Structure, Fit, and Texture of Beam-Shaped Elastomeric Laminates

Abstract

To provide a twisted elastomeric laminate that does not mark the wearer's skin, is easy to use / don, and provides an improved, long-lasting fit. [Solution] Twisted elastomeric laminates (e.g., bilaminates and trilaminates) including beam-shaped elastics (e.g., 2-laminates and 3-laminates) can have unique Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios, Dtex to spacing ratios, and / or void area to strand area ratios. The twisted laminates can be used in disposable absorbent article components (e.g., pant belts) and can include unique bond arrangements that result in unique textures and texture arrangements. When the twisted elastomeric laminates are used in pant belts, the resulting pants can have unique application forces, sustained fit load forces, and sustained fit unload forces. Furthermore, when packaged under compression at unique in-bag stack heights, the twisted elastomeric laminates maintain their unique properties and characteristics, such as unique textures.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to disposable absorbent articles that include improved elastomeric laminates configured for implementation in various components of the disposable absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional twisted elastomeric laminates, as disclosed in the art, are often used to make disposable pants belts. Conventional twisted elastomeric laminates have many undesirable performance parameters because they use larger elastic strands (e.g., average Dtex greater than 400) with larger elastic strand spacing (e.g., average strand spacing greater than 4 mm) at higher prestrains (e.g., average prestrains greater than 200%). Specifically, conventional laminates have high strand pressures (e.g., under-strand pressures greater than 1 psi) and elastic moduli (e.g., section moduli greater than 10 gf / mm), which result in poor lasting fit and red marks. Furthermore, the force required to open many belts made with conventional twisted elastomeric laminates is too high (e.g., applied force greater than 2,500 gf), making donning disposable pants difficult for caregivers and wearers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional twisted elastomeric laminates by using closely spaced (e.g., average strand spacing less than 4 mm) fine elastomeric strands (less than 400 average Dtex) to provide low strand pressure (less than 1 psi under-strand pressure) and modulus (e.g., less than 10 gf / mm section modulus). These new twisted elastomeric laminates disclosed herein, due to their force distribution method, provide ease of use / donning, improved and lasting fit without marking the wearer's skin. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure also lend themselves to having multiple textured zones that help make disposable pants more like woven garments and convey a comfortable fit or exhibit performance zones and a snug fit. Overall, the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have a different appearance and performance than any previously disclosed or commercially available elastomeric laminate.

[0004] It has also been found that the inventive twisted elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure can be incorporated into absorbent articles, packaged at high compression for a significant period of their shelf life, and subjected to processes that still retain the beneficial and desirable properties described herein.

[0005] While much of the focus of this disclosure is directed to disposable pants and pant belts, it should be noted that the novel laminates of the present disclosure have many applications for disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, pads, liners, etc.) and article components (e.g., topsheets, backsheets, cuffs, side panels, belts, etc.).

[0006] The design intent of the new twisted elastomeric laminate is detailed in the following section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastomeric laminate may include a plurality of elastic strands between a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric, the plurality of elastic strands having an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400, and an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic strands may have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-strain of about 75% to about 250%. A plurality of densified bonds join the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric together. These are discontinuous and spaced apart, overlapping and at least partially surrounding a portion of the plurality of elastic strands. The laminate may have a peel strength between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric of about 1 N / cm to about 15 N / cm, or about 1.5 N / cm to 10 N / cm. The Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of the first elastic strands and at least one of the first nonwoven and second nonwoven may be from about 1.5 to about 15, or from about 3 to about 10. The first nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter, and the second nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter. Alternatively, the first nonwoven layer may have a basis weight of from about 8 grams per square meter to about 25 grams per square meter, and the second nonwoven layer may have a basis weight of from about 8 grams per square meter to about 25 grams per square meter.

[0008] In a disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastomeric laminate includes a plurality of elastic strands between a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven, the plurality of elastic strands having an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic strands may have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average prestrain of about 75% to about 250%. The first nonwoven and second nonwoven may be bonded together, and a third nonwoven is bonded to the second nonwoven such that the second nonwoven is an intermediate nonwoven. The Dtex-to-spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands may be about 65:1 to about 200:1, or about 75:1 to about 150:1. The first and second nonwoven may be bonded together by an adhesive, the adhesive overlapping and at least partially surrounding a portion of the plurality of elastic strands. The second nonwoven and the third nonwoven may be joined together by a plurality of bonds, which are discontinuous and laterally spaced apart from one another. Elastic strands may be absent between the second nonwoven and the third nonwoven. The outer surface of the third nonwoven and the outer surface of the first nonwoven may have different contact area percentages. The contact area percentage of the outer surface of the third nonwoven may be less than about 35%, and the contact area percentage of the outer surface of the first nonwoven may be greater than about 40%.

[0009] In a disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, a disposable absorbent pant article includes a chassis, a front waist region, and a back waist region. The chassis includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. A first plurality of elastic strands is disposed in the front waist region, and a second plurality of elastic strands is disposed in the back waist region. The front waist region and the back waist region are joined together at laterally opposed side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. The front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams. The back waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most back axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most points of the laterally opposed back side seams, and b) a distal-most back axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most points of the laterally opposed back side seams. The front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including the front-most distal elastic strand of the front waist region and the proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region, the front component region being defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand. The anterior component region is then divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively, positioned parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line. The anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) positioned between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4.The absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through the laterally-distal-most left point of the left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through the laterally-distal-most right point of the right edge laterally opposite from the left edge of the chassis, with any portion of the article on one or the other of section M defining section L and the laterally-opposing section R. Each of the first and second plurality of elastic materials has an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, and an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic strands may have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-strain of about 75% to about 250%. At least a portion of each of the first plurality of elastic materials and the second plurality of elastic materials may have an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi, or less than about 1 psi, or less than about 0.75 psi, or less than about 0.5 psi. The pant article may have an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf, or about 1,000 gf to about 1,400 gf, and may have a sustained fit load force of greater than about 30% of the applied force and a sustained fit unload force of greater than about 25% of the applied force.

[0010] In a disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, a packaged product includes a package and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles. The package has height, width, and depth dimensions, an interior space, and an exterior surface, and the package includes a film. The plurality of disposable absorbent articles may be folded, possibly bi-folded, and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles. The stack of disposable absorbent articles is compressed along a compression axis and arranged in the interior space of the package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along the width dimension of the package. Each of the folded disposable absorbent articles includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Each of the disposable absorbent articles includes an elastomeric laminate including a plurality of elastic strands between a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric, the plurality of elastic strands having an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400, and an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic strands may have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average prestrain of about 75% to about 250%. The packaged product exhibits an in-bag stack height of 70 mm to 110 mm, where the in-bag stack height is the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack, then multiplied by 10.

[0011] In each of the embodiments disclosed in this Summary, one or more of the following may be true: a) More than 70% of the elastic strands in one of the L and R article sections extend across at least 50% of the lateral width (laid flat or stretched) of each of the L and R sections. b) less than 20% of the elastic filaments of the first plurality of strands are broken between adjacent bonds of the first plurality of bonds that are laterally spaced less than 20 mm from each other. c) The elastomeric laminate has a section modulus of about 3 gf / mm to about 10 gf / mm, or about 4 gf / mm to about 9 gf / mm. d) The elastomeric laminate forms at least one of the article components selected from the group consisting of side panels, belt panels, waistbands, leg cuffs, and ear panels. e) The elastomeric laminate may form an article component that is divided into four equal sections according to a section modulus method, at least one of the sections comprising at least a portion of the first plurality of elastic materials and having a section modulus of from about 3 gf / mm to about 10 gf / mm, or from about 4 gf / mm to about 9 gf / mm. f) The basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric is about 6 gsm to about 35 gsm. g) The basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric is about 6 gsm to about 35 gsm. h) A portion of the elastomeric laminate comprises a TS7 value of less than about 12 and a TS750 value of less than 60. i) The elastomeric laminate has at least one of: a) an air permeability of greater than about 40 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 0 gf / mm (no stretch); b) an air permeability of greater than about 60 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 3 gf / mm (slight stretch); and c) an air permeability of greater than about 80 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 7 gf / mm (moderate stretch). j) The elastomeric laminate has a cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm. k) The elastomer laminate has a thickness of about 0.2 mm -1 ~about 1mm -1 and a wrinkle wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. l) The elastomeric laminate has a percent contact area of ​​at least one of: 1) greater than about 10% at 100 um, 2) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and 3) greater than about 30% at 300 um. m) The elastomeric laminate has 2% to 98% height values ​​<1.6 mm. n) The elastomer laminate has a force relaxation over time of about 5% to about 30%. o) The peel strength between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric is at least about 1 N / cm to about 5 N / cm, or about 2 N / cm to 10 N / cm, or until one or both of the nonwoven fabric substrates breaks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants on a mannequin wearer, the pants including multiple texture zones. [Figure 2A] 1B is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1A including texture, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1B including texture, prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2C] 1D is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1C including texture, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1E is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1D including texture, prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2E] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1E including texture, prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2F]FIG. 1C is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1F including texture, prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2G] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of the pants of FIG. 1G including texture, prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2H] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of a pair of pants including multiple textured zones prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2Hd] FIG. 2H is a magnified image of a portion of the binding sequence of FIG. 2H. [Figure 2I] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of a pair of pants including multiple textured zones prior to joining the side edges of the belt to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 2Id] FIG. 2B is a magnified image of a portion of the binding sequence of FIG. 2I. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1A, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1A, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1B, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1B, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1D is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1C, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1C, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 3D] FIG. 1D is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1D, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1D, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 3E]FIG. 1D is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1E, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1E, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 3F] FIG. 1F is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of any embodiment of the pants of FIG. 1F, including color regions and / or color patterns that complement the different textures of FIG. 1F, before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of the garment-facing surface of a portion of an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure, showing the color contrast between the elastic strands and the substrate layer of the laminate and the asymmetric elastic strand spacing. [Figure 5A] Stress-strain curves for maximum extension, applied force, sustained fit loading force, and sustained fit unloading force are shown. [Figure 5B] 1 shows the sustained fit load force and sustained fit unload force of the inventive product and the comparative product. [Figure 5C] 1 shows the sustained fit load force and sustained fit unload force of the product of the present invention and a comparative market product. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a perspective front view of the initial fit of a comparative marketed product (Easy Ups (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5Dd] FIG. 5D is a perspective front view of the final fit of a comparative marketed product (Easy Ups (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5D is a perspective front view of the initial fit of the product of the present invention (adhesive-bonded beam elastic (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5Ed] 5D is a perspective front view of the final fit of the product of the present invention (adhesive bonded beam elastic (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5D is a perspective rear view of the initial fit of a comparative marketed product (Easy Ups (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5Fd] FIG. 5D is a perspective rear view of the final fit of a comparable marketed product (Easy Ups (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5D is a perspective rear view of the initial fit of the product of the present invention (adhesive-bonded beam elastic (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 5Gd] 5D is a perspective rear view of the final fit of the product of the present invention (adhesive bonded beam elastic (size 4)) of FIG. 5C. [Figure 6A] 1 is an image of an inventive adhesively bonded elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure having an average prestrain of 150% showing the percent contact area obtained from surface topography. [Figure 6B] 1 is an image of an inventive adhesive elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure having an average pre-strain of 120% showing the percent contact area obtained from surface topography. [Figure 6C] 1 is an image of an inventive ultrasonically bonded elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure showing percent contact area obtained from surface topography methods. [Figure 6D] 1 is an image of a current market product of the present disclosure showing the percent contact area obtained from the surface topography method. [Figure 6E] 1 is an image of a current market product of the present disclosure showing the percent contact area obtained from the surface topography method. [Figure 7] The section modulus is shown. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing force relaxation over time for a laminate including extruded strand elastic of the present disclosure and an inventive elastomeric laminate of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a processing apparatus adapted to produce an elastomeric laminate including a first plurality of elastic strands positioned between a first substrate and a second substrate. [Figure 9B] 9B is a view of the processing apparatus of FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of an elastic strand in a stretched state bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate. [Figure 10B] 1 depicts a length of an elastic strand in a relaxed state having a first cross-sectional area. [Figure 10C]10C shows the length of the elastic strand of FIG. 10B in an extended state, having a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of ​​FIG. 10B. [Figure 10D] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of an elastic strand in a relaxed state bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate. [Figure 10E] 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10A taken along line 10E-10E. [Figure 10F] FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strands in the bonded region of FIG. 10D taken along line 10F-10F, with the elastic strands in a relaxed state. [Figure 10G] 10G is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strands in the unbonded region of FIG. 10D taken along line 10G-10G, with the elastic strands in a relaxed state. [Figure 10H] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10A taken along line 10E-10E, where multiple filaments of the elastic strand are bonded in a first configuration. [Figure 10I] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10A taken along line 10E-10E, where multiple filaments of the elastic strand are bonded in a second configuration. [Figure 10J] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10A taken along line 10E-10E, where multiple filaments of the elastic strand are bonded in a third configuration. [Figure 10K] 1 is a scanning electron microscope ("SEM") photograph of a cross section of an elastic strand including five filaments in a bonded region and surrounded by cured first and second substrate materials. [Figure 10L] 1 is a scanning electron microscope ("SEM") photograph of a cross section of an elastic strand including five filaments in a bonded region and surrounded by cured first and second substrate materials. [Figure 10M]1 is a scanning electron microscope ("SEM") photograph of a cross section of an elastic strand including 15 filaments in a bonded region and surrounded by cured first and second substrate materials. [Figure 10N] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of multiple elastic strands in a stretched state bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate, showing multiple bonds that can be used to create various textures. [Figure 10O] FIG. 10O is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10N taken along line 10O-10O, where the plurality of filaments are only partially surrounded by densified bonds 322. [Figure 10P] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic strand, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of FIG. 10A taken along line 10E-10E, where multiple filaments of the elastic strand are bonded in an alternative embodiment of the third configuration of FIG. 10J. [Figure 10Q] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of multiple elastic strands in a stretched state bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate, showing strand free ends 327. [Figure 10R] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of multiple elastic filaments in a stretched state bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate, showing the free filament ends 328. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the garment-facing or exterior surface of an elastomeric bi-laminate. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a plan view of the wearer-facing or inner surface of the elastomeric bilaminate of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11C] 11C is a cross-sectional view of the two-layer laminate of FIG. 11A taken along line 11C-11C, and a cross-sectional view of the two-layer laminate of FIG. 11B taken along line 11C'-11C'. [Figure 11D] 11D is a cross-sectional view of the two-layer stack of FIG. 11A taken along line 11D-11D, and a cross-sectional view of the two-layer stack of FIG. 11B taken along line 11D'-11D'. [Figure 11E] 11E is a cross-sectional view of the two-layer stack of FIG. 11A taken along line 11E-11E, and a cross-sectional view of the two-layer stack of FIG. 11B taken along line 11E'-11E'. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of an elastomeric tri-laminate. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a plan view of the wearer-facing surface of the elastomeric trilaminate of FIG. 12A. [Figure 12C] 12C is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 12A taken along line 12C-12C, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 12B taken along line 12C'-12C'. [Figure 12D] 12D is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 12A taken along line 12D-12D, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 12B taken along line 12D'-12D'. [Figure 12E] 12E is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 12A taken along line 12E-12E. [Figure 12F] 12E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the three-layer laminate of FIG. 12A taken along line 12E-12E. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the garment-facing surface of an elastomeric tri-laminate. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a plan view of the wearer-facing surface of the elastomeric trilaminate of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] 13C is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13A taken along line 13C-13C, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13B taken along line 13'-13C'. [Figure 13D] 13D is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13A taken along line 13D-13D, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13B taken along line 13D'-13D'. [Figure 13E] 13E is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13A taken along line 13E-13E, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'. [Figure 13F] 13E is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13A taken along line 13E-13E, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'. [Figure 13G] 13E is a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13A taken along line 13E-13E, and a cross-sectional view of the three-layer stack of FIG. 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'. [Figure 14]1 is a graph showing the relationship between average strand spacing and average Dtex and section modulus. [Figure 15A] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between Dtex to spacing ratio and section modulus. [Figure 15B] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between Dtex to spacing ratio and section modulus. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a pair of pants including a discontinuous belt with continuous elastic material. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a perspective rear view of the pants of FIG. 16A. [Figure 16C] 16B is a plan view of the pants of FIG. 16A before the side edges of the belt are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 16D] 16C along the transverse axis, showing the elastic topsheet (showing elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42) and the elastic backsheet (showing elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42). [Figure 16E] A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pants of Figure 16C along longitudinal axis 42 showing longitudinally opposed discontinuous belts, with elastic material 316 oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between the core wrap 74 and the topsheet 124 and oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127. [Figure 16F] FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the belt pants of FIG. 16C along the longitudinal axis 42, showing longitudinally opposed discontinuous inner belt layer 432 and common outer belt layer 434, and showing elastic strands 316 extending continuously across the core. [Figure 16G] 16D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the belt pants of FIG. 16C along longitudinal axis 42, showing a common inner belt layer 432 and a common outer belt layer 434. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pair of pants before the side panels are joined to form the waist opening and leg openings. [Figure 18]5 is a plan view of a tape diaper including a pair of molded discontinuous elastomeric ear panels 530 and a pair of non-elastomeric ear panels 540. FIG. [Figure 19A] 8 is an interior plan view of a feminine hygiene article 801, specifically a pad, showing elastic wings 802, with elastic material 316 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to longitudinal axis 42 and lateral axis 44. FIG. [Figure 19B] 19B is an exterior plan view of an alternative embodiment of the feminine hygiene article 801 of FIG. 19A showing the stretchable wings 802 with the elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42. FIG. [Figure 19C] A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the feminine hygiene article 801 taken along line 19C-19C of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 19A, showing only one of the interlayer strands that make up the wings, as well as strands that underlie or form part of the topsheet 124 and secondary topsheet 124'. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a packaged disposable absorbent article of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] The pressure under the strand is shown. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hook fixture for performing hoop extension testing. [Figure 23A] 1 is a plan view of a pair of pants before the side edges of the belt have been joined to form the waist and leg openings, showing the front component region 50 and the back component region 51. FIG. [Figure 23B] 1 is a plan view of a pair of pants before the side edges of the belt have been joined to form the waist and leg openings, showing the front component region 50 and the back component region 51. FIG. [Figure 23C] 1 is a plan view of a pair of pants before the side edges of the belt have been joined to form the waist and leg openings, showing the front component region 50 and the back component region 51. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure details improved twisted elastomeric laminates (also referred to as "beam laminates" including "beam elastics") that contain a greater number of elastic strands with higher fineness (i.e., lower decitex) and closer spacing than previously disclosed or practiced in disposable absorbent articles. These improved twisted elastomeric laminates can be used as components (e.g., topsheets, backsheets, belts, ears, side panels, cuffs, etc.) of disposable absorbent articles (e.g., tape-type diapers, pants, pads, liners, etc.) to improve fit and gasketing in the waist, legs, crotch, and sides of the wearer, generally resulting in the highest levels of extensibility, ease of use, most comfortable wear, improved leak protection, and better lasting fit. Furthermore, the twisted elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure lend themselves to having different bond zones via different bond sequences and / or different types of bonds.

[0014] definition The following terminology may be useful in understanding this disclosure.

[0015] "Disposable," in reference to absorbent articles, generally means that the absorbent articles are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use, preferably recycled, composted, or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner). Disposable absorbent articles often include adhesive between layers and / or elements to hold the article together (e.g., ear panels, side panels, and belts are joined to the chassis via adhesive, and the ear panels, side panels, belt, and chassis are bonded together using adhesive). Alternatively, thermal bonding and / or pressure bonding is used in conjunction with or instead of adhesive. In such cases, portions of material layers are partially melted and pressed together so that, upon cooling, they become physically bonded together. The nonwoven fabric (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), adhesive (e.g., styrene-based block copolymer (e.g., SIS, SBS), etc.), and absorbent gelling material (AGM 26; see Figures 16C and 16D) constitute more than 50%, more than 75%, and often more than 90% of the weight of the disposable absorbent article. Additionally, the core containing the AGM 26 is often held within a chassis in a manner that encloses and confines the AGM 26 under normal conditions. Such disposable absorbent articles typically have an absorption capacity of more than about 100 mL of fluid and can have a fluid capacity of up to about 500 mL or more. Stitching (including the use of thread) and / or woven materials are typically not used to construct disposable absorbent articles. When stitching or woven materials are used, they account for a very small proportion of the disposable absorbent article. While some of the landing zones for fasteners in the disposable absorbent article may include woven materials, the remainder of the disposable absorbent article typically does not include woven materials.

[0016] "Absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains bodily exudates, and more specifically, to a device that is placed against or adjacent to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various bodily exudates. Examples of absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant diapers (i.e., diapers with preformed waist and leg openings, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable or pant diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, e.g., panty liners, feminine pads, absorbent inserts, feminine hygiene garments such as panty (disposable and semi-durable) systems, and the like.

[0017] "Proximal" and "distal" refer to an element being located relatively closer or farther, respectively, from the longitudinal or lateral centerline of a structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extending element is closer to the longitudinal axis than the distal edge of the same element is to the same longitudinal axis).

[0018] "Wear-facing" and "garment-facing" refer to the relative position of an element, or a surface of an element, or a group of elements, respectively. "Wear-facing" means that the element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than any other element or surface. "Garment-facing" indicates that the element or surface is farther 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).

[0019] "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 largest linear dimension of the article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be "longitudinal."

[0020] "Lateral" refers to a direction extending from a longitudinally extending side edge of an article to an opposing longitudinally extending side edge, generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of the lateral direction are considered to be "lateral."

[0021] "Disposed" refers to an element being located in a particular place or position.

[0022] The term "joined" encompasses a configuration in which an element is directly secured to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element, and a configuration in which an element is indirectly secured to another element by attaching the element to an intermediate member and then attaching the intermediate member to the other element.

[0023] "Water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the permeability of a material when the disposable absorbent article is used as intended. Specifically, the term "water-permeable" refers to a layer or layered structure having holes, openings, and / or interconnected voids that allow liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of compressive pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or layered structure whose thickness is such that liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass through in the absence of compressive pressure (besides natural forces such as gravity). A layer or layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may also be permeable to water vapor, i.e., "vapor-permeable."

[0024] "Elastic," "elastomer," or "elastomeric" refers to a material that exhibits elastic properties, including any material that can be stretched or extended when a force is applied to its relaxed, initial length to an elongated length greater than 10% of its initial length, and that substantially recovers to about its initial length when the applied force is released. Elastomeric materials can include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and other sheet-like structures.

[0025] "Prestrain" refers to the strain imposed on an elastic or elastomeric material before it is combined with another element of an elastomeric laminate or absorbent article. Prestrain is determined by the following equation: Prestrain = ((stretched length of elastic - relaxed length of elastic) / relaxed length of elastic). *It is determined by 100.

[0026] "Decitex," also known as Dtex, is a measurement used in the textile industry to measure yarn or filament. 1 decitex = 1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of relaxed yarn or filament weighs 500 grams, the yarn or filament has a decitex of 500.

[0027] "Substrate" is used herein to describe a material that is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in the XY plane) and has a thickness (Z direction) that is relatively small (i.e., 1 / 10 or less) compared to its length (X direction) and width (Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include webs, one or more layers of fibrous material, nonwoven fabrics, films and foils, such as polymeric films or metal foils. These materials may be used alone or may include two or more layers laminated together. Thus, a web is a substrate.

[0028] As used herein, "nonwoven" refers to materials made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers), for example, by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, etc. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0029] "Machine direction" (MD), as used herein, refers to the direction of flow of material in a process. Additionally, the relative placement and movement of material may be described as flowing in the machine direction through a process from upstream in the process to downstream in the process.

[0030] "Cross direction" (CD) is used herein to refer to the direction generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0031] A "taped diaper" (also referred to as an "open diaper") refers to a disposable absorbent article in which the initial front waist region and the initial back waist region are not fastened, prefastened, or connected to one another during packaging prior to application to the wearer. A taped diaper may be folded about a lateral centerline with the interior of one waist region in surface-to-surface contact with the interior of the opposing waist region without fastening or joining the waist regions together. Examples of tape-type diapers are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, and 6,426. ,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393, and 6,861,571, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0072887(A1), 2013 / 0211356(A1), and 2013 / 0306226(A1), in various suitable configurations.

[0032] As used herein, "pants" (also referred to as "training pants," "preclosed diapers," "diaper pants," "pant diapers," "panties," and "pull-on diapers") refer to disposable absorbent articles designed for infant or adult wearers, having a continuous circumferential waist opening and continuous circumferential leg openings. Pants may be constructed with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous closed leg opening before the article is applied to the wearer. Pants may be preformed or prefastened using a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, joining portions of the article to one another using any refastenable and / or permanent closure member (e.g., seams, thermal bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). Pants may be preformed anywhere along the periphery of the article in the waist region (e.g., side fastening or stitching, front waist fastening or stitching, back waist fastening or stitching). Examples of diaper pants of various configurations are found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, and 7,569,039, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003 / 0233082(A1), 2005 / 010776, and the like. 4(A1), 2012 / 0061016(A1), 2012 / 0061015(A1), 2013 / 0255861(A1), 2013 / 0255862(A1), 2013 / 0255863(A1), 2013 / 0255864(A1), and 2013 / 0255865(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] A "side seam" is an area that connects the front waist region to the back waist region to form the waist opening and leg openings. The side seam may be formed as a permanent seam by thermal, pressure, heat, or ultrasonic bonding. The side seam may also be formed with fastening elements to form a refastenable side seam. In such cases, the length of the side seam is determined by the length of the fastener. The side seam should be strong enough not to open during use, but to open easily for removal.

[0034] By "closed configuration" is meant that upon packaging, the opposing waist regions are either permanently or refastenably joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0035] By "open configuration" it is meant that the opposing waist regions are not initially joined to form a continuous waist and leg opening, but are provided with closure means, such as a fastening system, for joining the waist regions to form a waist and leg opening before or during application of the article to the wearer.

[0036] As used herein, a "channel" is a region or zone in an absorbent material layer that has a basis weight that is substantially lower (e.g., less than 50%, less than 70%, less than 90%) than the surrounding material in the material layer. A channel may be a region in a material layer that is substantially free of absorbent material (e.g., 90% free of absorbent material, 95% free of absorbent material, 99% free of absorbent material, or no absorbent material at all). A channel may extend through one or more absorbent material layers. A channel generally has a lower flexural modulus than the surrounding areas of the absorbent material layer, allowing the material layer to bend more easily and / or distribute more bodily exudates within the channel than within the surrounding areas of the absorbent material layer. Thus, a channel is not simply a depression in a material layer that does not reduce the basis weight of the material layer in the area of ​​the channel.

[0037] "Bond void cross-sectional area" is the cross-sectional area of ​​the void created by the pre-strained elastic material when the nonwoven substrate is compressed or densified to form the bond. The shape of the void is substantially defined by the shape and dimensions of the elongated elastic material present at the time of bond formation (see FIG. 10K). Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may include densified bonds that join the substrate and overlap the elastic strands, and the bond void cross-sectional area of ​​the densified bonds is less than about 0.001 mm. 2 ~approx. 0.03 mm 2 , or approximately 0.005 mm 2 ~approx. 0.015mm 2 is.

[0038] "Strand cross-sectional area" is the total cross-sectional area of ​​the individual filaments that make up the strand. Strand cross-sectional area is determined by measuring the cross-sectional area of ​​each filament that makes up the strand in a fully relaxed state and adding the individual filament cross-sectional areas together to determine the cross-sectional area of ​​the strand in a relaxed state. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have a cross-sectional area of ​​about 0.004 mm in their relaxed orientation. 2 ~approx. 0.04mm 2 or may have strands with a strand cross-sectional area of ​​from about 0.008 to about 0.03.

[0039] The "void area to strand area ratio" is the ratio required to form a dimensional lock and is determined by dividing the bond void cross-sectional area of ​​the bond by the strand cross-sectional area of ​​the relaxed elastic strands. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a void area to strand area ratio of less than about 1, or from about 0.25 to about 0.9, or from about 0.3 to about 0.7.

[0040] "Bond length" or "L b" is defined as the longest dimension of the bond. The measurement is taken along the path length of the bond itself, from the first end of the bond to the second end of the bond. For substantially linear bonds, the length measurement is perpendicular to the bond width measurement. For circular bonds, the length is considered to be the diameter of the circular bond. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have bond lengths of from about 1 mm to about 300 mm, from 3 mm to about 150 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 100 mm. See Figures 2H, 2H', 10A, and 10I.

[0041] "Average bond length" is defined as the average bond length of a representative plurality of bonds forming an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. Such elastomeric laminates may have an average bond length of about 3 mm to about 300 mm, about 5 mm to about 100 mm, or about 10 mm to about 50 mm. Bonds 322 may be continuous and may longitudinally overlap about 2 to about 200 elastic strands, about 5 to about 150 elastic strands, or about 10 to about 100 elastic strands. Figures 2H, 2I, and 10N show high-density bonds 322 overlapping multiple elastic strands 316.

[0042] "Bond width" or "W b " is defined as the shortest dimension of the bond. The measurement from the first side of the bond to the second side of the bond intersects the bond length measurement. A substantially linear bond measurement is perpendicular to the bond length measurement. For circular bonds, the width is considered to be the diameter of the circular bond. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. See Figures 2H, 2I, and 10A.

[0043] "Average bond width" is defined as the average bond width of a representative number of bonds forming an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have an average bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0044] As used in this disclosure, "bonding region width" or "Wbr " is defined as the width from a first laterally opposed bond to a second laterally opposed bond, measured parallel to the transverse axis. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond area width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or about 1 mm to about 3 mm. See Figures 2H and 2I.

[0045] The "average bonded area width" is defined as the average bonded area width of a representative number of bonded areas forming the elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have an average bonded area width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0046] "Bonding area length" or "L br " is defined as the length from a first longitudinally opposed bond to a second longitudinally opposed bond, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond region length of from about 10 mm to about 300 mm. See Figures 2H and 2I.

[0047] The "average bonded area length" is defined as the average bonded area length of a representative number of bonded areas forming the elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have an average bonded area length of from about 10 mm to about 300 mm, or from about 25 mm to about 200 mm.

[0048] "Longitudinal joint spacing" or "S b " is defined as the spacing between a first bond and a second bond measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. See Figure 2H. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a longitudinal bond spacing of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 2 mm to about 15 mm.

[0049] "Average longitudinal bond spacing" is defined as the average longitudinal bond spacing of a representative number of bonds forming the elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have an average longitudinal bond spacing of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm.

[0050] "Lateral bond spacing" or

[0051]

number

[0052] "Average lateral bond spacing" is defined as the average lateral bond spacing of a representative number of bonds forming an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have an average lateral bond spacing of from about 2 mm to about 30 mm.

[0053] The "Dtex to spacing ratio" is determined by dividing the elastic decitex by the elastic spacing of the elastic materials being tested. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a Dtex to spacing ratio of from about 65:1 to about 300:1, or from about 80:1 to about 200:1.

[0054] The "Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio" is determined by dividing the elastic decitex by the nonwoven basis weight of one or more nonwoven substrates of the elastomeric laminate disposed on one side of the elastic strand (the garment-facing or wearer-facing side), i.e., the inner or outer elastomeric laminate substrate layer. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of from about 1.5 to about 15, from about 3 to about 12, or from about 4 to about 10.

[0055] "Peel strength" refers to the force required to separate a first nonwoven fabric substrate layer and a second nonwoven fabric substrate layer that form an elastomeric laminate. The elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may have a peel strength of at least about 1 N / cm to about 5 N / cm, or about 2 N / cm to about 10 N / cm, or until one or both of the nonwoven fabric substrates break.

[0056] The "melting point" is the temperature at which a material or substrate changes from a solid to a liquid at atmospheric pressure. At the melting point, the solid and liquid phases exist in equilibrium. The melting points of the first substrate and the second substrate may be from about 100°C to about 170°C, or from about 110°C to about 160°C, or from about 120°C to about 150°C. The melting point of the elastic strands of the elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may be greater than about 170°C.

[0057] "Applied force" is the force to which a caregiver wearer may be subjected while wearing the absorbent article. Applied force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0058] "Continuous fit load force" is the force an article applies to a wearer as the wearer's lower back extends during breathing or during wearer movement, such as when the wearer changes from a standing to a sitting position or from a prone to a sitting position. Continuous fit load force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0059] "Continuous fit unloading force" is the force that an article applies to a wearer when the wearer's waist contracts during breathing or during wearer movement, such as when the wearer changes from a sitting to a standing position or from a sitting to a prone position. Continuous fit unloading force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0060] Other definitions may be presented herein.

[0061] Texture of the present disclosure Absorbent articles comprising conventional twisted elastomeric laminates, i.e., having elastics with greater than 400 decitex, 4 mm long elastic spacing, and greater than 200% elastic prestrain, have textures that include large, random wrinkles present on the wearer-facing surface and on the garment-facing surface. The textures formed by these large, random wrinkles do not provide the appearance of a woven garment, and their size and roughness can adversely affect the wearer's skin, leaving marks and indentations.

[0062] Absorbent articles comprising beam elastics and elastomeric laminates formed from beam elastics have much more intentional, well-defined, and deliberate textures made possible by the beam elastics incorporated into the elastomeric laminate. These intentional, well-defined, and deliberate textures and texture zones can be used to communicate the intended use of the article, the function of the article, and the intended wearer. For example, an intentional texture that is loose and soft can convey a comfortable fit intended for nighttime wear, low activity wear, or may be desirable for younger, less mobile infants or infants with more sensitive skin. Meanwhile, an intentional design that is smoother and fits more closely to the skin may convey a snug fit for daytime wear or high activity wear such as walking, hiking, or sports. A snug fit design may also be intended for use by older children with greater mobility, such as toddlers or walking / running children. The intentional, well-defined, and deliberate textures and texture zones made possible by beam elastic-based laminates typically coincide with woven garments having such discernible texture patterns, as well as patterns that convey function. For example, it is easy to distinguish leggings intended for everyday wear from leggings intended for high activity, such as aerobics, running, or sports, due to the visual nature of the design, specifically the texture and / or texture zones.

[0063] The intentional, clearly defined, and deliberate textures and texture zones made possible by the beam-shaped elastic laminate can also affect force distribution and sustained fit within the belt by providing structural features, such as vertical gathers, made possible by the texture itself, that enhance the buckling resistance of the elastomeric laminate during use and prevent inversion, sagging, collapse, and slippage.

[0064] whole 2H and 2I, article components (e.g., belts, side panels, ear panels, etc.) may include multiple identical or different types and / or arrangements of bonds 322 or bonded regions 324, which may be of similar shape, scale, arrangement, and / or pattern in various sections (e.g., sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, R, or M). The bonds 322 or bonded regions 324 may be formed using an adhesive or mechanically, such as with heat, pressure, and / or ultrasound, to bond the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 together with the elastic strands 316 sandwiched therebetween to form the absorbent article component. Each of the sections may include multiple identical types and / or arrangements of bonds 322 or bonded regions 324 to form identical or similar texture zones (i.e., identical or substantially identical textured appearances). Alternatively, the bonds 322 or bond areas 324 in one or more sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be different from the bonds 322 or bond areas 324 in another section, creating different texture zones. Different texture zones may also be created by adjusting the spacing, Dtex, and pre-strain of the elastic strands between layers of the laminate. Also, note that the texture and / or bond pattern may be similar across one or both of the longitudinal and / or lateral centerlines to create a balanced, more integrated texture appearance.

[0065] 2H shows linear, longitudinally extending continuous ultrasonic (including densified portions) bonds 322 located in sections 1 and 2 in the front waist region 36, arcuate ultrasonic bonds in sections 1 and 2 in the back waist region 38, arcuate ultrasonic bond regions 324 in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the back waist region 38, and spiral adhesive 319 in section 4 in the back waist region 38. Each of these described bonds 322 and bond regions 324 join the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 together. These differences in bond type, pattern, and shape may contribute to providing clear, visually distinguishable, and distinct textural differences in the various sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and / or R.

[0066] The garment-facing surface 2 of the substrate in the area where the wearer-facing surface 4 of the article component is joined to the chassis is often joined to the chassis by a spiral or slot-coated adhesive and may have a discernible texture difference even though it contains the same bond arrangement and the same elastic profile as adjacent areas of the article component because the adhesive joining the article component to the chassis may partially mitigate the effect of the elastic material 316 in that area and, further, the elastic strands may be cut so that they do not extend continuously across the entire chassis 200.

[0067] The bonds 322 or bond areas 324 joining the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 together, with the elastic strands 316 therebetween, translate substantially the same texture of the elastomeric laminate 302 on the garment-facing surface 2 as on the wearer-facing surface 4.

[0068] The elastomeric laminate 302 may include continuous bonds 322 along a predetermined shape or pattern (e.g., in the article of FIG. 2H , in the front waist region 36, some bonds extend continuously (longitudinally) across multiple component sections, and some bonds 322 extend continuously from component sections 1-4 but are laterally spaced apart (S La) laterally discontinuous). Alternatively, the bond region 324 may be formed from multiple bond sites arranged in a particular pattern or shape (see, e.g., FIG. 2H, back waist region 38, sections 1-3). Examples of shapes or patterns that may be formed from multiple discontinuous bond sites include lines arranged parallel to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral axes, or lines arranged at an angle relative to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral axes. The bonds or bond regions may form a variety of open shapes 324″ (e.g., arcs, curves, etc., see FIG. 2H) and closed shapes 324′ (e.g., circles, triangles, squares, diamonds, etc., see FIG. 2H). For closed shapes 324′, the bonds leave the central portion 321 unbonded, but the perimeter is joined by bonds 322, the two of which cooperate to form the appearance of the closed shape 324′ (see FIG. 2H).

[0069] bond area With respect to bond region 324, the discontinuous bonds forming the pattern or shape may be located within 5 mm of each other, more typically within 3 mm of each other (S1) (see FIG. 2H'). These closely spaced bonds 322 may be considered part of the same bond region 324.

[0070] With regard to a particular bond arrangement to produce a desired texture, an article component selected from ear panels, side panels, and / or belt panels may include longitudinally extending bonds or bond areas in section 1 that are laterally spaced apart from one another at an average lateral bond spacing, and may also include longitudinally extending bonds or bond areas in sections 2 or 3 that are laterally spaced apart from one another at a different average lateral bond spacing than section 1. The bonds or bond areas in these sections may have an average longitudinal bond length of from about 20 mm to about 200 mm and an average lateral bond spacing of from about 2 mm to about 20 mm.

[0071] Extension / Collaboration Bonds 322 or bond regions 324 may "extend" from one section into another or "cooperate" with bonds in various sections to form a larger composite shape. For example, an edge of a bond or bond region in one section may be substantially aligned with an edge of a bond or bond region in an adjacent section, such that the bond or bond region is, or appears to be, continuous through multiple sections, or a larger composite shape (e.g., an arc, a serpentine curve, etc.) is formed. For example, a bond or bond region in section 1 may have an edge that is substantially aligned with an edge of a bond or bond region in section 2. In this manner, a bond element may extend, or appear to extend, through sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and / or L, R, and M. Furthermore, the edges of the joins or bonded regions of a section located in a first waist region may be substantially aligned with the edges of the joins or bonded regions of an adjacent section located in a second waist region, such that the joins or bonded regions are, or appear to be, continuous from the first waist region to the second waist region, forming a larger compound shape (e.g., an arc, a serpentine curve, etc.).

[0072] Common texture examples Each of sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and sections L, M, and R consists of a plurality of densified bonds 322 or bonded regions 324 joining a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer, each having a basis weight of about 6 gsm to about 35 gsm, and the densified bonds 322 or bonded regions 324 overlap a plurality of elastic strands 316 having an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average Dtex of about 20 to about 300, or about 40 to about 220, and an average prestrain of about 50% to about 300%, or about 75% to about 250%, to form an elastomeric laminate that can be used as an article component such as a belt flap. The bonds 322 or bond regions 324 may have an average bond width or average bond region width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, an average bond length or average bond region length of about 5 mm to about 300 mm, or about 20 mm to about 200 mm, and an average lateral bond spacing of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, or about 4 mm to about 10 mm. The densified bonds 322 or bond regions 324 may overlap and dimensionally lock at least 15 elastic strands. One or more of the densified bonds overlapping one or more of the elastic strands may have an average bond spacing of about 0.002 mm in its relaxed configuration. 2 ~approx. 0.04mm 2 and a strand cross-sectional area of ​​approximately 0.001 mm 2 ~approx. 0.02 mm 2 The bond void cross-sectional area of ​​the bond may be from 1:1 to 50:1, the ratio of average bond length to average bond width may be from 1:1 to 300:1, or from 20:1 to about 200:1 for at least two of the plurality of high-density bond portions. Furthermore, the Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of the first elastic strand (of the plurality of elastic strands) and the first and second nonwoven layers may be from about 1.5 to about 7, the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands may be from about 65:1 to about 300:1, the ratio of average transverse bond spacing to average bond width may be from 1:1 to 50:1, the ratio of average bond length to average bond width may be from 1:1 to 300:1, the ratio of average longitudinal bond spacing to average bond width may be from 1:2 to 20:1, and the ratio of average bond length to average longitudinal bond spacing may be from 1:1 to 300:1.

[0073] glue One or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and sections L, M, and R of the article component may be adhesive-free. For example, a section having a densified bond joining a first substrate and a second substrate together may be adhesive-free. However, it may be desirable for these sections containing densified bonds to also contain adhesive, for example, in a three-layer laminate or four-layer laminate configuration as described below. In other words, a section of the elastomeric laminate may include two or more substrate layers and may include one or more bonding means, such as mechanical, thermal, ultrasonic, pressure, adhesive, cohesive, and combinations thereof. It may also be desirable for the component article section to consist only of adhesive bonds holding the substrate layers together and the elastic strands between them. Areas containing substantially continuous zones or regions of adhesive joining the elastics and / or substrates of the elastomeric laminate may result in a smoother texture. These smoother sections may be desirable in high-motion zone areas and wearer-facing surfaces that contact the wearer. These smoother textures provide a conforming, snug fit. These smoother adhesive sections may also be used to contrast the macrotexture created by sections containing intermittent bonds (eg, discontinuous ultrasonic bonds).

[0074] It should also be understood that one or more of the component sections may include a single texture, such as shown in section 1 of FIG. 1A, which shows a single texture with a heart tag graphic. Alternatively, one or more of the component sections may include two or more discontinuous textures, such as shown in section 2 of FIG. 1C. In certain embodiments, one or more of the component sections of the first lumbar region may include the same texture as one or more of the component sections of the second lumbar region. In other embodiments, the texture of the first lumbar region may be distinctly different from the texture of the second lumbar region.

[0075] Sections L and R may have a relatively smooth texture in one or both waist regions, made possible by the application of continuous areas of adhesive bonding the elastic material to the substrate layer of the elastomeric laminate, while section M may have an intentional, well-defined texture made possible by an intermittent bond pattern formed by mechanical, thermal, ultrasonic, pressure bonds, and / or bonds formed from adhesives, cohesives, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, section M may include an outer nonwoven material including zones of varying basis weight and / or thickness, which may extend from a first waist edge through the crotch region to the opposing waist edge, or may be present only in the crotch region of the article. In certain embodiments, the outer nonwoven material including zones of varying basis weight and / or thickness may overlap and / or form a portion of the elastomeric laminate.

[0076] Alternatively, sections L and R may have a relatively smooth texture in one or both waist regions made possible by a closely spaced pattern of intermittent bonds or continuous surface bonds joining the elastic material to the substrate layer of the elastomeric laminate, and section M may have a different texture made possible by an intermittent bond pattern having a different spacing or pattern than the bond pattern of sections L and R.

[0077] Different Texture Zones When the textures are varied (by different bond arrangements, such as one or more of different average bond widths, average bond lengths, average longitudinal bond spacing, and average lateral bond spacing in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R), they may have different parameter values, such as one or more of percent contact area, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, 2%-98% height value, Emtec-TS7 value, and / or Emtec TS750 value. Different texture zones may have values ​​of each of these parameters that differ by at least 10%, 15%, or 20% in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R. Sections 1 and 4, which may include the attachment regions (i.e., portions of the flaps below the side seams), may have different textures compared to other sections of the component or article because it may be desirable to enhance the appearance of the sections along the waist and leg openings or to impart higher levels of elasticity or stretch along these openings. Additionally, it may be desirable for the texture zones adjacent the waist opening and leg openings to be the same or similar in at least sections L and R. Additionally, it may be desirable for sections L and R to have a higher percent contact area than section M. Also, it may be desirable for the first texture zone to have a percent contact area less than about 30% and the second texture zone to have a percent contact area greater than about 35%. Alternatively, it may be desirable for the first texture zone to have a percent contact area less than about 40% and the second texture zone to have a percent contact area greater than about 50%.

[0078] It may be desirable to complement the discontinuous texture zones with common (i.e., similarly shaped, sized, and positioned) graphic and / or color zones, each of which is positioned to overlap one another on the absorbent article. More specifically, a common color region and / or graphic pattern (e.g., 700) may overlap a similarly shaped, sized, and positioned mating array (e.g., 600). Figures 3A-3F show different color regions and / or graphic patterns, many of which are the shapes, sizes, and positions of the different color regions and / or graphic patterns 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, etc., similar to the shapes, sizes, and positions of the different texture zones 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, etc., in Figures 2A-2G. For example, the color region and / or graphic pattern of 700 may be a distinctly different color and / or pattern compared to 701, 702, 703, and 704, just as texture zone 600 may be a distinctly different bonding pattern or arrangement compared to 601, 602, 603, and 604.

[0079] However, it may also be desirable to have color regions and / or graphic pattern zones or discontinuous texture zones that do not complement or blend in, such that a particular color region and / or graphic pattern is larger or smaller or a different shape compared to the overlapping texture zone. For example, comparing Figures 2A and 3A, 601 is a discontinuous texture field, but the common area of ​​color regions and / or graphic patterns 701 and 701' are two discontinuous zones.

[0080] It may also be desirable to have color regions and / or graphic patterns that overlap texture zones with little or no join, such that the appearance of the texture can blend in with other areas that have texture, for example, area 603 in FIG. 2B does not have texture but overlaps with color region and / or graphic pattern 703 in FIG. 3B.

[0081] FIG. 1G shows an absorbent article having a first, relatively smooth texture (greater than 40% contact area percent) in sections L and R, where the elastomeric laminate is formed from two substrate layers with elastic material bonded between them by a substantially continuous adhesive layer. Sections L and R may also include perforations 388 formed in the elastomeric laminate. The perforations may pass through the laminate from the outer surface to the inner surface and may be arranged in a random pattern or a deliberate pattern (as shown in FIG. 1G). Section M includes a different texture from sections L and R. As shown in FIG. 1G, sections L and R have a higher contact area percent (greater than 40%) than section M (less than 35% contact area percent). Section M may be formed from a two-layer or three-layer laminate and may include an intermittent bond pattern formed by heat, pressure, thermal, ultrasonic, or adhesive. Alternatively, section M may include an outer substrate layer formed of a nonwoven material including areas of varying basis weight or varying thickness.

[0082] Texture Parameters With respect to texture characteristics, one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R have an Emtec-TS7 value of less than about 12, an Emtec-TS750 value of less than 60, a thickness of less than about 0.2 mm -1 ~about 1mm -1 The Emtec, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, and / or 2% to 98% height value in sections L and R may be different from the Emtec, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, and / or 2% to 98% height value in section M.

[0083] Performance Parametrics The texture zone of the present disclosure should not affect the desired performance of the article or article component. Thus, one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R may include a texture zone and have a section modulus of about 4 gf / mm to about 10 gf / mm, a cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm, at least one of: a) an air permeability of greater than about 40 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 0 gf / mm (no extension), b) an air permeability of greater than about 60 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 3 gf / mm (slight extension), and c) an air permeability of greater than about 80 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 7 gf / mm (moderate extension), a percent contact area of ​​at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 um, b) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 um, and a percent contact area of ​​about 5% to about 30% over time. and a peel strength between the first and second nonwoven fabrics of greater than about 1 N / cm to about 10 N / cm, or until the substrate fails; more than 70% of the elastic strands in one of the L and R article sections extend across at least 50% of the transverse width (laid flat or stretched) of the respective L and R sections, and have an under-strand pressure of less than 1 psi (as determined by the under-strand pressure test).

[0084] Random Texture As shown in Figure 4, a surprisingly unique woven appearance can be achieved by randomly spacing multiple elastics between substrate layers, combining darker colored strands with lighter colored nonwovens, or lighter colored strands with darker colored nonwovens. One way to achieve this result is to have more strands (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%) in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 compared to one of the other sections. In a single section component, the strands may be asymmetrically spaced. The ΔE of such sections* may be greater than 7 and less than about 60.

[0085] This result may be improved by using an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure (i.e., having an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average Dtex of about 20 to about 300, and an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%) and having elongated bonds or bond regions (at about 90 degrees to the direction of the elastic strands) extending along the laminate, the bonds or bond regions having an average bond length of about 5 mm to about 150 mm and an average transverse bond spacing of about 2 mm to about 15 mm.

[0086] Multiple beams It should be understood that one or more texture zones can be formed from multiple elastic beams. For example, separate beams may include different numbers of elastics, and / or the beams may have elastics with different decitexes, and / or the elastics of two beams may be spaced differently, and / or separate beams may provide elastics with different pre-strains, and / or different beams may provide elastics with different orientations within the product, e.g., linear, arcuate, diagonal, etc. The resulting portions created from such a multi-beam approach may have different textures.

[0087] Application Force, Continuous Fit Loading Force, and Continuous Fit Unloading Force of the Present Disclosure Absorbent articles comprising conventional twisted elastics and elastomeric laminates typically require high effort to ensure sufficient sustained fit loading and unloading forces to maintain the article's position on the wearer. Absorbent articles comprising conventional twisted elastics do not retain elastic force like articles comprising beam elastics, and therefore typically have a significant consumer-performance tradeoff: either difficult for the consumer to use but good sustained fit and gasketing, or easy for the consumer to use but poor sustained fit, gasketing, and leakage performance.

[0088] Higher decitex elastic materials in conventional twisted elastic laminates have 30 to 60 individual elastic filaments twisted together to form elastic strands. Lower decitex elastic materials in beam-shaped elastic laminates have 3 to 7 elastic filaments. Without being bound by theory, low decitex elastic materials used in beam-shaped elastic laminates have fewer individual filaments than higher decitex elastic materials. In some cases, lower decitex materials may have 1 / 10 the number of filaments. When elastic filaments are twisted together to form strands, elastic materials with more filaments have more inter-filament interaction as the strand stretches. This increased interaction can adversely affect sustained fit load and unload force retention. Furthermore, larger bundles of twisted filaments are also more likely to be bonded to the laminate substrate at different points along the strand, introducing additional constraints to the various filaments within the bundle and further affecting the filament's stretchability. The lower decitex elastic strands of the beam elastic laminate contain significantly fewer filaments, which allows the filaments to stretch more independently of one another, providing an elastic response closer to that of staple fiber strands.

[0089] An absorbent article comprising a beam-shaped elastic laminate may have an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than about 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than about 25% of the applied force. Alternatively, an absorbent article comprising a beam-shaped elastic laminate may have an applied force of about 1,500 gf to about 3,000 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than about 35% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than about 30% of the applied force.

[0090] To create an optimal use experience, it is desirable to provide an absorbent article with the correct balance of applied force, sustained fit load force, and sustained fit unload force. Figure 5A shows a force-extension curve illustrating when these forces are taken along the curve. The desired result would be an article with an applied force equal to or less than other comparable competitive products, and sustained fit load force and sustained fit unload force both higher than other comparable competitive products. For products with similar applied forces, the sustained fit load force and sustained fit unload force can also be reflected as a percentage of applied force. The actual applied force, sustained fit load force, and sustained fit unload force of embodiments of the present invention and competitive products can be found in Table A (below). Figure 5B is a graph of data from Table A showing the superior sustained fit load force and sustained fit unload force of embodiments of the present invention compared to the comparative products. Two products, adhesively bonded beam elastics (embodiments of the present invention) and Easy Ups (size 4), shown in Figure 5C, were selected to conduct mannequin fit testing. During the mannequin fit test, these products were used on a mechanically manipulated mannequin, which underwent a series of movements simulating the movements of a real infant. After use, the initial positions of the pant-type article placed on the mannequin were measured: the initial front waist position, the initial back waist position, and the initial rise (measured from the front anchor point through the crotch to the rear anchor point). Figure 5D shows the initial fit of Easy Ups from the front, and Figure 5F shows the initial fit of Easy Ups from the back. Figure 5E shows the initial fit of an embodiment of the present invention from the front, and Figure 5G shows the initial fit of an embodiment of the present invention from the back. The article was then filled with 75 mL of synthetic urine and then subjected to a mechanical manipulation process. After the first cycle of mechanical manipulation, the product was refilled with another 75 mL of synthetic urine and then subjected to a second cycle of mechanical manipulation. After the second cycle, the final positions of the product were measured: the final front waist position, the final back waist position, and the final rise. FIG. 5D' shows the final fit of the Easy Ups from the front, and FIG. 5F' shows the final fit of the Easy Ups from the back.Figure 5E' shows the final fit of an embodiment of the present invention from the front, and Figure 5G' shows the final fit of an embodiment of the present invention from the back. The black lines in Figures 5D', 5E', 5F', and 5G' are included to provide a basis for comparison between competitive market products and embodiments of the present invention. It is clear from the graphs, tables, and images that embodiments of the present invention provide superior sustained fit over competitive market products as a result of the unique sustained loading and unloading forces of the beamed elastomeric belt. Actual measurements from mannequin testing are shown in Table B (below). The data show that the competitive market product, Easy Ups, had 162% more sag in the front, 200% more sag in the back, and 202% more deflection at the crotch than the adhesive-bonded beamed elastic of an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Easy Ups had 456% more slippage than the adhesive-bonded beamed elastic product.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] [Table 2]

[0093] Ratio of this disclosure Many absorbent articles, including conventional twisted elastic laminates, have used adhesives to bond elastic materials to the substrates that form the elastomeric laminate. This approach has included strand coating, in which adhesive is applied directly to the elastic strands and surface coating, and surface coating, in which adhesive is applied to one or both substrates of the elastomeric laminate, and then the elastic material is sandwiched between the substrates. Some attempts have been made to form spaced-apart thermal bonds on both sides of the elastic material to capture and hold it in place between the substrates.

[0094] The beam-shaped elastic structure, low decitex (small diameter), close spacing, and low strain provide a unique combination of properties that allow the beam-shaped elastic to exist inside thermal, mechanical, or ultrasonic bonds. In other words, the elastic strands are so fine that bonds can be formed continuously from one side of the elastic strand across the strand to the other side of the strand. In fact, bonds may extend continuously across multiple elastic strands. To enable a fully ultrasonically bonded beam-shaped elastic laminate, it has been found that two relationships are desirable: 1) a specific Dtex to nonwoven to basis weight ratio range can be maintained to ensure there is enough nonwoven material in the bond area to surround the elastic strands during the bonding process, and 2) a specific void area to strand area ratio range can also be maintained to ensure dimensional lock around the elastic. The void area of ​​the bond is created by forming the bond around an elongated elastic material having an elongated diameter (less than the diameter of the relaxed strand) when the elastic material is allowed to relax, and the diameter of the elastic material increases as the surface area increases, thereby dimensionally locking the wider elastic strand within the narrower void space of the bond.

[0095] Another ratio relevant to forming a beam-shaped elastic laminate with the correct balance of application force (ease of use), sustained fit load force, and sustained fit unload force for proper article positioning and gasketing is the Dtex to spacing ratio. As the decitex of the elastic increases, the force to stretch the elastic also increases. To maintain the proper balance of forces, the spacing between elastics can also increase. As the decitex decreases, the elastic spacing must also decrease to ensure the proper balance of forces. Therefore, to maintain the proper balance of forces, the Dtex to spacing ratio can be desirably maintained.

[0096] The prior art does not define the limits for the ratios of average strand spacing, average Dtex, and nonwoven basis weight of ultrasonically bonded twisted elastomeric laminates necessary to produce desired performance parameters of the article component (e.g., section modulus, among others). Thus, the prior art does not disclose the key to reliably producing elastomeric laminates in which densified bonds overlap the elastic strands, so that the strands are dimensionally locked in a manner that prevents strand breakage. Thus, the prior art does not disclose elastomeric laminates truly suitable for use as disposable absorbent article components. The key ratios disclosed herein result in desirable elastomeric nonwovens for use as disposable absorbent article components. Key ratios for ultrasonically bonded laminates include the Dtex-to-spacing ratio, the Dtex-to-nonwoven basis weight ratio, and the void area-to-strand area ratio.

[0097] Referring to Figure 15A, the relationship between Dtex to spacing ratio and section modulus of spandex strands is shown. A Dtex to spacing ratio of about 65:1 to about 215:1 results in a section modulus of about 4.0 gf / mm to about 9 gf / mm.

[0098] Referring to Figure 15B, other desirable Dtex to spacing ratios are shown. A Dtex to spacing ratio of about 40:1 to about 88:1 will result in a very low section modulus, which may be desirable for small infants, i.e., premature infants. This very soft feel will also result in a very small increase in force as the infant moves and stretches the garment.

[0099] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a decitex to spacing ratio of about 88:1 to about 140:1, which would provide a low to moderate section modulus, which would be desirable for small pre-walking infants. This would provide a low to moderate force increase to additional applied stretch, and would allow for a wide fit range with a small product offering.

[0100] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a decitex to spacing ratio of about 140:1 to about 233:1, which is desirable for most walking infants and adults. This will result in a section modulus that minimizes product sagging while providing a comfortable fit. It will also allow for a wide fit range with a small product offering.

[0101] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a Dtex to spacing ratio of about 233:1 to about 300:1, which will mimic the section modulus and feel of a film, which is desirable when providing a more tailored fit, i.e., more sizes available across the target fit range.

[0102] Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a ratio of average longitudinal bond spacing to average bond width of from about 1:2 to about 20:1, from about 5:1 to about 15:1, or from about 7:1 to about 13:1.

[0103] Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a ratio of average transverse bond spacing to average bond width of from about 1:1 to about 50:1, from about 10:1 to about 30:1, or from about 15:1 to about 20:1.

[0104] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average bond length to average bond width ratio of from about 1:1 to about 300:1, from about 10:1 to about 200:1, or from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

[0105] Parameter Roles The stranded elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure are superior to stranded elastomeric laminates of the art in many of the relevant parameters that measure laminate performance.

[0106] Hip hoop is relevant because it is a measure of the stretch of the closed perimeter of an absorbent article. Data generated from this test can be used to determine applied force, sustained fit load force, and sustained fit unload force.

[0107] Force is relevant because it is a measure of the forces that a caregiver wearer may be subjected to while wearing the absorbent article.

[0108] Sustained fit load force is relevant because it is a measure of the force that the article applies to the wearer as the wearer's waist extends during breathing or during wearer movement, such as when the wearer changes from a standing to a sitting position.

[0109] Sustained fit unloading force is relevant because it is a measure of the force that the article applies to the wearer's waist as the wearer's waist contracts during breathing or during the wearer's movement, such as when the wearer changes from a sitting to a standing position.

[0110] Surface topography (percent contact area, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, and 2-98% height value) is relevant because it is a measure of the textural properties of an elastomeric laminate: Surface topography allows for the definition of percent contact area, which is the portion of the surface that can come into contact with the skin; wrinkle frequency and wrinkle wavelength characterize the structural aspects of the texture; and 2-98% height value helps define the thickness of the elastomeric laminate.

[0111] Sub-strand pressure (average sub-strand pressure) is relevant because it is a measure of the pressure that the elastic exerts on the skin: lower sub-strand pressure correlates with less skin indentation and marking, improving skin condition and comfort.

[0112] Air permeability is relevant because it is a measure of the ease with which air can pass through an elastomeric laminate. Air permeability is typically used to measure the breathability of various fabrics, such as water-impermeable fabrics. Air permeability is typically measured in units of volume / surface area / unit time. The primary influence on air permeability is the density of the material and its construction. Fabrics can be coated or otherwise treated to modify their air permeability, either selectively or throughout the fabric.

[0113] Force relaxation over time is relevant because it is a measure of the ability of an elastomeric laminate to retain its force over time under a fixed load. Certain spandex materials can retain over 70% of their force over time, while other elastic approaches, such as extruded strand elastics, can lose as much as 70% of their force over time.

[0114] Emtec is relevant because it is an objective measurement instrument and the only existing device that meets all compliance requirements in the nonwoven and woven industries. Emtec simultaneously collects all relevant parameters that affect the tactile properties of nonwovens and woven fabrics: softness, smoothness / roughness, and stiffness. According to the manufacturer, the correlation between Emtec results and reliable hand panel numbers determined by an experienced hand panel is excellent (up to 100%).

[0115] Color contrast is relevant because it utilizes small-scale color measurements of a stretch laminate where the color of the elastic strands differs significantly from the areas between the strands, and these measurements can be made from calibrated scanned images. These color measurement pairs are then used to calculate the color contrast of the laminate.

[0116] Section modulus is relevant because it is a measure of the slope of the force-elongation curve within a given section of an elastomeric laminate. Relatively, if the force increases sharply upon elongation, the material will have a higher modulus than if the force increases more slowly upon elongation. It may be desirable to have different sections.

[0117] Cantilever bending is relevant because it is a measure of bending deflection versus length. The test is performed with a target deflection and the extension length required to reach the target deflection is recorded. The shorter this length, the more flexible the material is considered to be.

[0118] These parameters are described in more detail below, and see the Methods section for details on conducting tests for each of these parameters.

[0119] Section Modulus Referring to FIG. 14, the determination of cross-sectional modulus from any combination of spandex strand average strand spacing and average Dtex is shown. The relevance of section modulus to product performance and consumer perception is significant for two main reasons. First, section modulus influences how consumers perceive a product's ease of use, fit, and comfort. Section modulus conveys the ease and degree of stretch at a given applied force. If the section modulus is too high, consumers perceive the product as too small or too tight, and are uncomfortable with the increased likelihood of skin marking. On the other hand, if the section modulus is too low, consumers perceive the product as too large, too loose, unable to stay in place, or unable to provide adequate gasketing around the legs and waist. Consumer testing has revealed that a section modulus of about 4 gf / mm to about 9 gf / mm is a preferred range for absorbent garments.

[0120] The second major impact of section modulus is the number of sizes required within a range of products to accommodate different consumers: the higher the section modulus, the more sizes may be required to achieve a proper fit given the range of comfort consumers will perceive the product to have.

[0121] Surface Topography Surface topography is the planar surface topology of an elastomeric laminate measured using optical profilometry. The 3D surface data is then sampled and processed to extract several parameters that indicate the percent contact area and 2-98% height of the elastomeric laminate specimen surface, as well as wrinkle frequency and wrinkle wavelength.

[0122] 6A-E and Table C (below), to compare various absorbent articles, the inventors selected a first setting for determining percent contact area corresponding to a skin thickness (100 micrometers), a second setting for twice the skin thickness, i.e., 200 micrometers, and a third setting for three times the skin thickness, i.e., 300 micrometers. Surface topography measurements reveal that the beam-shaped elastic laminate 302 (see FIGS. 6A-C) has significantly greater surface contact at 100 micrometers (1.5X-1.9X), 200 micrometers (1.8X-2.5X), and 300 micrometers (1.9X-2.7X) compared to prior art structures (see FIGS. 6D and 6E). In addition, the 2%-98% height values ​​derived from the surface topography data also indicate a significant difference in surface smoothness when comparing the beam-shaped elastic laminate 302 to prior art structures. These differences in increased surface contact and surface smoothness will have a direct and significant impact on minimizing or eliminating skin marks for various structures that may be formed from the beam-shaped elastic laminate 302. In contrast, the data from 2% to over 98% height values ​​indicates that the prior art product has a much rougher surface, in part due to the higher decitex and greater spacing of the elastic material, resulting in greater uncontrolled random wrinkles. The combination of greater uncontrolled wrinkles and a significantly lower percent contact area indicates that pressure on the skin and skin marks will likely be significantly greater when using the prior art product and significantly lower for articles including the beam-shaped elastic laminate.

[0123] The elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure may have a percent contact area of ​​greater than about 13% at 100 um, and / or a percent contact area of ​​greater than about 27% at 200 um, and / or a percent contact area of ​​greater than 39% at 300 um. Additionally, the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure may have a 2%-98% height value of less than about 1.6.

[0124] Emtec The Emtec is an objective measurement instrument and the only existing device that meets all compliance requirements in the nonwoven and woven industries. It simultaneously collects all relevant parameters that affect the tactile properties of nonwovens and wovens: softness, smoothness / roughness, and stiffness. According to manufacturers, correlation between Emtec measurements and reliable hand panel ratings determined by trained hand panels is excellent (up to 100%). The Emtec has proven to be a valuable tool for measuring the softness and tactile properties of various elastomeric laminates. Due to their complex structure, such elastomeric laminates possess a variety of parameters that can affect the tactile properties of the laminate. For example, nonwoven basis weight, bond pattern, texture, elastic decitex, elastic prestrain, elastic spacing, etc., can affect a panelist's ability to discriminate softness and smoothness without bias introduced by other visual or tactile factors. The Emtec has been found to correlate with hand panel ratings and, therefore, can provide an unbiased assessment of the elastomeric laminate itself. It may be desirable to provide a portion of the elastomeric laminate with an Emtec-TS7 value of less than about 12 and an Emtec-TS750 value of less than 60. An Emtec-TS750:Emtec-TS7 ratio of <8 has also been found to be particularly desirable.

[0125] Process of the present disclosure 9A and 9B, a plurality of elastic strands 316 (about 10 strands to about 1500 strands having a decitex of about 10 to about 400) are unwound in the machine direction MD from a first beam 314 (which is a first metering device 310) around a first rotating shaft 346, and the plurality of elastic strands 316 are moved from the first beam 314 (e.g., a warping beam) to a second metering device 312 (which includes a first roller 323 having a second rotating shaft 329 and a second roller 331 having a third rotating shaft 334, forming a nip 336). The plurality of elastic strands 316 may be stretched along the machine direction MD between the first metering device 310 and the second metering device 312 to impart a prestrain (about 50% to about 300%) to the plurality of elastic members 316. The stretched elastic strands 316 may then be bonded to the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 in the second metering device 312 by adhesive 351 from adhesive applicator 349 (or the plurality of elastic members 316 by other suitable means, such as ultrasonic) to form the elastomeric laminate 302, such that the strands are spaced apart (in the CD) in the elastomeric laminate by about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm. This process forms the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure, which may be further incorporated into various absorbent article components, such as belts, ear panels, side panels, cross barriers, topsheets, backsheets, cuffs, waistbands, waistcaps, and / or chassis, to provide the benefits described in this patent application. Further details of a process for making beam-shaped elastomeric laminates for use in disposable absorbent articles are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 436,589, entitled "Methods and Apparatuses for Making Elastomeric Laminates with Elastic Strands Unwound from Beam," filed December 20, 2016, with Schneider as the first inventor.The elastomeric laminate 302 can be made as part of an absorbent article manufacturing line, or can be made offline and unwound as an elastomeric laminate fed into an absorbent article manufacturing line.

[0126] Elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure The "elastomeric laminate 302" of the present disclosure may include a plurality of elastic members 316 between a first substrate 306 and a second substrate layer 308, where the plurality of elastic members 316 (often referred to as the "first plurality of elastic members," "second plurality of elastic members," etc.) have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average decitex of about 10 to about 400, and an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi. The elastomeric laminate 302 may be used to form various article components or at least portions of various absorbent article components, such as a belt, side panels, waistband, or leg cuffs. Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 may be used to form a region of the article, or at least portions of a region of the article, such as a front waist region, a crotch region, or a back waist region. When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a belt, a chassis, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an ear panel, and combinations thereof, the plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may include from about 40 to about 1000 elastic strands. When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a waist cap, inner leg cuffs, outer leg cuffs, and combinations thereof, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may include from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands. Finally, the term "plurality of elastics" is a contextual term, and the specific properties (e.g., average decitex, average strand spacing, under-strand pressure, etc.), arrangement, attributes, characteristics, placement, etc. of these elastics are referenced to define what a particular "plurality of elastics" is.

[0127] Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of one or more of a group of article components including the belt 430, the side panels 330, the chassis 200, the topsheet 124, the backsheet 125, and the ear panels 530, and the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastic materials 316 having about 40 to about 1000 elastic strands with an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400, and an average prestrain of 50% to 300%, and a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308, each having a basis weight of about 6 grams / square meter to about 45 grams / square meter.

[0128] Furthermore, when the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group consisting of article components including the belt 430, the side panels 330, the chassis 200, the topsheet 124, the backsheet 125, and the ear panels 530, the elastomeric laminate 302 may include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having about 50 to about 825 elastic strands, about 100 to about 650 elastic strands, or about 150 to about 475 elastic strands, may include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average strand spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, or about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm, may include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average Dtex of about 30 to about 300, or about 40 to about 200, and may include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average pre-strain that can be about 75% to about 300%, or about 100% to about 250%.

[0129] The elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of one or more of the group consisting of article components including the waistband 122, the waist cap 123, the inner leg cuffs 150, the outer leg cuffs 140, and the transverse barrier 16, and may include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having from about 10 to about 400 elastic strands, with an average strand spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average Dtex of from about 10 to about 400, an average pre-strain of from about 50% to about 300%, and a basis weight of each of the first substrate 306 and / or the second substrate 308 of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 45 grams per square meter.

[0130] Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group consisting of article components including the waistband 122, the waist cap 123, the inner leg cuffs 150, the outer leg cuffs 140, and the transverse barrier 16, and can include a plurality of elastic materials 316 having about 15 to about 300 elastic strands, about 20 to 225 elastic strands, or about 25 to about 150 elastic strands, including a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average strand spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, or about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm, including a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average Dtex of about 30 to about 300, or about 40 to about 250, and including a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an average pre-strain of about 75% to about 300%, or about 100% to about 250%.

[0131] Any one of the belt 430, the side panels 330, the ear panels 530, the chassis 200, the topsheet 124, the backsheet 125, the waistband 122, the waist cap 123, the inner leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140, or the transverse barrier may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 including a plurality of elastic materials 316 having an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi, or about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi, and an air permeability of greater than about 40 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 0 gf / mm (no extension), and / or greater than about 60 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 3 gf / mm (slight extension), and / or greater than about 80 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 7 gf / mm (moderate extension). and / or a cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm, or less than about 35 mm, or in another embodiment, the cantilever bend may be less than 30 mm, or alternatively less than 25 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm, and may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a percent contact area of ​​greater than about 13% at 100 um, and / or greater than about 27% at 200 um, and / or greater than about 39% at 300 um, and / or a 2% to 98% height value < 1.6 mm, and may comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising a percent contact area of ​​greater than about 13% at 100 um, and / or greater than about 27% at 200 um, and / or greater than about 36% at 300 um, and / or a 2% to 98% height value < 2.2 mm, and -1 ~about 1mm -1 and a wrinkle wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0132] In addition to the beam-shaped elastic strands 316 that can be used in each of the absorbent article components, other elastic components such as elastic nonwovens, elastomeric films, elastomeric foams, elastomeric scrims, and elastomeric ribbons, or combinations thereof, can be used in conjunction with the beam-type elastic 316.

[0133] Ultrasonic coupling of the present disclosure Formation of high density joints Referring to FIG. 10I, a first material 354, such as first substrate 306, may be bonded to a second material 356, such as second substrate 308, by one or more bonds 322. The bonds may be formed by melting the first material 354 and second material 356 together to form a densified region 311, which may be formed by ultrasonic bonding. The bonds 322 may completely (or substantially) surround and conform to the periphery of the elastic strands 316, defining a dimensional lock. In this manner, the densified bonds 322 may be said to overlap one or more elastic strands 316. The bond or densified bonds 322 may hold the first material 354 and second material 356 together such that the two materials have a peel strength of at least about 1 N / cm to about 5 N / cm, or about 2 N / cm to about 10 N / cm, or until one or both of the nonwoven substrates fail. Thus, the bond or bonds 322 dimensionally lock the elastic strands 316 and hold the first and second substrates together, such that the resulting elastomeric laminate 302 is useful as an article component. One or more bonds 322 may overlap one or more elastic strands 316, while one or more bonds 322 may form a densified region that holds the first material 354 and the second material 356 together but does not overlap the elastic strands 316.

[0134] The first material 354 and the second material 356 (e.g., the inner belt layer 432 and the outer belt layer 434) may be fused together to form densified regions 311 around the elastic strands and bonded together, and the densified regions may be ultrasonically formed such that the voids have a bond void cross-sectional area that substantially corresponds to the shape and size of the tensioned elastic strand(s) or individual filaments that make up the strands. When the elastic tension is released, the cross-sectional dimension of the relaxed elastic material (having the strand cross-sectional area) increases, thereby dimensionally locking the now larger elastic material in place by the relatively small voids. The dimensional locking holds the discrete lengths of elastic strands in place within the first and second substrates and the bonded region. Therefore, it is important that the cross-sectional area of ​​the voids at the bond be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the relaxed elastic strands, i.e., a void area to elastic area ratio of less than 1. It may be desirable to have a void area to elastic area ratio of about 0.25 to about 0.9, or about 0.3 to about 0.7. In a contracted elastomeric laminate, the cross-sectional area of ​​the voids at the bond is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the contracted elastic strands 316 held within the bond. In most circumstances, the cross-sectional shape of the voids will be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the elastic strands 316 held within the bond.

[0135] Although the elastic strands 316 are overlapped and dimensionally locked by the densified bonds 322 as described, the elastic strands 316 may be unbonded between the densified bonds 322. Alternatively, the elastic strands may be bonded between the densified bonds 322 by an adhesive. For example, a first elastic strand may be overlapped by at least three densified bonds joining the first elastic strand to the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between the first and second bonds of the at least three bonds, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between the second and third bonds of the at least three bonds. Furthermore, the first strand may be unbonded between the third and fourth bonds of the at least three bonds, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between the fourth and fifth bonds of the at least three bonds.

[0136] 10A is a detailed view of an elastic strand 316 in a stretched state secured by a bond 322 between a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308. The bonding process can apply heat, pressure, ultrasound, or a combination thereof to a first region 350 of the first substrate 306 and a second region 352 of the second substrate 308, causing a first material 354 of the first substrate 306 and a second material 356 of the second substrate 308 to become malleable. The malleable first material 354 and second material 356 then deform and completely surround a periphery 358 of a discrete length of the stretched elastic strand 316 within the bond region 360, forming a void having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the stretched elastic strand 316.

[0137] When tension is released from the stretched elastic strand 316, a dimensional lock may be formed between a portion of the elastic strand 316 and the first and second materials 354, 356. The dimensional lock functions to hold and / or secure the elastic strand 316 in a fixed position within the bond region 360. For general illustrative purposes, FIG. 10B illustrates a length of the elastic strand 316 in a non-stretched, or relaxed, state, where the elastic strand 316 defines a first cross-sectional area A1. FIG. 10C also illustrates the length of the elastic strand 316 of FIG. 10B in a stretched state, where the elastic strand 316 defines a second cross-sectional area A2 that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the elastic strand 316 in a stretched state expands when tension is partially or completely released from the elastic strand 316. As described in more detail below, this tendency for the cross-sectional area of ​​the elastic strand 316 to expand helps create a dimensional lock. A key factor in forming a dimensionally locked bond between the first material 354 and the second material 356 without severing the stretched elastic strands 316 is the Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio. To have sufficient bond strength to prevent separation of the first material layer 354 and the second material layer 356 without applying excessive bonding pressure that could sever the elastic strands 316, the first material 354 and the second material 356 must have a total nonwoven basis weight sufficient to substantially or completely encapsulate the elastic strands and be compressed sufficiently to join the first material 354 and the second material 356 and form a nonwoven bond area surrounding the elastic strands. The Dtex to average nonwoven basis weight ratio can be from about 2 to about 13, from about 3 to about 10, or from about 4 to about 8.

[0138] 10D, a detailed view of the elastic strand 316 as shown in FIG. 10A is shown with the tension in the elastic strand 316 released (or reduced), illustrating how the tendency of the elastic strand 316 to expand causes dimensional locking within the bonded region 360. FIGS. 10D and 10F depict the elastic strand 316 as having a first cross-sectional area A1 within the unbonded region 362 of the elastomeric laminate 302, which is larger than the second cross-sectional area A2 of the stretched elastic strand 316 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10E. Additionally, FIGS. 10D and 10G depict the elastic strand 316 as having a third cross-sectional area A3 within the bonded region 360 of the elastomeric laminate 302, which is the same as, or approximately the same as, the second cross-sectional area A2 of the stretched elastic strand 316 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10E. 10G, the first material 354 and the second material 356 in the bond region 360 help prevent the cross-sectional area of ​​the elastic strands 316 from fully expanding when the tension in the elastic strands 316 is reduced. Thus, in some configurations, no adhesive may be applied and / or present between the elastic strands 316 and the first material 354 and the second material 356. It will also be appreciated that in some configurations, adhesive may be applied and / or present between the elastic strands 316 and the first material 354 and the second material 356 to help the dimensional lock hold the individual lengths of the elastic strands 316 in a fixed position with the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 in the bond region 360. In some configurations, the adhesive and dimensional lock in the bond region 360 may share the load exerted by the elastic strands 316.

[0139] It will also be understood that the elastic strands 316 herein, bonded according to the methods described herein, may be constructed from one or more filaments 364. For example, FIG. 10H shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic strand 316 within a bonded region 360, where the elastic strand 316 is comprised of a plurality of individual filaments 364. As shown in FIG. 10H, the elastic strand 316 includes an outer filament 364a that surrounds an inner filament 364b. The outer filament 364a defines the periphery 358 of the elastic strand 316, and the outer filament 364a can surround the inner filament 364b such that the inner filament 364b does not contact the first material 354 and the second material 356 within the bond 322. It will be understood that the filaments 364 can be positioned in various locations within the bonded region 360. For example, FIG. 10I shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic strand 316 within a bond region 360, with a plurality of individual filaments 364 together defining a perimeter 358 that extends side-by-side along the cross-direction CD (i.e., transversely) such that no elastic strands are above or below them when viewed in cross-section (e.g., FIGS. 10I-10L), and all of the plurality of filaments 364 are in contact with the densified first material 354 and second material 356.

[0140] In another example, FIG. 10J shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic strand 316 in a bond region 360 in which at least two of the filaments 364 are separated from each other by at least one bond between the first material 354 and the second material 356.

[0141] It should be understood that different components can be used to construct the elastomeric laminate 302 according to the methods and apparatus herein. For example, the first substrate and / or second substrate 306, 308 may include nonwoven fabrics and / or films, and can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as plastic films, perforated plastic films, woven or nonwoven webs of natural materials such as wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fibers, or combinations of natural and / or synthetic fibers, or coated woven or nonwoven webs, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, and / or multilayer or composite materials including film and nonwoven materials.

[0142] It will also be appreciated that the strands 316 and / or filaments 364 herein can define a variety of different cross-sectional shapes. For example, in some configurations, the strands 316 or filaments 364 may define circular, oval, or elliptical cross-sectional shapes, or irregular shapes such as dogbone and hourglass shapes. Additionally, the elastic strands 316 can be configured in a variety of shapes and with a variety of decitex values. In some configurations, the elastic strands 316 can be configured to have a decitex value ranging from about 10 decitex to about 400 decitex, specifically including all values ​​in 1-dtex increments within the above ranges, and all ranges within or given by the above ranges.

[0143] As previously described, substrates 306, 308 having elastic strands 316 disposed therebetween may be bonded according to the methods herein without severing the elastic strands. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10G and 10H-10J, ultrasonic waves, heat, pressure, and combinations thereof may be applied to substrates 306, 308 to form bonds 322 surrounding elastic strands 316. Bonds 322 are defined by a compression region including first and second materials 354, 356, with the compression region having a minimum thickness Tb. Additionally, elastic strands 316 may have a thickness Te in bond region 360. In some configurations where substrates 306, 308 are bonded together to form a bond thickness Tb that is a specific magnitude relative to the elastic strand thickness Te, elastic strands 316 may not be severed during the bonding process. Furthermore, forces acting between elastic strands 316 and first and second materials 354, 356 within bond region 360 may prevent bonds 322 from severing. This relationship between Te and Tb can be characterized by the decitex of the elastic strands 316 and the bond thickness Tb. For example, bonding the substrates 306, 308 together with an elastic strand having a decitex value of about 78 or less disposed therebetween can form a bond 322 having a thickness Tb of at least about 100 μm (“micrometers”) without severing the elastic strands 316. In another example, bonding the substrates 306, 308 together with an elastic strand having a decitex value of about 250 or less disposed therebetween can form a bond 322 having a thickness Tb of at least about 200 μm (“micrometers”) without severing the elastic strands 316. In some configurations, such as shown in FIG. 10J, the bond thickness Tb can be at least 50% greater than the minimum cross-sectional thickness Tf of the filaments 364. For example, as shown in FIG. 10J, the minimum cross-sectional thickness Tf of a filament 364 having a circular cross-section can be defined by the diameter of such filament.

[0144] The scanning electron micrographs ("SEM") of Figures 10K-10M show cross-sectional views of elastic strand 316 within bond region 360, surrounded by first material 354 and second material 356. In Figures 10K and 10L, elastic strand 316 is a 78 decitex elastic strand including five filaments 364, each having a diameter of approximately 43 μm ("micrometers"), and bonds 322 define a thickness Tb of approximately 80 μm ("micrometers"). In Figure 10M, elastic strand 316 is a 235 decitex elastic strand including 15 filaments 364, each having a diameter of approximately 43 μm ("micrometers"), and bonds 322 define a thickness Tb of approximately 200 μm ("micrometers").

[0145] 10N, 10O, and 10P, the densified bond 322 may only partially surround some of the elastic strands such that either the top or bottom of the bond 322 is much thicker than the other. This result is due to the ultrasonic bonding process of the elastomeric laminate and the stationary ultrasonic horn, which may drag a portion of the bond 322 while the bond 322 is formed and in a molten state, forming a tail against the boundary defined by the other of the top or bottom of the bond 322, and / or forming a wedge-shaped bond 322.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the bonds 322 may be discontinuous and may surround only a portion of the filaments forming the strand. The discontinuous bonds may surround at least about 10, at least about 20 filaments, at least about 30 filaments, or at least 10 elastic strands. Further, the plurality of elastic strands may include at least 100 elastic strands, each of the at least 100 elastic strands including at least three filaments, and the plurality of densified bonds may overlap at least 50 elastic strands comprising the plurality of elastic strands and surround at least 150 filaments of the at least 100 elastic strands, with a substantial portion of the at least 100 elastic strands between the densified bonds being unbonded.

[0147] Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure that include a plurality of densified bonds as described above may be free of adhesive. Alternatively, certain sections of the elastomeric laminate may include adhesive without densified bonds, or certain sections may include a combination of adhesive and densified bonds. For example, a first plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven may overlap with the first plurality of densified bonds, and a second plurality of elastic materials between the first nonwoven and a second nonwoven may overlap with an adhesive bond. The first and / or second plurality of elastic materials may include about 2 to about 20 elastic strands and may have an average strand spacing of about 3 mm or greater, and / or the second plurality of elastic materials may have an average Dtex of about 300 or greater.

[0148] Break Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure having Dtex to spacing ratios, Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios, and void area to elastic area ratios within the above ranges result in minimal elastic strand breakage between densified portions of bonds (i.e., minimal free strand ends 327 (see FIG. 10Q) or free filament ends 328 between densified bonds). More specifically, less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% of the strands between densified portions of bonds may break within the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Furthermore, less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% of the filaments between densified portions of bonds may break within the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Alternatively, in one of the L and R article sections, the lower break is identified as greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% of the elastic strands, extending across at least 50% of the lateral width (laid flat, i.e., stretched) of the L and R sections, respectively.

[0149] However, it may be desirable to have densified bonds in a section but no elastic in that portion, such as the section over the chassis. The elastic strands may be intentionally cut or broken in this section so that the free ends of the cut or broken elastic strands overlap the chassis. If the elastomeric laminate contains holes, the holes may cut or break the elastic strands.

[0150] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have minimal elastic strand breakage between the densified portions of the bonds, although some of the filaments that make up the strands may break between the densified portions of the bonds (see free end 327 in FIG. 10Q and heated end 328 in FIG. 10R).

[0151] It may be desirable for less than 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the elastic strands of the first plurality of strands to break between adjacent bonds of the first plurality of bonds that are laterally spaced less than 20 mm apart from each other.

[0152] As an example, the first elastic strand may be overlapped by at least three densified bonds joining the first elastic strand to the first and / or second nonwoven, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between a first bond and a second bond of the at least three bonds, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between a second bond and a third bond of the at least three bonds.

[0153] As another example, the first elastic strand may be overlapped by at least five densified bonds joining the first elastic strand to the first and / or second nonwoven, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between a first bond and a second bond of the at least three bonds, the first elastic strand may be unbonded between the second bond and a third bond, and further, the first strand may be unbonded between the third bond and a fourth bond, and the first elastic strand may be unbonded between the fourth bond and a fifth bond.

[0154] Two-layer laminate of the present disclosure As shown in FIGS. 11A-11E and as detailed in the "Ultrasonic Bonding" section above, the twisted elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may be a two-layer laminate and may include beam-shaped elastic material 316. The two-layer laminate may be bonded by densification zones, mechanical, thermal, or pressure bonding, or ultrasonically as described above in the "Ultrasonic Bonding" section. The two-layer laminate may also be bonded together by applying adhesive in either a defined, random, or continuous pattern. The two-layer laminate may include two nonwoven substrates having the same polymer composition, basis weight, and formation type (spunbond, carded, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond, etc.). Alternatively, the nonwoven substrates forming the two-layer laminate may be formed from nonwovens having different polymer compositions, basis weights, and formation types (spunbond, carded, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond, etc.). Each of the two-ply laminates of Figures 11A-11E may be used to form the belts of Figures 16E-16G.

[0155] Three-layer laminate of the present disclosure Absorbent articles containing beam-shaped elastic laminates offer a variety of appearances, similar to woven garments. Appearance can be further enhanced by multi-layer (three or more substrate layers) laminate configurations. These configurations themselves are discontinuous and lend themselves to different bonding approaches and patterns, allowing the laminate to have one texture on one side and a second texture on the opposing side. The textures can be identical, distinctly different, and / or complementary.

[0156] When it is desirable to have a different texture on the garment-facing surface 2 (i.e., outer surface 206) compared to the wearer-facing surface 4 (i.e., inner surface 205), the elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure may be in the form of a three-layer laminate. With reference to FIGS. 12A-13G, for example, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be bonded with different types of bonds and / or bond arrangements than the second substrate layer 308 and the third substrate layer 309. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12E, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be ultrasonically bonded together with continuous (longitudinal or lateral) or discontinuous (longitudinal or lateral) bonds 322 including densified portions 311 (see FIGS. 12C and 12E), and the second substrate 308 and the third substrate 309 may be joined by a substantially continuous adhesive layer 319 (see FIGS. 12C and 12E). 12F shows an alternative embodiment in which a pattern of densified portions of an ultrasonic bond bonds the first, second, and third substrates together, in addition to an adhesive layer bonding the second and third substrates together. In another alternative embodiment, the bonds 322 bonding the first and second substrates may be adhesive instead of densified portions, such that discontinuous or patterned adhesive bonds bond the first and second substrates, and a continuous adhesive layer bonds the second and third substrates. For each of these embodiments, the elastic material 316 may be a beam-shaped elastic material. The above-described configuration provides a smooth texture on one side of the laminate and a deliberate, well-defined, and deliberate texture pattern on the opposing side.

[0157] 12A-12E, the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 may be joined in a first process step to form a two-layer laminate, and then the third substrate 309 may be joined to the two-layer laminate in a second process step to form a three-layer laminate. Alternatively, the second substrate 308 and the third substrate 309 may first be joined in a first process step to form a two-layer laminate, and then the first substrate 306 may be joined to the two-layer laminate in a second process step to form a three-layer laminate.

[0158] In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 12F, the second substrate 308 and the third substrate 309 may first be joined in a first process step to form a two-layer laminate, and then the first substrate 306 may be joined to the two-layer laminate in a second process step to form a three-layer laminate.

[0159] 13A-13G, the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 may be ultrasonically bonded together with a pattern of continuous (longitudinal or lateral) or discontinuous (longitudinal or lateral) bonds 322 including densified portions 311 (see FIGS. 13C and 13E), and the second substrate 308 and the third substrate 309 may be joined by a second pattern of continuous (longitudinal or lateral) or discontinuous (longitudinal or lateral) ultrasonic bonds (see FIGS. 13C and 13E). The bonds 322 joining the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 together may alternatively form a continuous (longitudinal or lateral) or discontinuous (longitudinal or lateral) pattern of adhesive bonds, and the bonds 322 joining the second substrate 308 and the third substrate 309 together may also form a continuous (longitudinal or lateral) or discontinuous (longitudinal or lateral) pattern of adhesive bonds, such that one or both bonded areas may be adhesive bonds. For each of these embodiments, the elastic strands 316 may be beam-shaped elastic. In these embodiments, one side of the laminate may be smooth and the opposing side is textured. Alternatively, one side of the laminate may have a first texture and the opposing side of the laminate may have a second texture. In a third embodiment, both sides of the laminate may have a relatively smooth texture.

[0160] Figure 13F shows an alternative embodiment in which a densified portion of the ultrasonic bond joins the first, second, and third substrates together. Figure 13G shows an alternative embodiment in which the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 are ultrasonically bonded together, an additional inner second substrate 308' is ultrasonically bonded to the third substrate 309, and the second inner substrates 308 and 308' are bonded together with an adhesive layer to form a four-layer laminate.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 13E where the bond joining the second and third substrates is ultrasonic, the second and third substrates may be joined by a first process step to form a two-layer laminate, and then the first substrate may be joined to the two-layer laminate by a second process step.

[0162] 13F, adhesive may be applied to one of the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308, and then the first, second, and third substrates are joined by ultrasonic bonding to form a three-layer laminate. Alternatively, the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308 may be joined via a first process step, and then the two-layer laminate may be joined to the third substrate 309 with ultrasonic bonding that bonds all three substrate layers via a second process step.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 12G, the first and second substrates may be bonded to form a two-layer laminate, and separately, an additional second substrate 308′ may be bonded to a third substrate to form a two-layer laminate, and then the two two-layer laminates may be bonded together.

[0164] Although embodiments 12A-13G show elastic strands disposed between the second and third nonwoven fabrics, it should be understood that multiple elastic strands may be disposed between the first and second nonwoven fabrics, or both between the first and second nonwoven fabrics and between the second and third nonwoven fabrics.

[0165] In addition to the use of three-layer laminates, different textures may be achieved on the garment-facing and wearer-facing surfaces of a two-layer laminate by using first and second substrates with different bond arrangements for each of the nonwoven layers, or nonwoven layers with different basis weight arrangements, as disclosed in P&G Attorney Docket No. 15271P, filed June 19, 2018, entitled "Stretch Laminate with Beamed Elastics and Formed Nonwoven Layer."

[0166] It should also be understood that prior art three-layer laminate structures, including conventional elastic strands, would not have the performance and appearance of the three-layer laminate of the present invention due to random, large, and uncontrolled wrinkles. This is because the three-layer laminate structure of the present invention has beam-shaped elastic material disposed between the first and second substrate layers, or between the second and third substrate layers, that creates controlled wrinkles with higher frequency and lower amplitude. Specifically, the beam-shaped elastic material enables the inventive three-layer laminate of the present disclosure to provide the inventive properties disclosed herein (see Table C below), such as the unique percent contact area, unique and unique texture zones, unique and unique force balance, sustained fit load force, and sustained fit unload force. Each of the three-layer laminates of Figures 12A-13G may be used to form the belts of Figures 16E-16G.

[0167] [Table 3]

[0168] Adhesively bonded laminates of the present disclosure It should be understood that the Dtex-to-spacing ratio is not only important for ultrasonically bonded laminates, but also for adhesively bonded laminates. This is because the modulus resulting from the Dtex-to-spacing ratio is very similar between ultrasonically bonded elastomeric laminates and adhesively bonded elastomeric laminates. However, adhesively bonded laminates containing extensive adhesive applications will shrink less than ultrasonically bonded laminates with equivalent Dtex, spacing, and strain due to high-frequency, low-amplitude wrinkles, which result in a stack of nonwoven materials that prevents full shrinkage of the laminate. Ultrasonic bonded laminates will shrink more due to spaced bonds, which result in lower-frequency, higher-amplitude wrinkles that are less resistant to the shrinkage forces of the elastic in the laminate. These differences can be exploited to create specific contours or shapes of absorbent articles, as well as visually distinctive textures. For example, ultrasound may be used in the waist or legs to allow openings to shrink more than the center of the article (which may be adhesively bonded) to fit around the waist (e.g., section 1) and legs (e.g., section 4), resulting in a more garment-like texture around the waist and legs.

[0169] Chemistry and Structure of the Elastomeric Strands of the Present Disclosure The beam-shaped elastic material may be formed from spandex fibers. One type of spandex fiber is a "polyurethaneurea" elastomer or "high hard segment level polyurethane" elastomer, which can be formed into fibers using a solution (solvent) spinning process (it is not processable in the melt). The urea linkages in polyurethaneurea provide the strong chemical interactions necessary to provide the "bonding" that allows for good stress relaxation performance at temperatures near body temperature over timescales corresponding to diaper wear, including overnight. This type of bonding allows for better force relaxation over time (i.e., little force decay over time when held in a stretched state at body temperature) compared to many thermoplastic polyurethanes (polyurethanes with hard segment melting below 200°C) or thermoplastic styrene block copolymers. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure containing elastic strands with this chemistry may have a force relaxation over time of about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, about 10% to about 25%, or about 15% to about 20%.

[0170] In contrast, extruded strands and scrims are typically made from styrene block copolymers or thermoplastic elastomers that can be formed in the molten state by conventional extrusion processes. Thermoplastic elastomers include compositions such as polyolefins, polyurethane (polyurethane with hard segment melting below 200°C) elastomers, and the like. These thermoplastic elastomers, such as polyurethane (polyurethane with hard segment melting below 200°C), are prone to higher stress relaxation during use, which is a major drawback, due to the possibility of melting / remelting and extrusion. Styrenic block copolymers used in extruded strands have relatively long, rubbery midblocks located between relatively short end blocks. When the end blocks are short enough to allow good flow in conventional extrusion processes, they often have a greater tendency to relax stress and undergo force relaxation over time. See Figure 8.

[0171] The urea bonds present in spandex must be created through a spinning process. Spandex cannot be melted / remelted or extruded like styrene block copolymers. Spandex prepolymer is combined with solvents and additives and the solution is spun to create solid spandex fibers. Multiple fibers are then formed together to create a single spandex strand. The spandex strand can have a surface finish to prevent it from interfering with the spool and wrapping around. A single spandex fiber can have a decitex of approximately 15, so a 500-dtex strand can nominally have 33 fibers wound together to create a single strand. Depending on the decitex used in the beam approach, it can have 40 fibers (or filaments), 30 fibers, 20 fibers, 15 fibers, 8 fibers, 5 fibers, 3 fibers, or even up to two fibers. Spandex fibers can be monocomponent or bicomponent (as disclosed in WO201045637(A2)).

[0172] Additionally, depending on the chemistry of the beamed elastic, it may be desirable to coat the beamed elastic with about 10%, about 7%, about 5%, about 3%, or about 1% of an oil, such as a silicone oil or a mineral oil. Treating the beamed elastic with silicone oil helps prevent jamming (cross-linking) when the strand is wound onto a spool or beam and also lowers the COF for the strand in textile machinery (for weaving, knitting, and warping processes).

[0173] Commercially available spandex strands are also known as Lycra, Creora, Roica, or Dorlastan. Spandex is often referred to as an elastane or polyurethane fiber.

[0174] LYCRA HYFIT strands, a product of Invista, Wichita, Kansas, are suitable for making the strands that make up the multiple elastics 316 that make up the elastomeric laminate 302. Some strands, such as the aforementioned LYCRA HYFIT, can comprise multiple individual fibers wound together to form the strand. It has been discovered that with elastic strands formed from multiple individual fibers, the individual fibers can move relative to one another, causing the cross-sectional shape of the strand to change and potentially unraveling, resulting in poor control of the strand and poor bonding / adhesion / bonding of the elastic strand to one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. To minimize drawbacks associated with strands comprising multiple fibers, it is advantageous to minimize the number of fibers in a given strand. Thus, it is desirable to have less than about 40 fibers per strand, less than about 30 fibers per strand, less than about 20 fibers per strand, less than about 10 fibers per strand, less than about 5 fibers per strand, and a single fiber forming the strand. For a single fiber to form a strand that can provide performance equivalent to prior art multi-fiber strands, it is desirable for the fiber to have a fiber decitex of about 22 to about 300 and a fiber diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 185 micrometers.

[0175] Components Section of This Disclosure The components of the absorbent article comprising the elastomeric laminate 302 can be sectioned to allow for measurement and detailed characterization of the structure. The waistband 122 (see FIG. 17), waist cap 123 (see FIG. 18), inner leg cuffs 150, outer leg cuffs 140, and transverse barrier 165 all comprise one section. With respect to the waistband 122, waist cap 123, inner leg cuffs 150, outer leg cuffs 140, and transverse barrier 165, this zone is defined as the area located between the most distal and most proximal elastics, including the most distal and most proximal elastics.

[0176] Other components, such as the chassis 200, the topsheet 124 (see Figures 16C, 16D, and 16E), the backsheet 125 (see Figure 16D), the side panels 330 (see Figure 17), the ear panels 530 (Figure 18), and the belt panels (e.g., front and back belts) 430 (see Figures 1A-F, 16C, and 16F), all comprise multiple sections as described herein. With respect to the side panels 330, ear panels 530, and belt panels 430, the portion of the component that is segmented is defined as the area disposed between and including the distal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 and the distal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 to form the component, unless only a portion of the component is defined to be segmented, such that it is the area disposed between and including the distal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 of the defined portion and the proximal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 of the defined portion (see alternative rear waist region 38' in FIG. 16C , which is the rear belt component). This area is defined by a first line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 (of the article of which the component is a part) and passing through the distal-most point of the distal-most elastic material, and a second line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the proximal-most elastic material. For each of these elements, the area is then divided into four equal zones defined by three lines positioned parallel to the transverse axis 44 and located at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the first and second lines. The area includes a first section "1," or "Section 1," including the distal-most elastic material, a fourth section "4," or "Section 4," including the proximal-most elastic material, a second section "2," or "Section 2," positioned adjacent to Section 1, and a third section "3," or "Section 3," positioned between Sections 2 and 4.

[0177] For example, the front waist region 36 including the front belt 430f may be divided as follows (see FIGS. 23A-C): That is, "the front waist region 36 includes a front component region 50 that is disposed between and includes a front distal-most elastic strand 417 of the front waist region 36 and a proximal-most elastic strand 418 of the front waist region 36; the anterior component region 50 is defined by a front distal component region line 419 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a distal-most point 420 of the front-most distal elastic strand 417, and a front proximal component region line 421 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a proximal-most point 422 of the front-most proximal elastic strand 418; The anterior component region 50 is then divided into four equal component sections defined by a first component section line 423, a second component section line 424, and a third component section line 425, respectively, disposed parallel to the lateral axis 44 and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line 419 and the anterior proximal component region line 421; The front component region 50 includes a first component section (front section 1) including the front distal-most elastic strand 417, a fourth component section (front section 4) including the front proximal-most elastic strand 418, a second component section (front section 2) adjacent to front section 1, and a third component section (front section 3) disposed between front sections 2 and 4. For example, the rear waist region 38 including the rear belt 430f may be divided as follows (see FIGS. 23A-C): That is, "the rear waist region 38 includes a front component region 51 disposed between and including a rear distal-most elastic strand 517 of the rear waist region 38 and a proximal-most elastic strand 518 of the rear waist region 38; The posterior component region 51 is defined by a posterior distal component region line 519 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a distal-most point 520 of the posterior-most distal elastic strand 517, and a posterior proximal component region line 521 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a proximal-most point 522 of the posterior-most proximal elastic strand 518; The posterior component region 51 is then divided into four equal component sections defined by a first component section line 523, a second component section line 524, and a third component section line 525, respectively, disposed parallel to the lateral axis 44 and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the posterior distal component region line 519 and the posterior proximal component region line 521; The posterior component region 51 includes a first component section (posterior section 1) including a posterior most distal elastic strand 517, a fourth component section (posterior section 4) including a posterior most proximal elastic strand 518, a second component section (posterior section 2) adjacent to posterior section 1, and a third component section (posterior section 3) disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4.

[0178] In embodiments in which the laterally extending elastic disposed in one or both waist regions includes an arcuate portion extending longitudinally inward of the most proximal point of the side seam, the most proximal point of the most proximal elastic is the point at which the elastic intersects a line extending laterally from the most proximal point of a first side seam to the most proximal point of the laterally opposing side seam, as shown in FIG. 23B.

[0179] For the chassis 200, the topsheet 124 (see FIGS. 16C, 16D, and 16E), and the backsheet 125 (see FIG. 16D), in which the elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, the portion of the component that is partitioned is defined as the area that is disposed between and includes the distal-most elastics of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of the longitudinal axis 42 and the distal-most elastics of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of the longitudinal axis 42. This area is defined by a first line that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passes through the distal-most point of the distal-most elastics located on the first side of the longitudinal axis 42, and a second line that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passes through the distal-most point of the distal-most elastics located on the second side of the longitudinal axis 42. For each of these elements, the area is then divided into four equal zones defined by three lines positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and located at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the first and second lines. The area includes a first section "1," or "Section 1," including the distal-most elastic material on a first side of the longitudinal axis, a fourth section "4," or "Section 4," including the distal-most elastic material on a second side of the longitudinal axis, a second section "2," or "Section 2," positioned adjacent to Section 1, and a third section "3," or "Section 3," positioned between Sections 2 and 4.

[0180] With respect to the chassis 200, the topsheet 124, and the backsheet 125 (see FIG. 16E ), the elastic material 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 extends in a substantially lateral direction, and the distinct component portion is defined as the area disposed between and including the distal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of the lateral axis 44 and the distal-most elastic material of the elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of the lateral axis 44. This area is defined by a first line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the distal-most point of the distal-most elastic material located on the first side of the lateral axis 44, and a second line extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the distal-most point of the distal-most elastic material located on the second side of the lateral axis 44. For each of these elements, the area is then divided into four equal zones defined by three lines positioned parallel to the lateral axis 44 and located at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the first and second lines. The area includes a first section "1," or "Section 1," including the distal-most elastic material on a first side of the lateral axis, a fourth section "4," or "Section 4," including the distal-most elastic material on a second side of the lateral axis, a second section "2," or "Section 2," positioned adjacent to Section 1, and a third section "3," or "Section 3," positioned between Sections 2 and 4.

[0181] Absorbent Articles Section of the Disclosure In addition to the "component sections" of the absorbent article described above, the absorbent article itself can be divided into "article sections" (see FIGS. 1A-3F, 16C, 17, 18, and 23A-23C). Article sections may be used to enable characterization of the structure of article components that overlap and extend laterally beyond the chassis. Specifically, the middle section "M" of the article section, i.e., "section M," is defined by a left article region line 650 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passes through a left laterally-distal-most point 651 of the left edge 237a of the chassis 200, and a right article region line 652 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passes through a right laterally-distal point 653 of the right edge 237b of the chassis 200 (laterally opposite the left edge 237b). All of the M article sections, referring to one or the other outer side, are the left article section "L," or "section L," and the laterally opposed right article section "R," or "section R." Sections L and R may be more specifically referred to by reference to the overlapping article sections, as appropriate, whether section L, R, or M is in the front region 33, the back region 38, or the crotch region 37. For example, belt 430 may be referred to as having section 1 (adjacent the waist opening 190) in section L of the front waist region 36. As another example, a portion of belt 430 may be referred to as extending longitudinally over chassis 200 in section M of the back waist region 38.

[0182] Examples of beam-shaped elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure Interactions with consumers and research have shown that there is a long-standing unmet consumer need to provide absorbent articles with a woven garment-like texture, while maintaining an appropriate balance of force and modulus for ease of application and removal, and freedom of movement, while providing an article with the appropriate balance of low elastic pressure and sustained fit force (compared to today's strand-like products) to provide a comfortable, non-marking wearing experience. Elastomeric laminate structures with a section modulus of about 2 gf / mm to 15 gf / mm, or 3 gf / mm to 12 gf / mm, or 4 gf / mm to 10 gf / mm are most desirable for ease of application, removal, snug fit, and freedom of movement. Combining the section modulus with the application force, sustained fit unload force, and sustained fit load force (less than about 1,600 gf application force, greater than 30% sustained fit load force, and greater than 25% sustained fit unload force) helps ensure ease of application and excellent sustained fit and gasketing. The absorbent article of the present disclosure may also include a beam-shaped elastic laminate having an applied force of greater than about 1,500 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than 30% of the applied force. Conventional elastic material constructions can exhibit very high pressure under each elastic element, e.g., elastic strand, resulting in increased skin imprinting and reduced comfort. One approach to reducing the pressure of elastic material on the skin is to increase the number of elastics, e.g., beam-shaped elastics, in a given area. Increasing the number of elastics in a given area can reduce the pressure under each elastic; however, if this is the only change, it can also significantly increase the overall modulus of the elastomeric laminate structure. To achieve the correct balance of modulus and pressure on the skin, when the spacing between elastics is reduced, it is necessary to reduce the elastic decitex and / or elastic strain, thereby increasing the number of elastics to balance modulus and pressure on the skin and maintain these parameters within a consumer-preferred range.A specific balance of elastic decitex (elastics having a decitex less than 400) and strand spacing (when having a strand spacing less than 4 mm) is desired to provide the desired section modulus.

[0183] The relationship between decitex and spacing to achieve the desired result can be characterized as a ratio. The Dtex to spacing ratio may be greater than 60:1 and less than 300:1, greater than 60:1 and less than 250:1, greater than 65:1 and less than 215:1, or greater than 60:1 and less than 150:1. This ratio may also be greater than 80:1 and less than 300:1, greater than 80:1 and less than 250:1, or greater than 65:1 and less than 300:1. This important discovery was made possible by delivering very low decitex elasticity at very low strain levels and with very narrow elastic spacing never before seen in disposable absorbent articles. The delivery of such low decitex elasticity at low strain and narrow spacing is made possible through a technique that is new to absorbent articles made from a woven warp beam technology approach. The following examples illustrate such elastomeric structures.

[0184] The elastomeric laminate forming portion of the absorbent article may include two or more nonwoven layers with an elastic material disposed therebetween, a first portion of the elastic material being joined to the nonwoven layers by one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding.

[0185] The elastomeric laminate-forming portion of the absorbent article may include two or more nonwoven layers with an elastic material disposed between at least two of the nonwoven layers, the elastic material being bonded to one or both of the nonwoven layers by one or more of adhesive, pressure, thermal, or ultrasonic bonding. The elastomeric laminate with the first textured region may be partially formed by adhesive, pressure, thermal, or ultrasonic bonding and arranged in an arcuate pattern / shape. Alternatively, the first textured region may be partially formed by adhesive, pressure, thermal, or ultrasonic bonding and arranged in a vertical (longitudinal) linear direction. Alternatively, the first region may be partially formed by adhesive, pressure, thermal, or ultrasonic bonding and arranged in a series of closed shapes, and in certain embodiments, the adhesive, pressure, thermal, or ultrasonic bonds may be arranged at an angle relative to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral centerlines. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate may comprise inner and outer belt layers formed by two separate nonwoven layers bonded together by adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding with an elastic material disposed between the inner belt layer and the two outer belt layers. It should be understood that one or both of the nonwoven materials forming the elastomeric laminate may include a plurality of holes extending through one or both of the nonwoven layers, arranged in a random or defined pattern.

[0186] Example 1: Pants with ultrasonically bonded belts Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.5mm Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4.5mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 150mm Average Dtex 140 Average strand spacing (mm) 1.5mm Average pre-strain 180% Outer belt NW basis weight 20gsm Outer belt NW type carding Inner belt NW basis weight 20gsm NW type carding of inner belt

[0187] Example 2: Pants with ultrasonically bonded belts Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.7mm Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4.0mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 150mm Average Dtex 45 Average strand spacing (mm) 0.5mm Average pre-strain: 150% Outer belt NW basis weight 15gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 15gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond

[0188] Example 3: Pants with adhesive-bonded belts Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Adhesive application slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 210 Average strand spacing (mm) 2.5mm Average pre-strain 150% Outer belt NW basis weight 13gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 13gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond

[0189] Example 4: Three-Layer Laminate Belt Providing a Smooth Textured Inner Side and a Lofty Textured Outer Side Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Outer belt NW basis weight 13gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Intermediate belt NW basis weight 8gsm Intermediate belt NW type spunbond Ultrasonic coupling of outer NW to middle NW Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 10mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable (non-uniform) Average bond width (ultrasonic) 1mm Inner belt NW basis weight 13gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond Adhesive bonding of inner NW to middle NW and elastic material Adhesive application slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 78 Average spacing 1mm Average pre-strain 150%

[0190] Example 5: Belt with Multiple Texture Zones Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Outer belt NW basis weight 20gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 15gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond First belt section: NW of inner belt and ultrasonic bonding of NW of outer belt to elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing 1mm Average pre-strain 150% Second and third belt sections: adhesive bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Adhesive application slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing 1mm Average pre-strain 150% Fourth belt section: NW of inner belt and ultrasonic bonding of NW of outer belt to elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing 1mm Average pre-strain 150%

[0191] Example 6 (hypothetical): Belt with multiple texture zones Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Outer belt NW basis weight 20gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 15gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond First belt section (front and back belts): NW of outer and inner belts and ultrasonic bonding of elastic material Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable (non-uniform) Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average coupling alignment (ultrasonic) angle (5 to 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis) Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Second and third belt sections (front and rear belts) in sections L and R: Ultrasonic bonding of the NW of the inner belt and the NW of the outer belt to the elastic Average Lateral Bond Spacing (Ultrasonic) Variable Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average bond array (ultrasonic) Closed shape Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Second and third belt sections (front and back) in section M: Ultrasonic bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 3mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 180mm Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.5mm Average bonded arrangement (ultrasonic) Laterally extending (herringbone) Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Front side of fourth belt section: NW of inner belt and ultrasonic bonding of NW of outer belt to elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 25mm Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average coupling array (ultrasonic) extending in the longitudinal direction Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Rear side of the fourth belt section: adhesive bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Adhesive application Continuous slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 640 Average strand spacing 3mm Average pre-strain 180%

[0192] Example 7 (hypothetical): Belt with multiple texture zones Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Outer belt NW basis weight 22gsm Outer belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 13gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond First belt section (front and rear belts): Ultrasonic bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable (non-uniform) Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average coupling alignment (ultrasonic) angle (5 to 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis) Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Second and third belt sections (front and rear belts) in sections L and R: Ultrasonic bonding of the NW of the inner belt and the NW of the outer belt to the elastic Average Lateral Bond Spacing (Ultrasonic) Variable Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average bond arrangement (ultrasonic) Arcuate Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Second and third belt sections (front and back) in section M: Ultrasonic bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 3mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 180mm Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.5mm Average bonded arrangement (ultrasonic) Laterally extending (herringbone) Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Front side of fourth belt section: NW of inner belt and ultrasonic bonding of NW of outer belt to elastic Average lateral bond spacing (ultrasonic) 4mm Average bond length (ultrasonic) 25mm Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.75mm Average coupling array (ultrasonic) extending in the longitudinal direction Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain 150% Rear side of the fourth belt section: adhesive bonding of the NW of the outer belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic Adhesive application Continuous slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 640 Average strand spacing 3mm Average pre-strain 180%

[0193] Example 8: Belt with Multiple Texture Zones (Inner Smooth Texture and Outer Lofty Texture) Pants Details: Total length of the product: 450mm Belt pitch between seams: 355mm Central chassis length 403mm Laminate Details: Outer belt NW basis weight 13gsm Outer belt NW type Bico Intermediate belt NW layer basis weight 8gsm Intermediate belt NW type spunbond Inner belt NW basis weight 13gsm Inner belt NW type spunbond Ultrasonic bonding of the outer belt NW to the middle belt NW Average Lateral Bond Spacing (Ultrasonic) Variable Average bond length (ultrasonic) variable Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.7mm Adhesive bonding of the NW of the middle belt to the NW of the inner belt and elastic material Adhesive application Continuous slot Adhesive basis weight 8gsm Average Dtex 78 Average strand spacing: 0.75mm Average pre-strain: 120%

[0194] The above-described Examples 1 to 8 of the present invention have one or more of the following characteristics. a) a peel strength between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric of about 1 N / cm to about 10 N / cm, or until the substrate breaks; b) a Dtex to spacing ratio of about 65:1 to about 200:1; c) an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi; d) an action force of approximately 900 gf to approximately 1600 gf; e) a sustained fit load force greater than about 30% of the applied force; f) a sustained fit unloading force greater than about 25% of the applied force; g) a section modulus of approximately 3 gf / mm to approximately 12 gf / mm; h) cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm; i) a percent contact area on one or both sides of at least one of the laminates: 1) greater than about 10% at 100 um, 2) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and 3) greater than about 30% at 300 um; j) Force relaxation over time of the elastomeric laminate of about 5% to about 40%.

[0195] Absorbent articles of the present disclosure Products including the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may include absorbent articles 100 of different structures and / or configurations that are generally designed and configured to manage bodily exudates such as urine, menses, and / or feces, such as disposable strips and pants, including disposable absorbent articles for babies and adults.

[0196] As shown in the figures, the absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a chassis 200 comprising a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and an absorbent core 128 disposed at least partially between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The chassis 200 may further include inner leg cuffs 150 and outer leg cuffs 140 (these cuffs are generally referred to as 52).

[0197] One end of the absorbent article 100 can be configured as a front waist region 36, and the longitudinally opposite end can be configured as a back waist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 100 extending longitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38 can be configured as a crotch region 37. The length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 can be, for example, about 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 100 (see, for example, FIG. 18 ). Alternatively, the respective lengths of the front waist region 36, back waist region 38, and crotch region 37 may have other dimensions (e.g., defined by the longitudinal dimension of the belt immediately adjacent the side seam or the longitudinal length of the ear panel / side panel immediately adjacent to the central chassis (see, e.g., Figures 16C and 17), or if the article has a continuous component such as the pants of Figures 16G and 23C, side seam 172 (or if the side seam is or was 172') may define the boundaries between the front and back waist regions and the crotch region (see alternative component sections 1'-4', and alternative front and back waist regions 36' and 38', and crotch region 37' of Figure 16C; the back belt is longitudinally longer than the front belt).

[0198] When side seams are used to define the front and back waist and crotch regions, they can be described as follows.

[0199] In other words, "the front waist region 36 is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis 410 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the proximal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seam 172 or 172', and b) a distal-most front axis 411 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the distal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seam 172 or 172'; and the back waist region 38 is the region between a) a proximal-most posterior axis 510 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the proximal-most point of the laterally opposed back side seam 172 or 172', and b) a distal-most posterior axis 511 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through the distal-most point of the laterally opposed back side seam 172 or 172'."

[0200] The absorbent article 100 may have a front waist edge 136 extending laterally within the front waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposing back waist edge 138 extending laterally within the back waist region 38.

[0201] The chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100 may include a first longitudinally extending side edge 237a and a laterally opposed second longitudinally extending side edge 237b. Both side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front waist edge 136 and the back waist edge 138. The chassis 200 may form a portion of the front waist edge 136 that extends laterally in the front waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinally opposed back waist edge 138 that extends laterally in the back waist region 38. Further, the chassis 200 may comprise a chassis inner surface 202 (forming at least a portion of the wearer-facing surface 4), a chassis outer surface 204 (forming at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2), a longitudinal axis 42, and a lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through the midpoint of the front waist edge 136 and through the midpoint of the back waist edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend through the midpoint of the first side edge 237a and through the midpoint of the second side edge 237b.

[0202] 16C , as is often the case with belted absorbent articles, the chassis 200 may have a length measured along the longitudinal axis 42 that is shorter than the length of the absorbent article 100. Both side edges 237 of the chassis 200 may not extend longitudinally to one or both of the front waist edge 136 and the back waist edge 138. The chassis 200 may not form a portion of one or both of the laterally extending front waist edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and the longitudinally opposite back waist edge 138 that also extends laterally in the back waist region 38.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 16D, the chassis 200 may include elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the backsheet nonwoven 127 and the backsheet film 126. Alternatively, the chassis 200 may have elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the core wrap 74 and the backsheet film 125. Still further, in FIG. 16E, the chassis 200 includes elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the transverse axis 44 between the backsheet film 126 and the backsheet nonwoven 127. FIG. 16D also shows elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 between the first topsheet layer 124a and the second topsheet layer 124b. Still further, FIG. 16E shows elastic material 316 oriented parallel to the transverse axis 44 between the topsheet 124 and the core wrap 74.

[0204] Portions or the entire absorbent article 100 may be made elastically stretchable in the lateral direction. Extensibility of the absorbent article 100 may be desirable to allow the absorbent article 100 to conform to the wearer's body as the wearer moves. This extensibility may also be desirable to allow a caregiver to stretch the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, the crotch region 37, and / or the chassis 200, for example, to provide additional coverage for wearers of different sizes, i.e., to adjust the fit of the absorbent article 100 to an individual wearer. Such extensibility may impart a generally hourglass shape to the absorbent article 100, to the extent that the crotch region 37 is stretched to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions 36 and / or 38. This extensibility may also impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article 100 during use.

[0205] The chassis 200 may be substantially rectangular and may have separate side panels 330 (FIG. 17), stretchable ear panels 530 (FIG. 18), and / or non-stretchable ear panels 540 (FIG. 18) joined to the chassis 200 at or adjacent the chassis side edges 237 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. A portion of one or more of the chassis side edges 237, the chassis front edge 236, and the chassis back edge 238 may be arcuate or curved, either convex or concave, as shown in FIG. 19A. The chassis 200 may include integral side panels 330, integral stretch ear panels, integral belts 430, or integral inextensible ear panels 540 (FIG. 18) formed by one or more of an outer cover nonwoven, a backsheet film, an outer leg cuff material, a topsheet, or a core wrap 74 disposed in one or both of the front and back waist regions. Alternatively, the chassis 200 may include discontinuous side panels 330 (see FIG. 17), discontinuous stretch ear panels 530 (see FIG. 18), or discontinuous belts 430 or belt layers (FIGS. 1A-1F, 2A-2F, 3A-3F, 16E, and 16F (inner belt layer 432)). The chassis may be shaped or non-rectangular in one waist region and substantially rectangular in the opposing waist region. Alternatively, the chassis may be substantially rectangular in one or both waist regions and non-rectangular in the crotch region.

[0206] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may include a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, with the elastic elements being present in a first waist region, a crotch region and an opposing second waist region.

[0207] Closed pants The closed configuration pant-style absorbent article, generally shown in Figures 1A-1F, 2A-2F, 3A-3F, 16A-17, and 23A-23C, is designed to be packaged in a closed configuration having a waist opening 190 and two leg openings 192 and to be worn by a wearer like a piece of durable underwear. The pant may include discontinuous elastomeric side panels 330 (Figure 17) and / or discontinuous belts 430 (Figures 1A-1F, 2A-2F, 3A-3F, 16A-16C, 16E, 16F (inner belt), and 23A) in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. Alternatively, the side panels 330 and / or belts 430 may be integrally formed with other elements of the article, such as the chassis 200.

[0208] When the absorbent article includes front and back belts 430, the sides of the front and back belts 430 on one side of the article may be permanently or refastenably joined to one another, and the front and back side panels on the other side of the article may be permanently or refastenably joined to one another to form a waist opening 190 and a pair of leg openings 192 (FIGS. 16A and 16B). The belts 430 provide an elastically extensible function that provides a more comfortable and conforming fit by initially fitting the article 100 snugly to the wearer and maintaining that fit during wear, long after the pants have filled with exudates, as the elastomeric side panels expand and contract the sides of the pants. Additionally, the elastomeric belts 430 provide ease of application and develop and maintain wear force and tension to keep the article 100 on the wearer and improve fit, especially when a beamed elastomeric laminate is used to form the belts 430. The elastomeric side panels allow for ease of application, pulling the pants snugly over the wearer's buttocks, allowing the belt 430 to provide sufficient tension to conform to the body and maintain the position of the article on the wearer. The tension created by the side panels is transmitted from the elastic belt 430 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg openings 192. Typically, particularly with respect to separate side panels 330, the chassis 200 is disposed between the side panels 330 and extends to form a portion of the waist edges 136 and / or 138 of the pants including the side panels 330. In other words, a portion of the waist edges 136 and / or 138 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and / or back waist region 38 may be formed partially by the side panels 330 and partially by the chassis 200.

[0209] A pant including side panels 330 may also include a pair of laterally opposed refastenable seams 174. The refastenable side seams 174 may be formed by refastenably joining an interior surface of a portion of the article, such as side panel 330, to an exterior surface of another portion of article 100, such as a longitudinally opposed side panel 330 or chassis 200, to form the refastenable side seams 174.

[0210] 16A and 16B , the pants including the belt 430 may include a first permanent side seam 172 and a laterally opposed second permanent side seam 172. The permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an interior surface of a portion of the article 100, such as the belt 430, to another portion of the article 100, such as the longitudinally opposed belt 430 or the outer surface of the chassis 200, to form the permanent side seam 172. Alternatively, the permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an interior surface of a portion of the article 100, such as the belt 430, to an interior surface of another portion of the article 100, such as the longitudinally opposed belt 430, to form the permanent side seam 172. Any pants including the above-described side panel 330 configuration may include a waistband 122, at least a portion of which (as shown in FIG. 17 ) is disposed at or immediately adjacent to the waist edges 136 and / or 138 and overlaps a portion of the central chassis 200. The waistband 122 may extend laterally to overlap a portion of the inner leg cuffs 150 and / or a portion of the elastomeric side panels 330. The waistband 122 may be disposed on the inner surface 202 of the chassis 200, or alternatively, between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125.

[0211] With particular reference to the belt 430 as shown in Figure 16F, the inner belt layer 432 and / or the outer belt layer 434 of the first and second elastomeric belts 430 may be formed by a common belt layer as shown in Figure 16F. When the first elastomeric belt 430 and the second elastomeric belt 430 have a common belt layer, this common belt layer may extend from a first waist edge in the first waist region to a longitudinally opposed second waist edge in the second waist region, i.e., from the front waist edge 136 to the back waist edge 138.

[0212] Also, with particular reference to belted pants 400 as shown in FIG. 16C , the belted pants 400 may have a first elastomeric belt 430 disposed in a first waist region having a first longitudinal length and a second elastomeric belt 430 disposed in a second waist region having a second longitudinal length, with the longitudinal length of the first belt being longer than the longitudinal length of the second belt at or along the side edges of the belts adjacent the side seams. This length difference helps provide a more underwear-like appearance with better buttock coverage at the rear of the pants. Also, while this advantage is disclosed for belted pants 400, there is also an advantage to having longer longitudinal side panels 330 in the rear waist region 38.

[0213] Open-form tape-type article A taped absorbent article in the open configuration is generally disclosed in FIG. 18 . The taped diaper 500 is an open configuration article and may include elastomeric ear panels 530 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. The elastomeric ear panels 530 may be structurally integral with other elements of the article 100 or may be structurally integral as separate elements joined to another element of the article 100. The elastomeric ear panels 530 provide an elastically extensible function that results in a more comfortable and conforming fit by initially providing a snug fit to the wearer and maintaining that fit during wear, long after the taped diaper 500 has been filled with exudates. Furthermore, the elastomeric ear panels 530 develop and maintain tension and reinforce the tension developed and maintained by the fastening system 179 (including fasteners 175 (e.g., hooks) that can be releasably engaged with mating fasteners 178 (e.g., loops)), thereby maintaining and improving the fit of the article 100 on the wearer. The elastomeric ear panels 530 particularly assist in maintaining the primary lines of tension established by the fastening system 179, allowing the diaper to fit snugly along the wearer's buttocks where active movement is present, and in pre-tensioning the waist opening 190 and the leg openings 192 in the initial state because, when applying the tape diaper 500 to the wearer, the diaperer typically stretches the elastomeric ear panels 530, thereby transmitting tension from the elastomeric ear panels 530 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg openings 192 as the elastomeric ear panels 530 contract. The open form article of the present disclosure may have elastomeric ear panels 530 disposed in the rear waist region 38, however, alternatively, the tape-type diaper 500 may have elastomeric ear panels 530 disposed in the front waist region 36 or in both the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38.The open form article may also have elastomeric ear panels 530 disposed in a first waist region and either elastomeric ear panels 530 or non-elastomeric ear panels 540 disposed in a second waist region.

[0214] Alternatively, the open configuration of the tape-type absorbent article may include an elastomeric belt 430 disposed in one of the waist regions. The elastomeric belt 430 may be joined and / or positioned at a specific location or position and may be structurally integral with other elements of the article 100 or may be structurally integral as a separate element joined to another element of the article 100. The elastomeric belt 430 of the belted tape diaper may be disposed in the rear waist region 38. The elastomeric belt 430 may have fasteners disposed at or adjacent to laterally opposite ends of the belt. The fasteners 175 may be disposed on the inner surface of the belt 430 and engage with separate mating fastening components 178 or may engage with the outer surface 204 of the article (such as the backsheet nonwoven 127) to fasten the article on the wearer.

[0215] Outer Cover Material The backsheet 125 may include a backsheet film 126 and a backsheet nonwoven 127. The backsheet nonwoven 127 may also be referred to as an outer cover material. The outer cover material forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 and effectively "covers" the backsheet film 126 such that no film is present on the garment-facing surface. The outer cover material may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features.

[0216] absorbent core As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 128 refers to the component of the absorbent article 100 that has the greatest absorbent capacity and includes absorbent material. Referring to Figures 16C and 16D, in some cases, the absorbent material (e.g., 26 and 53) may be positioned within a core bag or core wrap 74. The absorbent material may be contoured or uncontoured, depending on the particular absorbent article. The absorbent core 128 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, absorbent material, and adhesive enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material may include superabsorbent polymer, a mixture of superabsorbent polymer and airfelt, airfelt alone, and / or foam. In some examples, the absorbent material may comprise at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or up to 100% superabsorbent polymer by weight of the absorbent material. In such cases, the absorbent material may be free of airfelt, or at least largely free of airfelt. In such cases, the AGM 26 may be held in place by an adhesive 54, such as a thermoplastic adhesive. Also, in swim diapers, the article may be free of superabsorbent polymers. The periphery of the absorbent core, which may be the periphery of a core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as, for example, a rectangle, a "T" shape, a "Y" shape, an "hourglass" shape, or a "dogbone" shape. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dogbone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the crotch region 37 of the absorbent article 100.

[0217] 16 and 16D, the absorbent core 128 may have areas with little or no absorbent material, and the wearer-facing surface of the core bag 74 may be joined to the garment-facing surface of the core bag 74. These areas with little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels" 129. These channels may embody any suitable shape, and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other examples, the absorbent core may be embossed to create channel depressions. The absorbent core of FIGS. 16C and 16D is merely an exemplary absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores, whether or not they have channels, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0218] As used herein, a loaded absorbent core is one that holds (or is capable of holding) a load of at least 50, 100, or 200 milliliters (mL) for diapers, pants, and adult incontinence articles. Disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure that include an absorbent core are designed to fit a wearer to an empty absorbent core (i.e., unloaded) and are capable of fitting the wearer for a significant period of time (2 hours or more) even when the core is loaded.

[0219] Captured material One or more acquisition materials (e.g., 130) can be at least partially intermediate the topsheet 124 and the absorbent core 128. Acquisition materials are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of body exudates. These materials can dehydrate the topsheet 124 and rapidly move body exudates into the absorbent core 128. The acquisition material 130 can include, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, crosslinked cellulosic materials, airlaid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, some portions of the acquisition material can extend through some portions of the topsheet 124, some portions of the topsheet 124 can extend through some portions of the acquisition material, and / or the topsheet 124 can overlap the acquisition material. Typically, the width and length of the acquisition material or layer can be smaller than the width and length of the topsheet 124. In the context of a feminine pad, the acquisition material can be a secondary topsheet. The acquisition material can have one or more channels (including embossed versions) as described in the absorbent core 128 section. The channels in the acquisition material may or may not be aligned with the channels in the absorbent core 128. In one example, the first acquisition material can comprise a nonwoven material and the second acquisition material can comprise a cross-linked cellulosic material.

[0220] Top sheet The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may include a topsheet 124. The topsheet 124 is the portion of the absorbent article 100 that directly contacts the wearer's skin. The topsheet 124 may be joined to portions of the backsheet 125, the absorbent core 128, the leg cuffs 52, and / or other layers, as known to those skilled in the art. The topsheet 124 may be conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, at least a portion, or all, of the topsheet may be liquid pervious, permitting liquid bodily exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable topsheets may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as, for example, porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials made of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester fibers, or polypropylene fibers, or bicomponent PE / PP fibers, or mixtures thereof), or combinations of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may have one or more layers. The topsheet may be perforated, have any suitable three-dimensional features, and / or have multiple embossments (e.g., bond patterns). The topsheet may be perforated by strongly bonding materials and then running them through a ring roll to rupture the strong bonds, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097 (Benson et al., issued May 13, 1997) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0136014 (Arora et al.). Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antimicrobial agent, a surfactant, and / or other benefit agent. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, perforations will typically be present to allow bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet. The topsheet may include bond patterns, perforations, and / or three-dimensional features.

[0221] back seat The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may also include a backsheet 125. The backsheet 125 is generally the portion of the absorbent article 100 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 128. The backsheet 125 can be joined to the topsheet 124, the backsheet nonwoven 127, portions of the absorbent core 128, and / or any other layers of the absorbent article by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet film 126 prevents or at least inhibits bodily exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 128 from soiling articles such as bed sheets, underwear, and / or clothing. The backsheet is typically liquid-impermeable, or at least substantially liquid-impermeable. The backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of, for example, about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing or at least inhibiting body exudates from passing through the backsheet. The backsheet may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features.

[0222] Leg cuffs The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may include leg cuffs 52, including inner leg cuffs 150 and outer leg cuffs 140. The inner leg cuffs 150 may be positioned laterally inward of the outer leg cuffs 140. Each of the leg cuffs 52 may be formed from a single piece of material adhered to the absorbent article 100, thereby extending upward from the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 and providing improved containment of exudates near the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The inner leg cuffs 150 are bounded by edges directly or indirectly joined to (or formed by) the topsheet and / or backsheet and free edges intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The inner leg cuffs 150 may extend at least partially (or completely) longitudinally between the front edge 136 and the rear edge 138 of the absorbent article 100 on either side of the chassis and may be present at least within the crotch region 37. The inner leg cuffs 150 may each include one or more elastics 316 (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at their free terminal edges. These elastics 316 assist the inner leg cuffs 150 in forming a seal around the legs and torso of the wearer. The outer leg cuffs 140 extend at least partially between the front edge 136 and the rear edge 138. The outer leg cuffs 140 essentially allow the portions of the absorbent article 100 proximate the chassis side edges 237a and 237b to assist in forming a seal around the legs of the wearer. The outer leg cuffs 140 may extend at least within the crotch region 37.

[0223] Waistband / waist cap The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may include one or more elastic waistbands 122. The elastic waistbands 122 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface or the wearer-facing surface, or may be formed therebetween. By way of example, a first elastic waistband 122 may be present in the front waist region 36 near the front waist edge 136, and a second elastic waistband 122 may be present in the back waist region 38 near the back waist edge 138. The elastic waistbands 122 can help seal the absorbent article 100 around the waist of the wearer and at least prevent body exudates from leaking out of the absorbent article 100 through the waist opening perimeter. In some cases, the elastic waistbands may completely surround the waist opening 190 of the absorbent article 100. The waist cap 123 may be formed by an extension of the waistband 122 and may remain unattached to an underlying structure within a central portion of the waist cap 123 so that bodily exudates flowing along the topsheet 124 may be contained between the topsheet 124 and the underside of the waist cap 123. In other words, the waist cap 123 may be joined to an underlying structure, such as the central chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100, along a distal longitudinal edge of the waist cap 123 and / or along opposite laterally opposed side edges of the waist cap 123.

[0224] belt In addition to what is disclosed about the belts in the "Open Configuration Tape-Type Article" and "Closed Configuration Pant Article" sections above, the front and back belts 430f and 430b may include front and back inner belt layers 432 and front and back outer belt layers 434 having an elastomeric material (e.g., strands 316 or a film (which may be perforated)) at least partially disposed therebetween. The elastic strands 316 or film may be relaxed (including cut) to reduce elastic strain on the absorbent core 128, or alternatively may extend continuously across the absorbent core 128. The elastic strands 316 may have uniform or variable spacing between them in any portion of the belt. The elastic strands 316 may also be pre-strained by the same or different amounts. The front and / or back belts 430f and 430b may have one or more elastic-free zones where the chassis 200 overlaps the belts 430f and 430b. In other examples, at least a portion of the elastic strands 316 may extend continuously across the chassis 200. The inner and / or outer belt layers may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features.

[0225] The front and back inner belt layers 432 and the front and back outer belt layers 434 may be joined using adhesive, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic, or thermoplastic bonding. Various suitable belt layer configurations can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0211363.

[0226] The front and rear belt edges 438f and 438b may extend longitudinally beyond the front and rear chassis edges 236 and 238, or they may be coterminous. The front and rear belt side edges 437 may extend laterally beyond the chassis side edges 237a and 237b. The front and rear belts 430f and 430b may be continuous (i.e., have at least one layer that is continuous from belt edge 438f to the opposite belt edge 438b (see 434 in FIG. 16F)). Alternatively, the front and rear belts 430f and 430b may be discontinuous from belt edge 438f to the opposite belt edge 438b (see 432 and 434 in FIG. 16E) so as to be distinct.

[0227] As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis 42) of the rear belt 430b may be longer than the longitudinal length of the front belt 430f, which may be particularly useful for increased buttock coverage when the rear belt 430b has a greater longitudinal length relative to the front belt 430f adjacent or immediately adjacent the side seam 172. Alternatively, the bottom corners of the longer rear belt may be trimmed with a diagonal or curved line.

[0228] The front and back belts 430f and 430b may include slits, holes, and / or perforations that provide breathability, flexibility, and a garment-like texture. The garment-like appearance can be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams 172.

[0229] Packaged absorbent articles of the present disclosure Assembled absorbent articles (especially disposable diapers and pants) from the converter are transferred to a stacker chain to form stacks, and the stacks of absorbent articles are then compressed in two stations. 1) Pre-compression (PC): Remove most of the air from the diaper. The strain reaches about 0.45, but the force is usually less than 200N. 2) Main Compression (MC): The stack is further compressed to a strain of approximately 0.7. Even though the increase in strain is small compared to PC, the force on the stack peaks at MC. Depending on the intermediate range and product formulation, the MC force on the stack increases sharply to several kN, sometimes even over 10 kN. This places the diaper under a pressure of 100-500 kPa for a quarter of a second at a strain rate of approximately 1 / s.

[0230] The stack is typically over-compressed and then released before being transferred through the shuttle into the bag. Over-compression is required for smooth stack transport within the shuttle because it reduces the normal contact force (and therefore friction) between the absorbent articles in the stack and the shuttle surface. These high forces in the MC can potentially have adverse effects on product performance, such as adhesive bleed-through, AGM extrusion, and loss of flexibility and 3D structure (such as texture).

[0231] Beyond this, there is still a long and arduous journey from palletization to transportation and warehouse handling before a package of absorbent articles finally reaches the shelf or a consumer's home. During transportation, the package of absorbent articles is subjected to a wide range of dynamic loads in all three directions, as well as dramatic changes in temperature and humidity that alter the material properties. After manufacture, the absorbent articles may be stored in bags for several months before use.

[0232] Of course, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed in a package. The package may include a polymer film and / or other materials. Graphics and / or indicia relating to the characteristics of the absorbent article may be formed, printed, positioned, and / or disposed on an exterior portion of the package. Each package may include multiple absorbent articles. As described above, the absorbent articles may be packaged under compression to reduce the size of the package while still providing a sufficient amount of absorbent articles per package. Packaging the absorbent articles under compression allows caregivers to easily handle and store the package, and can provide manufacturers with reduced distribution costs due to the size of the package.

[0233] The twisted elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have been found to withstand the negative forces involved in making absorbent articles and to be packaged under high compression for extended periods of time. Of particular importance, the twisted elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure maintain key properties disclosed herein, such as texture-related properties (e.g., percent contact area, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, and 2-98% height).

[0234] Thus, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag stack height based on the In-Bag Stack Height Test described herein of less than about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically recited are all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges therein or formed thereby. Alternatively, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag stack height based on the In-Bag Stack Height Test described herein of about 70 mm to about 110 mm, about 70 mm to about 105 mm, about 70 mm to about 100 mm, about 75 mm to about 95 mm, about 80 mm to about 95 mm, about 80 mm to about 90 mm, about 85 mm to about 90 mm, or about 88 mm to about 90 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges, and all ranges therein or formed thereby.

[0235] 20 illustrates an exemplary package 1000 containing a plurality of absorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002 into which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are placed. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks 1006. As noted above, each of the absorbent articles 1004 may be a disposable absorbent pant article, and in particular, may be a belted pant article.

[0236] Exemplary Claimed Embodiments of the Present Disclosure Claim Set Example 1 [Claim 1] An elastomer laminate, a plurality of elastic strands between the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven; the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400; the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%; a plurality of densified bonds joining the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven together; the plurality of densified bonds are discontinuous and spaced apart from one another; the plurality of densified bonds overlapping and at least partially surrounding a portion of the plurality of elastic strands; the peel strength between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric is about 1 N / cm to about 15 N / cm; An elastomeric laminate, wherein the Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of at least one of the first elastic strands and the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven is about 1.5 to about 15. [Claim 2] The elastomeric laminate according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic strand of the first plurality of elastic strands comprises about 2 to about 40 filaments including a first filament and a second filament, the first filament and the second filament being arranged next to each other transversely, and at least one discontinuous bond of the plurality of discontinuous bonded portions surrounds at least the first filament and the second filament. [Claim 3] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one discontinuous bond overlaps at least 10 elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands. [Claim 4] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one discontinuous bond surrounds at least 20 filaments of the at least 10 elastic strands. [Claim 5] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. [Claim 6] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the high-density bond portions constituting the plurality of high-density bond portions has a void area to strand area ratio of less than 1. [Claim 7] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. [Claim 8] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of elastic strands includes at least 100 elastic strands, each of the at least 100 elastic strands includes at least three filaments, the plurality of densified bonded portions overlap at least 50 of the elastic strands constituting the plurality of elastic strands and surround at least 150 filaments of the at least 100 elastic strands, and a substantial portion of the at least 100 elastic strands between the densified bonded portions are unbonded. [Claim 9] The elastomer laminate of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastomer laminate forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a belt, a chassis, a side panel, a top sheet, a back sheet, an ear panel, and combinations thereof, and the plurality of elastic strands includes approximately 40 to approximately 1000 elastic strands, and each of the elastic strands constituting the approximately 40 to approximately 1000 elastic strands is overlapped and partially surrounded by the plurality of discontinuous bonded portions. [Claim 10] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a third nonwoven fabric is joined to the second nonwoven fabric to form a three-layer laminate, and the outer surface of the third nonwoven fabric and the outer surface of the first nonwoven fabric have different contact area percentages. [Claim 11] The elastomer laminate according to claim 10, wherein the third nonwoven fabric is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric by an adhesive. [Claim 12] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of about 6 grams / square meter to about 35 grams / square meter, and the second nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of about 6 grams / square meter to about 35 grams / square meter. [Claim 13] At least one of the following contact area percentages: a) greater than about 10% at 100 um, b) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 um; b) relaxation of force by about 5% to about 30%; c) cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm; d) 2%~98% height value<2.2mm; e) an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi, and 13. The elastomer laminate according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: f) a section modulus of about 2 gf / mm to about 15 gf / mm. [Claim 14] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. [Claim 15] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250. [Claim 16] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of about 100% to about 250%.

[0237] Claim Set Example 2: [Claim 1] An elastomer laminate, a plurality of elastic strands between the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven; the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400; the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are bonded together, and a third nonwoven fabric is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric, so that the second nonwoven fabric is an intermediate nonwoven fabric; the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands is about 65:1 to about 200:1; the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven are bonded together by an adhesive, the adhesive overlapping and at least partially surrounding the plurality of elastic strands; the second nonwoven and the third nonwoven are joined together by a plurality of bonds, the plurality of bonds being discontinuous and laterally spaced apart from one another; An elastomeric laminate, wherein the outer surface of the third nonwoven and the outer surface of the first nonwoven have different percent contact areas. [Claim 2] The elastomer laminate of claim 1, wherein there are no elastic strands between the second nonwoven fabric and the third nonwoven fabric. *** [Claim 3] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. [Claim 4] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of about 6 grams / square meter to about 35 grams / square meter, and the second nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of about 6 grams / square meter to about 35 grams / square meter. [Claim 5] At least one of the following contact area percentages: a) greater than about 10% at 100 um, b) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 um; b) relaxation of force by about 5% to about 30%; c) cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm; d) 2%~98% height value<2.2mm; e) an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi, and 5. The elastomer laminate according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: f) a section modulus of about 2 gf / mm to about 15 gf / mm. [Claim 6] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. [Claim 7] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250. [Claim 8] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of approximately 100% to approximately 250%.

[0238] Claim Set Example 3: [Claim 1] A disposable absorbent pants article, comprising: a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first plurality of elastic strands disposed in the front waist region; a second plurality of elastic strands disposed in the rear waist region; the front waist region and the back waist region are joined together at laterally opposed side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400; At least a portion of each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands have an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi; the pants article has an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf and a sustained fit load force that is greater than 30% of the applied force; A disposable absorbent pant article, wherein the pant article has a sustained fit unload force that is greater than 25% of the applied force. [Claim 2] The front waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams, the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior-most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior-most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest left point of a left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposed from the left edge, and any portion of the article on an outer side of one or other of section M defines section L and the laterally opposed section R. [Claim 3] The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 2, wherein at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a joining arrangement that is different from that of front section 1 in section L, and at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a joining arrangement that is different from that of front section 4 in section L. [Claim 4] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein front sections 3 and 4 in section L include a bonding arrangement that is different from front sections 3 and 4 in section M, and section L includes at least three different bonding arrangements within front sections 1 to 4. [Claim 5] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a portion of the chassis is adjacent to the front section 4 within section M and has the same bonding arrangement and / or the same graphic pattern as the front section 4 within M. [Claim 6] Front section 1 includes 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 2 in section L, and front section 2 includes 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 3 in section L, and ΔE * The disposable absorbent pant article according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein is greater than about 7 and less than about 60. [Claim 7] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one discontinuous bond that constitutes the plurality of discontinuous bonded portions is arranged in at least three portions of front sections 1 to 4 within section L. [Claim 8] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein more than 70% of the elastic strands in at least one of sections L and R extend across at least 50% of the respective lateral widths of at least one of sections L and R (when the absorbent article is laid flat). [Claim 9] The disposable absorbent pants article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the disposable absorbent pants article has an applied force of greater than about 1500 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than 30% of the applied force. [Claim 10] The disposable absorbent pants article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the disposable absorbent pants article has an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf, a sustained fit load force of about 400 gf to about 800 gf, and a sustained fit unload force of about 325 to about 600 gf. [Claim 11] A disposable absorbent pants article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average strand spacing of approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. [Claim 12] A disposable absorbent pants article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250. [Claim 13] A disposable absorbent pants article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average pre-strain of approximately 100% to approximately 250%.

[0239] Claim Set Example 4: [Claim 1] A packaged product comprising: a package having height, width, and depth dimensions, an interior space, and an exterior surface, the package including a film; A plurality of disposable absorbent articles folded in half and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles, the stack of disposable absorbent articles being compressed along a compression axis and arranged within the interior space of the package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along the width dimension of the package, each of the folded absorbent articles comprising: A top sheet, Back seat and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, Each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises: a plurality of elastic strands between the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven; the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400; the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%; The packaged product exhibits an in-bag stack height of between 70 mm and 110 mm, the in-bag stack height being the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack, and then multiplied by 10. [Claim 2] A plurality of densified bonds join the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric together; the plurality of densified bonds are discontinuous and spaced apart from one another; the plurality of densified bonds overlapping and at least partially surrounding a portion of the plurality of elastic strands; 10. The packaged product of claim 1, wherein the Dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of the first elastic strands and at least one of the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer is from about 1.5 to about 7. [Claim 3] One elastomeric laminate of at least one absorbent article among the plurality of absorbent articles, At least one of the following contact area percentages: a) greater than about 13% at 100 um, b) greater than about 27% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 36% at 300 um; b) Approximately 0.2mm -1 ~about 1mm -1 Wrinkle frequency, c) a wrinkle wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, and d) at least one of the 2 to 98% height values ​​of 0.3 to about 3.0. [Claim 4] The packaged product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm. [Claim 5] The packaged product of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 40 to about 250. [Claim 6] The packaged product of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of about 100% to about 250%. [Claim 7] The packaged product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent article is a disposable tape diaper. [Claim 8] The packaged product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent article is disposable pants. [Claim 9] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least two discontinuous texture zones including a first texture zone including a first bonding sequence and a second texture zone including a second bonding sequence, wherein the first bonding sequence and the second bonding sequence are different. [Claim 10] The elastomeric laminate of claim 9, wherein the first texture zone and the second texture zone have different contact area percentages. [Claim 11] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elastomer laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent pants article, the disposable absorbent pants article having an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf and a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and the pants article having a sustained fit unload force of greater than 25% of the applied force. [Claim 12] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the packaged product has an in-bag stack height of 75 mm to approximately 95 mm.

[0240] Claim Set Example 5: [Claim 1] A disposable absorbent pants article, a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first plurality of elastic strands disposed in the front waist region; a second plurality of elastic strands disposed in the rear waist region; the front waist region and the back waist region are joined together at laterally opposed side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; the front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams; the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; the absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest left point of a left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposite from the left edge, and any portion of the article on one or the other outer side of section M defines section L and the laterally opposite section R; the first plurality of elastic materials and the second plurality of elastic materials have an average strand spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm; each of the first plurality of elastic materials and the second plurality of elastic materials has an average Dtex of about 40 to about 300; at least a portion of each of the first plurality of elastics and the second plurality of elastics have an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi; the pants article has an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf, a sustained fit load force greater than 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force greater than 25% of the applied force; Sections L and R have a first texture with a first contact area percentage, and section M has a second texture with a second contact area percentage, the first contact area percentage being greater than the second contact area percentage; At least some of the elastic materials arranged in sections L and R are joined to the laminated base material by adhesive bonding; A disposable absorbent pant article, wherein section M includes a thermal, mechanical, pressure, or ultrasonic bond, or a substrate having a non-uniform basis weight or non-uniform thickness, to form a portion of said texture on the outer surface of section M.

[0241] Claim Set Example 6: [Claim 1] An elastomer laminate, a plurality of elastic strands between the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven; the plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; the plurality of elastic strands have an average Dtex of about 10 to about 400; the plurality of elastic strands have an average pre-strain of about 50% to about 300%; the peel strength between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric is about 1 N / cm to about 15 N / cm; the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven are bonded together by an adhesive; the adhesive overlaps and at least partially surrounds a portion of the plurality of elastic strands; An elastomeric laminate, wherein the plurality of elastic strands have a Dtex to spacing ratio of about 65:1 to about 200:1, and wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent article. [Claim 2] The elastomer laminate of claim 1, wherein the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic strands is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. [Claim 3] At least one of the following contact area percentages: a) greater than about 10% at 100 um, b) greater than about 20% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 um; b) relaxation of force by about 5% to about 30%; c) cantilever bend of less than about 40 mm; d) 2%~98% height value<2.2mm; e) an under-strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi, and 3. The elastomer laminate according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: f) a section modulus of about 2 gf / mm to about 15 gf / mm. [Claim 4] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of elastic strands includes approximately 40 to approximately 1000 elastic strands. [Claim 5] An elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a third nonwoven fabric is joined to the second nonwoven fabric to form a three-layer laminate, and the outer surface of the third nonwoven fabric and the outer surface of the first nonwoven fabric have different contact area percentages. [Claim 6] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least two discontinuous texture zones including a first texture zone including a first bonding sequence and a second texture zone including a second bonding sequence, wherein the first bonding sequence and the second bonding sequence are different. [Claim 7] The elastomeric laminate of claim 6, wherein the first texture zone and the second texture zone have different contact area percentages. [Claim 8] The elastomer laminate of claim 5, wherein the third nonwoven fabric is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric by an adhesive. [Claim 9] The elastomer laminate of claim 5, wherein the third nonwoven fabric is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric by heat, pressure, and ultrasonic bonding. [Claim 10] An elastomer laminate as described in claim 5, 8, or 9, wherein the third nonwoven fabric is joined to the second nonwoven fabric by discontinuous bonds in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. [Claim 11] The elastomer laminate of claim 1, wherein the elastomer laminate forms at least a portion of a belt, a chassis, a side panel, a top sheet, a back sheet, an ear panel, and combinations thereof. [Claim 12] The elastomer laminate according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer laminate has a strand pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi. [Claim 13] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 5 and 8 to 10, wherein no elastic strands exist between the second nonwoven fabric and the third nonwoven fabric. [Claim 14] The elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent pant article including a front waist region and a back waist region, the front waist region and the back waist region are joined together at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; the front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams; the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; 14. The elastomeric laminate of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the disposable absorbent pants article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through the laterally-farthest left point of the left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through the laterally-farthest right point of the right edge of the chassis laterally opposite from the left edge, and any portion of the article on one or other outer side of section M defines section L and the laterally opposite section R. [Claim 15] The elastomeric laminate of claim 14, wherein at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a bonding arrangement different from front section 1 in section L, and at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a bonding arrangement different from front section 4 in section L. [Claim 16] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein front sections 3 and 4 in section L include a bonding sequence different from front sections 3 and 4 in section M, and section L includes at least three different bonding sequences within front sections 1 to 4. [Claim 17] An elastomer laminate described in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a portion of the chassis is adjacent to the front section 4 in section M and has the same bonding arrangement and / or the same graphic pattern as the front section 4 in M. [Claim 18] Front section 1 includes 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 2 in section L, and front section 2 includes 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 3 in section L, and ΔE * The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein is greater than about 7 and less than about 60. [Claim 19] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least one discontinuous bond is located in at least three portions of front sections 1 to 4 within section L. [Claim 20] A disposable absorbent pants article as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein more than 70% of the elastic strands in at least one of sections L and R extend across at least 50% of the respective lateral widths of at least one of sections L and R (when the absorbent article is laid flat). [Claim 21] The elastomer laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the elastomer laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent pants article, the disposable absorbent pants article having an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf and a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and the pants article having a sustained fit unload force of greater than 25% of the applied force. [Claim 22] The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 21, wherein the disposable absorbent pant article has an applied force of greater than about 1500 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than 30% of the applied force. [Claim 23] The disposable absorbent pants article according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the disposable absorbent pants article has an applied force of about 900 gf to about 1600 gf, a sustained fit load force of about 400 gf to about 800 gf, and a sustained fit unload force of about 325 to about 600 gf. [Claim 24] The elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of each of a plurality of disposable absorbent articles, each disposable absorbent article constituting the plurality of disposable absorbent articles is folded in half and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles; the stack of disposable absorbent articles is compressed along a compression axis and positioned within the interior space of the package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along a width dimension of the package to form a packaged product; Each of the folded disposable absorbent articles includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; 24. The elastomeric laminate of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the packaged product exhibits an in-bag stack height of 70mm to 110mm, the in-bag stack height being the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack, and then multiplied by 10. [Claim 25] The elastomeric laminate of claim 24, wherein the packaged product has an in-bag stack height of 75 mm to approximately 95 mm.

[0242] Claim Set Example 7: [Claim 1] An absorbent article, a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the elastomeric laminate including a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer; the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of the absorbent article, the elastomeric laminate including a plurality of bonded portions overlapping at least a portion of the elastic strands constituting the plurality of elastic materials; the plurality of bonds comprise densified bonds, each of the plurality of bonds joining the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together by a densified portion; a first elastic strand of the plurality of elastic materials overlapped by a first bond of the plurality of bond portions; the first elastic strand of the plurality of strands includes from about 2 to about 40 filaments; the first bonding portion contacts at least a first filament and a second filament of the approximately 2 to approximately 40 filaments, and the first filament and the second filament are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction; an absorbent article, wherein the first elastic strands, and the first and second nonwoven fabric layers have a Dtex to nonwoven fabric basis weight ratio of about 1.5 to about 10; [Claim 2] An absorbent article, a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the elastomeric laminate including a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer; the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of the absorbent article, the first elastomeric laminate including a plurality of bonded portions that overlap at least a portion of the elastic strands that make up the plurality of elastic materials; the plurality of bonds comprise densified bonds, each of the plurality of bonds joining the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together by a densified portion; a first elastic strand of the plurality of elastic materials overlapped by a first bond of the plurality of bond portions; the first elastic strand of the plurality of strands includes from about 2 to about 40 filaments; the first bonding portion contacts at least a first filament and a second filament of the approximately 2 to approximately 40 filaments, and the first filament and the second filament are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction; An absorbent article wherein the first plurality of elastics has a Dtex to spacing ratio of from about 65:1 to about 215:1. [Claim 3] An absorbent article, a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the first elastomeric laminate including a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer; the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of the absorbent article, the elastomeric laminate including an adhesive overlapping at least a portion of the elastic strands comprising the first plurality of elastics; the adhesive bonds the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together; first elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic materials are overlapped by the adhesive; the first elastic strand of the first plurality of strands includes from about 2 to about 40 filaments; an absorbent article wherein said elastomeric laminate has a Dtex to spacing ratio of said first plurality of elastics of from about 65:1 to about 215:1; [Claim 4] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first elastic strand has a Dtex of approximately 30 to approximately 400. [Claim 5] An absorbent article described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of approximately 8 grams / square meter to approximately 45 grams / square meter, and the second nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of approximately 8 grams / square meter to approximately 45 grams / square meter. [Claim 6] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of elastic materials include approximately 40 to approximately 1000 elastic strands. [Claim 7] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of elastic bodies have an average pre-strain of approximately 50% to approximately 400%. [Claim 8] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of elastic materials have an average strand spacing of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 4 mm. [Claim 9] An absorbent article as described in claim 1, 2, or 4 to 8, wherein the Dtex to spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic materials is from about 65:1 to about 300:1. [Claim 10] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elastomer laminate has a section modulus of about 3 gf / mm to about 12 gf / mm. [Claim 11] The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate has a void area to strand area ratio of less than 1. [Claim 12] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4 to 11, wherein the elastomer laminate contains an adhesive. [Claim 13] The absorbent article comprises: further comprising a second plurality of elastic members between the first substrate and the second substrate; the second plurality of elastic members includes about 10 to about 50 elastic strands; the second plurality of elastics having an average strand spacing of about 3 mm or greater; the second plurality of elastic materials have an average Dtex of about 300 or greater; 12. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4 to 11, wherein the second plurality is adhered to the first substrate and the second substrate by an adhesive. [Claim 14] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the under-strand pressure of the plurality of elastic materials is about 0.1 to about 1 psi. [Claim 15] The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate has at least one of the following contact area percentages: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm.

[0243] Claim Set Example 8: [Claim 1] An absorbent article, a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis; a front waist region and a back waist region, a front waist region and a back waist region joined together at laterally opposed front and back side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; An elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer, the plurality of elastic materials comprising first elastic strands and second elastic strands; the elastomeric laminate includes a plurality of bonded portions overlapping at least a portion of the elastic strands constituting the plurality of elastic materials, each of the plurality of bonded portions joining the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together; the plurality of bonds include densified bonds including densified portions, at least a portion of the densified bonds overlapping and at least partially surrounding the first elastic strand and the second elastic strand; the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; the front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams; the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior-most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior-most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; the absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest left point of a left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposite from the left edge, and any portion of the article on one or the other outer side of section M defines section L and the laterally opposite section R; the front section 1 includes longitudinally extending bonds or bond regions spaced laterally from one another by an average lateral bond spacing; An absorbent article wherein at least one of the front sections 2 and 3 includes longitudinally extending bonds or bonded areas spaced laterally apart from one another at an average lateral bond spacing different from that of the front section 1. [Claim 2] An absorbent article, a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis; a front waist region and a back waist region, a front waist region and a back waist region joined together at laterally opposed front and back side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; An elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer, the plurality of elastic materials comprising first elastic strands and second elastic strands; the elastomeric laminate includes a plurality of bonded portions overlapping at least a portion of the elastic strands constituting the plurality of elastic materials, each of the plurality of bonded portions joining the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together; the plurality of bonds include densified bonds including densified portions, at least a portion of the densified bonds overlapping and at least partially surrounding the first elastic strand and the second elastic strand; the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; the front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed front side seams; the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior-most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior-most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; the absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest left point of a left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposite from the left edge, and any portion of the article on one or the other outer side of section M defines section L and the laterally opposite section R; the anterior section 1 includes a first binding sequence in at least one of section L and section R; front section 2 includes a second binding sequence in at least one of section L and section R; the anterior section 3 includes a third binding sequence in at least one of section L and section R; front section 4 includes a fourth binding sequence in at least one of section L and section R; the first binding sequence is different from the fourth binding sequence; The absorbent article, wherein the first bonding arrangement and the fourth bonding arrangement are different from at least one of the second bonding arrangement and the third bonding arrangement. [Claim 3] An absorbent article, a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis; a front lumbar region and a rear lumbar region; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; An elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastic materials between a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer, the plurality of elastic materials comprising first elastic strands and second elastic strands; the elastomeric laminate includes a plurality of bonded portions overlapping at least a portion of the elastic strands constituting the plurality of elastic materials, each of the plurality of bonded portions joining the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer together; the plurality of bonds include densified bonds including densified portions, at least a portion of the densified bonds overlapping and at least partially surrounding the first elastic strand and the second elastic strand; the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; the front waist region is the front third of the absorbent article; the rear waist region is the rear third of the absorbent article; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the anterior component region includes a first component section (anterior section 1) including the anterior-most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (anterior section 4) including the anterior-most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (anterior section 2) adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section (anterior section 3) disposed between anterior section 2 and anterior section 4; the absorbent article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally furthest left point of a left article side edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally furthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposite from the left edge, and any portion of the article on one or the other outer side of section M defines section L and the laterally opposite section R; An absorbent article wherein the percentage contact area of ​​the front section 1 in section M differs from the percentage contact area of ​​the front section 1 in section L by at least 15%. [Claim 4] An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the multiple bonded portions or bonded areas in front section 1 extend into section 2. [Claim 5] An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least the multiple bonded portions or bonded areas in section 2 extend into section 3. [Claim 6] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting portions extends in the longitudinal direction. [Claim 7] The absorbent article of claim 6, wherein at least one longitudinally extending bond is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. [Claim 8] An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein at least one longitudinally extending joint is located in the front section 1. [Claim 9] An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bonded portions or bonded regions constituting the plurality of bonded portions cooperate to form an arched bonded portion or an arched bonded region. [Claim 10] a) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 1 is about 2 mm to about 15 mm; b) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 2 is about 2 mm to about 15 mm; c) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 3 is about 2 mm to about 15 mm; 10. The absorbent article according to claim 1, comprising at least one of: d) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 4 is between about 2 mm and about 15 mm. [Claim 11] a) the longitudinally extending bond or bond area of ​​the front section 1 has an average bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; b) the longitudinally extending bond or bond area of ​​the front section 2 has an average bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; c) the longitudinally extending bond or bond area of ​​the front section 3 has an average bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; d) the longitudinally extending bonded portions or bonded regions of the front section 4 have an average bond width of about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm. [Claim 12] An absorbent article described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of front sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 has an Emtec-TS7 value of less than about 12 and an Emtec-TS750 value of less than 60. [Claim 13] An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least two of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 have at least one of the following air permeabilities: a) an air permeability of greater than about 40 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 0 gf / mm (no stretch); b) an air permeability of greater than about 60 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 3 gf / mm (slight stretch); and c) an air permeability of greater than about 80 cubic meters / square meters / minute at 7 gf / mm (moderate stretch). [Claim 14] The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least two of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 have a contact area percentage of at least one of a) greater than about 13% at 100 um, b) greater than about 27% at 200 um, and c) greater than about 36% at 300 um.

[0244] Methods of the present disclosure General Specimen Preparation Generic test strip preparation is intended to be used for methods that do not have specific test strip preparation instructions within the method itself.

[0245] When collecting a sample for testing, the sample must contain multiple elastic strands and / or elastic material, elastic scrim, elastic ribbon, elastic strip, etc. In situations where the elastic material and / or elastic strands are not fully secured within the test specimen, the test sample must be obtained in a manner such that the elastic material and / or elastic strands in the test area of ​​the sample are in their intended state and are not altered as a result of sample collection. If the elastic material or any elastic strands become detached, creep, or separate within or from the laminate, discard the sample and prepare a new one. Also, according to the method, the portion or area of ​​the twisted elastomeric laminate to be tested includes multiple elastic strands between the first nonwoven region and the second nonwoven region, excludes all cut windows (e.g., inelastic zones or regions, etc.) that overlap the core or central chassis, and excludes all seams joining multiple article components together. However, certain methods may require testing of absorbent article components including cut windows and seams (e.g., hip hoop testing).

[0246] For pants, remove the side panels where they are attached to the chassis and separate them at the side seams. Identify the elastic material across the entire width of the panel. Identify the longitudinally most distal edge or elastic strand of the elastic material (closest to the waist edge) and the longitudinally most proximal edge or elastic strand of the elastic material (closest to the leg edge) and determine the midpoint between the distal and proximal elastic strands or edges. Cut a 40mm wide strip transversely across the entire panel, centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each of the front and back side panels containing elastic material and / or elastic strands.

[0247] For tape-on ear panels, remove the ear panels where they are attached to the chassis. Identify the elastic across the entire width of the panel. Identify the distal-most elastic edge or strand (closest to the waist edge) and the proximal-most elastic edge or strand (closest to the leg edge) and determine the midpoint between the distal-most and proximal-most elastic strands or edges. Cut a 40mm wide strip transversely across the entire ear panel, centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each of the front and back ear panels containing elastic and / or elastic strands.

[0248] For belted articles, mark the front and back of the product, extending a line from along the side of the core to the waist edge. Remove the belt from the article using appropriate means (e.g., freeze spray), taking care not to delaminate the belt or detach the elastic. Separate the front belt from the back belt along any seams. Identify the distal-most elastic edge or strand (closest to the waist edge) and the proximal-most elastic edge or strand (closest to the leg edge) and determine the midpoint between the distal-most and proximal-most elastic strands or edges. Cut a 40 mm wide strip across the entire belt section, parallel to the waist edge if straight, or to the elastic strand if straight and centered on the midpoint. If the strip has areas that do not contain elastic strands or elastic material (e.g., overlapping with the core), a cut is made along the edge of the elastic strands / elastic material to remove the non-elastic area and treated as two samples.

[0249] For waistbands, test these as a single piece of material. Remove the belt from the article using appropriate means (e.g., freeze spray), taking care not to separate the belt into thin layers or detach the elastic.

[0250] For leg cuffs, each leg cuff is tested as a single piece of material. The inner leg cuff test specimen is considered to be the portion of the inner leg cuff extending from its proximal-most edge to and including its distal-most elastic, extending longitudinally to the front and back waist edges of the chassis. The outer leg cuff test specimen is considered to be the portion of the outer leg cuff extending from its distal-most edge to and including its proximal-most elastic, extending longitudinally to the front and back waist edges of the chassis.

[0251] For all sample strips, calculate the Span Corrected Width (SCW) as follows:

[0252]

number

[0253] Cantilever bending The bending length and bending stiffness at the waist are measured as cantilever bending values, determined using ASTM Method D1388, Option A Cantilever Test, with the following modifications. The test equipment described in D1388 is used without modification. Prior to analysis, the articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0254] This method applies to dry nonwoven laminate samples excised from absorbent articles, not fabrics. For belted articles, the belt is cut at the side seam and detached from the rest of the article using, for example, a low-temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze® from Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, Connecticut). For pants, the side panels are removed from the chassis and separated / cut along the side seam. The sample is cut into 25.4 mm strips parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product, starting at the waist and extending toward the crotch of the product. The sample length can be less than the 200 mm specified in D1388, but must be at least 10 mm longer than the overhang length determined during testing. If the waist of the sample is folded, this fold is left untouched for testing.

[0255] The sample is placed on the platform with the garment-facing side down and the end proximal to the waist as the leading edge. Bending is performed as described in D1388. The overhang length (OL) is recorded to the nearest 1 mm. The bending length (BL) is divided by 2 to get the overhang length and reported to the nearest 1 mm. The sample is taken, the overhang length measured from the leading edge and cut into strips. The mass of the overhang piece is measured and recorded to the nearest 0.001 g. The basis weight (BW) is calculated from the mass and the dimensions of the overhang piece and reported to the nearest 0.01 g / m 2 Record in units.

[0256] Average Strand Spacing Using a ruler accurate to the nearest 0.5 mm calibrated against a certified NIST ruler, measure the distance between the two distal strands in a section to the nearest 0.5 mm, then divide by the number of strands in that section minus 1. Average strand spacing = d / (n-1), where n > 1 Reported to the nearest 0.1mm.

[0257] Strand pressure (also called average strand pressure) It is defined as the average pressure exerted by each of the individual elastic strands of a section under specific conditions. These conditions are defined as follows (see Figure 21): - Pull this section to a stress of 7 gf / mm (within the range of consumer preferred stresses as determined by experimentation) -Pulling this section over a cylinder whose perimeter is defined as the characteristic perimeter During the ceremony, -Understrand pressure (psi) = 1.422 * Strand strength / (2 * Representative radius * average strand diameter) -Representative radius (mm)=Representative circumference / (2 * π) -Representative circumference (mm)=460mm -Stress (gf / mm) = (sum of strand forces in a section) / (section width) -Section width (mm) = (number of elastic bodies in that section) * Average strand spacing (mm) -Strand force (gf) = strand strain (%) * 0.046875 * Average Dtex - Strand Strain (%) = Strain in each elastic strand within a section -Average strand diameter (mm) = 2 * sqrt(strand cross-sectional area / π) -Strand cross-sectional area (mm 2 ) = Average Dtex / Strand Density / 10,000 - Strand Density (g / cc) = 1.15 g / cc (industry standard for polyurethaneurea-based spandex elastic) -Dtex (g / 10,000m) = standard unit of fabric measurement. Dtex is the weight in grams per 10,000m of material. -Average pre-strain = the amount of stretch of the elastic strands in a section before combining with the substrate layer. - Maximum strain = average pre-strain. This is the maximum amount of strain each section can be pulled to. It cannot exceed the average pre-strain. -Maximum section force = sum of each strand in the section pulled to maximum strain.

[0258] Section Modulus Defined as the modulus of a given cross section, the section modulus (also called the modulus) is the linear slope of the stress versus strain data for the section from 3 gf / mm to 7 gf / mm (see Figure 7). The section modulus is calculated as follows: Section modulus = [7gf / mm - 3gf / mm] / [(section strain at 7gf / mm) - (section strain at 3gf / mm)] During the ceremony, -Section strain at 7gf / mm = 7gf / mm * (average strand spacing) / DTEX coefficient -Section strain at 3gf / mm = 3gf / mm * (average strand spacing) / DTEX coefficient -Average strand spacing (mm) = d / (n-1) -d is the distance (mm) between the two distal strands of the section. -n is the number of strands, n>1 -DTEX coefficient = 37.5 * Average Dtex / 800 (measured dtex, specified dtex) -Section modulus is reported in units of (gf / mm)

[0259] Average decitex (average Dtex) The average decitex method is used to calculate the average Dtex for elastic fibers present in a complete article or in a sample of interest extracted from the article, on a length-weighted basis. The decitex value is the mass, in grams, of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of that material in a relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastomeric laminates containing elastic fibers is often reported by manufacturers as part of the specifications for the elastic fibers or elastomeric laminates containing elastic fibers. The average Dtex can be calculated from these specifications, if available. Alternatively, if these specified values ​​are not known, the decitex value of individual elastic fibers is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of ​​the fiber in its relaxed state via a suitable microscopy technique, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the fiber composition via Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then calculating the mass, in grams, of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of fiber using literature values ​​for the density of the composition. The decitex values ​​for individual elastic fibers removed from the complete article or from a sample extracted from the article, as provided by the manufacturer or determined experimentally, are used in the formula described below, which determines the length-weighted average of the decitex values ​​among the elastic fibers present.

[0260] The length of the elastic fibers present in the article or a sample extracted from the article, respectively, is calculated from the overall dimensions of the component or sample of the article containing the component, if known, and the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with the component or sample of the article containing the component. Alternatively, the dimensions and / or elastic fiber pre-strain ratio are not known, and the absorbent article or a sample extracted from the absorbent article is disassembled to remove all elastic fibers. This disassembly can be accomplished, for example, by applying gentle heat to soften the adhesive, using a low-temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze® from Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, Connecticut), or by using a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive but does not swell, alter, or destroy the elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded to the nearest millimeter (mm).

[0261] Calculating the average Dtex The relaxed length L present in the absorbent article or a sample extracted from the absorbent article i and fiber decitex value d i individual elastic fibers f (either obtained from manufacturer specifications or measured experimentally) i For each of the absorbent articles, the average Dtex for the absorbent article or samples extracted from the absorbent article is defined as follows:

[0262]

number

[0263] If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specification, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value is used in the above formula to determine the average Dtex.

[0264] Experimental determination of fiber decitex. For each elastic fiber extracted from the absorbent article or sample extracted from the absorbent article according to the above procedure, each elastic fiber L k The relaxed state length of each elastic fiber is measured and recorded to the nearest millimeter (mm). Each elastic fiber is analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition and its density ρ k is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed via SEM. The fiber is cut perpendicularly along its length with a sharp blade at three approximately equal locations to create clean cross sections for SEM analysis. The three fiber sections with these exposed cross sections are mounted in a relaxed state on an SEM specimen holder, sputter-coated with gold, and introduced into the SEM for analysis, where they are imaged with sufficient resolution to clearly resolve the fiber cross section. To minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross section, the fiber cross section is oriented as perpendicularly as possible to the detector. The shape of the fiber cross section can vary, and some fibers may consist of multiple individual filaments. In either case, the area of ​​each of the three fiber cross sections is determined (e.g., using image analysis of the diameter for circular fibers, the major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and more complex shapes) to obtain the three areas a of the elastic fiber. k The average is in square micrometers (μm 2 ) in units of 0.1 μm 2 The kth elastic fiber measured is recorded in decitex, d k is calculated by: d k =10000m×a k ×ρ k x10 -6 In the formula, d k The units of are grams (per 10,000 meters of calculated length), and a k The unit is μm 2 and ρ k The unit is grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm 3 ) for any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined L k value and d k The value is used later in the formula for average Dtex above.

[0265] Surface topography (percent contact area, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, and 2-98% height values) In the surface topography method, an elastomeric laminate sample is removed from an absorbent article and stretched across the convex surface of a transparent, horizontal, cylindrical tube segment, and optical profilometry is used to measure the planar surface topology of the wearer-facing side of the laminate as measured through the transparent tube segment. The 3D surface data is then sampled and processed to extract several parameters that describe the percent contact area and height of the elastomeric laminate sample surface, as well as its associated wrinkle frequency and wavelength. All specimen preparation and testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23±2°C and approximately 50±2% relative humidity, with the specimens allowed to equilibrate in this environment for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

[0266] Sample preparation Each elastomeric laminate sample extracted from the article is mounted on a horizontal tube segment as described below. The tube segment is cut from a full length of optically clear, colorless cast acrylic cylindrical tube having an outer diameter of 8.0 inches (203 mm) and a wall thickness of 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm). The segment has a dimension of 4.0 inches (102 mm) along an axis parallel to the cylindrical central axis of the parent tube, and a circumferential outer arc length of 5.5 inches (140 mm).

[0267] The elastomeric laminate specimen is stretched in its primary direction of extension to a ratio (mass per linear width) corresponding to its extension at 3 g / mm, where the width is determined by the span-corrected width measurement method defined in the caliper test method, and the extension is the average ratio measured during the first 10 seconds while it is applied under a static load. In this stretched state, the stretched elastomeric laminate specimen is oriented so that its wearer-facing surface is in contact with the convex side of the tubing segment and the axis of extension is oriented along the outer periphery of the tubing segment. Both ends of the stretched laminate are secured to transparent tubing segments such that the wearer-facing surface of the laminate is visible through the concave side of the transparent tubing segment.

[0268] Five replicate elastomeric laminate samples from five identical absorbent articles are thus isolated and prepared and analyzed.

[0269] 3D surface image acquisition A DLP-based structured light three-dimensional (3D) surface topography measurement system is used to acquire 3D surface topography images of the wearer-facing surface of the stretched elastomeric laminate sample (a suitable surface topography measurement system is a MikroCAD Premium instrument or equivalent, commercially available from LMI Technologies Inc., Vancouver, Canada). The system comprises the following main components: a) a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projection device with direct digitally controlled micromirrors, b) a CCD camera with a resolution of at least 1600 x 1200 pixels, c) projection optics adapted to a measurement area of ​​at least 60 mm x 45 mm, d) recording optics adapted to a measurement area of ​​60 mm x 45 mm, e) a tripod based on a small hard stone plate, f) a blue LED light source, g) measurement, control and evaluation computer-implemented surface texture analysis software (suitable software is MikroCAD software with Mountain Map technology or equivalent), and h) calibration plates for lateral (XY) and vertical (Z) calibration available from suppliers.

[0270] The optical 3D surface topography measurement system uses a digital micromirror pattern fringe projection technique to measure the surface height of a test specimen. The nature of this pattern projection technique allows for probing the surface topography of a sample through transparent materials. The result of the measurement is a 3D data set of surface height (defined as the Z axis) versus displacement in the horizontal (XY) plane. This 3D data set can also be thought of as an image, where every pixel in the image is associated with an XY displacement and the pixel's value is the recorded Z axis height value. The system has a 60 x 45 mm field of view with an XY pixel resolution of approximately 37 micrometers and a height resolution of 0.5 micrometers, for a total possible height range of 32 mm.

[0271] The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's specifications using lateral (XY plane) and vertical (Z axis) calibration plates available from the supplier.

[0272] The elastomeric laminate sample mounted on a transparent tubing segment is positioned with the concave surface of the tubing segment facing upward, so that the surface facing the wearer faces upward and is visible through the transparent material. The tubing segment is placed on a stand so that the convex (downward-facing) sample surface in the area to be analyzed is freely suspended and not resting on the surface. The tubing segment is oriented so that its circumferential direction (the direction or axis along which the laminate is stretched) is centered and perpendicular to the long axis of the camera's field of view (or either the central axis if the field of view is square). 3D surface topology images of the elastomeric laminate sample are collected according to the instrument manufacturer's recommended measurement procedure, which may include focusing the measurement system and adjusting brightness. No pre-filtering options are used. The collected height image files are saved to an evaluation computer running surface texture analysis software.

[0273] If the field of view of the 3D surface topography measurement system is larger than the evaluation area on the elastomeric laminate sample, the image may be cropped prior to analysis to remove irrelevant areas and retain a rectangular field of view of the relevant portion while maintaining XY resolution.

[0274] 3D surface image analysis The 3D surface topography images are opened in surface texture analysis software. Each image is then subjected to the following filtering procedures: 1) removal of incorrect or unmeasured points, 2) a 5x5 pixel median filter to remove noise, 3) a 5x5 pixel mean filter to smooth the surface, and 4) subtraction of a two-dimensional quadratic polynomial (determined via a least-squares fit of the surface topology image) to remove general features and flatten the surface. The quadratic polynomial is defined by the following equation: f(x,y)=c1+c2x+c3y+c4x 2 +c5y 2 +c6xy

[0275] Each data set that has been processed as described above up to this point is referred to as a “preprocessed sample data set.” The highest point in the resulting topology image corresponds to the area in contact with the convex surface of the vessel segment, and the lowest point is the most distal point below the convex surface of the vessel segment.

[0276] Contact area percentage and 2-98% height values For each of the five replicate 3D surface topography images, the following analysis is performed on the preprocessed sample dataset. Surface contact area percentage and 2-98% height measurements are derived from the Area Material Ratio (Abbott-Firestone) curve described in the ISO 13565-2:1996 standard, extrapolated to the surface. This curve is a cumulative curve of the surface height distribution histogram for the range of measured surface heights. The material ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the area corresponding to points with heights equal to or greater than the intersection plane passing through the surface at a given height or cutting depth to the cross-sectional area of ​​the evaluation region (field area). The height at the 2% material ratio is first identified. A cutting depth 100 μm below this height is then identified, and the material ratio at this depth is recorded as the percent contact area at 100 μm. This procedure is repeated at cut depths of 200 μm and 300 μm lower than the specified height at 2% solids ratio, and the solids ratios at these depths are recorded as percent contact area at 200 μm and 300 μm, respectively. All percent contact area values ​​are recorded to the nearest 0.1%.

[0277] The 2-98% height value of the specimen surface is defined as the height difference between two material ratios, excluding a small percentage of the highest peaks and lowest valleys. The 2-98% height of the specimen surface is the height between the two cut depths corresponding to a material ratio value of 2% to 98%, and is recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm.

[0278] Wrinkle frequency and wrinkle wavelength The pre-processed 3D surface topology images of each sample are subjected to Fourier transform spatial frequency analysis to determine wrinkle frequency and wrinkle wavelength.

[0279] Each 3D surface topology image is decomposed into individual line profiles by isolating each entire array of single data points that extend in the dimension parallel to the elastic strands of the elastomeric laminate (if present and evident), or more generally, perpendicular to the wrinkles exhibited by the elastomeric laminate in its relaxed state. These line profiles are thus data sets in the form of height (in millimeters) versus distance (in millimeters).

[0280] For each decomposed replicate 3D surface topology image, mean-center each line profile and apply a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to calculate the frequency amplitude spectrum of each line profile. Average the Fourier transform amplitude versus spatial frequency spectra of all extracted line profiles, and define the resulting average amplitude versus spatial frequency spectrum as F(1 / d), where 1 / d is the number of pixels in mm. -1 Finally, the function P(1 / d) = d × F 2 The spatial frequency power spectral density (PSP) is plotted against 1 / d, with a prefactor of distance d to correct for the expected 1 / d noise. The value of the reciprocal distance 1 / d at which P(1 / d) is maximized is defined as the wrinkle frequency, measured in mm -1 Units to the nearest 0.001mm -1 The reciprocal of the wrinkle frequency is defined as the wrinkle wavelength and is recorded in mm to the nearest 0.01 mm.

[0281] Reporting of method parameters After the 3D surface image analysis described above is performed on the 3D surface topology images of all five sample replicates, the following output parameters are defined and reported: The arithmetic mean of all five percent contact area measurements at 100 μm is defined as the average percent contact area at 100 μm and is reported to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five percent contact area measurements at 200 μm is defined as the average percent contact area at 200 μm and is reported to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five percent contact area measurements at 300 μm is defined as the average percent contact area at 300 μm and is reported to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five 2-98% height measurements is defined as the average 2-98% height and is reported in mm to the nearest 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five wrinkle frequency measurements is defined as the average wrinkle frequency and is reported to the nearest 0.001 mm. -1 The arithmetic mean of all five wrinkle wavelength measurements is defined as the mean wrinkle wavelength and is reported in mm to the nearest 0.01 mm.

[0282] Average pre-strain The average pre-strain of the sample is measured in a constant rate of extension tensile tester using a load cell that measures forces within 1% to 90% of the cell limits (a suitable instrument is MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 Software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota). Prior to analysis, the articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0283] After adjusting the initial gauge length, the tensile tester is programmed to perform an extension until break. First, the crosshead is raised at 10 mm / min to a force of 0.05 N. At this point, the gauge is set to the adjusted gauge length. The crosshead is raised at a rate of 100 mm / min (20% force drop after the maximum peak force) until the sample breaks. The crosshead is returned to its original position. Force and extension data are acquired at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0284] Set the nominal gage length to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper block and zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the upper grips so that the center of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The specimen may be folded perpendicular to the tensile axis and placed in the grips to achieve this position. Excess material can be trimmed after the grips are closed. Insert the specimen into the lower grip and close it. The strip can be folded again, and then trimmed after the grips are closed. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have minimal sag but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Begin the test program.

[0285] From the data, force (N) versus extension (mm) is calculated. The average pre-strain is calculated from the bend of the curve, which corresponds to the extension when the nonwoven in the elastic is engaged. Two lines are plotted, corresponding to the region of the curve before the bend (mainly elastic) and the region after the bend (mainly nonwoven). The extension is read where these two lines intersect, and the % pre-strain is calculated from this extension and the corrected gauge length. Record this as a % pre-strain of 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of the three replicate specimens for each elastomeric laminate and the average pre-strain to the nearest 0.1% are calculated.

[0286] Relaxation of force over time The force relaxation of the specimen over time is measured with a constant rate of extension tensile tester using a load cell that measures the force within 1% to 90% of the cell's limits (a suitable instrument is MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 Software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN). Prior to analysis, the articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours and then tested under the same environmental conditions. The specimens are sized to allow a 25.4 mm gauge length (parallel to the elastic stretch) at a width of 12.7 mm.

[0287] The tensile tester is programmed to perform an extension to determine the engineering strain when a tensile force of 0.0294 N / mm is reached.

[0288] A second specimen is prepared and conditioned as described above for the force relaxation test over time. The test is performed on the same apparatus as described above. The test is performed at a temperature of 37.8°C. The specimen is extended to the strain determined above. The specimen is held for 10 hours, and the force is recorded at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment. A graph showing the data for the prior art product of extruded strands and the inventive elastomeric laminate including beam elastics as described herein is shown in Figure 8.

[0289] Air permeability 1cm 2 Air permeability testing is performed using a TexTest FX3300 Air Permeability Tester (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC) with a custom aperture of 1.0 mm (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC). The instrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's procedures. Articles are preconditioned at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for approximately two hours prior to testing. Prior to testing, articles are preconditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for two hours, and all tests are performed under the same environmental conditions.

[0290] The test is intended for use with stretch laminates from sample articles such as belts, side panels, ears, and waistbands. The elastic component is removed from the article using, for example, a low-temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT) or cutting. Samples are excised from the laminate, avoiding material seams or other structures not integral to the stretched article. Stretch laminates are taken from three articles for each test set.

[0291] Cut a specimen from the stretched area of ​​the laminate measuring 25 mm x 25 mm. For specimens with non-uniformly spaced strands, calculate the span corrected width (SCW) as follows:

[0292]

number

[0293] Set the air pressure on the instrument to 125 Pa. Place the relaxed specimen on the port plate with the side facing the wearer downwards. The stretched area should completely cover the instrument port. Close the specimen ring and adjust the measurement range until it is within specification. Measure the air permeability of the unstretched specimen at 0.1 m 3 / mm 2 Record in minutes.

[0294] One edge of the laminate perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) is selected and secured to the instrument's port plate using adhesive tape. The sample is then stretched in the machine direction to a length equivalent to 3 gf / mm and secured. The stretched area should completely cover the port. The specimen ring is closed and the measurement range is adjusted until it is within specification. The air permeability for 3 gf / mm is calculated using a 0.1 m 3 / mm 2 The same procedure is repeated for 7g / mm extension, and the air permeability for 3g / mm is recorded in 0.1m 3 / mm 2 Record in minutes.

[0295] For each stretched laminate, a total of five measurements are taken on replicate samples. The arithmetic mean of the air permeabilities at stretches of 0 gf / mm, 3 gf / mm, and 7 gf / mm is calculated and used to calculate the air permeability at 0.1 m 3 / mm 2 Reported in minutes.

[0296] Peel strength (values ​​from the "180-degree peel test method") Tensile properties are measured on a constant-rate-of-extension tensile testing machine with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 Software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell that measures forces within 10% to 90% of the cell's limits. Both the movable (upper) and fixed (lower) pneumatic jaws are equipped with rubber-lined, flat grips wider than the width of the test specimen. The air pressure supplied to the jaws must be sufficient to prevent sample slippage. All tests are performed in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and a relative humidity of approximately 50% ± 2%.

[0297] The tensile tester is programmed to perform a 180-degree peel test. The crosshead is raised at a rate of 150 mm / min until the laminate separates. The crosshead is returned to its starting position. Force and extension data are collected at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0298] Condition the specimens at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity at least two hours prior to testing. Prepare the elastic laminate as described in "General Specimen Preparation" over the corresponding locations on five replicate products. Trim the specimens to 60 mm long and 25.4 mm wide. If the specimen is not 60 mm long, the length can be adjusted. Repeat for all five sample strips.

[0299] Use a calibrated caliper block to set the gauge length to 25.4 mm and zero the crosshead. Manually peel 15 mm from one end of the sample strip. Place the first of the peeled tails in the upper grip and close. Place the second tail in the lower grip and close. The sample should have minimal slack but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Start the test and collect data.

[0300] From the force (N) versus extension (mm) curve, calculate the average force between the start of peel and the end of peel and record to the nearest 0.01 N. Repeat for each of the four remaining specimen strips. Calculate the average value for the five samples and report it as the peel force to the nearest 0.01 N / cm.

[0301] Color contrast (ΔE * ") (Values ​​from Strand Color Contrast Measurements) Small scale color measurements of stretch laminates where the color of the elastic strands differs significantly from the areas between the strands can be made from calibrated scanned images. These color measurement pairs are then used to calculate the color contrast of t...

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent pant article, the disposable absorbent pant article comprising: a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first plurality of elastic strands disposed in the front waist region; a second plurality of elastic strands disposed in the rear waist region; the front waist region and the back waist region are joined together at laterally opposed side seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average strand spacing of 0.25 mm to 4 mm; each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average Dtex of 10 to 400; at least a portion of each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands have an under-strand pressure of 0.1 to 1 psi; the pants article has an applied force of 900 gf to 1600 gf applied to a waist portion of a wearer and a sustained fit load force greater than 30% of the applied force applied to the waist portion of the wearer; the pant article having a sustained fit unloading force greater than 25% of the applied force on the waist of the wearer; the front waist region is the region between a) a proximal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams, and b) a distal-most front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most points of the laterally opposed front side seams; the rear waist region is a region between a) a proximal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a proximal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams, and b) a distal-most rear axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a distal-most point of the laterally opposed rear side seams; the front waist region includes a front component region disposed between and including a front distal-most elastic strand of the front waist region and a proximal-most elastic strand of the front waist region; the anterior component region is defined by a front distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the distal-most point of the front-most distal elastic strand, and a front proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the proximal-most point of the front-most proximal elastic strand; the anterior component region is divided into four equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines, respectively disposed parallel to the lateral axis and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the anterior distal component region line and the anterior proximal component region line; the front component region includes a first component section (front section 1) including the front-most distal elastic strand, a fourth component section (front section 4) including the front-most proximal elastic strand, a second component section (front section 2) adjacent front section 1, and a third component section (front section 3) disposed between front section 2 and front section 4; the absorbent pant article is divided into three article sections (section L, section M, and section R), the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest left point of a left edge of the chassis, and a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally-farthest right point of a right edge of the chassis laterally opposed from the left edge; any portion of the article outboard of one or the other of said sections M defining a section L and said laterally opposite section R; at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a different bonding arrangement than front section 1 in section L, and at least one of front sections 2 and 3 in section L includes a different bonding arrangement than front section 4 in section L; anterior sections 3 and 4 in section L include a different bonding sequence than anterior sections 3 and 4 in section M, and section L includes at least three different bonding sequences within anterior sections 1-4; a portion of the chassis adjacent to a front section 4 in section M and having the same bonding arrangement and / or the same graphic pattern as the front section 4 in M; A disposable absorbent pant article, wherein at least one discontinuous bond that constitutes the plurality of discontinuous bonds is disposed in at least three portions of the front sections 1 to 4 within section L.

2. 2. The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 1, wherein front section 1 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 2 in section L, front section 2 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic strands than front section 3 in section L, and ΔE* of front sections 1 and 2 in section L is greater than 7 and less than 60.

3. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein more than 70% of the elastic strands in at least one of sections L and R extend across at least 50% of the lateral width (when the absorbent pant article is laid flat) of each of at least one of sections L and R.

4. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disposable absorbent pant article has an applied force of greater than 1500 gf, a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and a sustained fit unload force of greater than 30% of the applied force.

5. 4. The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 1, wherein the disposable absorbent pant article has an applied force of 900 gf to 1600 gf, a sustained fit load force of 400 gf to 800 gf, and a sustained fit unload force of 325 to 600 gf.

6. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average strand spacing of 0.75 mm to 2.5 mm.

7. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average Dtex of 40 to 250.

8. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first plurality of elastic strands and the second plurality of elastic strands has an average pre-strain of between 100% and 250%.

9. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disposable absorbent pant article has an applied force of 900 gf to 1600 gf and a sustained fit load force of greater than 30% of the applied force, and the pant article has a sustained fit unload force of greater than 25% of the applied force.

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