 55.9 69.9) Slope grams /% (g / mm) Change 300 22 (7.9) 52 (18.6 ) 101 (36.1) Change 320 22 (7.9) 59 (21.1) 188 (67.3) Change 360 22 (7.9) 67 (24.0) 176 (63.0) Extension to the third cycle Elongation

% 15% 20% 25% 27%

  (inches) (1.7 2.2 2.8 3.0) (mm) (41.9 55.9 69.9 75.4) Slope grams /% (g / mm) Change 300 34 (12.2 ) 74 (26.5) 81 (29.0) 101 (36.1) Change 320 47 (16.8) 80 (28.6) 188 (67.3) 215 (77.0) Change 360 34 (12) , 2) 87 (31.1) 249 (89.1) 257 (92.0) In the first extension cycle, the change 300 had not only a lower extension force in the elongation range 20, 27%, but also a much lower slope compared to control changes 320 and 360. This combination of properties allows a significant improvement in the installation of a change because the fastening system can be more easily stretched and attached to the zone of fixation on a wide range of elongations. In addition, the flatter (lower slope) stress / deformation curve gives a wider range of fastening positions of the fastening system for which the fastening tension is at a level more suitable for reducing the formation of red marks and dots. possible irritation of the baby's skin. The extension properties of the first cycle determine to a great extent the positioning of the attachment system, which, in turn, provides a better fit for each baby. During the second and third extension cycles, the forces and the extension slopes are also more

  for the exchange rate 300 compared to the tested control changes, especially in the range of elongation 20-

  27%. This combination of properties helps to improve the baby's comfort. This improvement in comfort becomes even more evident when one considers that the waist circumference of a baby usually increases by more than 10% when seated compared to that same dimension when lying down. The invention provides an improved range of extension and retraction forces on the size of the baby during

  normal activities, such as sitting or standing. It follows a better comfort for the baby.

Claims (18)

  Absorbent article having longitudinal side edges (110), first and second end edges (106,107) extending between the side edges (110), a first waist section (40) contiguous to said first side edge end (106), a second waist section (38) contiguous with said second end edge (107), and an intermediate section interconnecting the waist sections (38, 40), said absorbent article comprising: a sheet layer support (22); an absorbent body (26) disposed on the backsheet layer (22); an attachment tab (44) connected to the carrier sheet layer along each of the side edges (110) in the first belt section (<0), each bracket (44) having a user connection section (52) adapted for securing the article in use; and a pair of transversely separated elastically elongated side sections (89) operatively connected to the backsheet layer (22) in the first waist section (40), said side sections providing spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity to the absorbent article; Said absorbent article defining an attachment panel (200) in the first waist section (40), the fastening panel (200) extending from the first end edge (106) longitudinally inwardly on Maximum 76.2 mm and extending transversely between the user connection sections (52) of the fastening tabs (44), the fastening panel (200) providing a   first cycle expansion force less than about 1720 g at 27% transverse extension.   2 - absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides an extension force to the first cycle less than about   1173 g at 27% transverse extension.   3 - Absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides an extension force in the first cycle less than about   1173 g at 75.4 mm transverse extension.   4 - Absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides an extension force to the second cycle less than about   1033 g at 27% transverse extension.   Absorbent article according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a first cycle extension force of less than about 1116 g at 26% transverse extension and an extension force at the first cycle. less than about 1003 g to 24% transverse extension.   6 - Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a second cycle extension force of less than about 1550 g at 27% transverse extension and an extension force at the third cycle lower than about 1550 g at 27% transverse extension.   7 - Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment panel (200) provides a   average first cycle extension force not exceeding about 1095 g at 27% transverse extension and a second cycle average extension force not exceeding about 933 g at 27% transverse extension.   8 - absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that said article defines a transverse dimension, or width, and in that said side panel elements are separated by a distance of at least   equal to about 50% of said transverse dimension.   An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that said elasticized side sections (89) comprise separate side panel members connected to the backsheet layer (22). Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the side panel elements   are formed of a material that can provide an elongation of at least about 100% when subjected to a tensile force of 26.2 grams per mm of length.   11 - Absorbent article having longitudinal side edges (110), first and second end edges (106) extending between the side edges (110), a first waist section (40) contiguous with said first end edge (107), a second waist section (38) contiguous with said second end edge (106, 107), and an intermediate section interconnecting the waist sections (38, 40), said absorbent article comprising: a backing sheet layer (22); an absorbent body (26) disposed on the backsheet layer (22); an attachment tab (44) connected to the carrier sheet layer along each of the side edges (110) in the first belt section (40), each attachment tab (44) having a user connection section ( 52) adapted to the attachment of the article in use; and a pair of transversely separated elastically elongated side sections (89) operatively connected to the backsheet layer (22) in the first waist section (40), said side sections providing spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity to the absorbent article; said absorbent article defining an attachment panel (200) in the first waist section (40), the fastening panel (200) extending from the first end edge (106) longitudinally inwardly over , 2 mm maximum and extending transversely between the user connection sections (52) of the fastening tabs (44), the fastening panel (200) providing a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about 650 g relative to the percentage of elongation, 27% transverse extension. 12 - absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle less than about 500 g in relation to the percentage of elongation, at 27% transverse extension.  13 - Absorbent article according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, less than about 402 g reported in   percentage of elongation, at 27% transverse extension.   14 - Absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about 94 g reported in   percentage of elongation, at 25% transverse extension, and a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, less than about 139 g, relative to the percentage of elongation, at 25% transverse extension .   Absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, not exceeding about 250 g compared to the percentage of stretching at 27% transverse extension, and a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second cycle, not exceeding about 274 g, relative to the percentage of elongation, at 27% transverse extension. 16 - absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that said article defines a transverse dimension, or width, and in that said elements of   side panels are separated by a distance of at least about 50% of said transverse dimension.   Absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that said elasticized side sections (89) comprise separate side panel elements connected to a backing sheet layer (22) 18 - Absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that the side panel members are formed of a material that can provide an elongation of at least about 100% when subjected to a tensile force of 26.2 grams per mm of length. Absorbent article having longitudinal side edges (110), first and second end edges (106, 107) extending between the side edges (110), a first waist section (40) contiguous to said first edge end portion (106), a second waist section (38) contiguous with said second end edge (107), and an intermediate section interconnecting the waist sections (38, 40), said absorbent article comprising: a sheet layer support (22); an absorbent body (26) disposed on the backsheet layer (22); an attachment tab (44) connected to the carrier sheet layer along each of the side edges (110) in the first belt section (40), each attachment tab (44) having a user connecting section ( 52) adapted to extend transversely from a respective lateral edge beyond the support sheet to secure the article in use; and a pair of transversely separated elasticized side sections (89) operably connected to the backing sheet layer (22) in the first waist section (40) between said fastening tabs, said side sections imparting to 1-article absorbing spatially discontinuous transverse elasticity; said absorbent article defining an attachment panel (200) in the first waist section (40), the fastening panel (200) comprising the elastic side sections and extending from the first end edge (106) longitudinally inwardly over a maximum of 76.2 mm and extending transversely between the user connection sections (52) of the fastening tabs (44), the fastening panel (200) providing an extension force to the first cycle less than about 1720 g at 27% transverse extension and a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about 650 g, relative to the percentage of elongation, to 27% transverse extension.   Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that the attachment panel (200) provides a first cycle extension force of less than about 1173 g at 27% transverse extension and a rate of change of force at during the first cycle extension, less than about 500 g   of extension, at 27% transverse extension.   Absorbent article according to claim 20, characterized in that the attachment panel (200) provides a second cycle extension force of less than about 1033 g, 27% transverse extension, and a rate of change of force, during the extension of the second   cycle, less than about 402 g relative to the percentage of elongation, 27% transverse extension.   22 - Absorbent article according to claim 20, characterized in that the fastening panel (200) provides a first cycle extension force of less than about 1116 g at 26% transverse extension, an extension force at the first cycle less than about 1003 g at 24% transverse extension, and a rate of change of force, during the extension of the first cycle, less than about 94 g relative to the percentage of elongation, to 25% transverse extension.   23 - absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that said article defines a dimension   transverse, or width, and in that said side panel elements are separated by a distance at least equal to about 82% of said transverse dimension.   Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that each fastening tab (44) has a longitudinal dimension which is less than about 83% of a longitudinal dimension of the elastic side panels. Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that: the elasticated side sections (89) comprise separate side panel elements connected to the backing sheet layer (22) and extending transversely from a side edge (110) respective, the side panel members being composed of a material having a Gurley stiffness value not exceeding about 10,000 mg; which absorbent article further comprises a force beam region connected to each of the side panel members, the stress beam region having a longitudinal dimension of not less than about cm and a transverse dimension that is not not less than about 1 cm; and the fastening tabs (44) comprising a manufacturing connection section connected to a respective side panel member and a meeting section located between the manufacturing connection section and the user connection section (52), the meeting section having a length not less than approximately 0.5 cm and which   is not greater than about 3 cm.   26 - Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that the lateral sections are arranged   along a longitudinal direction of the article so as to be located between the fastening tabs (44).   27 - Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that the user connection sections   (52) comprise an adhesive layer.