Composite elastic material

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an elastic composite material having an elastic layer having a first side and a second side; at least one gatherable layer bonded to at least one of the first side and second side of the elastic layer; and a fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer. The resulting elastic composite provides a stretchable material which can conform to surfaces and has desirable properties of the fibrous material entangle and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer and does not suffer from the loss of the fibrous material from the stretchable substrate. The composite is usable in as bandages, durable wipes, durable mops and personal care products, such as diapers and feminine napkins. Also disclosed is a method for making the composite.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite elastic material, uses of the composite elastic material and the method of making the composite elastic material.[0002] Composites of elastic and nonelastic materials have been made by bonding nonelastic materials to elastic materials in a manner that allows the entire composite material to stretch or elongate. These composites can be used in garment materials, pads, diapers, training pants and other personal care products where elasticity is needed.[0003] In one such composite material, a nonelastic material is joined, for example pattern bonded, to an elastic sheet while the elastic sheet is in a stretched condition. These materials are often referred to as "stretch-bonded laminates." When the elastic sheet is relaxed, the nonelastic material gathers between the locations where it is joined to the elastic sheet. The resulting composite elastic material is stretchable to the extent that the nonelastic material, gathered between th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed to an elastic composite material having an elastic layer having a first side and a second side; at least one gatherable layer bonded to at least one of the first side and second side of the elastic layer; and a fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer. The resulting elastic composite provides a stretchable material which can conform to surfaces and has desirable properties of the fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer and does not suffer from the loss of the fibrous material from the stretchable substrate.

Problems solved by technology

The resulting composite material is said to be usable in bandages, but suffers from the fact that the composite can be stretched to a point where "destructive elongation" occurs, resulting in a material that will no long recover, making unusable as a bandage material.

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