Pants-type wearable items

Abstract

A longitudinally and transversely continuous wearable article (20) comprising a front elastic belt (84), a rear elastic belt (86), a crotch region (30), a waist opening, and a pair of leg openings, the crotch region (30) extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86), each of the front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86) including an inner sheet (94), an outer sheet (92), and a plurality of transversely extending elastic members (96), the laminate comprising elastic bonding portions (230) bonding the elastic members (96) continuously in the stretch direction over at least about 10 mm in regions adjacent to the side edges of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86); and vertical bonds (234) applied at transversely spaced locations to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) for intermittently joining the elastic member (96) to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92), wherein at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) includes a plurality of deformations, the deformations being aligned in the longitudinal direction, and the article (20) has a stretched perimeter force of about 6.5 N or less, preferably about 6.0 N or less, and a fitted perimeter force of at least about 3.0 N, according to the measurement methods described herein, and the ratio of the value of stretched perimeter force / fitted perimeter force is less than about 1.8.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type wearable article having an elastic belt with improved gather regularity, improved comfort and softness while providing a good fit. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Infants, young children, and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles, such as diapers, to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Pull-on, or pant-type, absorbent articles are donned by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the article upward into position around the lower torso. Pant-type absorbent articles are popular for infants who can walk and are often toilet training, as well as for younger infants who are more mobile and who may have more difficulty getting tape-on absorbent articles on, and who require a softer fit around the waist and leg openings.

[0003] Pant-type articles can have a variety of constructions that have sufficient elasticity around and near the waist opening to facilitate the wearer or caregiver in unfolding the article and inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings to don the article. The area around and near the waist is often referred to as the elastic belt. One type of construction for pant-type articles is belt-type pants that have a central chassis that covers the wearer's crotch region and separate elastic belts that define the waist opening and leg openings, as described in WO 2006 / 17718(A). Another type of construction for pant-type articles is one-piece pants that are configured such that the outer cover of the article completely covers the entire garment-facing surface of the article, with the portion configured to stretch around the torso being considered the elastic belt region.

[0004] Regardless of the structure of a pant-type article, it provides only a very small range of size or body configuration adjustment based on the structural limitations of the article. Therefore, pant-type articles are typically configured to accommodate a range of sizes and configurations by ensuring that the elastic belt region is highly stretchable and comfortable to wear, yet still provides a reliable fit, so that sufficient protection against sagging and leakage can be provided. Furthermore, the elastic belt region may be the part most frequently touched and observed by the wearer or caregiver during use, and therefore the properties of the elastic belt region are most associated with the quality of the article. A desirable quality is an underwear-like appearance provided by aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers. However, it has been found that even if such properties are met when the article is newly manufactured, they may change as the product ages. Several factors may contribute to such changes in properties, including, but not limited to, the deterioration of adhesive materials used to attach the elastic members to the base portion of the article. Deterioration of adhesive materials is of particular interest because such deterioration can change the force characteristics of the elastic belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO 2006 / 17718(A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Based on the foregoing, there is a need for wearable articles that provide improved stretch for ease of application, improved fit to prevent loosening, improved comfort and softness, and improved breathability for skin health. There is also a need for wearable articles that have such properties for a long intended shelf life. There is also a need to provide such wearable articles that can be economically made. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a longitudinally and transversely continuous wearable article comprising a front elastic belt region, a rear elastic belt region, a crotch region, a waist opening, and a pair of leg openings, the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt region and the rear elastic belt region; Each of the front and rear elastic belts is a laminate including an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members extending in the transverse direction; the laminate further comprises elastic bonds that continuously bond the elastic members over at least about 10 mm in the stretch direction in regions adjacent to the side edges of the front and back elastic belts, and vertical bonds that are applied at intervals in the transverse direction to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet to intermittently bond the elastic members to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet; At least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet includes a plurality of deformations, the deformations being aligned in the longitudinal direction; The article is intended to have a stretched circumferential force of about 6.5 N or less, preferably about 6.0 N or less, and a fitted circumferential force of at least about 3.0 N, according to the measurement methods described herein, and the ratio of the stretched circumferential force / fitted circumferential force value is less than about 1.8. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly identify and separately claim the subject matter regarded as constituting the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which substantially identical elements are designated with like numerals, and the following description, in which: [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wearable article of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a wearable article of the present invention in a contracted state, showing the front side of the article. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a wearable article according to the present invention with unbonded seams and a garment-facing surface in a flat, uncontracted state. [Figure 3A] 3 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the location of elastic members, elastic adhesive bonds, and adhesive bonds having distinct patterns. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged schematic plan view of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A in a contracted state. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic plan view of an elastic belt according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] 1 is a plan view of an elastic belt of the present invention in a stretched state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a plan view of the elastic belt of FIG. 5B in a contracted state. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a hanger-type sample holding fixture according to the "whole article force measurement method." [Figure 7A] 1 shows images of Example 1 in original and processed form relating to the "directional dispersion" metric. [Figure 7B] 1 shows images of Example 1 in original and processed form relating to the "directional dispersion" metric. [Figure 7C] 1 shows images of Example 1 in original and processed form relating to the "directional dispersion" metric.

[0009] definition As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below. "Wearable article" refers to a wearable article that may be in the form of pants, tape diapers, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene garments, etc. A "wearable article" may be configured to absorb and contain various bodily exudates, such as urine, feces, menstrual blood, etc. A "wearable article" may serve as an outer cover that is adaptable to be joined with a separable disposable absorbent insert to provide the absorption and containment functions, such as that disclosed in WO 2011 / 087503(A).

[0010] "Pant" means a disposable absorbent article having preformed waist and leg openings. Pants may be donned by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer's lower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers," "prefastened diapers," "pull-on diapers," "training pants," and "diaper pants."

[0011] "Longitudinal" refers to a direction extending substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.

[0012] "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] "Proximal" and "distal" mean closer or farther, respectively, from the longitudinal center of the article.

[0014] "Body-facing" and "garment-facing" refer to the relative position of an element, or a surface of an element, or a group of elements, respectively. "Body-facing" means that the element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than any other element or surface. "Garment-facing" means that the element or surface is farther away from the wearer during wear than any other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is closer to the wearer's garment, which may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).

[0015] "Location" refers to an element being placed in a particular place or position.

[0016] "Bonded" refers to an arrangement in which one element is directly affixed to other elements by directly attaching the element to the other elements, and an arrangement in which an element is indirectly affixed to other elements by attaching the element to intermediate member(s) that are in turn affixed to the other elements.

[0017] "Film" means a sheet-like material in which the length and width of the material significantly exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, a film has a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

[0018] "Water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the permeability of a material in the context of the intended use of the disposable absorbent article. Specifically, the term "water-permeable" refers to a layer or layer structure having holes, openings, and / or interconnected voids that allow liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through the thickness of the layer or layer structure in the absence of compressive pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or layer structure in which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass through the thickness of the layer or layer structure in the absence of compressive pressure (other than natural forces such as gravity). A layer or layer structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may also be permeable to water vapor, i.e., "vapor-permeable."

[0019] "Extensible" and "stretchable" mean the ability to stretch or increase the width or length of a component in a relaxed state.

[0020] "Elasticated" or "elasticated" means that a component includes at least a portion made from an elastic material.

[0021] The terms "extensible material," "stretchable material," or "elastic material" are used interchangeably to refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can be stretched without rupture or break to an elongated length of at least about 110% of its original relaxed length (i.e., it can be stretched 10% longer than its original length) as measured by EDANA Method 20.2-89, and that, upon removal of the applied force, exhibits a slight recovery of less than about 20% of that elongation without complete rupture or breakage. Such an extensible material is considered "elastic" or "elastomeric" if it recovers at least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force. For example, an elastic material with an initial length of 100 mm can be stretched to at least 150 mm and retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibits 40% recovery) upon removal of the force. An extensible material is considered to be "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomeric" if, upon release of an applied force, the material recovers less than 40% of its elongation. For example, an extensible material having an initial length of 100 mm can be stretched to at least 150 mm and retracts to a length of at least 145 mm upon removal of the force (i.e., exhibiting 10% recovery).

[0022] The "dimensions," "length," "width," "pitch," "diameter," "aspect ratio," "angle," and "area" of an article are all measured using a ruler or magnifying glass when the article is stretched to a fully extended perimeter W1 according to the "Whole Article Force Measurement Method" herein, unless otherwise specified.

[0023] "Artwork" means a visual representation to the naked eye that has color and is printed or otherwise provided. Printing includes various methods and devices known to those skilled in the art, such as lithography, screen printing, flexography, and gravure inkjet printing techniques.

[0024] As used herein, the term "color" or "tinting" may include any primary color other than white, i.e., black, red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green, and indigo, as well as any tint or mixture thereof. White is defined by the CIE L * a * b * According to the color system, L of at least 94 * Value, a equal to 0±2 * value, and b equal to 0 ± 2 * It is defined as a color that has a value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a wearable article (20) of the present invention, Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the wearable article of the present invention in a contracted state, and Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the wearable article in its flat, uncontracted state, with the seams unbonded and showing the garment-facing side. The wearable article (20) has a longitudinal centerline LX that also serves as a longitudinal axis, and a transverse centerline TX that also serves as a transverse axis. The wearable article (20) has a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, a front elastic belt (84), a back elastic belt (86), a crotch region (30), and side seams (32) that join the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) to form two leg openings and a waist opening.

[0026] The wearable article (20) may be belt-type pants such as those in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, comprising a central chassis 38 covering the wearer's crotch region (30), a front elastic belt (84), and a back elastic belt (86) (hereinafter referred to as "front and back elastic belts"), the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) forming separate circular elastic belts (40) extending transversely to define a waist opening. In the case of belt-type pants such as those in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) and the central chassis (38) join to define leg openings. In the case of belt-type pants, the front elastic belt 84 is the front region (26), the back elastic belt (86) is the back region (28), and the remainder is the crotch region (30). Although not shown, the wearable article (20) may be one-piece pants configured such that the outer cover of the central chassis (38) and the elastic belt (40) are common. In the case of one-piece pants, the portions extending transversely between the side seams (32) are considered the front region (26) and the back region (28), respectively, and the remainder is the crotch region (30). In the case of one-piece pants, the front region (26) is considered the front elastic belt (84), and the back region (28) is considered the back elastic belt (86).

[0027] The central chassis (38) may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core (62) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an outer cover layer (42) for covering the garment-facing side of the backsheet. The topsheet may be a water-permeable substrate. The backsheet may be a water-impermeable film. The outer cover layer (42) may be a nonwoven sheet. The central chassis (38) may contain an absorbent core (62) disposed on the central chassis (38) for absorbing and containing body exudates, as well as an absorbent-material-free region (61) surrounding the periphery of the absorbent core (62). The absorbent-material-free region (61) may be made from the topsheet and / or the backsheet and / or the outer cover layer (42) and / or other parts constituting the central chassis (38). In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the central chassis (38) has a generally rectangular shape with side edges (48) extending in the left-right longitudinal direction and end edges (50) extending in the front-to-back transverse direction. The absorbent core (62) may be present throughout the longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and at least partially in the front region (26) or at least partially in both the front and back regions (26, 28). The central chassis (38) may have a front waist panel (52) located in the front region (26) of the absorbent article (20), a back waist panel (54) located in the back region (28), and a crotch panel (56) in the crotch region (30) between the front and back waist panels (52, 54). The center of the front elastic belt (84) is joined to the front waist panel (52) of the central chassis (38), and the center of the back elastic belt (86) is joined to the back waist panel (54) of the central chassis (38), and the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) each have a left side panel and a right side panel (82) that do not overlap with the central chassis (38). The central chassis has a crotch panel (56) located between the front waist panel (52) and the back waist panel (54).

[0028] The absorbent core (62) may include an absorbent layer and an acquisition layer. The absorbent layer is a region containing an absorbent material with a high retention capacity, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent layer may be substantially free of cellulose. The superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent layer may be disposed between a first material layer and a second material layer immobilized by a fibrous layer of a thermoplastic adhesive material. The first and second material layers may be nonwoven fibrous webs containing synthetic fibers, such as monocomponent fibers of PE, PET, and PP, or multicomponent fibers, such as side-by-side, core / sheath, or island-in-the-sea fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbond or meltblown process. The acquisition layer promotes the acquisition and distribution of body exudates and may be disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent layer. The acquisition layer may contain cellulose fibers.

[0029] The absorbent layer may be disposed in multiple locations within the absorbent core (62). Portions of the absorbent layer may be configured to be substantially free of absorbent material to form a channel or channels. The channels may be useful for allowing the absorbent core (62) to flex as it swells with fluid, thereby allowing the absorbent article to conform to the wearer's body after expansion and preventing sagging of the article. Channels may also be formed within the acquisition layer and configured to at least partially align in thickness with the channels in the absorbent layer.

[0030] The elastic belt (40) of the article of the present invention acts to dynamically generate and distribute forces that occur during wear. The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) can be joined together only at the side edges (89) to form the side seams (32), the waist opening, and the two leg openings. Each leg opening may have elastic around the periphery of the leg opening. The elastic around the leg openings can be provided by a combination of elastic from the front belt (84), the back belt (86), and the central chassis (38).

[0031] The longitudinal lengths of the backsheet and the outer cover layer (42) may be the same or different. For example, the outer cover layer (42) may have a shorter length compared to the length of the backsheet so that the outer cover layer (42) is not present where the central chassis (38) overlaps the elastic belt (40). Such a configuration may allow the elastic belt to have better breathability. Furthermore, such a configuration may provide cost savings. The transverse widths of the backsheet and the outer cover layer (42) may be the same or different. For example, the backsheet may have a shorter transverse width compared to the transverse width of the outer cover layer (42). Such a configuration may allow the longitudinal side edges (48) of the crotch panel (56), which form part of the leg openings, to have better breathability. Furthermore, such a configuration may provide cost savings.

[0032] The front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are configured to provide elasticity to the belt (40). Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) may each comprise a laminate comprising a plurality of transversely extending elastic members (96), an inner sheet (94), an outer sheet (92), and an outer sheet fold (not shown), the outer sheet fold being an extension of the outer sheet material formed by folding the outer sheet material at the distal edges (88) of the front and back belts, with the belt elastic members (96) sandwiched between these two sheets. The front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) may each be made only of the elastic members (96), the inner sheet (94), the outer sheet (92), and the outer sheet fold. The belt elastic members (96) may extend in the transverse direction to provide a circular elastic belt (40) when the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are joined. At least some of the elastic members (96) extend substantially parallel to one another in the transverse direction. All of the elastic members (96) may extend substantially parallel to one another in the transverse direction. Such an article can be made economically. The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) may each have a proximal edge and a distal edge that are continuous in the transverse direction, with the proximal edge (90) being located closer to the longitudinal center of the article than the distal edge (88). At least 10%, or at least about 15% to no more than about 70% of the front and back elastic belts from the longitudinal waist opening may be a laminate of mobile elastic along the entire transverse dimension LW of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86). These operably elastic regions of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) are defined as the upper gathered regions (220). Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) may be treated to remove elastic operability from certain areas to form non-elastic regions (221). The elastic operability may be removed from the areas of each of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) that overlap the front and / or back waist panels (52, 54) of the central chassis (38) to define the non-elastic regions (221).

[0033] The elastic belt region (40) can be closely related to the function and quality of the article. Therefore, the material forming the elastic belt region (40) and the gather profile of the elastic belt region are carefully selected by the manufacturer to provide the desirability of the article. An undergarment-type appearance and aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers can be associated with high quality. Pleasant tactile sensations, such as softness and a cushioned feel, can also enhance the perception of high quality. Stretch for ease of application, fit, comfort, and softness to prevent loosening, and breathability for skin health can be associated with high functionality. Highly aesthetically pleasing gathers that intuitively convey the above-mentioned functional effects provide the user with a favorable overall use experience of the article. The user may be a wearer or a caregiver.

[0034] The gathers of the present invention are continuous in the longitudinal direction; however, the direction of continuity may or may not perfectly coincide with the longitudinal axis. The gather direction is the direction in which the individual gathers are continuous, with the individual gathers arranged with repeating peaks and valleys in the transverse direction. The upper gathered region (220) of the present invention may have a directional variance value of about 11 points or less, or about 9 points or less, according to the measurement method herein. What is meant by directional variance value is the deviation of each gather from the gather direction when analyzed by image analysis. The lower the directional variance value, the less the deviation of the individual gathers from the gather direction, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing sense of regularity.

[0035] The laminate with improved gather regularity of the present invention can be made by any method available in the art, particularly by selecting a lofty nonwoven material with a relatively high basis weight for the outer sheet (92), and by bonding elastic members (96) to one or both of the inner sheet (94) and outer sheet (92) with the appropriate denier, longitudinal pitch, and force. The elastic members (96) may be bonded intermittently in the direction of stretch. The laminate of the present invention can be suitably provided by the following method.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3A, the laminate can be made by bonding the elastic member (96) to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) via a combination of elastic bonds (230) and vertical bonds (234). In Figure 3A, the front elastic belt (84) is shown with the elastic member (96) and the elastic bonds (230) represented by solid lines. In Figure 3A, the vertical bonds (234) are only represented on the right side of the front elastic belt (84), and the side seam (32) is shown unbonded.

[0037] By elastic bonds (230) herein is meant bonds that connect the elastic members (96) along the side edges (89) of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86). The elastic bonds (230) may be applied continuously to each elastic member (96) adjacent to the side edges (89) of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) in the direction of stretch for a length of at least about 10 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 60 mm, including the length designed for the side seams. The elastic bonds (230) provide a relatively strong bond to the elastic members (96), thus securing the elastic members (96) firmly within the laminate. The securing may be assisted by side seams. A certain percentage or a higher percentage of the dimensions of the elastic bonds (230) along the side edges (89) may be seamed. Elastic bonds may also be utilized as an effective process for deactivating limited transverse dimensions of the elastic members (96). 2 and 3A, the elastic members (96) may be deactivated where they overlap the absorbent core (62). In addition to the side edge regions, elastic bonds (230T) may be provided on either side of a certain transverse dimension of the elastic members (96), which are designed to be deactivated, and the portion of the elastic members between the elastic bonds (230T) are cut and deactivated. The deactivated portions of the elastic members are not shown. Such deactivation may be referred to herein as an abdominal cut, and the deactivation areas may coincide with the deactivation areas (221).

[0038] As used herein, vertical bonds (234) refer to bonds applied at transverse intervals to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) to intermittently bond the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92). The vertical bonds (234) can also bond the elastic member (96) to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92). The vertical bonds (234) may be provided only on the outer sheet (92). The vertical bonds (234) may be provided only on the inner sheet (94). Referring to FIG. 3A, the vertical bonds (234) may be provided in a pattern across the entire area of ​​the laminate. By providing the vertical bonds (234) in a pattern across the entire area of ​​the laminate, the vertical bonds (234) can function as bonds between the inner and outer sheets (92, 94) in the areas where the elastic member (96) is cut. The vertical joints 234 may be located in areas adjacent to the side edges 89, so that the areas where the elastic joints 230 are located overlap. Alternatively, the vertical joints 234 may be located only in areas where no elastic joints 230 are located. The vertical joints 234 may be located at least in areas where the elastic members 96 are operatively elastic, where no elastic joints 230 are located.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4A, the vertical bonds (234) are observed in the thickness direction of the laminate along a single elastic member (96) in a stretched state. FIG. 4A shows only the outer sheet (92), vertical bonds (234), and elastic member (96), with the vertical bonds (234) located on the outer sheet (92). The vertical bonds (234) may have a transverse dimension VG2 and are located in a continuous pattern aligned longitudinally. Each longitudinal pattern of vertical bonds (234) is spaced from one another at a transverse pitch VG1, where VG1 may be from about 2 mm to about 15 mm and VG2 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 7 mm. Focusing on a single elastic member (96), the vertical bonds (234) may provide an intermittent bond between the elastic member (96) and the inner sheet (94) or between the elastic member (96) and the outer sheet (92). This is in contrast to the elastic bonds (230), which are provided continuously along a specific length of the elastic member (96) in the direction of stretch. Therefore, in areas where the elastic member (96) is only intermittently bonded to one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92), the portion of the elastic member (96) between the transverse vertical bonds (234) is not attached to any other portion of the laminate. In FIG. 4A, the elastic member (96) is bonded to the outer sheet (92). Referring to FIG. 4B, when the elastic member (96) contracts, this causes the unattached portion of the outer sheet (92) to fold away from the elastic member (96), resulting in the formation of gathers. Therefore, the outer sheet (92) has fewer restrictions on the creation of gathers compared to the areas where the elastic bonds (230) are applied.

[0040] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the inner sheet (94) and outer sheet (92) have less restriction on the elastic members (96), thereby contributing to the creation of improved regularity of the gathers, and in that regard, a significant amount of the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) present between the vertical bonds (234) is available to create continuous gathers in the longitudinal direction. Without being bound by theory, it is also believed that the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) have less restriction on the elastic members (96), thereby improving the extensibility of the elastic members (96) and providing ease of application. Compared to elastic belts made only with elastic bonds (230) in which all of the elastic members (96) are continuously bonded, the elastic belt (40) of the present invention may have a lower circumferential force at stretch, as measured by the method herein. By "stretched circumferential force," we mean the applied force at a particular stretch level, which is believed to mimic the initial stretching experience felt by a wearer or caregiver when inserting their hand and stretching the article open. Furthermore, despite such a relatively low stretched circumferential force, the elastic belt (40) of the present invention can maintain a suitable fitted circumferential force according to the measurement methods herein. By "fitted circumferential force," we mean the unloaded force at a particular stretch level, which is believed to mimic the force felt by a wearer while wearing the article. Thus, the articles of the present invention have a stretched circumferential force of about 6.5 N or less, or about 6.0 N or less, and a fitted circumferential force of at least about 3.0 N, according to the measurement methods herein, with a ratio of the stretched circumferential force / fitted circumferential force value of less than about 1.8. A relatively low value for the ratio of stretched circumferential force / fitted circumferential force means that there is little difference between the loaded and unloaded forces felt by the wearer, thus providing a sensory quality similar to that of underwear. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is also believed that by having the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) have less restriction on the elastic members (96), the breathability of the overall laminate may be improved, leading to improved skin health.Without being bound by theory, it is also believed that the vertical bond (234) provides a configuration in which, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, a greater proportion of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) are available to form the outer surface of the laminate, while the elastic members (96) remain positioned within the thickness of the laminate. This provides a laminate with improved resilience and thickness, thus providing improved comfort and softness when worn. Furthermore, without being bound by theory, it is believed that, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, a greater proportion of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) are available to form the outer surface of the laminate with greater regularity, thereby providing the body-facing surface of the elastic belt (40) with greater longitudinal stiffness, thus contributing to an improved fit to prevent sagging. Furthermore, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, the elastic members are less visible, further enhancing the aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers.

[0041] To ensure that a significant amount of the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) between the vertical joints (234) is available for gathering in the transverse direction, VG1 can be from about 2 times to about 20 times, or from about 3.5 times to about 10 times, VG2.

[0042] Bonding may be achieved by any method known in the art, such as the use of hot melt adhesives, heat energy, and ultrasonic energy. Bond strength may be controlled by the area of ​​the bond or by different adhesion or energy levels provided by the bond, for example, by adjusting the amount and strength of the adhesive. The bond strengths of the elastic bonds (230) and the vertical bonds (234) may be the same or different. The elastic bonds (230) and the vertical bonds (234) may be provided by the same hot melt adhesive.

[0043] The vertical bonds (234) may be continuous lines extending longitudinally. Referring to FIG. 3B, the vertical bonds (234) may be rows of separate bonds aligned longitudinally. Each separate vertical bond (234) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm and a longitudinal spacing VG3 of about 3 mm or less, or about 2 mm or less, or about 1 mm or less. By providing the vertical bonds (234) in a row of separate bonds, the overall bond area can be reduced. This is advantageous in that the bonds can be more rigidly provided to the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94), maintaining a soft feel for the laminate. Furthermore, this can save bonding material or energy. The separate vertical bonds (234) may be provided at an appropriate longitudinal pitch so that there is at least one separate bond connecting each elastic member (96), but this is not required. Rather, it is essential that at least one separate vertical bond (234) be present along each longitudinal direction of the elastic member (96) so that adjacent elastic members (96) do not come into contact with each other. As long as at least one separate vertical bond (234) is present along each longitudinal direction of the elastic member (96), the elastic bonds (230) provide a secure bond for the elastic members (96) along the periphery of the side seams and inelastic regions (221), thereby preventing the elastic members (96) from moving away from their intended positions. It is not necessary for the entire front elastic belt (84) or the entire back elastic belt (86) to have any elastic members (96) connected to the inner sheet (94) or outer sheet (92) by separate vertical bonds (234). In the entire front elastic belt (84) or the entire back elastic belt (86), at least 1 to about 50% of the elastic members (96) may be joined to the inner sheet (94) or the outer sheet (92) by separate vertical bonds (234). In the individual elastic members (96) along the activated length, some portions may be joined by separate vertical bonds (234) and some portions may remain unjoined by separate vertical bonds (234).

[0044] The article of the present invention may have left and right elastic bonds, and the elastic members may or may not be attached by a separate vertical bond (234) along this length between the left and right elastic bonds (230, 230T). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that minimizing the length of the elastic bonds (230) provides the desired soft feel of the elastic belt. In embodiments where the bonds are provided by adhesive, minimizing the bond length prevents degradation of the adhesive on the elastic members (96), which can result in changes in the intended force profile expected of the elastic members. In embodiments where the bonds are provided by heat or ultrasound, minimizing the bond length prevents stiffening of the substrate material caused by fiber deformation.

[0045] The article of the present invention may have a belt elastic bonding percentage of less than about 25%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 15%, according to the measurement method described herein. That is, among all the elastic members (96) disposed on the front belt (84), less than about 25% of those elastic members are operatively elastically bonded to the laminate by complete elastic bonds (230, 230T) along the operative elastic length of the individual elastic members. When all of the elastic members are fully bonded by elastic bonds (230, 230T), the belt elastic bonding percentage is 100%. In a laminate having a belt elastic bonding percentage of less than about 100%, elastic members that are not fully bonded by elastic bonds (230, 230T) may be further subject to testing to determine the percentage of a particular elastic member bonded by elastic bonds. The article of the present invention may have an individual elastic bonding percentage of less than about 50%, according to the measurement method described herein. That is, among the individual elastic members that are not 100% bonded by the elastic bonds (230, 230T), the percentage of each individual elastic member that is attached to the laminate by elastic bonds is examined and averaged. The lower the individual elastic bond percentage, the less adhesive and / or heat is used to bond the elastic member to the laminate.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, belt pants may be provided with end seals at the proximal edges (90) of the front and back belts (84, 86) to keep the inner and outer sheets (92, 94) closed at the proximal edges (90), thus preventing the elastic members (96) from being accessible. Such inaccessibility of the elastic members (96) may be particularly advantageous when the article is intended for a younger wearer. Alternatively or additionally, the elastic members (96) located nearest the proximal edges (90) may be provided with elastic bonds (230) at operatively elastic portions along the transverse dimension of the elastic members (96).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the elastic member (96) may be made of a plurality of elastic strands (96) extending parallel to one another in the transverse direction, with the laminate having an area in which the elastic strands (96) have a longitudinal pitch of about 3 mm to about 18 mm, or about 3 mm to about 12 mm, or about 3 mm to about 7 mm. At least a portion of the upper gathered area (220) may have elastic strands (96) arranged at a longitudinal pitch of about 3 mm to about 7 mm. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such a longitudinal pitch of the elastic strands (96), combined with the transverse pitch of the adhesive bonds (234) having a distinct pattern as described above, contributes to the creation of improved regularity in the gathers by providing adequate longitudinal continuity of material provided by the rigidity of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94). At least a portion of the upper gathered region (220) may have elastic strands (96) arranged at a constant longitudinal pitch, the constant pitch being from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, with a deviation of about 1.5 mm or less. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such a constant pitch of the elastic strands (96) contributes to the creation of gathers with improved regularity and continuity.

[0048] The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) can be made by having continuous inner and outer sheet materials and continuous elastic strands extending along the transverse axis of the article and bonding them together via elastic bonds (230) and vertical bonds (234). During manufacturing, the continuous inner and outer sheet materials and continuous elastic strands may be transported in a machine direction, with the machine direction of manufacture coinciding with the transverse axis TX of the article. In such a manufacturing process, the vertical bonds (234) are provided intermittently spaced apart in the machine direction of manufacture by a pitch of VG1, either continuously or discretely aligned across the machine direction. The longitudinal pattern of the vertical bonds (234) may be transverse to the machine direction of manufacture, i.e., coincident with the longitudinal axis LX of the article, or may be slightly tilted for better control of the process, especially when the vertical bonds (234) are provided by applying bonds with rotating rollers. The vertical bonds (234) may be inclined transverse to the machine direction of manufacture, i.e., from the longitudinal axis LX of the article, at an angle of from about 0.1 to about 30 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or from about 0.1 to about 15 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0049] The overall tensile stress (N / m) of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86), respectively, can be profiled to provide the functional benefits of the present invention, such as stretchability and ease of application, while also maintaining a constant force during wear to prevent the article from sagging after being loaded. When the elasticity of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) is provided by a plurality of elastic members (96) extending in the transverse direction, the tensile stress can be adjusted by one or more of the following methods: 1) the elongation rate of the elastic members (96), 2) the density (dtex) of the elastic members (96), 3) the longitudinal pitch of the plurality of elastic members (96), and 4) the effective elastic length in the transverse direction of the elastic members (96). With respect to elongation rate, "0% elongation rate" refers to the original length of the elastic members. When a portion of the elastic members (96) has had its elasticity removed, the remaining portion of the unaffected elastic members capable of providing elasticity is defined as the "effective elastic length of the elastic members."

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the front and back elastic belts (26, 28) can each be divided into four transversely extending zones, defined by the respective positions of the distal edge (88) to the proximal edge (90) relative to a proportion of the seam length LS. In the example of Figure 2, the entire length of the belt side edge (89) of the front region (26) is the front belt (84), which, when joined with a certain length of the belt side edge (89) of the back region (28), is the back belt (86), which defines the seam length LS. If the seam length LS is considered 0% at the distal edge (88) of the side seam (32) and 100% at the proximal edge (90), the zones are defined as follows: 0-25% is the waist zone (102), 25-50% is the distal abdominal zone (104), 50-85% is the proximal abdominal zone (106), and 85-100% is the leg zone (108), etc. If elastic members are present located 25% from the distal edge (88), they are considered to be included in the waist zone (102). If elastic members are present 50% from the distal edge (88) or 85% from the distal edge (88), they are considered to be included in the proximal abdominal zone (106).

[0051] Certain zones of the belt may be arranged with elastic having a density of about 500 dtex or less. Elastic having a density of about 500 dtex or less may be arranged in one or more of the front waist zone (102), the front distal abdominal zone (104), or the front leg zone (108). Elastic having a density of about 500 dtex or less may be arranged in one or more of the rear waist zone (102), the rear proximal abdominal zone (104), or the rear leg zone (108). At least 50% of the elastic members of each of the front belt (84) and the rear belt (86) may have a density of about 500 dtex or less. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that elastic with a relatively low density provides an easy initial stretching experience when stretching and opening the article (20) while maintaining a good fit during wear. That is, the use of such elastics with relatively low densities is advantageous in providing a controlled circumferential force at stretch while maintaining a particular circumferential force at fit.

[0052] In the article of the present invention, the tensile stress in the front proximal abdominal zone (106) may be higher than the tensile stress in any of the front waist zone (102), the front distal abdominal zone (104), or the front leg zone (108). The tensile stress in the front proximal abdominal zone (106) may be higher than the tensile stress in any other zone, either front or back. The tensile stress in the back distal abdominal zone (104) may be higher than the tensile stress in any of the back waist zone (102), the back proximal abdominal zone (106), or the back leg zone (108). Comparing the four zones in each of the front and back belts, the tensile stress may be greatest in the front proximal abdominal zone (106), followed by the back distal abdominal zone (104). Without being bound by theory, such zoned profiling of tensile stress is believed to provide the article of the present invention with an elastic belt (40) that conforms well to the human body, particularly the lower torso of an infant under 36 months of age, thereby providing a good fit and comfort to the wearer without compromising on slack or leak resistance. That is, the front proximal abdominal zone (106) is subjected to high tensile stress, which secures the article against the wearer's trochanters while leaving more area in the rear proximal abdominal zone (106) to accommodate the wearer's buttocks. The upper gathered region (220) may be provided with a relatively low tensile stress, as long as the article is securely secured at the trochanters. Without being bound by theory, such a relatively low tensile stress is believed to contribute to improved regularity of the gathers and to providing the upper gathered region (220) with a softer fit.

[0053] In belt-type pants, the longitudinal length LB of the back elastic belt (86) and the longitudinal length LF of the front elastic belt (84) may be the same, or the back elastic belt (86) may have a longer longitudinal length LB, as shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2, when the wearable article is assembled to form the waist opening and leg openings, the wearable article (20) is folded along the transverse centerline TX so that the front distal edge (88) is aligned with the back distal edge (88). The front side edge (89) is also aligned with a portion of the back side edge (89). The front belt (84) and the back belt (86) are then joined at the front and back side edges (89) with seams (32). However, the front and back proximal edges (90) do not have to be aligned with each other. The rear proximal edge (90) may be disposed longitudinally closer to the transverse centerline TX than the front proximal edge (90) such that the proximal portion of the rear side panel (82) extends beyond the front proximal edge (90) toward the crotch panel (56) of the main body (38). The side edges of the proximal portion of the rear side panel (82) may be unjoined or unattached. Thus, the proximal portion of the rear side panel 82 provides a buttocks cover 95 as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0054] In the present invention, at least one of the inner sheet (92) and the outer sheet (94) may further include a plurality of deformations, which are aligned longitudinally and repeated transversely. The deformations may be holes, slits, impressions, embossments, protrusions, or any other permanent deformations in the nonwoven material used to make the inner sheet (92) and / or the outer sheet (94), as long as they are aligned longitudinally. For example, referring to FIG. 5A, the deformations on the outer sheet (92) are represented in the form of holes. Each longitudinal deformation pattern may be spaced apart from one another at a transverse pitch of DF1, where VG1 is greater than DF1, or VG1 is at least about 1.5 times or at least about 2 times DF1. Without being bound by theory, such deformations associated with the patterned adhesive bonds (234) assist the nonwoven material in folding the inner sheet (92) and / or outer sheet (94) within dimension VG1 and creating longitudinally continuous folds. This improves the regularity of the gathers. The longitudinal deformation pattern may or may not match the longitudinal pattern of the patterned adhesive bonds (234). In fact, the present invention discovered that even if the longitudinal deformation pattern does not match the longitudinal pattern of the patterned adhesive bonds (234), the regularity of the gathers is still improved. Matching the longitudinal deformation pattern with the longitudinal pattern of the patterned adhesive bonds (234) may require process precision, and such matching may be omitted. Even if the longitudinal deformation pattern does not match the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive bond (234) having a separate pattern, by providing DF1 and VG1 in a relationship other than a multiple integer, the majority of the longitudinal deformation pattern will fit within the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive bond (234) having a separate pattern, assisting in gathering.

[0055] The deformations may be a continuous longitudinal line or a row of discrete deformations that are longitudinally aligned and spaced apart with a longitudinal pitch of DF2, where DF2 is less than or equal to DF1, as in FIG. 5A. By providing the deformations in a row of discrete deformations, the overall area weakened or stiffened by the deformations can be reduced. Having DF2 equal to or smaller than DF1 facilitates longitudinal folding of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94), as described above.

[0056] The deformations may be holes in the outer sheet, each of which may be oval or polyhedral in shape with an aspect ratio of about 3 or less, or about 2.5 or less. Referring to FIG. 5A , each hole may have a transverse dimension APT of at least about 0.4 mm, or a longitudinal dimension APL of about 0.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, with APT being at least about 10% larger than APL. Furthermore, the holes may be spaced apart at a longitudinal pitch DF2 of about 5 mm or less, with APL being no more than 50% of DF2, or APL being about 12% to about 30% of DF2. Holes of such size, shape, and spacing may be visible to the naked eye on the garment-facing surface, thereby ensuring breathability and high quality of the gathers and the entire laminate, even when the gathers are in a contracted state. Furthermore, by providing VG1 greater than DF1, the holes are positioned over the folds as described above, thereby further improving the visibility of the holes when the gathers are in a contracted state. FIG. 5B is a plan view of an elastic belt of the present invention in a stretched state, while FIG. 5C shows the same elastic belt in a contracted state. In the elastic belts of FIGS. 5B-5C, VG1 is approximately 1.5 times DF1. As can be seen in FIG. 5C, by providing such a relationship between VG1 and DF1, at least one longitudinal row of holes is continuously folded in a longitudinal manner to provide continuous longitudinal gathers, with holes located near each gather peak. This improves breathability and the sensation of breathability. Furthermore, by making DF1 somewhat larger than DF2 and spacing the individual holes as described above, the first repeating pattern allows for a longitudinal orientation of the holes. By providing the first repeating pattern of holes in the non-elastic region (221) in a longitudinal orientation, the non-elastic region (221) appears to blend in with the upper gathered region (220) and enhances the gathering of the longitudinally continuous upper gathered region (220).

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 1A , the article of the present invention is formed by closing the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) at the side seams (32). It is desirable that the side seams (32) be strong enough to withstand normal use conditions, i.e., not break when stretched during application or after the article is subjected to a load. However, it is also desirable that the side seams (32) be easy to open after use, i.e., be manually tearable along the longitudinal dimension for removal from the wearer. Without being bound by theory, by providing holes in the outer sheet (94) with longitudinal repeating units in which each repeating unit is not linearly aligned in the transverse direction, the entire laminate can be easily torn along the longitudinal dimension without the tear line following the holes and deviating in the transverse direction.

[0058] The outer sheet (92) of the present invention may be a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 55 gsm, or about 10 gsm to about 35 gsm, and may have a fiber diameter of about 0.8 dpf to about 6 dpf. Fiber diameter is measured in industry units of denier per filament (dpf), which is grams per 9,000 meters of fiber length. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be made by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, carded, or airlaid, and may contain fibers and / or filaments made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene phthalate (PET), polylactic acid / polylactide (PLA), or conjugated fibers (such as PE / PET, PE / PP, or PE / PLA), as well as natural fibers such as cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose or lyocell. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwoven fabrics made by different processes and fibers, such as combining a spunbond nonwoven fabric with a carded nonwoven fabric. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be made from biodegradable materials or derived from renewable resources. Exemplary materials for the outer sheet (92) include air-through carded nonwoven fabrics having a thickness of at least about 50 μm, or at least about 80 μm, or at least about 200 μm. Such materials can provide a soft, lofty feel on the garment-facing side. Suitable outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabrics of the present invention include air-through carded nonwoven materials made from concentric bicomponent fibers, crimped fibers made through core-eccentric bicomponent filaments, or side-by-side bicomponent filaments.Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the outer sheet (92) nonwoven of the present invention include 12-45 gsm air-through carded nonwoven substrates comprising PE / PET bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co. Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co. Ltd., and 8-45 gsm spunmelt nonwoven substrates comprising PP monofilament or PE / PP bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

[0059] The inner sheet (94) of the present invention may be a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 5 gsm to about 45 gsm, or about 5 gsm to about 35 gsm. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may have a fiber diameter of about 0.5 dpf to about 4 dpf. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be made by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, carded, or airlaid, and may contain fibers and / or filaments made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene phthalate (PET), polylactic acid / polylactide (PLA), or conjugated fibers (PE / PET, PE / PP, PE / PLA, etc.), as well as natural fibers such as cotton, or regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose or lyocell. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may also be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwoven fabrics made by different processes and fibers, such as a combination of a spunbond nonwoven fabric and a carded nonwoven fabric. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may be made of biodegradable materials or derived from renewable resources. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the inner sheet (94) nonwoven of the present invention include 12-30 gsm air-through carded nonwoven substrates made from PE / PET bicomponent staple fibers, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co. Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co. Ltd., and 8-30 gsm spunmelt nonwoven substrates comprising PP monofilament or PE / PP bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

[0060] The basis weights of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted so that the basis weight of the inner sheet (94) is equal to or less than the basis weight of the outer sheet (92). Therefore, the outer sheet (92) can be provided with a soft, resilient feel with high quality, while the inner sheet (94) can be kept thinner and conform to the outer sheet (92), thus saving costs. Furthermore, without being bound by theory, it is believed that providing such a basis weight relationship effectively transports sweat from the skin to the outer sheet (92) and to the outside of the laminate, while preventing the transported sweat from returning to the inner sheet (94). The hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted so that the hydrophilicity of the outer sheet (92) is higher than the hydrophilicity of the inner sheet (94). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such a gradient of hydrophilicity is advantageous for transporting sweat from the skin from the inner sheet (94) to the outer sheet (92) and to the outside of the laminate. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be inherently hydrophobic. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be rendered hydrophobic by treating the polymer resin with a hydrophobic melt additive during the fiber-making process or by applying a hydrophobic additive after the nonwoven fabric is formed. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be inherently hydrophobic and therefore may be rendered relatively more hydrophilic than the inner sheet (94) by treating the polymer resin with a hydrophilic melt additive during the fiber-making process or by applying a hydrophilic additive after the nonwoven fabric is formed.

[0061] As mentioned above, the outer sheet (92) may be provided with holes. The holes can be created by a male-female hot pin process, a punching process, a hydroentanglement process using water jets and screens to create holes, and combinations thereof. The holes can be created by creating multiple weakened locations using heat, pressure, or ultrasonic energy, followed by incremental stretching, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097, to induce tears in the nonwoven web at the weakened locations. Such tearing methods may be particularly useful for nonwovens using spunbond and meltblown fibers. The holes may be three-dimensional, non-uniform, non-aligned, or form a pattern, as described in WO 2016 / 73712. The inner sheet (94) may also have holes for breathability. The holes in the inner sheet (94) may be created using the same or different process, size, and density as those in the outer sheet (92). Providing holes allows for varying the stiffness of the inner or outer sheets (92, 94). The longitudinal and transverse stiffness of the outer sheet (92) can be adjusted to provide the desired longitudinally continuous gathers.

[0062] The front elastic belt (84) may include a waist opening gather zone along the waist opening, which is about 5% to about 30%, or about 10% to about 25% of the longitudinal dimension LF of the front elastic belt, and the waist opening gather zone is operatively elastic and provided with artwork. The waist opening gather zone may coincide with or overlap the upper gathered region (220). The front elastic belt (84) may include a pair of leg opening gather zones along at least a portion of the leg openings, which are about 5% to about 25%, or about 5% to about 20% of the longitudinal dimension LF of the front elastic belt, and the leg opening gather zones are operatively elastic and provided with artwork. The artwork in the leg opening gather zones may be provided only along the leg openings or may extend along the proximal edge (90) of the front elastic belt (84). The artwork in the leg opening gathered zones may coincide with the area where the proximal edge of the front elastic belt (84) is operatively elastic, and thus extend slightly beyond the leg openings, while being interrupted in the area corresponding to the inelastic area (221) of the front elastic belt (84). The longitudinal dimension of the leg opening gathered zones may be from about 30% to about 80% of the longitudinal dimension of the waist opening gathered zone.

[0063] The artwork in the waist opening gathered zone and the artwork in the leg opening gathered zones of the front elastic belt (84) may have at least a common color or a common shape. For example, the artwork may be a line or multiple lines extending in the transverse direction. The lines may be straight or wavy. Both the waist opening gathered zone and the leg opening gathered zone may be provided with gathers having low directional dispersion and / or high continuity, as described above. Providing the waist opening gathered zone and the leg opening gathered zones of the front elastic belt (84) with such dimensions and appearance can enhance the underwear-like appearance of the overall article. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the aesthetically pleasing gathers of the present invention, which have a high degree of regularity, are advantageous in providing a similarly regular appearance of artwork overlapping the gathers. The back elastic belt (86) may include an operatively elastic waist opening gathered zone and may be provided with artwork and appearance that matches the longitudinal dimension of the front elastic belt (84). The rear elastic belt (86) may include an operatively elastic leg opening gathering zone along the proximal edge (90) of the front elastic belt (84) and may be provided with artwork and appearance that matches the longitudinal dimension of the front elastic belt (84). Providing similar artwork on both the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) can enhance the underwear-like appearance of the overall article.

[0064] The garment-facing side of the crotch region of the article may be provided with visible deformations similar to those provided in the outer sheet (92), as described above. Matching the visible deformations in the crotch region and the front and / or back elastic belts (84, 86), particularly the inelastic regions (221) of the front and / or back elastic belts, can enhance the unitary, underwear-like appearance of the article.

[0065] Whole article strength measurement method Force is measured using an electric tensile tester equipped with a computer interface, such as an MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD.), or equivalent equipment. Select a load cell so that the force on the specimen being tested is 10-90% of the load cell's capacity. Calibrate the equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. All tests are performed in a room maintained at 23±2°C and 50±5% relative humidity.

[0066] The tensile tester is fitted with hanger-type specimen holding fixtures (300) as shown in Figure 6. Each fixture has a rigid, straight, rubber-coated horizontal bar section (302) to prevent specimen slippage during testing. The outer diameter of the bar (including the rubber coating) of the horizontal bar section is 10.0 mm. The central axes of the horizontal bar sections (302) are configured to remain parallel and in the same vertical plane throughout the entire test. The gauge circumference is determined by the following formula: Gauge perimeter = 2 × (H + D + πD / 2) where H is the vertical gap between the horizontal bar sections (302) and D is the outer diameter of the bar.

[0067] The device is configured to perform the following steps:

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Insert the article (20) sample onto the upper horizontal bar portion (302) so that the bar passes through the waist opening and one leg opening of the article. Raise the crosshead until the specimen hangs above the lower bar and does not touch the lower bar (302). Tare the load cell and lower the crosshead so that the lower bar (302) can be inserted through the waist opening and the other leg opening without stretching the article. Adjust the article so that its longitudinal centerline (LX) is in a horizontal plane, midway between the upper and lower bars (302). The center of the side portion in contact with the bar (302) is aligned on the same vertical axis as the load cell of the instrument. While holding the article in place by hand if necessary, carefully avoid applying unnecessary force, slowly raise the crosshead until a force of 0.05 to 0.1 N is reached. The gauge circumference at this point is the initial gauge circumference. The test is started by moving the crosshead upward at 254 mm / min until a force of 19.6 N is obtained, then the crosshead is immediately returned to the initial gauge circumference at the same rate. The maximum circumference at 19.6 N and the force at 70% of the maximum circumference during the loaded and unloaded segments of the test are recorded.

[0070] The maximum circumference (mm) at 19.6 N is defined as the circumference at full extension W1. The circumference at full extension (mm) x 0.7 is defined as the circumference at 70% extension W2. The force (N) during the loaded segment of the test at the circumference at 70% extension is defined as the circumference force at extension. The force (N) during the unloaded segment of the test at the circumference at 70% extension is defined as the circumference force at fit. Five samples were analyzed and their averages were calculated and reported to the nearest 1 mm or 0.01 N, respectively.

[0071] Belt elastic bonding rate and individual elastic bonding rate This measurement is intended to identify 1) the percentage of elastic members on a laminate that are attached to the laminate only by elastic bonds, defined as the "Belt Elastic Bond Rate," and 2) the percentage of each individual elastic member that is attached to the laminate by an elastic bond, defined as the "Individual Elastic Bond Rate." 1. Testing is conducted in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and 50±5% relative humidity. Finished wearable article (20) samples are conditioned in the test room for more than one hour. 2. Inspect the front elastic belt (84) while the side seams remain attached to the front belt without tearing. Cut the rear belt lengthwise with scissors approximately 20-50 mm from both side seams to open the belt from the rear. Then, carefully remove the opened belt from the central chassis by hand, without altering the active elastic region of the laminate. Therefore, if the laminate cannot be separated from the central chassis, it is acceptable for layers to remain attached to the central chassis on the laminate sample. Do not use cold spray. 3. The resulting laminate sample is observed to identify the inelastic region resulting from the abdominal cut. Some samples may not have an inelastic region; for such laminate samples, the remainder of this step is skipped, and there will be no "T sample" hereafter. The laterally extending portion of the laminate sample having an inelastic region is considered the abdominal cut region (T), and the remainder of the laminate sample is considered the waist region (W). The waist region (W) and abdominal cut region (T) are separated by cutting transversely with scissors at the midpoint of the elastic member closest to each region. 4. Mark the inside edge of the side seam of both the W (waist area) and T (abdominal cut area) specimens obtained in this way with a ballpoint pen. There are two operational elastic regions in the T specimen. Identify the start of the operational elastic region adjacent to the inelastic region by observing the gathers of the belt caused by operational elastic contraction and marking with a ballpoint pen. Count the total number of elastic members for each specimen ("Total Elastic"). Elastic members that are curved (e.g., those extending longitudinally around the leg openings that do not have a transverse stretch direction) or overlap each other are not counted. 5. Gently stretch each W and T specimen until the gathers in the active elastic regions just disappear, then measure the elastic length of each elastic member to the nearest 1 mm using a scale. For W specimens, measure the distance between one side of the inner seam edge and the other side of the inner seam edge for each elastic and add them together ("Total Elastic Width"). For T specimens, measure the distance between one side of the inner seam edge and the marked active elastic starting point for both active elastic regions and add them together ("Total Side Width"). 6. For both W and T specimens, remove the stretching force by cutting the specimen approximately along the longitudinal center of each active elastic region. There is one active elastic region on the W specimen and two active elastic regions on the T specimen, so this process produces two cut W specimens and four cut T specimens. 7. Stretch the cut sample by hand five times to approximately the fully extended perimeter W1 according to the "Whole Article Force Measurement Method," sufficient to separate the elastic member from the laminate, but not beyond the point where the sheet material comprising the sample breaks. Note that it may not be possible to separate the elastic member. 8. Record each individual elasticity by observing the gathering of the belt due to the operational elastic contraction, at which point the operational elasticity remains after release. 9. Gently stretch the cut sample again until the gathers just disappear, then measure the remaining working elastic length of each individual elastic member to the nearest 1 mm on the scale and sum them together ("Total Elastic Bonding Width"). 10. Count the number of elastic members that do not separate and maintain their original working elastic length ("Fully bonded Elastic"). For cut W specimens, a particular elastic member is considered "separated" if one of the left or right sides of the elastic member of the cut specimen separates. For cut T specimens, a particular elastic member is considered "separated" if any of the elastic portions of the cut specimen separates. 11. "Individual Elastic Bonding Percentage" (%) is the length of the "Total Elastic Bonding Width" (mm) divided by [the length of the "Total Elastic Bonding Width" (mm) + the length of the "Total Side Width" (mm)] reported to the nearest 1%. 12. "Belt Elastic Bonding Rate" (%) is the "Fully Bonded Elasticity" number divided by the "Total Elasticity" number reported to the nearest 1%.

[0072] Directional dispersion value 1. Sample Preparation The sample article (20) is mounted on a hard plastic plate having an appropriate size that allows the sample elastic belt (40) to be mounted in a state stretched to 65% to 90% of its fully stretched perimeter W1. For the measurements of the sample articles of Examples 1 to 2 and A to C, a hard plastic plate having a dimension of 250 mm in the transverse direction and a thickness of 4 mm was used.

[0073] 2. Image Acquisition The specimen mounted on a hard plastic plate was placed horizontally on a non-reflective black background plate. A Canon camera (Canon EO2 6D Mark 2) or equivalent with a lens (EF24-105mm f / 4L IS2 USM) was placed directly above the specimen, 1050 mm long. Two bar lights (Smart Vision Lights LHF 300 or equivalent) were placed 650 mm transversely and 300 mm vertically from the specimen, with the light faces facing at an angle of 45±6 degrees from the horizontal and the longer dimension of the bar lights parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen. The focal length of the camera was set to 64 mm. The image acquisition settings were ISO: 400, F: 5.0, exposure time: 1 / 160 s, and the acquired image had a resolution of 11 pixels / mm.

[0074] Images of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt are taken.

[0075] 3. Image Analysis of Directional Variance Values a) The acquired images above are imported into ImageJ software (version 1.52h, National Institutes of Health (USA)) or equivalent and converted to 8-bit. b) Cut out the analysis area image from the original image. The analysis area extends longitudinally from the elastic member closest to the waist opening, measuring 20 mm toward the proximal edge, and extends 200 mm transversely, with the center of the analysis area coinciding with the longitudinal axis LX. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7A. The cut-out image in Figure 7A included the upper gathered region (220). c) The image obtained in step b) is filtered using the "Gaussian Blur" filter in ImageJ with a sigma (radius) of 8. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7B. d) The ImageJ built-in plugin "Directionality" (version V2.2.0) is applied to the image obtained in step c). The analysis parameters used are: Method: Local Gradient Orientation, Nbins: 90, Histogram Start: 0. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7C. In this step, the image is described by the parameter "variance", which is the standard deviation of the Gaussian fitting to the calculated gather orientation distribution. The "variance" values ​​of the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are averaged to obtain the directional variance value of the article. Five samples are analyzed, and their average is calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01. [Example]

[0076] Examples 1-2, A-C were thus obtained and subjected to the tests described below.

[0077] Example 1: A size 4 (large) belted pant article (Lot No. EXP-18-BN3311) hand-made by a professional worker having the construction, elastic profile, and other properties of Figure 2 and Table 1 below.

[0078] Example 2: A size 4 (large) belted pant article (Lot Not. EXP-19-DZ7410) having the hole pattern of FIG. 5B made by an experimental machine having the construction, elastic profile, and other properties of FIG. 2 and Table 1 below.

[0079] Example A: Size 4 (large) one-piece pants article sold under the trade name "Merries." Lot number 20190327 was used for tests 1 and 2, and lot number 20190422 was used for the other tests, all purchased from the Chinese market.

[0080] Example B: Size 4 (Large) one-piece pants article sold under the trade name "GooN Super Premium-Feather". Lot No. 20190306 was used for Tests 1 and 2, and Lot No. 20181004 was used for the other tests, all purchased from the Chinese market.

[0081] Example C: Size 4 (Large) belt-type pants sold under the trade name "Teddy Bear More than thinner". Lot no. 20190625 was used for tests 1 and 2, and lot no. 20190424D was used for the other tests, all purchased from the Chinese market.

[0082] Example D: A size 4 (large) belted pant article (Lot No. Aka-EO-JAN16-LB) with the same elasticity profile as experimentally prepared Example E, aged for three months.

[0083] Example E: A size 4 (large) belted pants article (lot number 83272022P0) purchased from the Chinese market and sold under the trade name "Pampers Hadaeno Ichiban Pants" and aged for 12 months.

[0084] [Table 2] ( *1) "Belly cut" in Table 1 refers to the deactivation of the elastic in the transverse central region of the elastic strand, resulting in an effective elastic length of 68%.

[0085] 1. Whole article strength measurement method Stretch Circumference Force (SCF) and Fit Circumference Force (FCF) were measured according to the "Whole Article Force Measurement" method herein. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0086] 2. Belt elastic bonding rate and individual elastic bonding rate The belt elastic bonding percentage (BEB) and individual elastic bonding percentage (IEB) were measured according to the measurement methods described herein. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0087] [Table 3]

[0088] 3. Image Analysis Directional Dispersion Values ​​(DDV) were measured according to the "Directional Dispersion Value" measurement method of this specification, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0089] 4. Display and feel test Thirty panelists were recruited who were caregivers of infants wearing size 4 (large) pant diapers and had experience using a mix of major brands in a similar price range used in the study. The number of male and female caregivers in the 25-36 age group was approximately equal. Fifteen completed product test samples were displayed on a mannequin and were also available for the panelists to handle and feel. All test samples were provided without any artwork. For commercially purchased Examples A, B, and C, the artwork was removed by removing the printed backsheet, and the samples were then reconstructed by replacing the backsheet with one without the print to create the final product. Care was taken to avoid compromising the quality of the gathers when reconstructing the samples. Each respondent was asked to individually complete a questionnaire after observing and handling each test sample. The questionnaire had seven values, as seen in Table 3, and each respondent was asked to rate the test samples against those values ​​using five ratings, with scores such as "poor" = 0, "satisfactory" = 25, "good" = 50, "very good" = 75, and "excellent" = 100. The scores were averaged.

[0090] Of the 15 test samples tested, information about Examples 2, A, B, and C is extracted below in Table 3. Not all respondents evaluated all products, therefore, the "basic size" indicates the number of respondents.

[0091] [Table 4] ( * 2) The marking of the example number after the score indicates that the example is "statistically significantly better" than the marked example at the 90% confidence level. For example, the "Overall" rating of Example 1 was statistically significantly better than each of Examples A, B, and C.

[0092] According to the "Total Article Force Measurement Method" test results in Table 2, Example D, measured three months after manufacture, provided a relatively low stretched perimeter force. However, Example E, using the same elastic bonding method, measured 12 months after manufacture, provided a significantly higher stretched perimeter force, to the point where it would be considered consumer-noticeably tight. Example 2 of the present invention provided suitable stretched and fitted perimeter forces and is expected to maintain such forces during normal shelf life. The other Examples A-C provided less favorable stretched perimeter forces.

[0093] According to the test results in Table 3, Example 2, which meets the parametric requirements of the present invention, has statistically significantly higher overall support and is also statistically significantly better or superior in all other values ​​than Examples A, B, and C. Example 2 of the present invention also has improved stretch for ease of application, improved fit to prevent loosening, improved comfort and softness, and improved breathability for skin health.

[0094] 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." Furthermore, every numerical range given throughout this specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls within that broader numerical range.

[0095] All documents cited herein, including cross-referenced documents or related patents or applications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that it alone, or in combination with any other reference(s), teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Furthermore, 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.

[0096] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A longitudinally and transversely continuous wearable article comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, a crotch region, a waist opening, and a pair of leg openings, the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt; At least 10% of the longitudinal dimension of the front and back elastic belts from the waist opening is an elastic laminate defining an upper gathered region, the laminate including an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members extending continuously in a transverse direction; the upper gather region has a directional dispersion value of 11 points or less according to the measurement method herein; the laminate further comprises elastic bonding portions that continuously bond the plurality of elastic members along the side edges of the front and back elastic belts over a stretching direction of at least 10 mm in regions adjacent to the side edges of the front and back elastic belts, and bonding portions that are applied to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet at intervals in the transverse direction to intermittently bond the elastic members to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet, the article has a stretched perimeter force of 6.5 N or less and a fitted perimeter force of at least 3.0 N according to the measurements herein, and the ratio of the stretched perimeter force / fitted perimeter force value is less than 1.8; The joint utilizes hot melt adhesive, The outer sheet is an air-through-carded nonwoven substrate having a basis weight of 12 to 45 gsm and containing PE / PET bicomponent fibers, and the inner sheet has a basis weight equal to or less than the basis weight of the outer sheet and is thinner than the outer sheet.

2. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the bonds are spaced apart longitudinally to form a longitudinally repeating pattern of the bonds, and each elastic member is attached to the inner sheet or the outer sheet by at least one of the bonds.

3. 3. The article of claim 2, wherein the elastic members are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction at a pitch of 6 mm to 18 mm, and the bonded portions have a transverse dimension VG2 spaced apart from one another at a transverse pitch VG1, and a longitudinal spacing VG3, wherein VG1 is 2 mm to 15 mm, VG2 is 0.2 mm to 7 mm, and VG3 is 3 mm or less.

4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic member comprises elastic strands having a thickness of 500 dtex or less.

5. 5. The article of claim 4, wherein at least 50% of the elastic members of each of the front belt and the back belt are elastic strands having a thickness of 500 dtex or less.

6. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein VG1 is greater than VG2.

Images