Elastic laminate with a layer of reinforced elastomer material

Abstract

Elastic laminate with a reinforced elastomeric layer. Elastic laminate (3; 3'), extending widthwise in a first direction, in particular CD, and lengthwise in a second direction, in particular MD, the elasticity of the laminate being greatest in at least one stretch direction (F), for example the CD direction, comprising: at least one nonwoven layer (2; 2', 7'); and at least one elastomeric layer (1; 1') fixed by an upper, respectively lower, face to a lower, respectively upper, face of the at least one nonwoven layer; characterized in that, in the unstretched state of the laminate in said at least one stretch direction, at least one relief (5; 5') is formed on the upper face of the at least one elastomeric layer (1;1'), the relief being delimited by a peripheral relief edge, having a greatest relief length along a relief length direction and, measured along the direction perpendicular to the relief length direction, a greatest relief width; the ratio of the greatest relief length to the greatest relief width, or aspect ratio, being strictly greater than 1, in particular being at least equal to 1.2, preferably greater than 2, still more preferably greater than 5; and the relief length direction is not perpendicular to the at least one stretching direction (F), in particular making an angle greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 70°, preferably greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 45°, with it. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig.1;

Description

Title of the invention: Elastic laminate with a reinforced elastomer layer

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic laminate intended for use in the medical and / or hygiene field, and in particular for adult diapers or incontinence pads, the laminate extending over a given length, for example a large length corresponding to the unwinding direction during the manufacture of the laminate, called the MD direction (Machine Direction), and a given width, in particular corresponding to the CD direction (Cross Direction or Transverse Direction), perpendicular to the MD direction, and comprising a stack of at least one layer of non-woven material and at least one layer of elastomeric material, in particular two lower and upper non-woven layers sandwiching the at least one layer of elastomeric material.These laminates are intended, in particular, for use in the manufacture of at least one part of a diaper waistband, for example, elasticated ears designed to hold hooks and to be attached to the edges of the central rear part of the diaper waistband to cooperate with looped elements from the front part of the waistband to create a removable, elastically adaptable closure for the diaper.

[0002] For example, a laminate of this kind is known from document US2024 / 0024168 Al in the name of the applicant.

[0003] Although this prior art elastic laminate has considerable advantages over what existed previously, it would be desirable to improve it further, and in particular to increase its effective service life, prior art laminates tending to deteriorate after being stretched and then released a number of times.

[0004] The present invention thus relates, according to one aspect, to an elastic laminate, in particular disposable, extending in width in a first direction, in particular CD, and in length in a second direction, in particular MD, the elasticity of the laminate being greatest in at least one direction of stretching, for example the direction CD, comprising: - at least one layer of non-woven fabric; and - at least one layer of elastomeric material fixed by a top surface, respectively lower, to a lower face, respectively upper, of at least one layer of non-woven fabric; characterized in that, - in the unstretched state of the laminate in said at least one stretching direction, at least one relief is formed on the upper face of the at least one layer of elastomeric material, the relief being delimited by a peripheral relief edge, having a greatest relief length along a relief length direction and, measured along the direction perpendicular to the relief length direction, a greatest relief width; - the ratio of the greatest relief length to the greatest relief width, or aspect ratio, being strictly greater than or equal to 1, in particular being at least equal to 1.2, preferably greater than or equal to 2, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 5; and - the longitudinal direction of relief is not perpendicular to at least one stretching direction (or in other words, makes an angle other than 90° or 270° with the stretching direction), in particular makes an angle greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 70°, preferably greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 45°, with it.

[0005] Preferably, at least one relief may have the shape of a rib and / or a hollow.

[0006] According to one example, the laminate can comprise, per face of elastomeric material layer, a number of reliefs greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and / or a number of reliefs less than or equal to 100, 90, 80, 60, 50, for example for an area of ​​the elastomeric material layer having a surface area less than 2500mm2 (for example a square surface of 50mm x 50mm).

[0007] According to one example, the laminate can comprise, per face of elastomeric material layer, a number of relief types greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and / or a number of reliefs less than or equal to 100, 90, 80, 60, 50, for example for an area of ​​the elastomeric material layer having a surface area less than 2500mm2 (for example a square surface of 50mm x 50mm).

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one layer of nonwoven material comprises fibers and / or filaments oriented predominantly in a direction perpendicular to at least one direction of stretching.

[0009] According to a favorable embodiment, in the rest state or in the stretched state, for example at 50% elongation, at least one layer of non-woven material has undulations which, in cross-section along the first direction, in particular in cross-section CD, in particular along a direction parallel to at least one stretching direction, form curved sections in inverted U and / or inverted V and / or QQ and / or inverted V shape whose two feet are constricted.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one elastomeric layer is attached to the at least one non-woven layer along a plurality of lines, in particular continuous, extending along the second direction and / or following a direction perpendicular to at least one stretching direction.

[0011] Preferably, some of the plurality of fixing lines are fixed to one or more reliefs.

[0012] Preferably, some of the plurality of fixing lines are not fixed to one or more reliefs, in particular the majority of the plurality of fixing lines are not fixed to one or more reliefs.

[0013] Preferably, the attachment of at least one non-woven layer to at least one elastomeric material layer is carried out by ultrasound, and / or hot rolling and / or by interposition of an adhesive layer, in particular glue.

[0014] According to a particularly favorable embodiment, it is possible to trace on the upper and / or lower face of the at least one layer of elastomeric material at least one straight line not passing over any relief, in particular at least one straight line parallel to the direction of stretching not passing over any relief and / or at least one straight line perpendicular to the direction of stretching not passing over any relief.

[0015] By providing oblong-shaped reliefs which are no longer, as in the prior art, oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching (in particular CD), it is possible to concentrate the forces on the reliefs forming overthicknesses which limit the slippage of the laminate while fighting against a phenomenon known as "neckdown" or shrinkage of the elastic which appears rapidly after an elongation of the laminate, for example in the case of a diaper, for example from a first elongation of the laminate and / or as the diaper is used, for example by being opened, then closed repeatedly, in particular when too much stretching is carried out.

[0016] In addition, for example in the case of a diaper, the reduction of the "neckdown" leads to a reduction of the sagging (or "sagging" according to the English designation) of the diaper positioned on the body of the wearer, and this in particular when the temperature at which the laminate is used.

[0017] Preferably, at least one layer of non-woven material comprises continuous filaments.

[0018] Preferably, at least one layer of non-woven material comprises curled filaments, by for example, a carded non-woven fabric or a spunbond non-woven fabric.

[0019] Preferably, at least one layer of non-woven material comprises a Spunbond non-woven material.

[0020] Preferably, at least one layer of nonwoven fabric comprises a nonwoven fabric obtained by melting, in particular a Spunbond (S) layer, in particular a Spunbond based on crimped filaments (according to the English designation, usual in the field) or a Meltblown (M) layer, or a combination of several of these layers (for example SM, SMS, SMMS, SSMMS, SSSMMS, SSSMMSS).

[0021] Preferably, two layers of non-woven material are provided, respectively upper and lower, on either side of at least one layer of elastomeric material.

[0022] According to one example, the second layer of non-woven material is of the same type as the first layer of non-woven material, for example the two layers of non-woven material are Carded non-woven material or Spunbond non-woven material.

[0023] According to another example, the second layer of non-woven fabric is of a different type from the first layer of non-woven fabric, for example one is a Spunbond non-woven fabric, and the other is a Carded non-woven fabric.

[0024] The different characteristics described in this application for the first non-woven layer apply respectively to the second non-woven layer as an alternative and / or in combination with those of the first non-woven layer. For example, the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer comprise, respectively or conversely, - a carded nonwoven (e.g., a thermally bonded carded nonwoven) and a spunlace nonwoven, - a carded nonwoven (e.g., a thermally bonded carded nonwoven) and a spunmelt nonwoven (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven), - a spunlace nonwoven and a spunlace nonwoven, - a spunmelt nonwoven (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven) and a spunlace nonwoven, - a spunmelt nonwoven (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven) and a spunmelt nonwoven (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven), or - a carded non-woven (for example a thermally bonded carded non-woven) and a carded non-woven (for example a thermally bonded carded non-woven).

[0025] The term "non-woven" refers to a material made from continuous (long) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spinning, melt blowing, carding, etc. Non-wovens do not include woven or knitted fabrics.

[0026]

[0027] Preferably, reliefs are present on each face respectively upper and lower of at least one layer of elastomeric material.

[0028] The present invention also relates to an elastomeric layer intended to form part of an elastic laminate comprising the elastomeric layer attached to at least one nonwoven layer, the elastomeric layer extending widthwise in a first direction, in particular CD, and lengthwise in a second direction, in particular MD, at least one relief, in the unstretched state of the elastomeric layer, being formed on an upper face of the elastomeric layer, the relief being delimited by a peripheral edge of the relief, having a greatest relief length along a longitudinal direction of relief and, measured along the direction perpendicular to the relief length direction, the greatest relief width, the ratio of the greatest relief length to the greatest relief width, or aspect ratio being strictly greater than 1, in particular being at least equal to 1.2, preferably greater than or equal to 2, still more preferably greater than or equal to 5, and the relief length direction not being perpendicular to the first direction (or in other words, makes an angle other than 90° or 270° with the first direction), in particular making an angle greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 70°, preferably greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 45°, with it.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a layer of elastomeric material according to the invention.

[0030] According to the invention, the process comprises the steps in which - a layer of elastomeric material, preferably without raised features, in a softened state, is extruded from an extrusion nozzle; and - the elastomeric material layer is passed in a softened state over a roller or an endless conveyor belt having cavities and / or protrusions to form on a surface of the elastomeric material layer reliefs of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the cavities and / or protrusions.

[0031] According to a favorable embodiment, the extruded elastomer layer, preferably without reliefs, in a softened state is sent, directly or indirectly, onto a mat having notches on its surface which open in the rounded areas of its path and the extruded layer being deposited on the mat in one of these rounded areas.

[0032] According to one example, the shape of the reliefs can be of different shapes, for example have rounded, chamfered, softened or other edges and / or have a general shape of rectangle, square, triangle, trapezoid, arc, arc of circle or even a shape resulting from the combination of one or more of these different shapes.

[0033] According to another favorable embodiment, the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, in the softened state is sent, directly or indirectly, onto a forming roller having cavities, the layer exiting the roller having ribs of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the cavities.

[0034] Preferably, a vacuum system can be provided to suction the material from the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, particularly in the softened state, into the cavities.

[0035] Preferably, hot air heating can also be provided on the outer surface of the extruded elastomer layer, preferably devoid of reliefs, to soften it and / or to keep it in a softened state during its passage over the forming roller.

[0036] According to yet another favorable embodiment, the elastomer material layer in the softened state, preferably without reliefs, is sent, directly or indirectly, between two rollers respectively of support and engraving, the engraving roller having calendering ribs, the elastomer material layer exiting the roller having hollows of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the calendering ribs.

[0037] the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, in the softened state is sent, directly or indirectly, onto an engraving roller, the engraving roller having calendering ribs, the layer exiting the roller having hollows of complementary shape to the calendering ribs.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the steps, on the one hand of extrusion of the elastomer material layer by an extrusion nozzle, and, on the other hand, of passing the elastomer material layer in a softened state over a roller or a conveyor belt are carried out on the same manufacturing line.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the steps, on the one hand of extruding the elastomer material layer by an extrusion nozzle, and, on the other hand, of passing the elastomer material layer in a softened state on a roller or a conveyor belt are separated by a step of winding the elastomer material layer and unwinding the elastomer material layer, for example to carry out the two steps on different production lines.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate according to the invention, consisting of obtaining a layer of elastomeric material according to the invention by the above method and fixing the layer of elastomeric material obtained on a non-woven layer, in particular by lamination and / or by welding, in particular by ultrasound.

[0041] According to one embodiment, before fixing the non-woven layer to the elastomeric material layer, a strip of adhesive, in particular glue, is placed on the elastomeric material layer and / or on the non-woven layer, and then the non-woven layer is laminated onto the elastomeric material layer.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the extruded elastomer material layer is kept hot after the reliefs have formed and is sent into a gap between two rollers between which also passes at least one non-woven layer to achieve the bond between the layers.

[0043] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, for example a baby diaper or an adult incontinence diaper comprising at least one laminate according to the invention, in particular for forming the hook tabs from the sides of the back waistband of the diaper or incontinence pad, so that the hooks cooperate with loops from the front of the waistband of the diaper, to achieve the closure of the diaper or incontinence pad.

[0044] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, for example, of the type diaper (open or closed of the "pants" type) for baby or an incontinence diaper (open or closed of the "pants" type) for adult, which comprises, - an upper sheet, a lower sheet and an absorbent core, arranged between the two upper and lower sheets, - at least one elastic laminate as defined above.

[0045] The present invention also relates to an elastic hook laminate, comprising a laminate according to the invention and at least one hook web fixed to the laminate, in particular on the upper non-woven layer, preferably in an area without inverted U and / or inverted V and / or Q.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a roll which comprises a laminate according to the invention, which laminate having a length of at least 1 meter and being wound around an axis perpendicular to the axis MD, which laminate comprising a single layer of elastomeric material, for example extending over a width (here perpendicular to the axis MD) only of the elastic laminate or over the entire width of the elastic laminate, or at least two adjacent layers of elastomeric material.

[0047] In particular, the laminate according to the invention has a greater length than width, in particular in a ratio greater than 1.25, in particular greater than 2, in particular greater than 50, more particularly greater than 100 and, preferably, less than 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 or 1,000. In particular, the laminate is rolled and / or unrolled, in particular in the direction of its length.

[0048] The term “disposable” means items, for example disposable laminates, which are not generally intended to be washed or restored or reused as a laminate, i.e., they are intended to be discarded after less than 5 uses, preferably less than 3 uses after being fitted to the specified application, for example, and preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in a manner compatible with the environment and regulations.

[0049] The terms "elastic", "elastomer" or "elastomer" refer to materials exhibiting elastic properties, in particular any material which, under the effect of a force exerted on its initial relaxed length, can stretch or elongate to a length more than 15% greater than its initial length and return substantially to its initial length upon release of the force exerted, particularly at room temperature (laboratory conditions).

[0050] The elastic laminate and / or the non-woven material(s) and / or the elastomeric material layer can be perforated.

[0051] The elastomeric material layer can be perforated in particular and mainly outside of the reliefs.

[0052] The non-woven material(s) of the laminate can form folds and / or waves in the unstretched state, for example via an overfeeding of CD in the non-woven material.

[0053] According to one example, the development of the non-woven layer(s) of the laminate may be greater (for example 10% greater, 20% greater, 30% greater, 40% greater, 50% greater) respectively than the development of the elastomeric material layer.

[0054] The elastomeric material layer, in particular the base part, may have a thickness (ef), extending perpendicularly to the upper face of the layer, greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 15 micrometers, preferably greater than or equal to 20 micrometers and / or less than or equal to 70 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 60 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 50 micrometers.

[0055] The relief, in particular each relief, may have a thickness (erl and / or er2), extending perpendicularly to the upper face of the elastomeric material layer, greater than or equal to 20 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 30 micrometers, preferably greater than or equal to 40 micrometers and / or less than or equal to 400 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 140 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 120 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[0056] According to one example, the ratio (erl / ef) or (er2 / ef) or (erl +er2 / ef) of the thickness of the relief to the thickness of the layer of elastomeric material (outside the relief or the base part of the layer of elastomeric material) is greater than or equal to 0.5, in particular greater than or equal to 0.7, preferably greater than or equal to 1.0, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 and / or less than or equal to 10, in particular less than or equal to 3.

[0057] The thickness of the second layer is typically observed from a photograph obtained with a Keyence Corporation digital microscope under the reference "VHX 6000", for example at a magnification of X500 or equivalent, and the measurements are obtained with digital microscope image analysis software.

[0058] According to one example, the elastomeric material layer may comprise an inner sublayer encapsulated by two outer sublayers, each forming a skin layer to protect the inner sublayer. The plurality of ribs may be formed by the inner sublayer itself such that the two outer sublayers have equivalent thicknesses that are much less (at least 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times less) than the thickness of the inner layer. According to one example, the elastomeric material layer may comprise a single skin sublayer arranged on a The inner layer's surface. The skin layer is generally made of a non-sticky material (or "tack") and is not an elastomeric material. As another example, the elastomeric layer may lack a skin layer altogether.

[0059] The projection of the relief(s) on the elastomeric material layer may represent an area greater than or equal to 5% of the total area of ​​the elastomeric material layer, in particular greater than or equal to 10% and / or less than or equal to 50% of the total area of ​​the elastomeric material layer, in particular less than or equal to 30% of the area of ​​the elastomeric material layer.

[0060] According to one example, the elastomeric material layer and the relief (or reliefs) may be contiguous and / or may be made of the same material. In the rest state or in the stretched state, for example at 50% elongation, the relief(s) may have a thickness that varies according to the direction of stretching and / or according to the CD direction.

[0061] In its resting or stretched state, for example at 50% elongation, the relief(s) may have a thickness that varies according to the direction of stretching and / or the direction CD, for example, a thickness that has a decreasing portion and / or an increasing portion along a straight line extending parallel to the direction CD and / or in the direction of elongation. For example, the decreasing portion may decrease in the same direction as the stretching direction and / or have one or more optimal thicknesses, or have a thickness that varies according to a general sinusoidal shape.

[0062] According to one example, the relief(s) is / are exclusively formed on the upper face of the at least one layer (1; 1') of elastomeric material.

[0063] According to one example, the relief(s) is / are formed on the upper face of the at least one layer (1; 1') and on the lower face of the at least one layer (1; 1').

[0064] According to one example, the relief(s) being formed on the upper face of at least one layer (1; 1') and on the lower face of at least one layer (1; 1'), the projection onto the upper face of the relief(s) formed on the upper face of at least one layer and the projection onto the upper face of the relief(s) formed on the lower face of at least one layer overlap by more than 10%, in particular by more than 50%, preferably by more than 70%, and more preferably by more than 90%. Thus, the elastic laminate exhibits a symmetry that facilitates its manufacture.

[0065] The relief(s) being formed on the upper face of at least one layer (1; 1') and on the lower face of at least one layer (1; 1'), the projection onto the upper face of the relief(s) formed on the upper face of at least one layer and the projection onto the upper face of the relief(s) formed on the lower face of at least one layer overlap by less than 50%, in particular by less than 30%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%. Thus, the elastic laminate has an improved winding capacity.

[0066] According to an example, in the rest state, the projection on the upper face of the relief(s) formed on the upper face of at least one layer represents at least 5% of the upper face of at least one layer, in particular at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, even more preferably at least 25%, and / or less than 90% of the upper face, in particular less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, even more preferably less than 50%.

[0067] By way of example, several embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0068] Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of an elastomeric material layer according to the invention.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a top view of a laminate according to the invention comprising the elastomeric material layer of Fig. 1 and a non-woven layer.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 2.

[0071] Figure 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a layer in elastomeric material according to the invention.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a laminate according to the invention comprising the elastomeric material layer of Fig. 4 and a non-woven layer.

[0073] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along line AA of [Fig.5].

[0074] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing an elastomeric material layer according to the invention and a laminate according to the invention.

[0075] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing an elastomeric material layer according to the invention and a laminate according to the invention.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing an elastomeric material layer and a laminate according to the invention.

[0077] Fig. 10 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising the elastomeric material layer of Fig. 1 and a non-woven layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the rectangular ribs also extending in the CD direction over the entire width of the elastomeric material layer as well as the laminate.

[0078] Fig. 11 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the ribs, all identical in rectangular shape, also extending in the CD direction, but over a lesser width of the elastomeric material layer than of the laminate, only one rib being present in the CD direction.

[0079] Fig. 12 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the ribs, all identical in rectangular shape, also extending in the CD direction, but over a lesser width of the elastomeric material layer than of the laminate, the ribs being arranged along CD lines and MD columns, each line comprising several ribs and the ribs being aligned along the lines and columns.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the rectangular ribs also extending in the CD direction, but over a lesser width of the elastomeric material layer than of the laminate and discontinuously in the CD direction, being arranged along CD lines and MD columns, each line comprising several ribs and the ribs being aligned along the lines but offset along the columns.

[0081] Fig. 14 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the rectangular ribs also extending in the CD direction, but over a lesser width of the elastomeric material layer as well as the laminate and discontinuously in the CD direction, the ribs being of two types respectively of long length and short length being arranged along CD lines and MD columns, each line comprising alternately long and short ribs and each column also comprising alternately long and short ribs.

[0082] Fig. 15 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the rectangular ribs also extending in the CD direction from one lateral edge of the laminate having a thickness which decreases towards the other lateral edge until ending at a distance from the other lateral edge.

[0083] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 15 at the level of a rib.

[0084] Figure 17 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising a layer of elastomeric material and a layer of non-woven material, the elastomeric layer extending in the CD direction of the laminate over a width less than that of the laminate, the ribs, all identical in shape and corrugated, extending equally in the CD direction, over the entire width of the elastomer layer but over a smaller width of the laminate.

[0085] Fig. 18 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric material layer and a non-woven material layer, the elastomeric material layer extending over the entire CD direction of the laminate, the ribs, all identical in rectangular shape, extending inclined with respect to the CD direction from one lateral edge to the other of the laminate and the elastomeric material layer.

[0086] Fig. 19 is a top view of another laminate according to the invention comprising an elastomeric layer and a non-woven layer, the elastomeric layer extending in the CD direction over a width less than that of the laminate, the arc-shaped ribs also extending in the CD direction, but over a width less than that of the elastomeric layer than the laminate and discontinuously in the CD direction, the ribs being of two types, respectively with their concavity facing upwards and downwards, being arranged along lines CD and columns MD, each line comprising in succession alternately arc-shaped ribs with concavity upwards and downwards and each column also comprising in succession alternately arc-shaped ribs with concavity upwards and downwards.

[0087] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an elastomeric material layer according to the invention, with ribs formed only on the upper face of the layer.

[0088] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an elastomeric material layer according to the invention, ribs being formed on both the upper and lower face of the layer, the lower ribs being offset from the upper ribs in the vertical direction (the direction in which thicknesses are measured) and / or in the stretching direction.

[0089] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an elastomeric material layer according to the invention, ribs being formed on both the upper and lower face of the layer, the lower ribs being arranged in correspondence with the upper ribs in the vertical direction (direction in which thicknesses are measured) and / or in the stretching direction.

[0090] In figures 10 to 19, the elastomer material layer is represented by dotted lines.

[0091] In [Fig. 1], a first embodiment of a layer 1 made of elastomeric material according to the invention is shown.

[0092] Layer 1 comprises a rectangular base portion 4, having a length greater than its width. In particular, the length corresponds to the MD extension direction of the extruded profile during the manufacturing of the elastomeric layer.

[0093] Oblong or elongated ribs 5 protrude from an upper face 6 of the base part 4 of layer 1.

[0094] The ribs, forming reliefs here, for example according to a view perpendicular to the upper surface, have a length greater than their width, in particular in a ratio of at least 1.2, in particular at least 2, in particular at least 5, the length extending in the direction CD perpendicular to the direction MD.

[0095] The ribs 5 are regularly spaced from each other along the MD direction of the elastomeric layer 1. However, they may not be regularly spaced and / or may have a different number of columns.

[0096] The ribs 5 extend from one lateral edge of the base portion 4 to the other lateral edge. However, they could also be located at a distance from one or both of the lateral edges. Furthermore, the ribs are all identical. However, they could have different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0097] In [Fig.2], a top view of a laminate 3 is shown comprising a non-woven layer 2 and the elastomeric material layer of [Fig.1], the elastomeric material layer being shown in dotted lines.

[0098] The laminate 3 has the greatest elasticity in its width direction. This direction is called the principal stretch direction F. The principal stretch direction F corresponds to the principal stretch direction of the elastic laminate after it has been mounted on the specified application. In the case of an absorbent article such as a diaper, the principal stretch direction typically corresponds to the manufacturing direction CD of the laminate. Indeed, since diaper manufacturing line speeds range from 700 diapers per minute to over 1000 diapers per minute, there are otherwise many technical constraints to using the laminate in another direction while still obtaining suitable elasticity. In particular, as shown, it can correspond to the direction CD, which is perpendicular to the manufacturing direction MD.However, the laminate could also have its primary stretch direction along its width, which may or may not correspond to the MD manufacturing direction.

[0099] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 2. The non-woven layer 2 and the elastomeric layer 1 were bonded to each other by hot lamination. An adhesive layer, such as glue, or ultrasonic welding or a similar method could have been used instead.

[0100] The fibers and / or filaments constituting the nonwoven layer extend predominantly in the direction perpendicular to the main stretching direction. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, any other predominant orientation of the fibers and / or filaments could be provided.

[0101] In [Fig.4], another embodiment of an elastomeric material layer 1' according to the invention is shown.

[0102] The elastomeric layer 1' comprises a rectangular base portion 4', having a length greater than its width. In particular, the length corresponds to the MD extension direction of the extruded profile during the manufacture of the elastomeric layer.

[0103] Oblong or elongated ribs 5' project from an upper face 6' of the base part 4' of the elastomeric material layer 1'.

[0104] The ribs have a length greater than their width, in particular in a ratio of at least 1.2, in particular at least 2, in particular at least 5, the length extending in a direction making a non-zero angle with the MD direction, namely, in the example shown, an angle of approximately 45° with the MD direction. Other values ​​of the angle are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, only a rib parallel to the MD direction of the elastomeric material layer 1' not being as described in the invention.

[0105] The ribs 5' are arranged in at least two columns extending in the MD direction and are regularly spaced. However, they may not be regularly spaced.

[0106] The ribs of the two columns are oriented such that the ribs of one column are symmetrical to the ribs of the other column with respect to the central axis MD intersecting the elastomeric layer 1' at its midpoint. However, other arrangements could be envisaged, in particular identical columns or a greater number of columns. Furthermore, the ribs are all of identical shape and size. However, they could have different shapes and / or sizes from one another, even within the same column.

[0107] In [Fig.5], a top view of a laminate 3' comprising a non-woven layer 2' and the elastomeric material layer of [Fig.4] is shown, the elastomeric material layer being shown in dotted lines.

[0108] The laminate 3' has the greatest elasticity in its width direction. This direction is called the principal stretch direction. In particular, as shown, it may correspond to the CD direction, perpendicular to the MD manufacturing direction. However, the laminate could also have its principal stretch direction in its length, which may or may not correspond to the MD manufacturing direction.

[0109] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 4. The non-woven layer 2' and the elastomeric layer 1' were bonded together by hot lamination. An adhesive layer, such as glue, or ultrasonic welding or a similar method could have been used instead.

[0110] The fibers and / or filaments constituting the nonwoven layer extend predominantly in the direction perpendicular to the main stretching direction. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, any other predominant orientation of the fibers and / or filaments could be provided.

[0111] The laminate 3' of figures 5 and 6 comprises an upper 2' non-woven layer and a lower 7' non-woven layer, the two layers being either the same type of non-woven or two different types of non-woven.

[0112] The laminate 3 of Figures 2 and 3 comprises only one non-woven layer 2. It could, as in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, also comprise two layers. Similarly, the laminate 3' could comprise only the upper non-woven layer 2'.

[0113] The 2' nonwoven layer has undulations which, in cross section CD, form a kind of accordion having curved sections in an inverted U, or in an inverted V or in the shape of an omega Q or in the shape of an inverted V whose two feet are constricted, the attachment of the 1' elastomeric material to each 2' and 7' nonwoven layer being effected along a plurality of continuous or discontinuous lines extending along the direction MD, some of the plurality of attachment lines being fixed to one or more ribs.

[0114] One could also provide for the embodiment of figures 2 and 3 such a layer of accordion-folded nonwoven, and similarly, one could also provide an unfolded accordion-folded nonwoven for one or both layers of nonwoven in the embodiment of figures 5 and 6.

[0115] In [Fig.7], an embodiment of a manufacturing installation is shown. of a laminate according to the invention, comprising a manufacturing station 100 of a layer 1 of elastomer material followed by a lamination station 105 of layer 1 with a non-woven layer 2.

[0116] The station 100 includes an extruder 101 which delivers to the outer surface of a conveyor roller 102 a profile 103 of elastomer material in a softened form, in particular at a temperature that can be between 80 °C and 200 °C, a speed that can be between 50 and 250 m. / min and a pressure that can be between 10 N / mm and 150 N / mm, depending in particular on the desired shape of the reliefs, the desired number of reliefs as well as the elastomer material used, for example for the specific case of a layer of elastomer material based on Polyolefin elastomer of the Vistamaxx® family, a temperature of 150 °C, a speed of 120 m. / min and a pressure of 22 N / mm can be used for a pattern according to [Fig.1].The elastomeric material profile placed on roller 102 is conveyed by roller 102 along its outer surface to a gap formed between the conveying roller 102 and a calendering roller 104 having reliefs on its outer surface, in particular grooves oriented in the direction CD, of . so that, at the exit of the gap, reliefs are formed on the face of the profile 103 facing the calendering roller, in particular ribs extending lengthwise in the direction CD, thus obtaining layer 1 in elastomer material.

[0117] According to one example, the elastomer material in softened form is generally at a temperature above 45°C (at atmospheric pressure) and at a temperature below the processing (extrusion) temperature of the elastomer material, in particular the processing (extrusion) temperature of the elastomer material reduced by 30°C or 50°C.

[0118] The laminating station 105 consists of the calendering roller 104 and a laminating roller 106 through which the non-woven layer 2 is conveyed to the gap between the calendering roller 104 and the laminating roller 106, where the layers 1 and 2 are laminated, in particular according to an example of operating conditions in which the roller 106 is at 50°C and the roller 104 at 90° with a speed of 120 m / min and a pressure of 110 N / mm for a relief shape corresponding to [Fig. 7]. A laminate 3 or 3' according to the invention is then obtained at the output.

[0119] The calendering roller 104 can be made by stacking discs forming the reliefs on the outer surface of the calendering roller 104 or by machining the outer surface of the calendering roller 104 or by a sleeve arranged on the outer surface of the calendering roller 104, which sleeve includes reliefs.

[0120] According to an alternative embodiment of [Fig.7], the roller 102 can be omitted so that the extruder 101 delivers material in a softened state directly onto the outer surface of the calendering roller 104.

[0121] In [Fig.8], an embodiment of an installation 200 for manufacturing an elastomeric material layer according to the invention is shown.

[0122] At the exit of the installation 200, the layer obtained can be sent to a (not shown) rolling installation in which it is laminated, for example by calendering, to one or more layers of non-woven material to obtain a laminate according to the invention.

[0123] The installation 200 includes an extruder (not shown) delivering a profile 203 of elastomer material in a softened form, in particular at a temperature of 120°C, a speed of 50 m / min and an air vacuum on the suction sector of 4 to 10 times lower than atmospheric pressure, to the outer surface of a forming roller 201 having cavities 202 of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the ribs that one wishes to form on the surface of the layer of elastomer material, in particular grooves oriented in the direction CD.

[0124] Preferably, a system 204 is provided for creating a vacuum to draw the profile into the cavities 202 on a corner sector of the roller. In addition, a A hot air formation system 205 can be provided to maintain the profile in a sufficiently softened state to allow it to easily penetrate the cavities 202.

[0125] At the end of the suction sector, the elastomer material layer 1 is obtained at the outlet, which can then be sent to the laminating installation with one or more layers of non-woven material to obtain a laminate according to the invention.

[0126] In [Fig.9], an embodiment of a manufacturing installation for a laminate according to the invention is shown, comprising a manufacturing station 300 for a layer 1 of elastomer material followed by a lamination station 304 for laminating the layer 1 with a non-woven layer 2.

[0127] Station 300 includes an extruder 301 which delivers to an endless conveyor 302 a profile 303 of elastomer material in a softened form, in particular at a temperature of 210°C and a speed of 150 m / min.

[0128] The endless belt 302 has notches 305 spaced at regular intervals along the length of the belt 302, the notches being formed to extend in the transverse direction or CD of the belt. In the curved sections 306 of the endless belt 302, the notches, due to the inherent elasticity of the belt material, tend to flare out to form a V-shaped groove, which can thus receive within them a portion of the material of the profile extruded by the extruder 301 positioned so as to deliver the extruded profile at a curved section 306 of the endless belt.

[0129] When the notches close at the exit of the curved section 306, the material of the profile is expelled from the notches and then forms corresponding ribs on the face of the profile turned away from the mat, thus obtaining a layer 1 of elastomer material according to the invention.

[0130] The layer 1 is then laminated by a roller 307 at a temperature of 50°C, a speed of 150 m / min and a pressure of 18 N / mm, with a non-woven layer 2 in a lamination gap formed between the yarnless belt 302 and a lamination roller 307, the non-woven layer 2 being pre-conveyed by an infeed roller 308.

[0131] The processes described above for manufacturing layer 1 of figures 1 to 3 are adaptable without difficulty to produce elastomeric material layers according to the invention with reliefs different from the ribs of layer 1, in particular to manufacture layer 1' of figures 4 to 6 or the elastomeric material layers of the laminates of figures 10 to 19, only the dimensions and shapes of the cavities of the forming rollers or endless conveyor belts need to be adapted to the desired shape of the reliefs on the final layer, in particular the ribs of layer 1'.

[0132] According to the invention, an adhesive such as a non-reactive PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) type adhesive, for example Bostik's H2465, or a reactive PU adhesive, in particular Bostik's XPU18314, can be used. Preferably, these adhesives will have a chemical nature similar to the elastomeric layer. For example, if one of these adhesives is analyzed with an infrared spectrometer to identify the chemical functions, or with liquid chromatography to separate and quantify the substances, traces of one or more components or their derivatives of the material or materials of the elastomeric layer will preferably be found.

[0133] Preferably, these adhesives are based on SIS, SBS, SEBS and SEPS, and allow good affinity with the elastomeric material layer by similar chemical materials.

[0134] Preferably the glue layer has a weight of less than 15g / m2, in particular less than 12g / m2, more preferably less than 9g / m2, even more preferably less than 6g / m2.

[0135] In the present invention, a nonwoven fabric is defined as a product obtained by consolidating a web of fibers and / or filaments. Consolidation can be mechanical, chemical, or thermal and results in the presence of bonds between the fibers and / or filaments. This consolidation can be direct, i.e., directly between the fibers and / or filaments by welding, or it can be indirect, i.e., through an intermediate layer between the fibers and / or filaments, for example, a layer of glue or a layer of binder. The term nonwoven fabric refers to a ribbon-like or web-like structure of fibers and / or filaments that are interwoven in a non-uniform, irregular, or random manner. A nonwoven fabric can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. A nonwoven fabric can be made from various synthetic and / or natural materials.Natural materials, by way of example, are cellulose fibers, such as cotton, jute, paper pulp, flax, and similar materials, and may also include reprocessed cellulose fibers, such as rayon or viscose (cellulose acetate). Natural fibers for a nonwoven material can be prepared using various processes, such as carding. Synthetic materials, by way of example, include, but are not limited to, synthetic thermoplastic polymers, which are known to form fibers and / or filaments that include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, and similar materials; and polyamides, for example, polyamide 6.6, polyamide 10, polyamide 11, polyamide 12 and similar; polyesters, for example polyethylene terephthalates, polybutylene terephthalates, polylactic acids (PLA) and similar, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, thermoplastic elastomers, polymeric vinyls, polyurethanes and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Lastly, some of these materials can be bioplastic, for example, bio-based (e.g., Bio-PE, PLA or PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), polyamide 11, viscose (cellulose acetate), and similar materials) and / or biodegradable (PLA and similar materials). Generally, fibers and filaments differ primarily in their length and manufacturing process.

[0136] The term "continuous filaments" refers to unit elements of very long lengths relative to the diameter in which their cross-section is inscribed, continuously extruded to directly form a nonwoven web which can then be consolidated by thermal bonding or any other means to achieve the desired performance and / or facilitate transport. Preferably, the continuous filaments have a length greater than 120 mm.

[0137] The term "fibre" is understood to mean the generic term for a textile material or element of textile material of short length, less than the length of continuous filaments, and capable of being spun and / or used in the production of nonwovens. Two types of fibers are distinguished: short fibers formed from discontinuous material of short length less than 50 mm (preferably from 25 mm to 50 mm) and long fibers formed discontinuously of great length greater than 50 mm (preferably from 60 mm to 120 mm).

[0138] Unlike continuous filaments, which are consolidated directly after extrusion, fibers are commonly oriented and arranged into a web during a carding step well known to those skilled in the art. This web can then be consolidated by thermal bonding or any other means to achieve the desired performance and / or facilitate transport.

[0139] As a non-limiting example of an elastomeric material, the following may be cited: styrene / isoprene (SI), styrene / isoprene / styrene (SIS), styrene / butadiene / styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene (SEPS), or SIBS copolymers. Mixtures of these elastomers with each other or with non-elastomers that modify certain characteristics other than elasticity may also be considered. For example, up to 50% by mass but preferably less than 30% by mass of polymer may be added in order to modify certain characteristics of the base materials (elasticity, heat resistance, processability, UV resistance, color, etc.), such as polystyrenes or poly α-methyl styrene, epoxy polyesters, polyolefins, for example polyethylenes or certain ethylene / vinyl acetates, preferably those with higher molar masses.

[0140] The elastomeric material may be, in particular, a styrene-isoprene-styrene, available for example from Kraton Polymers under the name KRATON D (Registered Trademark), or from DEXCO POLYMERS LP (in the USA) or TSRC (in Europe) under the name VECTOR SBC 4211 (Registered Trademark) and / or under the name VECTOR SBC 4111 (Registered Trademark) and / or under the name VECTOR SBC 4411 (Registered Trademark) or a mixture of at least two of these materials. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials may also be used, in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, notably ESTANE (Registered Trademark) 2102-75A-TPU from LUBRIZOL. Styrene-butadiene-styrene may also be used, notably VECTOR SBC 4461 (Registered Trademark) from Dexco Polymers a TSRC COMPANY LP. Styrene-ethylene / butylene, or a sequence styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer, may also be used.

[0141] The list, while not exhaustive, may be supplemented by the use of all hydrogenated polyisoprene polymers such as styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene (SEPSEP), hydrogenated polybutadiene polymers such as styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-ethylene-ethylene-butylene-ethylene-butylene-butylene (SEBSEB), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), hydrogenated polyisoprene / butadiene polymers such as styrene-ethylene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS), and hydrogenated vinyl-polyisoprene / polyisoprene triblock polymers hydrogenated / polyisoprene / polystyrene, such as HYBRAR 7311, commercially available (Kuraray America, Inc., Houston, Tex.), and their combinations.

[0142] Polymer block configurations such as diblock, triblock, multiblock, multiblock, star, and radial are also considered in this disclosure. In some cases, sequenced copolymers with higher molar masses may be desirable. Sequenced copolymers are available from Kraton Polymers US LLC of Houston, Texas, under designations such as Kraton DI 184, Kraton FG1901, and Kraton FG1924, and under the Kuraray Company's Septon 8007 designation. Dynasol is another potential supplier of these polymers.

[0143] Alternatively, a copolymer of isooctyl acrylate and acrylic acid with monomer ratios of 90 / 10 can be used, which is a thermoplastic with physical crosslinking in the absence of a crosslinker.

[0144] Other possible materials are polyolefin polymers, mainly copolymers of ethylene and / or propylene, having characteristics of elastomers, in particular those produced by metallocene catalysis, such as VISTAMAXX VM-1120 (Registered Trademark), available from Exxon Mobil Chemical, or even polymers filled with rubber.

[0145] Examples of polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers usable in elastomeric material layers include, among others, a polyolefin crystalline, for example, a homopolymer or a copolymer of an alpha-olefin having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and comprising 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0146] The homopolymers and copolymers described below are examples of crystalline polyolefins.

[0147] (1) Ethylene homopolymer. The ethylene homopolymer can be prepared by one any of the low-pressure and high-pressure processes.

[0148] (2) Ethylene copolymers and not more than 10 mole percent of alpha-olefins other than ethylene or vinyl monomers; for example, ethylene octene copolymer, available under the brand names Engage 8407 or Engage 8842 (Dow Chemical, Houston, Tex.).

[0149] (3) Polypropylene copolymers; examples include impact copolymer of polypropylene PP7035E4 and the random copolymer of polypropylene PP9574E6 (Exxon Mobil, Houston, Tex, or even polypropylene homopolymers).

[0150] (4) Random copolymers of polypropylene and not more than 10 mole percent of alpha- olefins - olefins other than propylene.

[0151] (5) Sequenced copolymers of polypropylene and not more than 30 mole percent of alpha- olefins other than propylene.

[0152] (6) Butene-1-butene homopolymer.

[0153] (7) Random copolymers of 1-butene and not more than 10 mole percent of alpha-olefins - olefins other than 1-butene.

[0154] (8) 4-methyl-1-pentene homopolymer 4-methyl-1-pentene homopolymer.

[0155] (9) Random copolymers of 4-methyl-1-pentene and not more than 20% by mole of alpha-olefins other than 4-methyl-1-pentene.

[0156] Alpha-olefins include, for example, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene and 1-octene.

[0157] Among the commercially available thermoplastic polyolefin-based elastomers intended for use in elastomeric material layers, examples include VISTAMAXX.TM. (propylene and / or ethylene-based elastomer, available from ExxonMobil Chemical, Houston, Tex.), INFUSE.TM. (block olefin copolymers, available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan), VERSIFY.TM. (propylene / ethylene elastomer, notably obtained via "INSITE technology") such as VERSIFY.TM. 4200 (Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan), ENGAGE.TM. (ethylene octane copolymer, available from Dow Chemical, Houston, Tex.) and NOTIO 0040 and NOTIO 3560 (available from Mitsui Chemical (USA), New York, NY), Adflex X100 G (available from Lyondellbasell). The following materials could also be used:

[0158] - a propylene elastomer, in particular the "Vistamaxx" range from EXXON MOBIL under references 6000 and / or 6102 and / or 6102FL and / or 6202 and / or 6202FL and / or 6502, 7050BF and / or 7810, and / or

[0159] - a block olefin copolymer, in particular the "Infuse" range from DOW CHEMICAL under references 9000 and / or 9007 and / or 9010 and / or 9077 and / or 9100 and / or 9107, and / or

[0160] - a polyolefin elastomer, in particular the "Engage" range from DOW CHEMICAL under references 8402 and / or 8401 and / or 8411 and / or 8407 and / or 8137 and / or 8200 and / or 8207, and / or

[0161] a propylene-ethylene copolymer, in particular the “Versify” range from DOW CHEMICAL under references 3200 and / or 3300 and / or 3401 and / or 4200.

[0162] In a particularly suitable embodiment, the polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer is VISTAMAXX.TM. 6102FL or VISTAMAXX 7050 BF (available from ExxonMobil Chemical, Houston, Texas). The ".TM" designation for registered trademarks stands for "Trade Mark".

[0163] In another case, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic ester / ether elastomer.

[0164] The term "elastomeric material" means a material that can be stretched without breaking under the effect of a stretching force applied in a given direction and that can substantially recover its original shape and dimensions after the release of this stretching force. For example, this refers to a layer of elastomeric material that retains a residual deformation or set after elongation and release (residual deformation also called "permanent set" or "SET") of less than or equal to 30%, preferably less than or equal to 20%, and even more preferably less than or equal to 10%, of its initial dimension (before elongation) for an elongation of 100% of its initial dimension, at room temperature (23°C).The elastomeric material may be a thermoplastic elastomeric material, in particular a physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomeric material, such as those described in this disclosure, or a chemically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomeric material.

[0165] The elastic laminate and / or the non-woven material(s) and / or the elastomeric material layer can be perforated, for example in the base part and / or in the relief(s).

[0166] In figures 20 to 22, the thickness of the base part of the elastomeric layer is defined, namely ef, the thickness of the upper ribs erl, which can vary depending on the rib considered, and the thickness of the lower ribs er2, which can vary depending on the rib considered.

Claims

Demands

1. Elastic laminate (3; 3'), extending widthwise in a first direction, in particular CD, and lengthwise in a second direction, in particular MD, the elasticity of the laminate being greatest in at least one stretch direction (F), for example the CD direction, comprising: - at least one layer (2; 2', 7') of nonwoven fabric; and - at least one layer (1; 1') of elastomeric material fixed by an upper, respectively lower, face to a lower, respectively upper, face of the at least one nonwoven fabric layer; characterized in that, - in the unstretched state of the laminate in said at least one stretch direction, at least one relief (5; 5') is formed on the upper face of the at least one layer (1;1') made of elastomeric material, the relief being delimited by a peripheral relief edge, having a greatest relief length along a relief length direction and, measured along the direction perpendicular to the relief length direction, a greatest relief width; - the ratio of the greatest relief length to the greatest relief width, or aspect ratio, being strictly greater than 1, in particular being at least equal to 1.2, preferably greater than or equal to 2, even more preferably greater than or equal to 5; and - the relief length direction is not perpendicular to the at least one stretch direction (F), in particular makes an angle greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 70°, preferably greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 45°, with it.

2. Laminate according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one relief can have the form of a rib (5; 5') and / or a hollow.

3. Laminate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one layer (2; 2', 7') of nonwoven comprises fibers and / or filaments oriented predominantly in a direction perpendicular to at least one direction (F) of stretching.

4. Laminate according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one layer (2; 2', 7') of nonwoven has undulations which, in cross-section along the first direction, in particular in cross-section CD, in particular along a direction parallel to at least one stretching direction, form inverted U and / or inverted V and / or Q curved sections.

5. Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment of at least one elastomeric material layer to at least one non-woven layer is carried out along a plurality of lines, in particular continuous lines, extending along the second direction and / or in a direction perpendicular to the at least one stretching direction.

6. Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one non-woven layer comprises continuous filaments.

7. Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one nonwoven layer comprises a Spunbond nonwoven, in particular at least one nonwoven layer comprises a meltblown nonwoven, in particular a Spunbond layer (S), in particular a Spunbond based on crimped filaments (according to the English designation, usual in the field) or a Meltblown layer (M), or a combination of several of these layers (for example SM, SMS, SMMS, SSMMS, SSSMMS, SSSMMSS).

8. A layer (1; 1') of elastomeric material intended to form part of an elastic laminate comprising the elastomeric layer attached to at least one nonwoven layer, the elastomeric layer extending widthwise in a first direction, in particular CD, and lengthwise in a second direction, in particular MD, at least one relief, in the unstretched state of the layer, being formed on an upper face of the elastomeric layer, the relief being delimited by a peripheral relief edge, having a greatest relief length along a relief length direction and, measured along the direction perpendicular to the relief length direction, a greatest relief width, the ratio of the greatest relief length to the greatest relief width, or aspect ratio, being strictly greater than 1, in particular being at least equal to 1.2, preferably greater than or equal to 2, even more preferably greater than or equal to 5, and the longitudinal direction of relief not being perpendicular to the first direction, in particular makes an angle greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 70°, preferably greater than or equal to 0° and / or less than or equal to 45°, with it.

9. A method for manufacturing an elastomeric layer according to claim 8, comprising the steps in which - an elastomeric layer, preferably without reliefs, is extruded from an extrusion nozzle in a softened state; and - the elastomeric layer, preferably without reliefs, in a softened state is passed over a roller or an endless conveyor belt having cavities and / or protrusions to form on a surface of the elastomeric layer reliefs of complementary shape to the cavities and / or protrusions.

10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, in the softened state is sent onto a conveyor belt having notches on its surface which open in the rounded areas of its path and the layer of extruded elastomer material being deposited on the conveyor belt in one of these rounded areas.

11. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the extruded elastomer material layer, preferably without reliefs, in the softened state is sent onto a forming roller having cavities, the elastomer material layer exiting the roller having ribs of complementary shape to the cavities.

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that it provides a vacuum system for sucking material from the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, into the cavities.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it provides for heating by hot air on the outer surface of the extruded elastomer layer, preferably without reliefs, to soften it and / or keep it in the softened state during its passage over the forming roller.

14. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the layer of extruded elastomer material, preferably without reliefs, in the softened state is sent directly or indirectly, onto an engraving roller, the engraving roller having calendering ribs, the layer exiting the roller having hollows of a shape complementary or substantially complementary to the calendering ribs.

15. A method for manufacturing a laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, consisting of obtaining an elastomeric material layer according to claim 8 by the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 and fixing the elastomeric material layer obtained onto a non-woven layer, in particular by lamination and / or ultrasonic welding.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, before fixing the non-woven layer to the elastomeric material layer, a strip of adhesive, in particular glue, is deposited on the elastomeric material layer and / or on the non-woven layer, and then the non-woven layer is laminated onto the elastomeric material layer.

17. A method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the extruded elastomer layer is kept hot after the reliefs have been formed and is sent into a gap between two rollers between which the non-woven layer also passes.

18. Absorbent article, for example a baby diaper or an adult incontinence diaper comprising at least one laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in particular for forming the hook tabs from laterally from the back waistband of the diaper or incontinence diaper, so that the hooks cooperate with loops from the front face of the waistband of the diaper, to achieve the closure of the diaper or incontinence diaper.

19. Elastic hook laminate, comprising a laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and at least one web with hooks attached to the laminate, in particular on the upper non-woven layer, preferably in an area without inverted U and / or inverted V and / or Q.

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