Absorbent article with adhesive stretch laminate

Abstract

A stretch laminate for an absorbent article. The stretch laminate includes a nonwoven substrate and an elastomeric film bonded to the nonwoven substrate by a plurality of bonds. The bonds may be some combination of ultrasonic bonds or mechanical bonds, including ultrasonic bonds. The plurality of bond portions form a bond portion pattern including a first bond portion having a longest bond portion size (D) and a second bond portion adjacent to the first bond portion. A bond portion separation distance between the first bond portion and the second bond portion is at least 2.1 D and less than 4.1 D when a bond portion separation angle between the first bond portion and the second bond portion is 0 DEG to 35 DEG and including 35 DEG. Further, when the bond portion separation angle between the first bond portion and the second bond portion is greater than 35 DEG and less than or equal to 90 DEG, the bond portion separation distance between the first bond portion and the second bond portion is at least 1.3D and less than 2.1 D. In addition, when the bond portion separation angle between the first bond portion and the second bond portion is greater than 35 DEG and less than or equal to 90 DEG.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to absorbent articles and, more particularly, to absorbent articles including a mechanically bonded stretch laminate having a pattern of bonds. Background Art

[0002] Despite this increased complexity, manufacturers of disposable absorbent products are investing in multiple brands, grades, and size lineups. They do so to better meet the broad and evolving consumer desires of consumers throughout their infant's lifecycle while remaining affordable. Therefore, it's crucial to provide product features that differentiate across sizes and grades, offering clear functional benefits and overt cues that signal potential performance differences. However, consumers are notoriously multitasking, and in modern times, it's been noted that they're not only less attentive to, but also less sensitive to, differences even in common household products they frequently encounter. This necessitates increased investment in distinctiveness by manufacturers.

[0003] A key product feature of disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and pants, is the fundamental need for comfort and fit. Fit is assessed both upon donning and during wear and is typically achieved through extensible product features (i.e., stretch). One way manufacturers attempt to balance the competing interests of proper fit and body shape is through the use of expandable materials. One group of such materials is known as stretch laminates. As the name suggests, these materials are actually composites of separate components that are laminated or bonded together and provide varying degrees of stretch.

[0004] In recent years, the commercialization of ultrasonically bonded laminates has gained traction in the absorbent product industry. These ultrasonically bonded laminates are simpler in construction and offer advantages in cost and complexity because they can eliminate the need for adhesives, which require relatively more hardware, more frequent cleaning, and contribute to ongoing costs and product odor. Importantly, these simpler stretch laminates need to meet the same distinctive requirements as any other product feature or component.

[0005] For example, ultrasonically bonded laminates can be used as the front or back ear pieces in adhesive diapers, or as the front or back side pieces in pants. The front or back ear pieces and side pieces require different characteristics to adapt to different brands, grades, and size lineups. In addition, these adhesive laminates need to be unique for consumers, so that functionality and / or aesthetics can be conveyed by these adhesive laminates without sacrificing performance. Therefore, it is necessary to improve design flexibility to support brands, grades, and size lineups without generating complexity and sacrificing performance.

[0006] The discussion of shortcomings and needs in the art prior to the present disclosure is in no way an admission that those skilled in the art recognized such shortcomings and needs prior to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some embodiments, the stretch laminate for absorbent articles may include a nonwoven substrate and an elastomeric film joined to the nonwoven substrate by multiple ultrasonic bonds. The multiple ultrasonic bonds form a bond pattern. The bond pattern includes a first bond having a longest bond dimension D and a second bond adjacent to the first bond. There is a bond separation distance and a bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond. When the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is 0° up to 35° and 35° inclusive, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D. In addition, when the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is greater than 35° and less than or equal to 90°, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

[0008] In some embodiments, the absorbent article includes a stretch laminate. The stretch laminate includes a nonwoven material and an elastomeric film joined to the nonwoven material by multiple ultrasonic bonds. The multiple ultrasonic bonds form a bond pattern. The multiple ultrasonic bonds include multiple separate bonds, each having a longest bond dimension D in the range of about 0.6 mm to about 1 mm. The multiple separate bonds include a first bond and a second bond adjacent to the first bond. There is a bond separation distance and a bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond. When the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is 0° to 35°, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D. When the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is between 35° and 90°, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

[0009] In some embodiments, the absorbent article includes a stretch laminate. The stretch laminate includes a nonwoven material and an elastomeric film joined to the nonwoven material by multiple ultrasonic bonds. The multiple ultrasonic bonds form a bond pattern. The multiple ultrasonic bonds include multiple separate bonds, each having a longest bond dimension D within a range of less than about 1.0 mm. The multiple separate bonds include a first bond and a second bond adjacent to the first bond. There is a bond separation distance and a bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond. When the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is 0° to 35° and inclusive, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D. When the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is between 35° to 90° and inclusive, the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond should be at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of a taped diaper, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded condition.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Plan view of an example absorbent article with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer in a flat, unrolled condition.

[0014] Figure 3 It is in the buckled position Figure 1 and Figure 2 Front perspective view of an absorbent article.

[0015] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article in the form of a pant.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Rear perspective view of an absorbent article.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Plan view of an absorbent article lying flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer.

[0018] Figure 7 It was intercepted along line 7-7 Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of an absorbent article.

[0019] Figure 8 It was intercepted along line 8-8 Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of an absorbent article.

[0020] Figure 9 is a plan view of an example absorbent core or absorbent article.

[0021] Figure 10 It was intercepted along line 10-10 Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of an absorbent core.

[0022] Figure 11 It was intercepted along line 11-11 Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of an absorbent core.

[0023] 12A to 12F are cross-sectional views of various stretch laminates.

[0024] Figure 13A is a SEM micrograph showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of an elastomeric film that has not been preactivated.

[0025] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A magnified version of the SEM micrograph.

[0026] Figure 14A is a SEM micrograph showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pre-activated elastomeric film.

[0027] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A A magnified version of the SEM micrograph.

[0028] Figure 15 is a transmitted light micrograph of a top view of a portion of an elastomeric film that was not preactivated.

[0029] Figure 16 Transmitted light micrograph of a top view of a portion of a preactivated elastomeric film showing activation striations.

[0030] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a continuous process for making a stretch laminate according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the shapes of multiple individual ultrasonic bonds.

[0032] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the open-hole bonding pattern.

[0033] Figure 20A and Figure 20B is a schematic representation of an exemplary closed-cell bond pattern.

[0034] Figure 21A and Figure 21B are plan views of exemplary side members including laminates having more than one bond pattern.

[0035] Figure 22A and Figure 22B is a schematic diagram of a laminate having bond patterns with different bond densities.

[0036] Figure 23A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bond pattern.

[0037] Figure 23B Is a Figure 23A Photograph of a portion of a back ear of an absorbent article with a bond pattern displayed and attached, wherein the back ear includes a rupture.

[0038] Figure 24 Schematic diagram of a bond and two adjacent bonds and the bond separation angle between the identified bond and the adjacent bonds.

[0039] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of a bonding portion, a bonding portion standoff angle, and a bonding portion standoff distance relative to the bonding portion.

[0040] Figures 26A to 26C is a schematic diagram of a bond pattern and the bond standoff angle and bond standoff distance for one or more identified bonds.

[0041] Figures 27A to 27C is a schematic diagram of various bond shapes and the longest dimension of each of these bond shapes.

[0042] Figure 28A It is a schematic diagram for determining the bonding part separation angle and bonding part separation distance of the bonding part.

[0043] Figures 28B to 28D Schematic diagram of the bond separation angle and bond separation distance for various non-circular bond shapes.

[0044] Figure 29A and Figure 29B is a graph showing the Voronoi plots for each bond pattern and the resulting relative standard deviation percentages.

[0045] 30A to 30D Schematic diagrams of various bonding patterns.

[0046] Figure 31 is included 30A to 30D Graph of the standard deviation and relative standard deviation percentage for each of the various bond patterns presented.

[0047] Figure 32is a schematic diagram of a stretch laminate subjected to lateral tension.

[0048] Figures 33A to 33C is a schematic illustration of a stretch laminate having various types of weakened bonds after being subjected to a lateral tensile force.

[0049] Figures 34A to 34F is a schematic diagram illustrating various primary bond patterns for nonwoven materials that may be employed in accordance with various embodiments.

[0050] Figure 35A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary side member schematically illustrating an exemplary surface modification.

[0051] Figure 35B is a plan view of an exemplary side member illustrating exemplary structural features.

[0052] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of adjacent bonds and features associated with determining bond separation distances.

[0053] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram of adjacent bonds and features associated with determining bond separation angles.

[0054] Figure 38A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary back ear of an absorbent article, identifying features relevant to the Back Ear Extension Test.

[0055] Figure 38B is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of an exemplary back ear of an absorbent article, identifying features relevant to the Back Ear Extension Test.

[0056] Figure 39A is a schematic diagram of a topical absorbent article having ears attached thereto and the cut lines associated with the Back Ear Hang Time Test.

[0057] Figure 39B is a schematic diagram of the fixture attachments associated with the rear ear hang time test.

[0058] Figure 39C is a photograph of an exemplary rear ear including a fracture associated with the rear ear hang time test.

[0059] Figures 40A to 40F Schematic diagrams of various additional bonding patterns.

[0060] It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Introduction and Definitions

[0062] This disclosure is written to describe the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the present invention, which will make the greater scope apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are not merely for the purpose of describing the examples and embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting, as the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0063] Unless expressly stated otherwise, all features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is merely an example of a general series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations based on these examples and embodiments may be devised, and such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure herein. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to specific materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, etc., as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps may be performed in a different order where logically possible.

[0064] All numerical values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not expressly stated otherwise. The term "about" generally refers to a range of values that one skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the stated value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0065] In everyday usage, indefinite articles (such as "a") precede countable nouns, and uncountable nouns almost never take the indefinite article. Therefore, it is important to note that, as used in this specification and the following claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a vector" includes a plurality of vectors. In particular, when a singular countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will typically use phrases such as "single." For example, "a single vector."

[0066] Where a numerical range is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in the stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding one or both of those included limits are also encompassed within the disclosure.

[0067] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that are defined to have the following meanings, unless a contrary intention is apparent.

[0068] "Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain liquids, and more specifically refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.

[0069] "Activation" or "pre-activation" refers to a process of mechanically deforming a material so as to increase the ductility of at least a portion of the material. A material can be activated or pre-activated, for example, by incrementally stretching the material in at least one direction.

[0070] "Adhesive bonding" or "adhesive lamination" refers to a laminate in which an adhesive is used to bond the elastomeric material to at least one cover layer.

[0071] "Attached" refers to elements that are connected or joined by fastening, adhering, bonding, or by any other method suitable for connecting elements together and to their constituent materials. Many suitable methods for attaching elements together are well known, including adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical fastening, and the like. Such attachment methods can be used to attach elements together continuously or intermittently over a particular area.

[0072] "Diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants, young children, and incontinent persons about the lower torso and having the general form of a sheet of material with various portions fastened together to encircle the waist and legs of the wearer.

[0073] "Disposable" refers to absorbent articles that are not generally intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles, i.e., are intended to be discarded after a single use and preferably to be recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.

[0074] "Disposed" is used to mean that an element is formed (joined and positioned) with other elements as a unitary structure or as a separate element joined to another element in a particular place or position.

[0075] "Extensible" refers to the property of a material wherein, upon application of a biasing force to the material, the material can be extended to an elongated length of at least 115% of its initial relaxed length (i.e., can be extended by 15%) without rupture or breakage that would render the material unusable for its intended use. Materials that do not meet this definition are considered non-extensible. In some embodiments, an extensible material can be capable of extending to an elongated length of 125% or more of its initial relaxed length without rupture or breakage that would render the material unusable for its intended use. An extensible material may or may not exhibit recovery after application of a biasing force.

[0076] Throughout this disclosure, an extensible material is considered "elastically extensible" if, upon application of a biasing force to the extensible material, the material can be extended to an extended length of at least 115% of its initial relaxed length (i.e., can be extended by 15%) without rupturing or breaking that would render the material unusable for its intended use, and upon removal of the biasing force from the material, the material recovers at least 40% from its extended state. In various examples, upon removal of the force from the elastically extensible material, the material can recover at least 60%, or at least 80%, from its extended state.

[0077] "Elastic," "elastomeric," or "elastomeric" refers to a material exhibiting elastic properties, including any material that, upon application of a force to its initial relaxed length, is capable of stretching or elongating to an elongation exceeding 15% of its initial length and will substantially recover to approximately its initial length upon release of the applied force.

[0078] "Inside" and "outside" refer to the position of elements that are intended to be placed away from or toward the wearer's body and the position of elements that are intended to be placed away from or toward any clothing worn over the absorbent article, respectively, when the absorbent article is worn. Synonyms for "inside" include, but are not limited to, "inner layer," "inside," "skin-facing," "skin-side," "wearer-facing," or "wearer side." Synonyms for "outside" include, but are not limited to, "outer layer," "outside," "garment side," or "garment-facing." Additionally, in the context of taped diapers, when the absorbent article is oriented so that its inside faces upward, for example, when it is unfolded ready for a wearer to be positioned over it, synonyms include "upper" and "lower," and "top" and "bottom," respectively.

[0079] “Joined” refers to a configuration in which one element is directly secured to another element by attaching it directly to the other element; it also refers to a configuration in which one element is indirectly secured to another element by attaching it to an intermediate member, which is then attached to the other element.

[0080] "Pants" refers to absorbent articles typically worn by infants, young children, and incontinent individuals around the lower torso and having the general form of a pair of shorts that can be put on and taken off the wearer without unfastening. Pants are put on the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and then pulling the pants into position around the wearer's lower torso. Although the term "pants" is used herein, pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers," "pre-fastened diapers," "pull-on diapers," "training pants," and "diaper pants."

[0081] "Refastenable" refers to the property of two elements being capable of releasable attachment, separation, and subsequently releasable reattachment without substantial permanent deformation or rupture.

[0082] "Releasably attached," "releasably engaged," and variations thereof, mean that two elements are connected or capable of being connected such that the elements tend to remain connected in the absence of a separating force applied to one or both of the elements, and the elements are capable of being separated without substantial permanent deformation or rupture. The required separation force typically exceeds the forces encountered when wearing an absorbent garment.

[0083] The "strain" or "percent strain" of a material is calculated by subtracting the initial length from the stretched length, dividing the result by the initial length, and multiplying by 100. Percent strain is described by the following formula:

[0084] Percent strain = Strain% = Strain = 100 [(Ls-L0) / L0]

[0085] Where L0 is the initial length of the stretched laminate (or elastomeric film) at the beginning of the stretching step, and Ls is the length of the stretched laminate (or elastomeric film) at the end of the stretching step. Stretching the sample from an initial length of 10 mm to a length of 30 mm induces a 200% strain. Strain can be calculated in the length direction, width direction, or any direction in between.

[0086] The "deformation" or "percent deformation" of a material is calculated by subtracting the initial length from the final length, dividing the result by the initial length, and multiplying by 100. The percent deformation is described by the following formula:

[0087] Deformation percentage = Deformation% = Deformation = 100 [(L f -L0) / L0]

[0088] Where L0 is the initial length of the stretched laminate (or elastomeric film) at the beginning of the stretching step, L fThe relaxed length of the stretched laminate (or elastomeric film) after relaxation from the stretching step. The sample is stretched from an initial length of 10 mm to a length of 30 mm. After relaxation (stress removal), the sample returns to 15 mm. This results in a 50% deformation. Deformation can be calculated in the length direction, width direction, or any direction in between.

[0089] "Wrinkles" are small folds, ridges, or creases.

[0090] "Align," "aligned," or "align" means to place or arrange in a straight line. Thus, aligning the edges of substrates means arranging the substrates so that the edges in question extend along substantially the same line. It will be appreciated that aligning the edges of substrates can be achieved in a variety of ways, including placing one substrate on top of another or placing the substrates side by side.

[0091] "Facing relationship" refers to the relative positioning of materials (such as substrates) with a surface of one material oriented toward a surface of another material. For example, when two substrates are stacked one on top of the other, they are in a facing relationship. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.

[0092] "Machine Direction" (MD) refers to the direction of material flow in a process. Additionally, the relative placement and movement of materials can be described as flowing through a process in the MD direction, from upstream in the process to downstream in the process.

[0093] "Cross-directional" (CD) refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0094] " nonwoven material " refers to the material made of continuous (long) filament (fiber) and / or discontinuous (short) filament (fiber) by methods such as spunbond, meltblown, carding in this article.In some configurations, nonwoven fabric may include a nonwoven fabric based on polyolefin, including but not limited to a nonwoven fabric with polypropylene fiber and / or polyethylene fiber and / or a bicomponent fiber comprising polyolefin. The non-limiting example of suitable fiber includes spunbond, spun-laid, meltblown, spunmelt, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding, film fibrillation, melt film fibrillation, airflow, dry-laid, wet-laid staple fibers and other nonwoven web materials partially or completely formed by polymer fibers as known in the art, and their feasible combinations. Nonwoven fabric does not have woven filaments or knitted filament patterns. It should be understood that nonwoven fabrics with various basis weights can be used according to the method herein. For example, some nonwovens may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, 12 gsm, 16 gsm, 20 gsm, 25 gsm, 30 gsm, 40 gsm, or 65 gsm. Some nonwovens may have a basis weight of about 8 gsm to about 65 gsm or about 10 gsm to about 22 gsm, with all 1 gsm increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby being specifically recited. The nonwovens may comprise or be formed from natural fibers (such as cotton) and bio-based fibers (such as bio-PE or bio-PP).

[0095] As used herein, "pattern" refers to a decorative or distinctive design that is not necessarily repetitive or imitative, including, but not limited to, clustered, geometric, speckled, spiral, swirling, arrayed, textured, helical, cyclical, contoured, figured, checkered, starry, foliate, blocky, pleated, concave, convex, braided, tapered, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a pattern may include one or more repeating design elements.

[0096] The lateral or transverse axis of an absorbent article refers to the direction extending at a 90 degree angle to the longitudinal direction, and includes directions within ±45° of the lateral direction.

[0097] The longitudinal axis of an absorbent article refers to the direction extending parallel to the largest linear dimension of the article and includes directions within ±45° of the longitudinal direction.

[0098] General description of absorbent articles

[0099] An exemplary absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in the form of a diaper. Figure 1-Figure 3 Shown in. Figure 1 To illustrate a plan view of the absorbent article 10, the garment-facing surface 2 faces the viewer in a flat, flat position (ie, without elastic contraction). Figure 2 for Figure 1 1 is a plan view of an example absorbent article 10 with the wearer-facing surface 4 facing the viewer in a flat, unfolded state. Figure 3 In the fastened configuration Figure 1 and Figure 2 Front perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figures 1 to 3 The absorbent article 10 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the present disclosure can be used to make a variety of diapers, including, for example, adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles such as, for example, sanitary napkins and absorbent pads.

[0100] The absorbent article 10 may include a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. The crotch region 14 may extend intermediate the front waist region 12 and the back waist region 16. The front waist region 12, the crotch region 14, and the back waist region 16 may each be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may include a front end edge 18, a back end edge 20 opposite the front end edge 18, and longitudinally extending, laterally opposing side edges 22 and 24 defined by the chassis 52.

[0101] The absorbent article 10 may include a liquid-permeable topsheet 26, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may also include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32, with or without elastics 33, one or more pairs of leg elastics 34, one or more elastic waistbands 36, and / or one or more acquisition materials 38. The one or more acquisition materials 38 may be positioned intermediate the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. A masking layer may be present intermediate the absorbent core and the backsheet film. An outer cover material 40, such as a nonwoven material, may cover the garment-facing side of the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may include back ears 42 positioned in the rear waist region 16. The back ears 42 may include fasteners 46 and may extend from the rear waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10 and be attached (using fasteners 46) to a landing zone area or landing zone material 44 on the garment-facing portion of the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may also have front ears 47 in the front waist region 12. The absorbent article 10 may have a central lateral (or transverse) axis 48 and a central longitudinal axis 50. The central lateral axis 48 extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 50. In the context of taped diapers, the absorbent article may include a secondary fastening system in addition to the primary fastening system.

[0102] In other cases, the absorbent article may be in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0005020 and U.S. Patent No. 9,421,137. See Figures 4 to 8 , an example absorbent article 10 is shown in the form of a pant. Figure 4 It is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 5This is a back perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 6 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 lying flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Figure 4-Figure 8 The same as above Figure 1-Figure 3 The like reference numbered elements may be like elements (eg, absorbent core 30). Figure 7 Taken along line 7-7 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 8 Taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Example forms of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56 are shown. The absorbent article 10 can have a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. Each of the regions 12, 14, and 16 can be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 can have a chassis 52 (sometimes referred to as a central chassis or centerpiece) that includes a topsheet 26, a backsheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 at least partially disposed between the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28, and an optional acquisition material 38 that is similar to that described above with respect to the absorbent article 10. Figure 1-3 The absorbent article 10 may comprise a front belt 54 located in the front waist region 12 and a back belt 56 located in the back waist region 16. The chassis 52 may be joined to the wearer-facing surface 4 of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56, or to the garment-facing surface 2 of the belts 54, 56. The side edges 23 and 25 of the front belt 54 may be joined to the side edges 27 and 29 of the back belt 56, respectively, to form two side seams 58. The side seams 58 may be any suitable seams known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, abutting seams or overlapping seams. When the side seams 58 are permanently formed or refastenably closed, the absorbent article 10 in pant form has two leg openings 60 and a waist opening perimeter 62. The side seams 58 may be permanently joined using, for example, an adhesive or bonding portion, or may be refastenably closed using, for example, hook and loop fasteners.

[0103] bring

[0104] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8, the front and back belts 54, 56 may include front and back inner belt layers 66, 67 and front and back outer belt layers 64, 65 having an elastomeric material (e.g., strands 68 or a film (which may be apertured)) at least partially disposed between the inner and outer belt layers. The elastic elements 68 or film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce elastic strain on the absorbent core 30, or alternatively, may be continuously distributed throughout the absorbent core 30. The elastic elements 68 may have uniform or variable spacing between them in any portion of the belt. The elastic elements 68 may also be pre-strained by the same amount or by different amounts. The front and / or back belts 54, 56 may have one or more elastic element-free zones 70 where the chassis 52 overlaps the front and back belts 54, 56. In other cases, at least some of the elastic elements 68 may extend continuously over the chassis 52.

[0105] The front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67, as well as the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65, can be joined using adhesives, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, thermoplastic bonds, or ultrasonic bonds. Various suitable belt layer configurations can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0211363. Either of the belts 54 and 56 can include a stretch laminate as described below.

[0106] The front and rear belt end edges 55, 57 may extend longitudinally beyond the front and rear chassis end edges 19, 21 (e.g., Figure 6 25 and 27 and 29 can extend laterally beyond chassis sides 22 and 24. Front and rear belts 54 and 56 can be continuous (i.e., have at least one continuous layer) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., lateral distances from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29). Alternatively, front and rear belts 54 and 56 can be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., lateral distances from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29), making them discrete.

[0107] As disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis 50) of the rear strap 56 can be greater than the longitudinal length of the front strap 54, and this can be particularly useful for increasing hip coverage when the rear strap 56 has a greater longitudinal length than the front strap 54 adjacent or proximate the side seam 58.

[0108] The front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 can be separated from each other so that the layers are discrete, or the layers can be continuous so that the layers extend continuously from the front belt end edge 55 to the rear belt end edge 57. The same can be said for the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 - that is, they can also be longitudinally discrete or continuous. Furthermore, the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 can be longitudinally continuous, while the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 are longitudinally discrete so that gaps are formed between them - the gaps between the front and rear inner and outer belt layers 64, 65, 66 and 67 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 and the gap between the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 is shown in Figure 8 middle.

[0109] The front and back belts 54, 56 may include slits, holes, and / or perforations that provide increased breathability, softness, and a garment-like texture. The underwear-like appearance may be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams 58 (see FIG. Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0110] The front and rear straps 54, 56 may include graphics (see, e.g., Figure 1 The graphic may extend substantially around the entire perimeter of the absorbent article 10 and may be disposed across the side seams 58 and / or across the proximal front and back tape seams 15, 17; or alternatively, disposed adjacent the seams 58, 15, and 17 in the manner described in U.S. Patent No. 9,498,389 to create a more underwear-like article. The graphic may also be discontinuous.

[0111] Alternatively, rather than attaching belts 54 and 56 to chassis 52 to form a pant, discrete side panels may be connected to chassis sides 22 and 24. Suitable forms of pant including discrete side panels are disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,645,190, 8,747,379, 8,372,052, 8,361,048, 6,761,711, 6,817,994, 8,007,485, 7,862,550, 6,969,377, 7,497,851, 6,849,067, 6,893,426, 6,953,452, 6,840,928, 8,579,876, 7,682,349, 7,156,833, and 7,201,744.

[0112] Top sheet

[0113] The top sheet 26 is the portion of the absorbent article 10 that contacts the wearer's skin. The top sheet 26 may be joined to a back sheet 28, an absorbent core 30, barrier leg cuffs 32, and / or portions of any other layer as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The top sheet 26 may be compliant, feel soft, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, at least a portion or all of the top sheet may be liquid permeable, thereby allowing liquid body exudates to easily seep through its thickness. The top sheet may be formed by one or more layers of equal or unequal size or area. Suitable top sheets may be made of many different materials, such as porous foam, reticulated foam, open-cell plastic film, woven material, nonwoven material, natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers or bicomponent PE / PP fibers or bio-source fibers, biopolymers, PIR polymers, or mixtures thereof), or woven or nonwoven materials of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The top sheet may have one or more layers. The top sheet may be open-cell ( Figure 2 , element 31), may have any suitable three-dimensional features and / or may have multiple embossings (e.g., a pattern of bonds). The topsheet may be apertured by over-bonding the material and subsequently breaking the over-bonds by ring rolling, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097, issued to Benson et al. on May 13, 1997, and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2016 / 0136014 to Arora et al. Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, antimicrobial agent, surfactant, and / or other benefit agent. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, there will typically be apertures to allow body exudates to pass through the topsheet.

[0114] negatives

[0115] Backsheet 28 is generally that part of the surface positioning facing clothes of absorbent article 10 adjacent absorbent core 30. Backsheet 28 can be joined to the top sheet 26 of absorbent article, outer cover material 40, absorbent core 30 and / or the part of any other layer by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. Backsheet 28 prevents or at least suppresses the body exudates absorbed and accommodated by absorbent core 10 from soiling articles, such as bed sheet, underwear and / or clothing. Backsheet is generally liquid-impermeable, or at least is liquid-impermeable basically. Backsheet can for example be or include a thin plastic film (such as a thermoplastic film), and this thin plastic film has a thickness of about 0.012mm to about 0.051mm. Other suitable backsheet materials can include breathable material, which allows steam to escape from absorbent article, while still preventing or at least suppressing body exudates from seeing through backsheet. Backsheet can be printed with ink graphics. Backsheet can also be printed with a wet indicator mark, such as by using one or more water-discoloring inks.

[0116] Outer cover material

[0117] The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven material) 40 may include one or more nonwoven materials joined to and covering the backsheet 28. The outer cover material 40 forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10 and effectively "covers" the backsheet 28 so that no film is present on the garment-facing surface 2. The outer cover material 40 may include a pattern of bonds, apertures, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material 40 may be a hydroentangled nonwoven material.

[0118] absorbent core

[0119] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 30 refers to the component of the absorbent article 10 that is disposed within the article for absorbing and containing liquids, such as urine, received by the absorbent article. Thus, the absorbent core typically has a high absorbent capacity. Figures 9 to 11 An example absorbent core 30 is schematically shown in . The absorbent core comprises absorbent material 72 typically enclosed within or sandwiched between core pockets 74.

[0120] The core wrap can be a single material that is folded and attached to itself, or it can include separate top and bottom layers that can be bonded or otherwise joined together. The absorbent material typically includes superabsorbent particles, optionally mixed with cellulose fibers. As used herein, an "absorbent core" does not include any acquisition system, top sheet, or back sheet of an absorbent article.

[0121] exist Figures 9 to 11The example absorbent core 30 shown alone in FIG is in a dry state (before use). The absorbent core may generally have a generally rectangular shape defined by its longitudinal edges and transverse front and rear edges, or may have other shapes.

[0122] The absorbent material 72 may be deposited as an absorbent layer having a generally rectangular profile, such as Figure 9 Various absorbent cores can also be used. The layer of absorbent material 72 can also have a non-rectangular perimeter (a "shaped" core). In particular, the absorbent material 72 can define a taper along its width toward the center region of the core (or a "dog bone" shape). In this way, the absorbent material deposition area can have a relatively narrow width in the area of the absorbent core intended to be placed in the crotch region of the absorbent article or toward the front region of the absorbent article. This can provide, for example, greater wearing comfort. Other shapes such as "T" or "Y" or "hourglass" shapes can also be used for the absorbent material area.

[0123] The absorbent material 72 can be any conventional absorbent material known in the art. For example, the absorbent material can include a blend of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent particles ("SAP"), wherein the percentage of SAP is generally in the range of about 50% to about 75% by weight of the absorbent material. According to various embodiments, the absorbent material can contain at least 80% superabsorbent polymer by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent material can also be free of cellulose fibers, as is known in so-called airfelt-free cores, in which the absorbent material consists of or consists essentially of SAP. The absorbent material can also be a high internal phase emulsion foam.

[0124] "Superabsorbent polymer" or "SAP" as used herein refers to absorbent materials, which are typically cross-linked polymer materials that can absorb at least 10 times their own weight in an aqueous 0.9% saline solution as measured using the "Centrifuge Retention Capacity" (CRC) test (EDANA method WSP 241.2.R3 (12)). SAP can particularly have a CRC value of at least 20 g / g, particularly 20 g / g to 40 g / g. As used herein, "superabsorbent polymer particles" refers to superabsorbent polymer materials in particulate form so as to be flowable in a dry state.

[0125] Various absorbent core designs containing large amounts of SAP have been proposed in the past, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP 1,447,066 (Busam), WO 95 / 11652 (Tanzer), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), and WO 2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen). Specifically, SAP printing techniques such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 024433 (Blessing), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0312617, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0051166A1 (both to Hundorf et al.) can be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a particular type of absorbent core. The absorbent core may also include one or more adhesives, such as an auxiliary adhesive applied between the inner surface of one (or both) of the core wrap layers and the absorbent material, to reduce leakage of SAP outside the core wrap. Microfiber adhesive webs can also be used in cores that do not contain airfelt, as described in the Hundorf reference above. For simplicity, these adhesives are not shown in the drawings. Other core configurations that include a high loft nonwoven substrate (such as a carded nonwoven layer) having a porous structure into which SAP particles have been deposited can also be used in the present disclosure.

[0126] The absorbent material may be deposited as a continuous layer within the core wrap. The absorbent material may also be present discontinuously, for example in the form of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material enclosed within the core wrap and separated from one another by material-free joining areas. A continuous layer of absorbent material, in particular SAP, may also be obtained by combining two absorbent layers with matching discontinuous absorbent material application patterns, wherein the resulting layer is substantially continuously distributed in the absorbent particulate polymer material areas, such as Figures 10 and 11 As taught, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 312,622 A1 (Hundorf), each absorbent material layer can thus include a pattern having absorbent material landing areas and absorbent material-free land areas, wherein the absorbent material landing areas of the first layer substantially correspond to the absorbent material-free land areas of the second layer, and vice versa.

[0127] The basis weight (amount deposited per unit surface area) of the absorbent material can also be varied to create a profiled distribution of the absorbent material, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the core, but also in the transverse direction, or both, to provide greater absorbency toward the center and midsection of the core. The absorbent core can also include one or more longitudinally (or otherwise) extending channels 76, which are regions of the absorbent layer that are substantially free of absorbent material within the absorbent material layer. The top side of the core wrap can advantageously be bonded to the bottom side of the core via adhesive, mechanical, or ultrasonic bonding through these material-free regions. Examples of such channels in cores without airfelt can be found in WO 2012 / 170778 (Rosati et al.) and US 2012 / 0312491 (Jackels). Channels can, of course, also be formed in absorbent cores comprising a mixture of cellulose fibers and SAP particles. These channels can embody any suitable shape, and any suitable number of channels can be provided. In other cases, the absorbent core can be embossed to create an impression of channels. Figures 9-11 The absorbent core in is only an example absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] Barrier leg cuffs / leg elastics

[0129] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the absorbent article 10 may include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 and one or more pairs of leg elastics 34. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may be positioned laterally inboard of the leg elastics 34. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may be formed from a piece of material bonded to the absorbent article 10 such that it extends upward from the wearer-facing surface 4 of the absorbent article 10 and provides improved containment of body exudates near the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The barrier leg cuffs 32 are defined by proximal edges that are directly or indirectly joined to the topsheet and / or backsheet, and free end edges that are intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may extend at least partially between the front end edge 18 and the rear end edge 20 of the absorbent article 10 on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis 50 and be present at least in the crotch region 14. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may each include one or more elastic components 33 (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free end edges. These elastic members 33 enable the barrier leg cuffs 32 to help form a seal around the wearer's legs and torso. The leg elastic members 34 extend at least partially between the front end edge 18 and the rear end edge 20. The leg elastic members 34 substantially enable portions of the absorbent article 10 adjacent the chassis side edges 22, 24 to help form a seal around the wearer's legs. The leg elastic members 34 can extend at least in the crotch region 14.

[0130] Elastic waistband

[0131] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may include one or more elastic waistbands 36. The elastic waistbands 36 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface 2 or the wearer-facing surface 4, or between the garment-facing surface and the wearer-facing surface. As an example, a first elastic waistband 36 may be present in the front waist region 12 near the front band end edge 18, and a second elastic waistband 36 may be present in the back waist region 16 near the rear end edge 20. The elastic waistbands 36 may help seal the absorbent article 10 around the wearer's waist and at least inhibit body exudates from escaping the absorbent article 10 around the waist opening. In some cases, the elastic waistband may completely surround the waist opening of the absorbent article. The waistband may include elastic strands, elastic film, or a combination thereof. The waistband may be a stretch laminate within the scope of the present disclosure and may be ultrasonically bonded.

[0132] Collect materials

[0133] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 An acquisition layer comprising one or more acquisition materials 38 may be present at least partially between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. The acquisition material 38 is typically a hydrophilic material that provides significant wicking of body exudates. These materials can dehydrate the topsheet 26 and rapidly draw body exudates into the absorbent core 30. The acquisition material 38 may comprise, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, formed films, apertured formed films, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, airlaid cellulosic nonwovens, hydroentangled materials, or combinations thereof. In some cases, portions of the acquisition material 38 may extend through portions of the topsheet 26, portions of the topsheet 26 may extend through portions of the acquisition material 38, and / or the topsheet 26 may be nested with the acquisition material 38. Typically, the acquisition material 38 may have a width and length that is less than the width and length of the topsheet 26. The acquisition material may serve as a secondary topsheet in the context of a feminine pad. The acquisition material may have one or more channels as described above with reference to the absorbent core 30 (including the embossed pattern). The channels in the acquisition material may or may not align with the channels in the absorbent core 30. In one example, the first acquisition material may comprise a nonwoven material and the second acquisition material may comprise a cross-linked cellulosic material.

[0134] Landing Zone

[0135] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2, the absorbent article 10 may have a landing zone area 44 formed in a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the outer cover material 40. If the absorbent article 10 fastens from front to back, the landing zone area 44 may be located in the rear waist region 16; or if the absorbent article 10 fastens from back to front, the landing zone area 44 may be located in the front waist region 16. In some cases, the landing zone 44 may be or include one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the outer cover material 40 in the front waist region 12 or the rear waist region 16, depending on whether the absorbent article fastens from the front or the back. In essence, the landing zone 44 is configured to receive the fastener 46 and may include, for example, a plurality of loops configured to engage with a plurality of hooks on the fastener 46, or vice versa. The landing zone may include a nonwoven material having a sufficient number of fiber loops to enable adequate fastening.

[0136] Wetting indicator / graphics

[0137] See also Figure 1 The absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may include graphics 78 and / or wetness indicators 80 visible from the garment-facing surface 2. The graphics 78 may be printed on the landing zone 40, the backsheet 28, and / or other locations. The wetness indicators 80 are typically applied to the side of the backsheet 28 facing the absorbent core so that they can be contacted by body exudates within the absorbent core 30. In some cases, the wetness indicators 80 may form part of the graphics 78. For example, the wetness indicators may appear or disappear, and characters may be added or removed from some graphics. In other cases, the wetness indicators 80 may be coordinated with the graphics 78 (e.g., the same design, the same pattern, the same color) or not. The wetness indicators may be slot coated, gravure printed, or digitally printed onto the carrier substrate. The indicator action (typically a color change) may be pH-sensitive (blue to green to yellow, blue to yellow, or other), or may be thermochromic (temperature-sensitive).

[0138] Front and back ear pieces

[0139] See above mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2In a taped diaper, the absorbent article 10 may have front ears 47 and / or back ears 42. In most taped diapers, only one set of ears is required. A single set of ears may include fasteners 46 configured to engage the landing zone or landing zone area 44. If two sets of ears are provided, in most cases, only one set of ears may have fasteners 46, while the other set of ears does not. The ears or portions thereof may be elastic or may include elastic sheets. In one example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be positioned between the first and second nonwoven materials. The elastic film may be apertured or non-apertured. The ears may be formed. The ears may be integral (e.g., extensions of the outer cover material 40, the backsheet 28, and / or the topsheet 26), or may be discrete components attached to the chassis 52 of the absorbent article on the wearer-facing surface 4, the garment-facing surface 2, or between both surfaces 4 and 2. Additionally or alternatively, either of the ears 42, 47 may include a stretch laminate as described below.

[0140] masking layer

[0141] One or more masking layers or materials may be provided in the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may be a layer that provides a soft feel when the absorbent article is touched from the garment-facing surface 2 or the wearer-facing surface 4. The masking layer may "mask" the graininess potentially caused by the absorbent material 72 (such as superabsorbent polymer). The masking layer may "mask" body exudates, making them invisible when viewing the wearer-facing surface 4 or the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may have a basis weight ranging from about 15 gsm to about 50 gsm, or from about 15 gsm to about 40 gsm. The masking layer may include one or more nonwoven materials (e.g., hydroentangled nonwovens), foams, pulp layers, and / or other suitable materials. The masking layer may be the outer cover material 40. The masking layer may be a layer forming the garment-facing side or the wearer-facing side of the core bag 74. The masking layer may be a separate material positioned between the garment-facing side of the core bag 74 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 28.

[0142] sensor

[0143] See again Figure 1The absorbent article of the present disclosure may include a sensor system 82 for monitoring changes within the absorbent article 10. The sensor system 82 may be separate from the absorbent article 10 or integral thereto. The absorbent article 10 may include sensors that can sense various aspects of the absorbent article 10 associated with an insult from bodily exudates (such as urine and / or feces) (e.g., the sensor system 82 can sense temperature changes, humidity, the presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the exudates (urine and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the garment-facing layer of the absorbent article, changes in the translucency of the garment-facing layer, and / or changes in color through the garment-facing layer). Additionally, the sensor system 82 can sense components of urine, such as ammonia or urea, and / or byproducts resulting from the reaction of these components with the absorbent article 10. The sensor system 82 can sense byproducts produced when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article 10 (e.g., adhesives, AGM). The sensed components or byproducts may be in the form of vapors that can pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to place a reactant in the absorbent article that, when mixed with urine or BM, changes state (e.g., color, temperature) or produces a measurable byproduct. The sensor system 82 may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gases, blood, chemical markers, or biological markers, or a combination thereof. The sensor system 82 may include a component on or adjacent to the absorbent article that transmits a signal to a receiver located further away from the absorbent article, such as an iPhone. The receiver may output the result to communicate the condition of the absorbent article 10 to a caregiver. In other cases, a receiver may not be provided; instead, the condition of the absorbent article 10 may be visually or audibly apparent from sensors on the absorbent article.

[0144] Biobased content of components

[0145] Components of the absorbent articles described herein may be composed at least in part of biobased content, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0219521A1. For example, a superabsorbent polymer component may be biobased by being derived from biobased acrylic acid. Biobased acrylic acid and methods for its production are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 and U.S. Patents 8,703,450, 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components, such as nonwoven and film components, may contain biobased polyolefin materials. Biobased polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812 and 2016 / 0206774 and U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Example biobased polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include those available under the designation SHA7260. ™ 、SHE150 ™ or SGM9450F ™The polymers obtained were (all available from Braskem SA).

[0146] The absorbent article component may comprise a biobased content value of, for example, from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, as measured using ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0147] Recycling-friendly and bio-based absorbent products

[0148] The components of the absorbent articles described herein can be recycled for other uses, regardless of whether they are (at least partially) formed from recyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that can be recycled are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process can use an autoclave to sterilize the absorbent article, which can then be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Example by-product streams can include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers, such as pulp. These by-product streams can be used to produce fertilizers, manufacture plastic products, paper products, viscose, building materials, absorbent pads for pets or hospital beds, and / or other uses. More details about absorbent articles that facilitate recycling, designs for recycling-friendly diapers, and designs for recycling-friendly and bio-based component diapers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723, published on June 27, 2019.

[0149] Stretch laminate

[0150] Various elements of the absorbent article 10 described herein, particularly the elastic side members, can include stretch laminates. For example, either of the belts 54 and 56 and / or either of the ears 42, 47 can include a stretch laminate as described below. The waistband can also include a stretch laminate. Such laminates can include an elastomeric layer that provides stretchability to the laminate and one or more outer layers that are less stretchable but suitable for providing durability and desired tactile properties. In this way, the laminate allows the components of the absorbent article to closely and comfortably contact the wearer while providing a desired aesthetic quality.

[0151] 12A to 12F 90 are cross-sectional views of various stretch laminates. Figure 12A As shown, the stretch laminate 90 may include a first cover layer 100 and an elastomeric film layer 300 joined via one or more ultrasonic bonds 400. It should also be understood that the layers of the stretch laminate may be bonded using a combination of mechanical bonds, such as thermal bonds, pressure bonds, and ultrasonic bonds. The elastomeric film layer 300 may have one or more skin layers, such as a first skin layer 301 providing a first surface and a second skin layer 302 providing a second surface. Figure 12B As shown, the stretch laminate 90 may include a first cover layer 100 and a second cover layer 200 with an elastomeric film layer 300 sandwiched therebetween in a facing relationship to both the first cover layer 100 and the second cover layer 200. All three layers may be joined via one or more ultrasonic bonds 400. Figure 12C and Figure 12D As shown, all or a portion of the first cover layer 100 may include one or more layers, such as a first layer 101 and a second layer 102, which may have the same composition or different compositions. Similarly, all or a portion of the second cover layer 200 may include one or more layers, such as a first layer 201 and a second layer 202, which may have the same composition or different compositions. Figure 12E and Figure 12F As shown, a portion of the first cover layer 100 or the second cover layer 200 can be folded over to provide a multi-layer structure on all or a portion of the opposing side of the stretch laminate 90.

[0152] The elastomeric film layer 300 of the stretch laminate 90 can include a single layer or multiple layers of one or more elastically extensible materials. The elastically extensible material can have a thickness between about 10 μm and about 100 μm, or between about 20 μm and about 60 μm, or between about 30 μm and about 50 μm, or in some embodiments, about 40 μm. The elastically extensible material can include an elastomeric polyolefin, and in some embodiments, a polyolefin (POE) blown film.

[0153] The elastically extensible material includes one or more elastomeric materials that provide elasticity to at least a portion of the layer. Non-limiting examples of elastomeric materials include films (e.g., polyurethane films, films derived from rubber and / or other polymeric materials), elastomeric coatings applied to another substrate (e.g., hot melt elastomers, elastomeric adhesives, printed elastomers, or elastomers coextruded to another substrate), elastomeric nonwovens, scrims, and the like. The elastomeric material can be formed from an elastomeric polymer, including polymers having the following substances: styrene derivatives (e.g., styrene block copolymer materials), polyesters, polyurethanes, polyetherimides, polyolefins, combinations thereof, or any suitable known elastomer, including but not limited to coextruded VISTAMAXX ®Exemplary elastomers and / or elastomeric materials are disclosed in U.S. Patents 8,618,350, 6,410,129, 7,819,853, 8,795,809, 7,806,883, 6,677,258, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0258210. Commercially available elastomeric materials include KRATON (styrene block copolymer; available from Kraton Chemical Company, Houston, TX); SEPTON (styrene block copolymer; available from Kuraray America, Inc., New York, NY); VECTOR (styrene block copolymer; available from TSRC Dexco Chemical Company, Houston, TX); ESTANE (polyurethane; available from Lubrizol, Inc., Ohio); PEBAX (polyether block amide; available from Arkema Chemicals, Philadelphia, PA); HYTREL (polyester; available from DuPont, Wilmington, DE), VISTAMAXX (homopolyolefins and random copolymers, and blends of random copolymers, available from EXXON Mobile, Spring, TX), VERSIFY (homopolyolefins and random copolymers, and blends of random copolymers, available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan), and INFUSE (block copolymers, available from Dow Chemical Company). The elastically extensible material may include a modifying resin.

[0154] The elastically extensible material can include a variety of additives. Suitable additives can be used, including but not limited to stabilizers, antioxidants and antibacterials, to prevent thermal degradation, oxidative degradation and biochemical degradation of the elastically extensible material. The additive can account for approximately 0.01% to approximately 60% of the elastically extensible material gross weight. In other embodiments, the composition comprises approximately 0.01% to approximately 25% additives. In other suitable embodiments, the elastically extensible material comprises approximately 0.01% by weight to approximately 10% by weight of additives.

[0155] The elastically extensible material may contain various stabilizers and antioxidants well known in the art, including high molecular weight hindered phenols (i.e., phenolic compounds having sterically bulky groups near the hydroxyl groups), polyfunctional phenols (i.e., phenolic compounds having sulfur-containing groups and phosphorus-containing groups), phosphates such as tris(p-nonylphenyl)phosphite, hindered amines, and combinations thereof. Proprietary commercial stabilizers and / or antioxidants are available under many trade names, including various Wingstay® and Wingstay® brands. ® Tinuvin® and Irganox ® product.

[0156] The elastically extensible material may include various antimicrobial agents known in the art. Examples of suitable antimicrobial agents include benzoates, phenols, aldehydes, halogen-containing compounds, nitrogen compounds, and metal-containing compounds such as mercury, zinc compounds, and tin compounds. A representative example is available under the trade name Irgasan Pa. from Ciba Specialty Chemical Corporation (Tarrytown, NY).

[0157] The elastically extensible material may include a viscosity modifier, a processing aid, a slip agent, or an anti-caking agent. Processing aids include process oils well known in the art, including synthetic and natural oils, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils, olefin oligomers and low molecular weight polymers, vegetable oils, animal oils, and derivatives of such substances, including hydrogenated versions. Processing oils may also be combined with combinations of such oils. Mineral oils can be used as process oils. Viscosity modifiers are also well known in the art. For example, petroleum-derived waxes can be used to reduce the viscosity of slow recovery elastomers during thermal processing. Suitable waxes include low number average molecular weight (e.g., 0.6 kilodalton to 6.0 kilodalton) polyethylene; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; atactic polypropylene; synthetic waxes prepared by polymerizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, such as Fischer-Tropsch waxes; and polyolefin waxes.

[0158] Consumers have tested the desirability and significance of many stretch laminate features. The selection of nonwoven materials can affect the outward appearance of the bond pattern and can also change the tactile softness of the laminate. The variation of the ultrasonic bond pattern and the nonwoven bond pattern can change the texture of the stretch laminate in terms of both tactile and visual perception. In short, changing these parameters in the laminate can produce a clear difference that consumers can perceive and realize. Some other variations are described in detail below.

[0159] The attachments of the layers of the stretch laminate are discussed herein as having ultrasonic bonds. However, it should be understood that other types of mechanical bonds may be used in combination with ultrasonic bonds to form the stretch laminate, and the following disclosure applies to such bond combinations. For example, the stretch laminate may include ultrasonic and thermal bonds or ultrasonic and pressure bonds.

[0160] surface layer

[0161] Exemplary elastomeric film layers 300 (i.e., elastically extensible materials having at least one skin layer disposed on a surface of the elastically extensible material) that can be used in the stretch laminates 90 described herein include M18-1117 and M18-1361 elastomeric films commercially available from Clopay Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio); K11-815 and CEX-826 elastomeric films commercially available from Tredegar Film Products (Richmond, Virginia); and elastomeric films commercially available from Mondi Gronau GmbH (Gronau, Germany). These exemplary elastomeric films can include a single layer of elastically extensible material having skin layers 301, 302 disposed on both surfaces of the material. Other elastomeric film layers suitable for use in the stretch laminates described herein need not have skin layers 301, 302 on both surfaces of the material and can instead have no skin layer or have a skin layer on only one surface.

[0162] nonwoven materials

[0163] The first cover layer 100 and cover layer material 200, as well as any layers 101, 102, 201, 202 comprising either material, can comprise any suitable nonwoven material or combination of nonwoven materials, including, but not limited to, spunlace alone or spunmeltblown combinations, such as SM (spunbond meltblown), SMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond), SMMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond), SSMMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond), hydroentangled nonwovens, and soft-bonded nonwovens. The nonwoven material can also include a carded nonwoven, such as one specifically designed and manufactured to be compatible with activation (e.g., ring rolling) processes. One exemplary nonwoven material is a carded nonwoven made from polypropylene homopolymer. Spunbonds can also be specifically designed and / or manufactured to be compatible with activation processes. However, it is believed that greater flexibility in design choices can be achieved by using elastomeric films according to the present disclosure. For example, spunbond can be selected for applications where only carded nonwovens have been used in the past, or thinner elastomeric films can be used with carded nonwovens. Those skilled in the art will also recognize other improvements in design flexibility. For example, in some embodiments, the cover layer can be a stretchable nonwoven that may or may not need to undergo an activation process in order to impart stretchability to the stretch laminate.

[0164] The basis weight of the nonwoven material can be less than about 30 gsm. In fact, according to certain embodiments, the basis weight can be less than about 27 gsm. In other embodiments, the basis weight can be less than about 25 gsm. In still other embodiments, the nonwoven material can have a basis weight of less than about 24 gsm. The nonwoven material can also contain additives such as CaCO3. In the embodiments of the stretch laminate 90 detailed herein, woven or knitted fabrics can also be used as cover layers 100, 200.

[0165] The ultrasonic bonds 400 preferably eliminate the need for any adhesive; however, an adhesive may be employed to join the layers 100, 200, 300 of the stretch laminate 90. The adhesive may be selected from any adhesive known to provide suitable attachment between the elastomeric film layer 300 and the cover layers 100, 200. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive having a basis weight of less than about 15 gsm. According to one embodiment, the adhesive may be H2031 adhesive commercially available from Bostik Inc. (Middleton, Massachusetts). One characteristic of this adhesive is that it exhibits significant pressure-sensitive properties at 23°C, making it useful for hand-making stretch laminates. However, the adhesive is also suitable for making stretch laminates from the elastomeric films and cover layers listed above using conventional stretch laminate manufacturing equipment, which is well known in the art.

[0166] The nonwoven can include added materials such as ink, color change indicators, and skin components such as moisturizers, fragrances, lubricants, antibacterial substances, insect repellents, and ultraviolet protection substances. The added materials can be arranged on one or more layers of the nonwoven or laminate. The added materials can be arranged on the surface. For example, ink can be applied to the nonwoven by printing. The ink can provide visual signals to the user, such as the position of the bonding portion or bonding portion pattern or graphic.

[0167] The bond pattern of the laminate can be coordinated with other parts of the absorbent article. For example, the bond pattern of the laminate can be coordinated with the patterns on the base structure, such as the topsheet and / or backsheet, ears, fasteners, and / or waist features. The coordinated pattern can be a pattern formed by mechanically changing the structure of the material or adding material to form the pattern (e.g., by printing).

[0168] Pre-activation

[0169] The elastomeric film layer 300 can be mechanically preactivated prior to attachment to at least one cover layer 100, 200. For example, the elastomeric film layer 300 can be preactivated by stretching it cross-web by more than 50% (i.e., strain >50%). In some embodiments, the stretching occurs by approximately 100% to approximately 500% relative to the initial width of the elastomeric film layer 300. In alternative embodiments, the elastomeric film layer 300 can be stretched in the web direction, in a direction other than the web direction or cross-web, or in a combination of these directions. The term "stretching" refers to the fact that the stretching of the elastomeric film layer 300 is not fully reversible, and the inelastic portion causes the film to have a greater width after preactivation (i.e., the elastomeric film does not have a 100% recovery rate and therefore has a deformation percentage value). After stretching, the elastomeric film layer 300 retracts, and its width can be approximately 10% to approximately 30% wider relative to the initial width of the elastomeric film layer. In other words, after the pre-activated stretching and retraction described in detail below, the elastomeric film layer 300 can exhibit a deformation of about 10% to about 30%.

[0170] According to various embodiments in which the elastomeric film layer 300 comprises both an elastically extensible material and at least one skin layer disposed on the elastically extensible material, the preactivation process can physically alter these materials differently, for example, because these materials have different elastic and recovery properties. During preactivation, the skin layers 301 and / or 302 are stretched similarly to the elastically extensible material (i.e., subjected to similar strain). However, after stretching, the skin layers and the elastically extensible material will retract and recover differently (i.e., have different set points). Compared to the elastically extensible material, the skin layers are less elastic and therefore have less recovery after stretching, also known as a higher set point. The skin layers are also much thinner than the elastically extensible material. Therefore, when the thicker elastically extensible material retracts and recovers after being stretched before activation, it forces the attached skin layer to retract with it. However, because the skin layers cannot recover as much as the elastically extensible material, they shrink and wrinkle. Consequently, the cross-sectional profile and top-view appearance of the elastomeric film layer 300 are modified after the preactivation process.

[0171] Figure 13A 、 Figure 13B 、 Figure 14A and Figure 14B SEM micrographs of magnified cross-sections of elastomeric films. These SEM micrographs, as well as the others included herein, were taken using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi Model 3500). Information used to calculate the specific magnification and distance is provided along the bottom edge of each individual SEM micrograph. Figure 13AThis is an SEM micrograph taken at approximately 900X magnification, showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of an elastomeric film that has not been preactivated. The skin layers are thin strips of contrasting material at the top and bottom of the cross-section, with a thicker, elastically extensible material between the skin layers. The skin layers at the top of the cross-section are easier to discern because the cross-section is cut more cleanly in this area. Without preactivation, the skin layers, and therefore the outer surface of the elastomeric film, appear essentially smooth in the cross-sectional view. Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A higher magnification image (approximately 3500X magnification) of the surface layer at the top of the cross section is shown in the SEM micrograph.

[0172] Figure 14A is an SEM micrograph taken at approximately 900X magnification showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of a preactivated elastomeric film. Again, the skin layers are thin strips of contrasting material at the top and bottom of the cross-section, with thicker elastically extensible material between the skin layers. In the preactivated state, the skin layers, and therefore the outer surface of the elastomeric film, appear wrinkled in the cross-sectional view. Figure 14B yes Figure 14A A higher magnification image (approximately 3500X magnification) of the surface layer at the top of the cross section is shown in the SEM micrograph.

[0173] Figure 14A and Figure 14B It is shown that after pre-activation, the surface layer 301 of the elastomeric film layer 300 includes a plurality of wrinkles having ridges and grooves. Figure 14B As shown in the non-limiting sample photographed in FIG, there are approximately six ridges and six grooves of different sizes within a length of approximately 35 μm taken along the cross-sectional profile of the pre-activated elastomeric film. Figure 13B In comparison, Figure 13B In the image, there are no ridges or grooves within a length of approximately 35 µm taken along the cross-sectional profile of the non-preactivated elastomer film. Figure 14B As can be seen on the top surface of the elastomeric film shown in FIG, one or more random ridges and / or grooves may be present within a specific length of the cross-sectional profile of the non-preactivated elastomeric film. These random ridges and / or grooves are caused by irregularities in the surface of the elastomeric film. Such random ridges and / or grooves should not be confused with the ridges and grooves that are intentionally formed into the elastomeric film through the mechanical preactivation process to form a plurality of wrinkles.

[0174] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Figure 1 is a transmitted light micrograph of a magnified top view of an elastomeric film. Color transmitted light micrographs were taken using a Nikon SMZ 1500 stereo optical microscope equipped with an EvolutionMp5C digital camera, with white light shining from below the elastomeric film sample. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The blue scale markings at the bottom are in millimeters. This scale can be used to calculate specific magnifications and distances in transmitted light micrographs. Figure 15 is a transmitted light micrograph showing a top view of a portion of an elastomeric film that has not been preactivated. Without preactivation, the visible outer surface of the elastomeric film (i.e., top view of the skin) has no discernible striations and is uniform in appearance. Figure 16 is a transmitted light micrograph showing a top view of a portion of a preactivated elastomeric film. In the case of preactivation, the top view of the surface layer includes a plurality of striations of varying thickness, which are related to the size and pitch of the intermeshing discs of the mechanical preactivation device. The striations referred to herein as activation striations represent areas of the preactivated elastomeric film that have experienced a specific degree of stretching during the preactivation process. For example, Figure 16 As shown in the non-limiting sample photographed in , medium-thick dark blue streaks indicate a higher degree of surface wrinkling, thicker light blue streaks indicate a medium degree of surface wrinkling, and thin white streaks indicate a lower degree of surface wrinkling.

[0175] Furthermore, after preactivation, but before the elastomeric film layer 300 is utilized in the manufacture of the stretch laminate 90, the film layer 300 can optionally be printed with an image or graphic that can be displayed through the cover layers 100, 200 of the stretch laminate 90. The ink or other pigment used for printing will be deposited onto the ridges and grooves of the wrinkles of the preactivated elastomeric film. The ink deposited onto the textured surface of the preactivated elastomeric film allows for a greater surface area of contact between the elastomeric film and the ink. Consequently, when printed onto the preactivated elastomeric film, the image is more securely attached to the film than when printed onto the smoother surface of a non-preactivated elastomeric film.

[0176] Furthermore, when the stretch laminate 90 comprises a mechanically preactivated (and subsequently printed) elastomeric film, the undistorted printed image on the film stretches uniformly and reversibly along with the film. This is because, before the image is printed on the preactivated elastomeric film, a significant portion or all of the inelastic portion of the elastomeric film 90 has already been removed during the preactivation process. In other words, the deformed portion has already been removed from the elastomeric film layer 300 prior to printing. Therefore, the printed image will not be significantly distorted further with subsequent activation of the stretch laminate 90 or additional stretching by the user. In contrast, if an image or graphic is printed on a non-preactivated elastomeric film, then used to manufacture a stretch laminate, and then mechanically activated, the desired image will be distorted in the final activated stretch laminate. This is because the deformed portion of the elastomeric film is not removed prior to the printing process and will be removed from the elastomeric film during mechanical activation of the resulting stretch laminate, thereby distorting the initial printed image. Likewise, if the elastomeric film is pre-activated after printing, deformed portions of the elastomeric film will not be removed prior to the printing process, and such deformed portions will be removed from the elastomeric film during the pre-activation process, thereby distorting the initial printed image.

[0177] In one embodiment, the pre-activated elastomeric film can be stretched again during printing of the film. The printed film is then relaxed for the production and activation of the stretch laminate. When the resulting activated stretch laminate is in a stretched state during use (e.g., when a user stretches the stretch laminate when applying or removing an absorbent article), the stretch laminate has an aesthetically pleasing image or graphic.

[0178] In embodiments of stretch laminates comprising pre-activated, pre-printed elastomeric films, the printed ink or other pigment will be deposited onto the ridges and grooves of the film's wrinkles. As detailed above, ink deposited onto the textured surface of a pre-activated elastomeric film will be more securely deposited onto the film (compared to ink deposited onto a non-pre-activated elastomeric film) due to the additional contact surface area between the elastomeric film and the ink.

[0179] Furthermore, preactivating the elastomeric film also reduces the force required to subsequently stretch the film (compared to an unactivated film). This facilitates the subsequent mechanical activation of the stretch laminate, as the load required to activate the stretch laminate made with the preactivated film will be lower (compared to an unactivated film).

[0180] Method for manufacturing stretch laminate

[0181] Figure 17The schematic diagram of FIG details an exemplary embodiment of a method 500 for making the stretch laminate 90 described in detail herein. Method 500 includes providing an elastomeric film 300 and preactivating it. The elastomeric film 300 is mechanically preactivated by stretching the film cross-web by more than 50%. In some embodiments, the stretching occurs by about 100% to about 500% relative to the initial width of the elastomeric film 300. The term "stretching" refers to the fact that the stretching of the elastomeric film 300 is not fully reversible, and the inelastic portion causes the film to have a greater width after retraction (i.e., reverse stretching). After stretching, the elastomeric film 300 retracts, and its width B2 is about 10% to about 30% wider than the film's initial width B1. Thus, the elastomeric film 300 exhibits a deformation of about 10% to about 30% resulting from the preactivation process.

[0182] During the preactivation process, the elastomeric film 300 can be guided through a system of intermeshing profile rollers, each roller comprising a plurality of intermeshing discs positioned on an axis (i.e., a ring rolling process). The elastomeric film 300 is stretched transversely by the intermeshing discs. The stretching can be uniform or variable across the width of the film. The preactivation process can be performed with varying pitches and / or varying engagement depths. The preactivation process can also be performed in the machine direction or any other direction. Preactivating the elastomeric film has a positive effect on the distribution of stretching forces and helps to allow the manufactured stretch laminate to more easily achieve stretching action over a large stretch area. Furthermore, the recovery of the stretch laminate can also be improved by preactivating the elastomeric film 300. Recovery is the ability of a stretch laminate to return to its original dimensions after being stretched to its expansion limit. The increased recovery of the elastomeric film 300 after the preactivation process is due to the removal of a certain amount of deformed portions from the film.

[0183] After pre-activation, but before the elastomeric film 300 is cut into film strips 502, the film can optionally be printed in a printing station 511 with an image or graphic that can be shown through the cover layer of the stretch laminate. Any known continuous printing method can be used to print the elastomeric film 300. Non-limiting exemplary printing methods include digital printing, inkjet printing, and rotary printing methods, particularly flexographic printing. As a non-limiting example, the printed image or graphic can be a striped pattern made of parallel colored stripes that extend in the down-web direction of the elastomeric film 300.

[0184] The pre-activated and optionally printed film can then be cut into film strips 502. The film strips 502 are guided through a redirecting device 503 and fed as parallel strips to a laminating device 504. In the laminating device 504, the film strips 502 are then laminated between cover layers 100, 200, which are fed above and below the film strips. The film strips 502 and cover layers 100, 200 can be glued together or connected to each other by thermal means (such as ultrasonic bonding) to form a composite material 507 (i.e., one embodiment of the stretch laminate material described in detail herein). Figure 17 As shown, film strips 502 are laminated at a distance relative to each other between cover layers 100, 200. Thus, cover layers 100, 200 can be directly connected to each other in the region between film strips 502. Accordingly, elastic regions 508 and inelastic regions 509 can optionally be created in composite material 507. The distance between film strips 502 can be adjusted by positioning the redirecting device. It is also contemplated that reinforcement strips can be laminated between film strips 502 to reinforce the inelastic regions 509 between the film strips.

[0185] Composite material 507 is then fed to activation device 510, where it is stretched transversely to the web direction at various portions of elastic region 508. To achieve this stretching, composite material 507 can be directed through a nip between two profile rolls, each comprising at least two disc packs with a plurality of intermeshing discs positioned along an axis. Composite material 507 is locally stretched transversely by the intermeshing disc packs. The area where composite material 507 is stretched by the intermeshing disc packs is referred to as the stretching zone. In the roll sections between and / or outside these disc packs, the profile rolls form a gap through which composite material 507 is guided with substantially no transverse stretching. The area where composite material 507 is not stretched by the intermeshing disc packs is referred to as the anchoring zone. In the stretching zone, the fibers of cover layers 100, 200 are modified and irreversibly stretched due to fiber tearing and rearrangement. Consequently, the stretching properties of composite material 507 are improved in the transverse direction (i.e., transverse to the down-web direction) within the stretching zone. After activation, the composite material 507 readily stretches in the transverse direction to a stretch limit, which is preset by the stretching of the activation device 510, when minimal force is applied.

[0186] When a conventional nonwoven is used as a cover layer, any pre-activation of the elastomeric film 300 does not replace, but rather supplements, mechanical activation of the composite material 507. Therefore, even when the elastomeric film 300 is pre-activated, the composite material 507 still needs to be stretched transversely to the web direction in the region where elasticity will be imparted by the laminated elastomeric film strips (i.e., the stretch zone). However, there may be some embodiments of the composite material 507 that use an extensible nonwoven as a cover layer, and therefore activation of the composite material may not be necessary.

[0187] A laminate may include dense pleats, wherein during lamination, one of the layers is strained more than the remaining layers. In this way, when the laminate is in a relaxed state, the less extensible layer (i.e., the cover layer) will form dense pleats. In some embodiments, during lamination, when the nonwoven is in a relaxed state, at least a portion of the elastomeric layer is strained. The elastomeric layer can be stretched in one or more directions. Then, when the subsequently formed laminate is in a relaxed state, wrinkles form in the nonwoven layer. When manufacturing a laminate including dense pleats or a laminate with dense pleats, the elastomeric layer is stretched in the stretching direction (i.e., the intended stretching direction in the final product). The stretching direction can be lateral. In a non-limiting example, the elastomeric layer is stretched in a direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the article. In other words, when the laminate is joined to the base structure after lamination, the laminate will be oriented so that the laminate can stretch in the lateral direction of the article (i.e., the laminate is laterally extensible).

[0188] Bonding area shape

[0189] like Figure 18 As shown, each ultrasonic bond can be formed into a variety of shapes, including but not limited to curved shapes, straight-edged shapes, and combinations thereof. Examples of curved shapes include but are not limited to circles, ovals, and wavy lines. Examples of straight-edged shapes include but are not limited to triangles, squares, rectangles, diamonds, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, or any n-gon. With respect to n-gons, the shape can have any number of sides, for example, the shape can have 3 to 12 sides. An example of a shape formed by combining a curved shape and a straight-edged shape is a heart shape. Additionally, the bond shape can be annular or some other hollow shape, such as Figure 18 Providing a variety of ultrasonic bond shapes can help increase visual appeal and differentiate between various absorbent articles without compromising bond strength.

[0190] Bonding pattern

[0191] Groups of ultrasonic bonds or combinations of ultrasonic bonds and other types of bonds (such as pressure bonds and / or thermal bonds) can be arranged into units, and these units can be arranged to form a pattern. The pattern can be a closed-cell pattern, an open-cell pattern, or a combination thereof. A closed-cell pattern includes closed-cell units, while an open-cell pattern does not include closed-cell units. A pattern can include a combination of areas with a closed-cell pattern and other areas with an open-cell pattern. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of an open hole bonding portion pattern 600. Figure 19 The pattern 600 shown in FIG. 6 also includes a variety of ultrasonic bond shapes, including an oval bond shape 602a, a circular bond shape 602b, and a diamond bond shape 602c.

[0192] A "cell" is the smallest building block of a pattern, whose geometric arrangement defines the characteristic image of the pattern and whose repetition in space is necessary to reconstruct the pattern. A pattern can be formed from one or more cells. A "repeating cell" is a cell that is substantially identical (i.e., with slight variations in size, shape, and / or dimensions) or identical and occurs multiple times within the pattern; the cell may be rotated, mirrored, or otherwise reoriented. A repeating unit is considered substantially identical if its size and / or shape is within 10% of another repeating unit.

[0193] "Closed-cell cell" means a cell that can be identified by the human eye at 20 / 20 vision from 12 inches as having a shape having a perimeter formed by at least five bonds substantially surrounding an area free of permanent bonds, the bonds having a bond separation distance of less than about 3.5 mm according to the Bond Measurement Test Method. The perimeter can be formed by discontinuous bonds. For example, discrete bonds that are small enough and / or close together allow an observer to perceive a shape that is substantially surrounded by the perimeter. Adjacent bonds along the perimeter of the closed-cell cell have a bond separation distance of no more than about 3.5 mm. The closed-cell cells can share bonding sites with each other to form closed cells.

[0194] Figure 20A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary closed cell bond pattern 601 including a plurality of individual ultrasonic bonds 602. For illustrative purposes and to better understand the present disclosure, the perimeter 604 is shown in dashed lines; however, the dashed lines do not form part of the bond pattern. The perimeter 604 is formed by connecting adjacent individual bonds 602 to surround a closed cell unit 606. The closed cell unit 606 includes an enclosed portion 608 that is substantially surrounded by the perimeter 604. It should be understood that the perimeter 604 of a first closed cell unit 606 can form part of the perimeter of a second closed cell unit. It should also be understood that a variety of closed cell unit shapes can be employed in a single bond pattern. For example, Figure 20Ais a schematic diagram of an exemplary closed-cell bond pattern 601 that includes a variety of closed-cell cell shapes, including octagonal closed-cell cells 606a and square closed-cell cells 606b.

[0195] Figure 21A and Figure 21B Each is a plan view of an exemplary side member comprising a stretch laminate 90 having more than one bond pattern. The exemplary side member can be a first elastic side member 914 or a second elastic side member. For example, the laminate can include an open cell bond pattern 600 and a closed cell bond pattern 601. Additionally or alternatively, the second bond pattern can differ from the first bond pattern in at least one of bond shape, number of bonds, number of closed cell units (or absence of closed cell units), repeating unit shape, enclosed area of the closed cell units, bond density, and combinations thereof. The second bond pattern can be positioned external to the first bond pattern such that the two patterns can be in a non-overlapping relationship. Such as Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the second bonding portion pattern shown as the open cell bonding portion pattern 600 can be arranged along one or more edges of the laminate. In this way, the second bonding portion pattern can at least partially surround or frame at least a portion of the first bonding portion pattern (shown as the closed cell bonding portion pattern 601), or a complete first bonding portion pattern. The first bonding portion pattern and the second bonding portion pattern can also overlap in the transition zone. In the embodiment with multiple bonding portion patterns (such as the first bonding portion pattern and the second bonding portion pattern), the first bonding portion pattern and the second bonding portion pattern can also have different bonding portion densities. "Bond density" refers to the number of bonds per unit area. Figure 22A and Figure 22B is a schematic diagram of a stretch laminate 90 having different bond densities, Figure 22A The stretch laminate 90 has a Figure 22B The laminate shown in FIG has a low bond density.

[0196] Conventional bond patterns consist of multiple ultrasonic bonds arranged in a grid pattern, such as Figure 22B as shown, or set in an offset grid pattern, e.g. Figure 22AAs shown. These patterns have been preferred due to ease of manufacture (allowing for relatively fast manufacture while maintaining quality) and wide applicability to various components of absorbent articles. However, ultrasonic bonds can be used to create a variety of designs in stretch laminates that signal stretchability, softness, quality, etc. to the end user. In addition, more complex and sophisticated bond patterns have the ability to differentiate a product from competing products. Due to being more complex and sophisticated, ultrasonic bond patterns present relatively more issues with processability and product performance. These more complex and sophisticated ultrasonic bond patterns typically have individual ultrasonic bonds that are more closely placed together. For example, as previously discussed, closed cell cells can be used in bond patterns such as Figure 21A and Figure 21B The bonds appear close enough together to appear as a continuous line, even though they are separate bonds. It has been found that if the bonds are placed within a certain proximity relative to each other, the stretch laminate becomes susceptible to rupture during use, such as tears in an elastic film. It is believed that the relatively close spacing of certain bonds creates areas of high stress concentration that cause ruptures to form in the stretch laminate when the laminate is stretched and held in a stretched state during use.

[0197] For example, a back ear 42 comprising a stretch laminate having a herringbone bond pattern 610, such as Figure 23A After stretching the back ear 42 according to the Back Ear Hang Time Test, a rupture 612 is formed in the stretch laminate, as shown. Figure 23B A rupture is any hole or tear formed in at least one of the cover layer and the elastic film. These ruptures are unacceptable for use in an absorbent article and may lead to premature failure of the absorbent article.

[0198] In order to eliminate and / or minimize these zones of high stress concentration that cause rupture in stretch laminate, it has been found that the longitudinal spacing and the transverse spacing between the bonding portion should be controlled.More specifically, the tightness of control adjacent bonding portions (depending on their orientation with respect to longitudinal direction and transverse direction) is to maintain the visual impression of continuous line, and does not allow the stress concentration that causes rupture.Each bonding portion adjacent to the main bonding portion can be identified as a bonding portion of transverse orientation or a bonding portion of longitudinal orientation, and based on this orientation, determine enough spacings.Control adjacent bonding portions relative to the spacing of the main bonding portion allows the stretch laminate (which can be side panel or ear piece) to not show the rupture that surpasses 5mm according to the back ear piece suspension test.

[0199] See also Figure 24, the first or primary bond 614 may be adjacent to the second bond 616. Bonds are adjacent where a straight line can be drawn between the bond locations and the line does not intersect another bond. The second bond 616 is defined as being longitudinally oriented relative to the first bond 614 when the first bond 614 (also referred to herein as a primary bond) is adjacent to the second bond 616 (also referred to herein as an adjacent bond) and the second bond 616 is between 0 and 35 degrees from the longitudinal bond axis 618 of the first bond. The longitudinal bond axis 618 is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50 of the absorbent article and passes through the centroid (also referred to as the geometric center) of the first bond 614. The longitudinal bond axis 618 may be substantially perpendicular to the stretch direction of the stretch laminate and perpendicular to the transverse bond axis 620. The transverse bond axis 620 is parallel to the transverse axis 48 of the absorbent article and passes through the centroid of the first bond 614. As Figure 24 As shown, longitudinally oriented bonds 622 are any bonds located within 35 degrees of the longitudinal bond axis 618 of the primary bond 614. Transversely oriented bonds 624 are any bonds adjacent to the primary bonds and not within 35 degrees of the longitudinal bond axis 618 of the primary bond 614, such as Figure 24 Each bond adjacent to the primary bond has a bond separation angle θ measured from the bond longitudinal axis 618. In other words, longitudinally oriented bonds are those bonds adjacent to the primary bond and having a bond separation angle θ of 0 degrees up to and including 35 degrees measured from the bond longitudinal axis 618 of the primary bond location 614. Transversely oriented bonds are those bonds adjacent to the primary bond and having a bond separation angle θ of greater than 35 degrees up to and including 90 degrees.

[0200] Generally speaking, those bonds that are longitudinally oriented relative to the primary bond should be spaced farther apart from the primary bond than those bonds that are transversely oriented relative to the primary bond. The distance between the secondary bonds and the primary bonds depends on the size of the primary first bonds 614. Each primary bond has a longest bond dimension D. The longest bond dimension D is the longest dimension of the bond measured parallel to the bond longitudinal axis 618. For example, Figure 25 As shown, the primary bond 614 has a longest bond dimension D, which is the longest dimension of the bond in a direction parallel to the bond longitudinal axis 618. For a circular bond, as shown Figure 25As shown, the longest bond dimension D is the diameter of the main bond location 614. In order to produce an ultrasonic bond pattern that has a continuous line feel and resists rupture, adjacent machine direction-oriented bonds and main bonds should have a bond separation distance of at least 2.1D (or 2.1 times the longest bond dimension D) and less than 4.1D (or 4.1 times the longest bond dimension D). In addition, adjacent cross-machine direction bonds and main bonds should have a bond separation distance of at least 1.3D (or 1.3 times the longest bond dimension D) and less than 2.1D (or 2.1 times the longest bond dimension D).

[0201] Figure 25 The zones established by the bond standoff angle and the bond standoff distance are shown, the bond standoff distance being based on the longest bond dimension of the main bond. The first zone 630 (such as Figure 25 The first zone 630 (shown as cross-hatched in FIG) is a zone established by the outer circumferential surface of the bond that is at most 2.1D for areas within and within 35 degrees up to and including the bond longitudinal axis 618, and at most 1.3D for areas greater than 35 degrees up to and including 90 degrees from the bond longitudinal axis 618. It is undesirable for an adjacent or secondary bond to be located in the first zone 630. A bond located in the first zone 630 is so close to the primary bond that stress concentrations will likely form during use, and these stress concentrations will result in crack formation. The second zone 632 (such as Figure 25 The first zone 630 (shown shaded in FIG) is a zone extending from the first zone 630 that is at most 2.1D for areas greater than 35 degrees and up to 90 degrees inclusive from the longitudinal bond axis, and at most 4.1D for areas within 35 degrees and up to 35 degrees from the longitudinal bond axis 618. The bonds may be located in the second zone 632. The bonds disposed in the second zone 632 are sufficiently close to the primary bond to have a sense of continuity and are separated from the primary bond by a sufficient distance to mitigate stress concentrations, which prevents crack formation during typical use.

[0202] Figures 26A to 26C Various bond patterns and various zones based on primary bond locations are shown. For example, Figures 26A to 26C A bond pattern 600 is shown having a primary bond 614 and a plurality of bonds adjacent to the primary bond 614. Figure 26A As shown, none of the adjacent secondary bonds 616 are within the second zone 632, and therefore, these secondary bonds or auxiliary bonds 616 do not create the visual impression of a continuous line with the primary bond because they are not close enough to the primary bond. Figure 26BA herringbone bond pattern is shown that includes bonds that, when selected as primary bonds, include adjacent bonds within the first region 630. Therefore, such a bond pattern would be at risk of cracking due to the close spacing of the bonds. Figure 26C Another bond pattern is shown that includes the following bonds that are within the second zone 632 so that the bonds are positioned relative to each other to form a continuous visual impression, but are positioned at a sufficiently large distance, not within the first zone 630, so as not to cause breakage during standard use.

[0203] The foregoing disclosure also applies to bonds having non-circular shapes. Regardless of the shape of the bond, the primary bond has a longest bond dimension D measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal bond axis 618. For example, Figures 27A to 27C Various shapes of various bond locations and their longest bond dimensions D are shown. As previously described, the longest bond dimension D is the longest dimension of the bond location in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bond and is used to determine the first area 630 and the second area 623. Figure 28A , in order to establish the first zone 630 and the second zone 632, determine the longest bond dimension D of the main bond or the first bond 614. The first boundary can be established by measuring 1.3D from the periphery of the main bond in a direction perpendicular to the periphery of the main bond. Similarly, the second boundary can be established by measuring 2.1D from the periphery of the main bond in a direction perpendicular to the periphery of the main bond, and the third boundary can be established by measuring 4.1D from the periphery of the main bond in a direction perpendicular to the periphery of the main bond. Determine the limits of the bond separation angles for the longitudinally oriented bonds and the laterally oriented bonds. Then, a first zone 630 (shown with cross hatching) including bond separation angles of 0 degrees up to and including 35 degrees and a second zone 632 (shown with shading) including bond separation angles greater than 35 degrees and up to and including 90 degrees can be determined. The first zone 630 and the second zone 632 can then be visually displayed as Figure 28A This method can be used for any bonding shape. FIG. 28B to FIG. 2 8E shows various other shapes of the first region 630 and the second region 632.

[0204] The assessment bond pattern determines whether the bond pattern produces the visual perception of continuous lines and has the zone without bonds to produce another method of the pillow-like characteristic structure that conveys softness by analyzing the Voronoi diagram, the value of which is the output of the Euclidean distance diagram. As previously discussed, the laminate bond pattern has an impact on the texture formed under both the relaxed state and the stretched state of the laminate. Except for the requirement of a single bond and its nearest neighbor, the degree to which the bond sites are related to each other and the degree relevant to the open unbonded area are also considered. When discrete bond sites were close together, they both showed as continuous lines in appearance to the human eye and in the mode in which they physically limited the bending of the nonwoven. Open unbonded area produces soft pillow-like characteristic structure, and for both texture and appearance, pillow-like characteristic structure is that consumers are preferred. This relationship is quantified by performing image analysis on a binary bond pattern image to generate a Voronoi diagram, an image of cells bounded by lines of pixels that are equidistant from the boundary of the nearest bond site. The pixel values of the Voronoi diagram are the output of a Euclidean distance map (EDM) from the binary bond pattern image. The EDM is generated when each inter-bond pixel in the binary image is replaced with a value equal to the distance from the nearest bond site. The distribution of these Voronoi diagram distance values across the two-dimensional span of the pattern quantifies the relationship between areas of tighter bonds and open areas.

[0205] In some embodiments, the bonding portion pattern has a plurality of bonding portions, such as a plurality of bonding portions having a plurality of bonding portions. The bonding portion pattern has ... Figure 29A A conventional offset grid bonding pattern is shown. A Voronoi diagram is generated for the offset grid pattern according to the inter-bond measurement test method. The inter-bond distance distribution can then be determined. Figure 29A As shown, the relative standard deviation (RSD) percentage of the offset grid pattern is 10.4%. Figure 29B A bond pattern according to the present disclosure is shown having bonds that form a continuous line of perception and having open areas that convey a perception of softness to the consumer through pillow-like areas. A Voronoi plot was generated for this bond pattern according to the Inter-Bond Measurement Test Method, as shown in FIG. Figure 29B The relative standard deviation (RSD) percentage of the bonding pattern is 49.7%. Figure 29B As shown. Figure 29A Compared with the bonding pattern shown, Figure 29B The bond patterns shown have a higher relative standard deviation percentage. This difference in percentage relative standard deviation is due to the difference in spacing of the bonds within the bond pattern. The Voronoi plot based on the inter-bond measurement test method can also be used to determine the standard deviation of the bond pattern.

[0206] 30A to 30D Several other bond patterns are shown. More specifically, Figure 30A Several traditional and offset grid patterns are shown (G1, G2, G3, and G4). Figure 30B Several herringbone bond patterns (H1-H11) are shown. Figure 30C Heart-shaped bond patterns (R1 and R2) are shown. Figure 30D Several hexagonal bond patterns (X1, X2, X3, and X4) are shown. 30A to 30D Each of the patterns shown can be analyzed according to the Bond-to-Bond Measurement Test Method. The results of such analysis are shown in Figure 31 In, this figure has depicted standard deviation and relative standard deviation percentage of every kind of bonding portion pattern in the bonding portion pattern graphically.As shown graphically, the relative standard deviation percentage of every kind of bonding portion pattern in herringbone bonding portion pattern, heart-shaped bonding portion pattern and the hexagon bonding portion pattern is higher.Generally speaking, be included in the bonding portion pattern that forms continuous line visually and have the region that does not contain bonding portion or the bonding portion of open area and compare, traditional bonding portion pattern (such as grid bonding portion pattern and offset grid bonding portion pattern) has relatively lower standard deviation and relative standard deviation percentage.In addition, compared with hexagon bonding portion pattern, heart-shaped bonding portion pattern and herringbone bonding portion pattern, traditional grid pattern and offset grid pattern have lower standard deviation usually. Figures 40A to 40F Several additional bond patterns contemplated by the present disclosure are shown.

[0207] In order to make the bonding portion pattern have the visual perception of continuous lines and have the area of no bonding portion forming pillow-like characteristic structure, it has been found that according to the measurement test between bonding portions, the relative standard deviation percentage should be greater than about 30%, or be about 30% to about 95%, or be about 30% to about 70%, or be about 40% to about 70%. In addition, in some embodiments, according to the measurement test between bonding portions, the bonding portion pattern has a standard deviation greater than about 1.3mm or about 1.3mm to about 3.0mm. It should be understood that the ultrasonic bonding portion pattern with a relative standard deviation percentage greater than about 30% may or may not have the following bonding portions, which are spaced so that when the bonding portion is at an angle of 0 to 35 degrees, two or more bonding portions have a bonding portion separation distance of at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D, and / or when the bonding portion is at an angle greater than 35 degrees and at most 90 degrees, two or more bonding portions have a bonding portion separation distance of at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

[0208] According to the Hysteresis test method herein, the area of the laminate comprising the bond pattern may have a force at 50% load of about 0.3 N / in or greater, or about 0.4 N / in or greater, or about 0.45 N / in to about 2 N / in, with each 0.05 N / in increment listed for the range.

[0209] According to the Hysteresis test method herein, the area of the laminate comprising the bond pattern may have an Unload Force at 50% of about 0.2 N / in or greater, or about 0.3 N / in or greater, or about 0.35 N / in to about 1 N / in, with each 0.05 N / in increment listed for the range.

[0210] According to the Hysteresis test method herein, the area of the laminate including the bond pattern may have an Smax of 50% or greater, or about 75% or greater, or from about 100% to about 300%, with each 1% increment listed for the ranges.

[0211] Weak bonding area

[0212] A "weak bond" is a bond that is easily broken when stretched. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a stretch laminate 90 comprising an elastomeric film layer 300 sandwiched between a first cover layer 100 and a second cover layer 200. The layers are held together with a plurality of ultrasonic bonds 400. The stretch laminate 90 can withstand lateral tension. Figures 33A to 33C is a composite having various types of weak bonding sites 700 after being subjected to lateral tension. Figure 32 A schematic representation of a stretch laminate 90 is provided. Figure 33AIn FIG, the fragile bond site 700 is separated from both the first cover layer 100 and the second cover layer 200 at the release area 702. Figure 33B In FIG, the fragile bonding site 700 is separated from the first cover layer 100 or the second cover layer 200 at the detachment area 702. Figure 33C In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the weakened bond site 700 is only partially separated from the first cover layer 100 or the second cover layer 200 at the release region 702 .

[0213] Covering layer main bonding pattern

[0214] FIG. 34A to FIG. 3 5F is a schematic diagram illustrating various primary bond patterns for cover layers that may be used according to various embodiments. These bond patterns may be stamped or embossed on a cover layer (such as, for example, the first cover layer 100 or the second cover layer 200 as described herein). As described herein, the cover layer may comprise a nonwoven material, in which case the primary bond pattern may be referred to as a nonwoven bond pattern. Such patterns may provide an attractive and / or distinctive texture and appearance to the stretch laminate.

[0215] packaging

[0216] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure can be placed in packages. The packages can comprise polymer films and / or other materials. Graphics and / or indicia related to the properties of the absorbent articles can be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and / or placed on an exterior portion of the packages. Each package can include multiple absorbent articles. The absorbent articles can be stacked under compression to reduce the size of the packages while still providing a sufficient amount of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing manufacturers with distribution savings due to the reduced size of the packages.

[0217] Test Method

[0218] Bond measurement test method

[0219] The reflected light microscope image generated using a stereoscopic optical microscope (such as a Zeiss V20 stereoscope) and an attached camera (such as a Carl Zeiss AxioCam MRc5) is performed to measure the bonding portion test method. When the sample is fully stretched and supported with a black background, an image of at least one single repeating unit comprising a bonding embossed pattern is obtained. If the area of a single repeating pattern is too large to perform stereoscopic imaging, a DSLR camera (such as a Pentax R20D) or a scanner (such as an Epson Perfection V750 Pro flatbed scanner) capable of achieving at least 50 microns / pixel resolution can be used to collect the image. Image analysis software (such as Image Pro Plus software version 7.0.0.591, MediaCybernetics, USA) is used to measure, which is calibrated so that the distance in the image can be accurately measured, accurate to 50 microns. For the purpose of this method, bonding embossing is the intentional joining of two or more layers and is the deformed area (such as, the reduced thickness at the bonding site) caused during the bonding process. Prior to testing, the samples were pre-conditioned under the same environmental conditions at a temperature of about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours.

[0220] Before and during image acquisition, the sample was fully stretched and held in a flat, extended state. For wrinkled laminates, the sample was fully stretched when the wrinkles were substantially flattened by stretching the laminate, while ensuring that the laminate's inelastic substrate was not plastically deformed. For laminates without wrinkles, the sample was considered fully stretched, and no such stretching was required.

[0221] Distance between bonding parts

[0222] The bond separation distance 3600 is defined as the shortest (minimum) straight-line distance between the perimeters 3602 of any two separate bond locations, such as Figure 36 The bond separation distance 3600 was measured and recorded using image analysis software. The arithmetic mean of the recorded values was calculated and reported as the bond separation distance 3600 to the nearest 0.1 mm.

[0223] Bonding part off angle

[0224] For the purposes of this method, the longitudinal axis 3700 is defined as being substantially perpendicular to the principal direction of stretch of the laminate. The bond separation angle 3702 between any two bonds is the angle formed between the longitudinal bond axis 3700 and a line 3404 drawn through the centroids of the two bonds. The value should be reported as positive (i.e., the absolute value of the angle) regardless of whether the angle is oriented to the right or left of the longitudinal axis 3700. The angle should be selected so that it is always ≤90° from the longitudinal axis 3700. For visual representation, see Figure 37 . Report the angle to the nearest degree.

[0225] Method for measuring distance between bonding parts

[0226] Obtain distance measurement between the bonding portions by analyzing the binary image of the distance calibration of the bonding portion embossed pattern.If the binary image of the bonding portion embossed pattern is unavailable, then a binary image can be generated from the sample image collected using a flatbed scanner.Before and during image acquisition, the sample is fully stretched and fixed in a plane extension state, and is lined with a black background.For the wrinkled laminate, when the wrinkles are basically flattened by extending the laminate, the sample is fully stretched, while ensuring that the inelastic base of the laminate is not plastically deformed.For the laminate without wrinkles, the sample is considered to be fully stretched, without the need for this type of extension. Use a flatbed scanner to collect sample images (a suitable scanner is deriving from Epson America Inc., Long Beach CA's EpsonPerfection V850 Pro or equivalent) in 8-bit grayscale in reflection mode. The scanner is connected to the computer of an image analysis program by an interface (a suitable program is ImageJ v. 1.52 or equivalent, National Institute of Health, USA). Using image analysis software, the boundary perimeters of all individual bonds located within the sample image were identified, manually traced, filled in, and then converted into individual distance-calibrated binary images of the bond indentation pattern for analysis.

[0227] For purposes of this method, a bond impression is the intentional joining of two or more layers and is the area of deformation (eg, reduced thickness at the bond site) caused during the bonding process.

[0228] Using image analysis software, a Voronoi operation is performed on the binary bond imprint image. This generates an image of cells bounded by lines of pixels equidistant from the boundary of the nearest bond, where the pixel values are the output of a Euclidean distance map (EDM) from the binary image. When each inter-bond pixel in the binary image is replaced with a value equal to the distance from the nearest bond to that pixel, an EDM is generated. Next, background zeros are removed to enable statistical analysis of the distance values. This is achieved by dividing the Voronoi cell image by itself using an image calculator to generate a 32-bit floating-point image, in which all cell lines have a value of one, and the remainder of the image is labeled as a non-number (NaN). Finally, using an image calculator, this image is multiplied by the original Voronoi cell image to generate a 32-bit floating-point image, in which the distance values along the cell lines are retained and all zero values are replaced with NaNs. Next, convert the pixel distance values to actual inter-bond distances by multiplying the values in the image by the pixel resolution of the image (approximately 0.032 mm / pixel), and then multiplying the image again by two (because these values represent the midpoint distances between bonds). Calculate and report the mean, standard deviation, median, and maximum values of all inter-bond distances for the bond embossed pattern image to the nearest 0.1 mm. Calculate the relative standard deviation (RSD) % of the inter-bond distances by dividing the standard deviation by the mean and multiplying by 100.

[0229] Hysteresis test method

[0230] Hysteresis testing can be performed at various specified strain or load values. Hysteresis testing utilizes a commercial tensile tester (e.g., from Instron Engineering Corp. (Canton, MA), SINTECH-MTS Systems Corporation (Eden Prairie, MN), or equivalent) interfaced to a computer. The computer controls the test speed and other test parameters and is used to collect, calculate, and report data. These tests are conducted under laboratory conditions of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The specimens are conditioned for 24 hours prior to testing.

[0231] Identify a wrinkled or stretched portion on the absorbent article product that has a bond pattern that includes frangible bonds and permanent bonds. Cut samples from this area of the absorbent article product to the dimensions listed in the table below for testing.

[0232] Test plan

[0233] 1. Select appropriate grips and load cells. The grips must have a flat surface and must be wide enough to clamp the sample along its full width. In addition, the grips should provide sufficient force and suitable surface area to ensure that the sample does not slip during the test. These grips are pneumatic grips or equivalent grips designed to concentrate the entire clamping force along a single line perpendicular to the direction of the test stress and have a flat surface and opposing faces that protrude into a semicircle (radius = 6 mm, e.g., part number: 56-163-827, available from MTS Systems Corp.) to minimize slippage of the sample. Select the load cell so that the tension response of the sample being tested is between 5% and 95% of the range of the load cell used. Calibrate the tester according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0234] 2. Set the distance between the grips (gauge length) according to the test being performed (see table below).

[0235] 3. Place the specimen on the flat surface of the grips so that the uniform width is perpendicular to the gauge length. Mount the specimen so that the direction of specimen tension is the test direction. Secure the specimen in the upper grips, allowing it to hang loosely, and then close the lower grips.

[0236] 4. Preload: Set the slack preload to 0.05 N / inch and the preload crosshead speed to 13 mm / min. This means that data collection begins when slack is removed with a force of 0.05 N / inch (at a constant crosshead speed of 13 mm / min). Strain is calculated based on the adjusted gauge length (lini), which is the sample length between the grips of the tensile tester at a force of 0.05 N / inch. This adjusted gauge length is considered the initial sample length and corresponds to 0% strain. In this test, the percent strain at any point is defined as the change in length relative to the adjusted gauge length divided by the adjusted gauge length, multiplied by 100. 5.

[0238] a. First cycle loading: The sample is pulled to a given endpoint (load or strain) at a constant crosshead speed as defined for the test in the table below. The stretched sample length between the grips is reported as lmax.

[0239] b. First cycle unloading: Hold the sample at the endpoint of step 5(a) for 30 seconds, then return the crosshead to its starting position (0% strain or initial sample length, lini) at the constant crosshead speed defined in step 5(a) above.

[0240] c. Keep the sample in the unstrained state for 1 minute.

[0241] d. Second cycle: Repeat steps 5(a) and 5(b).

[0242]

[0243] During the test, the computer data system records the force applied to the specimen as a function of the applied strain. From the resulting data generated, the following quantities are collected and reported.

[0244] i. Length of the sample between the grips (lini) at a relaxed preload of 0.05 N, accurate to 0.001 mm.

[0245] ii. The length of the sample between the grips on the first cycle at a given strain or a given force (lmax), accurate to 0.001 mm.

[0246] iii. The strain at the lmax length is defined as Smax and is calculated as described in the above method.

[0247] iv. The sample length between the grips (lext) at the second cycle load force of 0.05 N, accurate to 0.001 mm.

[0248] v. For the Laminate Performance Test Set-up, the force at 50% strain during the first loading cycle, accurate to 0.01 N / in (reported as the load force at 50%).

[0249] vi. For the Laminate Performance Test Setup, the force at 50% strain during the second unloading cycle, accurate to 0.01 N / in (reported as the unloading force at 50%).

[0250] The deformation percentage (%) is defined as (lext - lini) / (lmax - lini) 100%, accurate to 0.01%.

[0251] The test was repeated for three independent samples, and the arithmetic mean was reported.

[0252] Posterior ear extension test

[0253] Figure 38A and Figure 38B FIG2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary back ear 42 of an absorbent article, identifying features relevant to the Back Ear Extension Test. The back ear 42 can have an overall width W extending from an inner edge 96 to an outer edge 97. The outer edge 97 is the free, distal longitudinal edge of the ear when the ear is joined to the chassis. The inner edge 96 is substantially opposite the outer edge and is joined to or overlaps the chassis when the ear is joined to the chassis.

[0254] The back ear 42 may include a stretch laminate 90. The stretch laminate 90 comprises all or a portion of the total width W of the back ear 42. The back ear 42 may include an elastic region 92. The elastic region 92 may coincide with all or a portion of the stretch laminate 90. The elastic region 92 may have a width WE extending from an inner edge 93 of the elastic region 92 to an outer edge 94 of the elastic region 92. The width WE of the elastic region 92 may be less than or equal to the total width W of the back ear 42. The inner edge 93 of the elastic region 92 may have a length LEP. The back ear 42 may also include a fastening component 46 having a length LFP. In some embodiments, the area of the elastic region comprises at least about 20%, or from about 30% to about 100%, of the total area of the ear, with 5% increments being listed for the ranges.

[0255] The back ear 42 may also include one or more inelastic regions. In certain embodiments, the back ear 42 includes a first inelastic region 98 that extends laterally outward from the inner edge 96 and is adjacent to the elastic region 92 at the inner edge 93 of the elastic region 92. The ear may also include a second inelastic region 99 that may extend laterally inward from the outer edge 97 and may be adjacent to the outer edge 94 of the elastic region 92. The first inelastic region and the second inelastic region may be made of the same or different materials.

[0256] Still see Figure 38A , the reference width WS can be determined as the width from the line of juncture (as defined in the next paragraph) to the inside edge 45 of the fastening component 46. In some examples, the fastening component 46 can have an irregular shape or orientation, or be composed of multiple joined portions; in such examples, the point at which such shape, orientation, or extensible portion is closest to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article is considered to be the inside edge 45 of the fastening component 46.

[0257] As used herein, the term "line of juncture" with respect to a back ear whose components are separate from other components of an absorbent article (where the back ear is welded, bonded, adhered, or otherwise attached to the absorbent article) means a longitudinal line 95 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article and passes through the outermost point in the chassis attachment bond at which the back ear is bonded to the chassis. It should be noted that in some examples of back ears, the back ear is bonded to the chassis in an irregular shape or orientation; in such examples, the point of such shape or orientation closest to the outer edge of the back ear will mark the location of the line of juncture. With respect to a back ear that includes one or more components that are not separate from, but are integral with, one or more components of a diaper chassis that is disposed in an open, extended position and lying flat and horizontally when viewed from above, the term "line of juncture" means a line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and passes through the edge of the chassis at its narrowest point.

[0258] To prepare back ear specimens for back ear extension testing, the following procedure may be used:

[0259] 1. Open the diaper.

[0260] 2. If the back ear 42 is attached to the article, cut it from the article at a position sufficiently inboard of the seam line 95 so that the grips of the tensile tester can adequately grasp the specimen for testing beyond the seam line 95. If the back ear 42 is an integral part of the chassis, identify the seam line 95 and mark a line on the back ear 42 that coincides with the seam line 95, and cut the back ear from the article at a position sufficiently inboard of the seam line 95 so that the grips of the tensile tester can adequately grasp the specimen for testing beyond the seam line.

[0261] 3. Place the back ear 42 on a substantially flat, horizontal surface and measure the width WS as described herein with no lateral tension applied to the back ear 42.

[0262] 4. Using a steel ruler traceable to NIST or equivalent, measure the lengths LFP and LEP as described herein to the nearest 1 mm.

[0263] 5. Mark the midpoint of the LFP. The midpoint is at 1 / 2 of the LFP.

[0264] In order to perform the rear ear extension test, a constant rate extension tensile tester with a computer interface, such as an MTS Alliance (MTS Systems Corp., USA) equipped with a suitable load cell and controlled by TestWorks 4 software, was used to measure the engineering strain and extension of the rear ear sample. The load cell should be selected to operate within 10% and 90% of its maximum load. All tests were carried out in a conditioning chamber maintained at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity. In this article, the width and length of the sample are the lateral width and longitudinal length as defined herein. Prior to testing, the sample was pre-conditioned for 2 hours at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0265] 1. Insert the outside edge 97 of the rear ear 42, including the fastener 46, into the upper clamp of the tester, centering the clamp in the tensile tester fixture and engaging the clamp to clamp the sample. The clamp width is at least as wide as the length of the inside edge of the fastener 46, and preferably no wider than 1 inch. The face of the clamp (once it clamps the sample) is aligned with the inside edge of the fastener 46, with no more than 1 mm of misalignment, the longitudinal midpoint of the LFP is aligned with the center of the clamp, and the unclamped portion of the rear ear hangs freely from the upper clamp.

[0266] 2. Insert the inside edge 96 of the back ear 42 into the lower clamp of the tensile tester. The width of the lower clamp is selected so that no portion of the back ear 42 extends beyond the width of the clamp, and preferably, the width of the lower clamp is no more than 1 inch wider than the length of the portion of the back ear 42 inserted into the clamp. The face of the clamp (once it clamps the sample) is aligned with the seam line 95, with no more than 1 mm of misalignment. The sample is oriented so that if a lateral line is drawn from the midpoint of the LFP, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the diaper with the back ear 42, it will extend vertically and align with the center of the fixture that secures the lower clamp.

[0267] 3. Open the jaws of the tensile tester so that the distance between the upper and lower clamp faces is equal to WS. Set the gauge length equal to WS.

[0268] 4. Zero the grip position and load, and engage the lower grip to grip the specimen.

[0269] 5. Set the tensile tester to extend the sample at a rate of 254 mm / min and collect data at a frequency of at least 100 Hz.

[0270] 6. Start the test so that the grips of the tensile tester extend the sample at a defined rate and then collect data including the extended length and load into a data file.

[0271] 7. Measure the extension length under a 2N load, that is, the distance extended from the zero point, and then determine the engineering strain under a 2N load, calculated as follows:

[0272] 100% × [Extension length under 2N load / WS (when there is no lateral tension load)].

[0273] 8. In a similar manner, test a total of three (3) replicates for each test product to be evaluated. Report the extended length as the average of the replicates to the nearest 0.1 cm, and report the engineering strain as the average of the replicates to the nearest 0.1 unit.

[0274] Tensile test method

[0275] The tensile test is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0042786, entitled “Array of Absorbent Articles with Ear Portions,” filed by Mueller et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The tensile test can be used to measure the strength of a sample at relatively high strain rates representative of product applications. The method uses a suitable tensile tester, such as an MTS 810 or equivalent available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn., equipped with a servo-hydraulic actuator capable of advancing at speeds exceeding 5 m / s after 28 mm of travel and approaching 6 m / s after 40 mm of travel. The tensile tester is equipped with a 50-pound force transducer (e.g., 9712 B50 (50-pound) force transducer available from Kistler North America, Amherst, NY) and a signal conditioner with a dual-mode amplifier (e.g., 5010 signal conditioner available from Kistler North America). A clamp should be used to secure the sample during the tensile test. The opposing clamping members may have the same or different widths than the specified width.

[0276] (a) Clamping parts

[0277] Select the wire clamps to provide a well-defined gauge length and avoid undue slippage. Position the sample so that it has minimal slack between the clamps. Polish the apex of the clamps to provide good gauge length definition while avoiding damaging or cutting the sample. Polish the apex to provide a radius in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. A portion of one or both clamps can be constructed to include a material that reduces the sample's tendency to slip (e.g., a piece of urethane or neoprene with a Shore A hardness between 50 and 70), as shown in Figure 14. Unless otherwise specified, use six-inch wide top and bottom clamps to clamp the sample.

[0278] (b) Tensile testing of samples from absorbent articles

[0279] The ears are typically bonded to the chassis via heat bonding, adhesive bonding, or similar bonding. The ears should be separated from the chassis in a manner that does not damage the ears and does not alter the properties of the ears. If the chassis bond is too strong (i.e., the ears will be damaged when removed), the chassis portion that engages the ears should be cut into the chassis material without damaging the ears. The fold-over fastening system (e.g., a peel strip covering the fastening elements) should be unfolded.

[0280] The sample is clamped in the top clamp at a first clamping position, which is inside the fastener attachment bond 3800, as shown. Figure 38A and Figure 38B As shown, these figures show the inside edge 3802 of the fastener attachment bond 3800. The clamping line remains parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the product. If the fastener attachment bond 3800 is angled, clamp the sample at the center of the bond area, and maintain the clamping line parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the product at the center. The width of the top clamp should be equal to the maximum length (L1) of the fastener attachment bond measured parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the article. If the length of the sample is the same as the maximum length of the fastener attachment bond in the first clamping position, any clamping width that is greater than the sample length in the first clamping position can be used. Mount and hang the sample in the top clamp. Mount the opposite edge of the sample in a relaxed position in the bottom clamp. Adjust the bottom clamping position so that the sample is clamped at the outside edge of the chassis bond. If the chassis bond is curved, clamp the sample at the outside edge of the outermost bond. The bottom clamping position should be greater than the ear length in the second clamping position. The top clamping piece and the bottom clamping piece are parallel to each other.

[0281] The sample was tested as follows: Using a ruler, the vertical distance (perpendicular to the clamping line) from the first clamping position to the second clamping position was measured to a value of 0.1 mm, and this measurement was used as the gauge length for the test. The sample was tested at a gauge length selected for the sample to provide 9.1s -1 The strain rate is measured at a test speed of mm / s. The test speed is measured by setting the strain rate to 9.1s -1 Calculate by multiplying by the gauge length in mm. Prior to testing, place a 5 mm slack specimen between the grips.

[0282] Each sample was stretched to fracture. During the test, one of the clamps remained stationary and the opposing clamp was moved. The force and actuator displacement data generated during the test were recorded using a MOOG SmarTEST ONE STO03014-205 standalone controller with the data acquisition frequency set to 1kHz. The resulting load data can be expressed as a fracture load in Newtons. The extension length (mm) at 5N and 10N was also recorded. For example, a total of five (5) samples were stretched. The average fracture load and standard deviation, the average extension and standard deviation at 5N, and the average extension and standard deviation at 10N for at least 4 samples were recorded. If the recorded standard deviation was higher than 5%, a new set of five samples was run.

[0283] (c) Length ratio

[0284] According to the previous steps, the clamping member is positioned in the first clamping position and the second clamping position. The ratio of the sample length at the second clamping position (L2) to the maximum bonding length (L1) is the length ratio. Use a ruler to measure the corresponding length to the nearest 0.1mm.

[0285] Rear ear hanging time test

[0286] The back ear hanging test is used to determine the resistance of the back ear 42 to rupture after being exposed to an applied force for a period of time. The test is conducted in a temperature-controlled chamber at 38°C ± 2°C and 18% ± 2% relative humidity, which is referred to herein as the test environment. Prior to testing, the samples are conditioned in the test environment for at least 2 hours.

[0287] To prepare the test sample, unfold the taped diaper 10 and identify the back ears 42. Do not stretch the laminate or disrupt the natural relaxed state of the back ears 42. Remove both back ears 42 from the diaper 10 by making a straight cut (cut line A 3900) 15 mm from the inside edge of the back ear laminate 42 and another straight cut (cut line B 3902) just below the back ear laminate 42. This 15 mm of material extending beyond the inside edge 3906 of the back ear 42 will later be used to attach to the rigid surface 3908. Use scissors, a utility knife, or equivalent to remove the back ears 42. For both back ears 42, also remove the portion of the fastening tape 46 that is not attached to the chassis by making a straight cut (cut line C 3904) just outside the outside edge of the back ear laminate. (See e.g. Figure 39A ).

[0288] Secure 15 mm of material beyond the inside edge 3906 of the back ear test sample to a rigid surface 3908 in such a way that the edge of the fastening tape 46 hangs vertically and freely. Use a clamp 3910, tape, or equivalent securing means that is at least as wide as the outside edge of the back ear 42 to secure the back ear 42 to the rigid surface 3908 without slipping.

[0289] Prepare a weight assembly 3912 that can be adapted to be suspended vertically from the edge of the fastening strip. The weight assembly 3912 consists of an attachment fixture 3914 and a hanging weight 3916, the combined mass of which is 1035 ± 2 grams. The attachment fixture 3914 connects the weight 3916 to the fastening strip 46. The attachment fixture 3914 must have a width at least the same as the width of the fastening strip 46 (see, e.g., Figure 39B ). The weight assembly 3912 must be centered relative to the fastening strip edge, it must be securely attached enough to prevent slipping during testing, and it must allow the suspension weight 3916 to hang freely without contacting any other objects or surfaces.

[0290] The weight assembly 3912 is attached to the edge of the fastening tape and the timer is started while the weight assembly 3912 is released to hang freely. If there is a flaw in the test sample that causes an immediate rupture, both test samples are discarded and another set is prepared. The samples are left undisturbed under the applied force of the weight assembly in the test environment for 3 hours. At the end of the 3 hours, the samples are inspected with the weight assembly still attached. Visually inspect the rear ear samples and note whether there is any shape of rupture 3918 (hole, slit, hole or tear) in the film (see e.g. Figure 39C A rupture is defined as a rupture occurring in at least one of the cover layer and the film layer with its longest dimension in any direction greater than 1 mm. This procedure is repeated for both back ear test samples, and if a rupture is identified in either back ear test sample, the result is recorded as a rupture present.

[0291] Further definitions and cross-references

[0292] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0293] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present inventions disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0294] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stretch laminate for an absorbent article, comprising: nonwoven substrates; as well as an elastomeric film joined to the nonwoven substrate by a plurality of ultrasonic bonds, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic bonds form a bond pattern comprising: a first bonding portion having a longest bonding portion dimension D; and a second bonding portion, the second bonding portion being adjacent to the first bonding portion; wherein when the bonding portion separation angle between the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion is 0° up to and including 35°, the bonding portion separation distance between the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion is at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D; and Wherein, when the bonding portion separation angle between the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion is greater than 35° and less than or equal to 90°, the bonding portion separation distance between the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion is at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

2. The bond pattern of claim 1 , wherein at least half of the plurality of ultrasonic bonds forming the bond pattern comprise: A pair of adjacent ultrasonic bonding parts, wherein when the bonding portion separation angle between the pair of adjacent bonding portions is 0° up to and including 35°, the bonding portion separation distance between the adjacent bonding portions is at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D; and Wherein, when the bonding portion separation angle between the pair of adjacent bonding portions is greater than 35° and not more than 90°, the bonding portion separation distance between the adjacent bonding portions is at least 1.3D but less than 2.1D.

3. The stretch laminate of claim 1 , wherein the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is 0° up to and including 35°, and the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond is at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D; and The third bonding portion is adjacent to the first bonding portion, wherein the bonding portion separation angle between the first bonding portion and the third bonding portion is between 35° and 90°, and the bonding portion separation distance between the first bonding portion and the third bonding portion is at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

4. The stretch laminate of claim 1 , wherein a third bond is adjacent to the first bond, wherein the bond separation angle between the first bond and the third bond is between 0° and 35°, and the bond separation distance between the first bond and the third bond is at least 2.1D and less than 4.1D; and wherein the bond separation angle between the first bond and the second bond is between 35° and 90°, and the bond separation distance between the first bond and the second bond is at least 1.3D and less than 2.1D.

5. The stretch laminate of claim 1, wherein the value of D is in the range of about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm.

6. The stretch laminate of claim 1, wherein the bonds are at least one of circular, oval, and rectangular in shape.

7. The stretch laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate has a force at 50% load of about 0.3 N / in or greater according to the Hysteresis Test Method.

8. The stretch laminate of claim 7, wherein the laminate has a force at 50% load of about 0.45 N / in to about 2 N / in according to the Hysteresis Test Method.

9. The stretch laminate of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the laminate has an S of about 50% or greater according to the Hysteresis Test Method. max .

10. The stretch laminate of claim 9, wherein the laminate has an S of about 100% to 500% according to the Hysteresis Test Method. max .

11. The stretch laminate of claim 1 , wherein the stretch laminate comprises both elastic and inelastic regions, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic bonds are disposed in the elastic regions.

12. An absorbent article comprising the stretch laminate according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the stretch laminate forms a side panel or an ear panel.

14. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the stretch laminate forms a central waist member.

15. The absorbent article of claim 14, wherein the central waist element is an elastic waist feature in the front or back waist region of the absorbent article.

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