Absorbent article with ears

Abstract

The absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article further includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a laminate. The laminate has a stretchable region. The laminate includes a first nonwoven fabric, a second nonwoven fabric, and an elastomeric material sandwiched between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the stretchable region. The laminate has a bond density of at least 4% and includes bonded regions that at least partially overlap the elastomeric material. The laminate exhibits an unload force at 50% of at least 0.90 N.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles having elastomeric portions, and in particular to absorbent articles having elastomeric ear portions. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been known that absorbent articles, such as traditional absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads), provide the advantage of receiving and containing urine and / or other bodily exudates (e.g., feces, menses, feces and urine mixtures, menses and urine mixtures, etc.) To effectively contain bodily exudates, the article needs to fit snugly around the waist and legs of the wearer.

[0003] Manufacturers often use extensible regions, such as elastic side panels (i.e., ears), in articles to help achieve a comfortable fit. When worn, the elastic ears allow the article to stretch around the wearer's hips and waist, securing the product in place while allowing for comfortable movement. A fastening system is typically bonded to the ears to further secure the product around the wearer. Elastic ears are typically a laminate of a covering material (e.g., a nonwoven) and an elastomeric material.

[0004] It has been proposed to create stretch laminates using ultrasonic bonding. In such cases, a stretchable elastomeric material is combined with a nonwoven via ultrasonic bonding. After combination, the nonwoven forms corrugations when the laminate is in a relaxed state. These laminates can produce highly stretchable ears (depending on the level of stretch imparted in the elastomeric material) while avoiding the use of adhesives and mechanical activation. While ultrasonically bonded laminates can provide desirable stretch, some configurations are known to provide lower bond strength. If the ears lack the necessary strength, the ear components and / or the entire ear laminate may tear or delaminate, potentially causing fasteners to detach from the ears and / or the ears to separate from the rest of the article. Such damage can render the article unusable. Therefore, a suitably high bond strength is necessary. Similarly, it is important to balance such strength with the required extensibility and fit. In other words, the number and positioning of bonds must not hinder stretchability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, there remains a need for laminates that provide both sufficient strength and sufficient extensibility. There is a continuing need for stretch laminates with improved patterns that provide suitable strength to prevent delamination and / or tearing. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for patterns that provide high extensibility to allow easy stretching by the end user. There is also a need for bond patterns that can be used to create desired properties in a cost-effective and efficient manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention includes the features of the independent claims herein. The absorbent article comprises a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region; a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a laminate. The laminate comprises elasticized regions disposed within ear features and / or waist features disposed in one of the first waist region or the second waist region. The laminate further comprises a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven, and an elastomeric material sandwiched between the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven in the elasticized regions. The laminate comprises a bonded region comprising a plurality of discrete bonds and a bond density of at least 4%, the bonded region at least partially overlapping the elastomeric material. The laminate further comprises an unload force of at least 0.90 N at 50% according to the Hysteresis Test Method herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a laminate according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a laminate according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bonding pattern according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bonding pattern according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic depiction of a prior art bonding pattern. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.The absorbent article is shown in a flat, uncontracted state. [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of absorbent pants according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 7B is an exemplary precursor structure of the pants of FIG. 7A in an open configuration laid flat and stretched laterally for elastically induced contraction. [Figure 8]1 is a photomicrograph of an exemplary bond pattern for demonstration of the test method procedure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an ear laminate for demonstration of a test method procedure, according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary bonding pattern. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary bonding pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a sample for use in the peel test method herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] "Elastic," "elastomeric," and "elastically extensible" refer to the ability of a material to stretch at least 100% without rupture or breakage at a given load in one of the directions according to the Hysteresis Test described herein, and for the elastic material or component to exhibit at least 70% recovery (i.e., have less than 30% set) when the load is removed. Stretchability, which may also be referred to as strain, percent strain, engineering strain, draw ratio, or elongation, as well as recovery and set, may each be measured by the Hysteresis Test described in more detail below. Materials that are not elastic are referred to as nonelastic.

[0009] "Extensible" means the ability to stretch or extend without rupture or breakage by at least 50% (substituting 50% strain for a specified 100% strain) per Step 2 of the Hysteresis Test herein.

[0010] "Disposable" in relation to absorbent articles means that the absorbent articles are generally 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 another environmentally friendly manner).

[0011] "Absorbent article" means a device that absorbs and contains bodily exudates, and more particularly, a device that is placed against or proximate 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 exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers or pant diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, and the like.

[0012] "Grid" refers to the arrangement of non-alternating bonds along a network of lines that intersect with each other to form a series of squares or rectangles. The bonds may be discrete or continuous.

[0013] "Disposed" means that an element is placed in a particular place or position.

[0014] "Bonded" means that an element is directly affixed to other elements by directly attaching the element to the other elements, and that an element is indirectly affixed to other elements by attaching the element to intermediate members that are in turn affixed to the other elements.

[0015] "Film" means a sheet-like material in which the length and width of the material significantly exceed (e.g., 10, 50, or even 1000 times) the thickness of the material. Films are typically liquid-impermeable, but may be configured to be breathable.

[0016] "Laminate" means two or more materials bonded together by any suitable method known in the art (e.g., adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or pressure bonding using unheated or heated patterned rolls).

[0017] "Longitudinal" means the direction along the length of a component, the longitudinal direction extending parallel to the component's largest linear dimension in the xy plane. In the absorbent articles described herein, the longitudinal direction extends substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to the opposing waist edge when the absorbent article is in a flat, uncontracted state, or from a waist edge to a crotch bottom when the article is folded in half.

[0018] "Lateral direction" generally means a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the absorbent articles described herein, the lateral direction extends substantially parallel from one side edge to the other.

[0019] "Nonwoven" means a porous fibrous material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers), such as from processes such as spunbonding, meltblown, airlaying, carding, co-forming, hydroentangling, etc. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern. Nonwovens may be liquid permeable or impermeable.

[0020] "Staggered" with respect to bonds means an arrangement of bonds in alternating positions such that bonds in adjacent laterally extending rows are offset by a lateral distance and / or bonds in adjacent longitudinally extending columns are offset by a longitudinal distance, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5 .

[0021] "Relaxed" means the state of an element, material, or component at rest, with substantially no external forces acting on the element other than gravity.

[0022] Laminate As shown in FIG. 1 , laminate 10 includes a first nonwoven 12 and an elastomeric layer 14. In various embodiments, the laminate includes a second nonwoven 16, with elastomeric layer 14 sandwiched between the first and second nonwovens. Additional layers may be included (e.g., additional nonwovens, nonelastic materials, elastic or extensible materials, etc.). In various embodiments, the laminate is elastomeric. One or more laminate layers are joined by a plurality of separate bonds 30, which may include ultrasonic bonds 32, as shown in FIG. 2 . Ultrasonic bonds may join the nonwoven layers through the elastomeric layer. Ultrasonic bonded laminates may be formed by processes and / or equipment disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 62 / 374,010 and 62 / 419,515.

[0023] Any suitable nonwoven fabric may be used in the laminate 10. Suitable nonwoven fabrics may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, or up to about 30 gsm, or up to about 22 gsm, or up to about 17 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 22 gsm, with ranges recited for each 1 gsm increment within the range. Suitable nonwoven fabrics include, but are not limited to, spunbond, spunlaid, meltblown, air-through bonded, spunmelt, solvent-spun, electrospun, carded, film-fibrillated, melt-film-fibrillated, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid staple fiber, and other nonwoven web materials formed partially or entirely from polymeric fibers as known in the art. In a non-limiting example, the nonwoven fabric comprises a meltblown layer. Additionally or alternatively, the nonwoven fabric may comprise a spunbond layer. In a non-limiting example, the nonwoven fabric comprises two or more spunbond layers. In a further non-limiting example, one or more of the nonwovens may have an SMS construction. Alternatively, one or more of the nonwovens in the ears may not have a meltblown layer. While meltblown layers have been found to enhance bonding in ears requiring adhesion (given that they inhibit the diffusion of adhesion through the porous nonwoven structure), meltblown layers often lack strength. In some embodiments, the nonwovens consist essentially of spunbond layers. In some non-limiting examples, both the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven comprise at least two spunbond layers, or three or more spunbond layers.

[0024] The nonwoven web may be formed primarily of polymeric fibers. In some embodiments, suitable nonwoven fibrous materials may include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, or specifically polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and / or blends thereof. In some embodiments, the fibers may be formed from PP / PE blends such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,266,392. The nonwoven fibers may be formed from or include components such as aliphatic polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides, or other biopolymers as additives or modifiers. Additional useful nonwoven fabrics, fiber compositions, fiber and nonwoven fabric formations, and related methods are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,645,569, 6,863,933, and 7,112,621, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 338,603, 10 / 338,610, and 13 / 005,237. The individual fibers of the nonwoven fabric layer may be monocomponent or multicomponent (including bicomponent). Multicomponent fibers can be bicomponent, for example, comprising various polymer components in a core and sheath arrangement or a side-by-side configuration. The individual components can include polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or copolymers thereof, or polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides, or other biopolymers. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric may comprise a blend of various fibers, for example, selected from the polymer fiber types listed above. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers may exhibit a spiral crimp having a helical shape. According to one example, the fibers can include bicomponent fibers, which are individual fibers, each comprising a different material, typically a first polymeric material and a second polymeric material. The use of side-by-side bicomponent fibers is believed to be beneficial for imparting a spiral crimp to the fibers.Examples of potentially suitable crimped or "crimped" bicomponent fibers and nonwovens formed therefrom are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,382,400, 5,418,045, 5,707,468, 6,454,989, 6,632,386, 5,622,772, and 7,291,239. For purposes of this specification, the use of nonwovens formed from bicomponent or multicomponent pleated fibers, such as those described in the immediately preceding patents and / or patent applications, may be desirable as one or both nonwoven layers because they can feel particularly soft to the touch (providing comfort to the wearer on the inside and an aesthetically pleasing appearance on the outside) and are generally quite flexible. In other non-limiting examples, the nonwoven need not have crimped fibers.

[0025] When laminate 10 includes more than one nonwoven, the nonwovens may have the same basis weight or different basis weights. Similarly, the nonwovens may have the same layer configuration (e.g., SSS) or different layer configurations (e.g., SMS).

[0026] The elastomeric layer 14 includes one or more elastomeric materials that provide elasticity to at least a portion of the layer 14. Non-limiting examples of elastomeric materials include films (e.g., polyurethane films, films derived from rubber and / or other polymeric materials), elastomeric coatings applied to another substrate (e.g., hot-melt elastomers, elastomeric adhesives, printed elastomers, or elastomers coextruded onto another substrate), elastomeric nonwovens, scrims, etc. Suitable elastomeric compositions include thermoplastic elastomers selected from the group consisting of styrenic block copolymers, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyetheramides, and combinations thereof. Suitable styrenic block copolymers may be diblock, triblock, tetrablock, or other multiblock copolymers having at least one styrenic block. Exemplary styrenic block copolymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene, etc. Commercially available styrenic block copolymers include KRATON (a styrenic block copolymer available from Kraton Chemical Company, Houston, TX), SEPTON (a styrenic block copolymer available from Kuraray America, Inc., New York, NY), and VECTOR (a styrenic block copolymer available from TSRC Dexco Chemical Company, Houston, TX). Additional suitable commercially available elastomers are ESTANE (a polyurethane available from Lubrizol, Inc., Ohio), PEBAX (a polyether-based block amide available from Arkema Chemicals, Philadelphia, PA), and HYTREL (a polyester available from DuPont, Wilmington, DE).

[0027] Semicrystalline polyolefins or metallocene polyolefins are widely used in disposable absorbent products. It is well known that their performance depends on the amount of crystallinity. The crystallinity decreases with decreasing stereoregularity, and the material exhibits more elastic behavior. Many methods are known for controlling crystallinity, such as by introducing stereoirregularity or by introducing comonomers. Some homopolyolefins and random copolymers, as well as blends of such random copolymers, known by the trade names VISTAMAXX™ available from ExxonMobil and VERSIFY™ available from DOW, are synthesized based on this principle and tend to exhibit elastic performance. Polyolefin elastomeric materials useful herein include, but are not limited to, any polymer or copolymer of polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Suitable examples of elastomeric polypropylene include elastic random poly(propylene / olefin) copolymers, isotactic polypropylene containing stereoirregularity, isotactic / atactic polypropylene block copolymers, isotactic polypropylene / random poly(propylene / olefin) copolymer block copolymers, stereoblock elastic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene block poly(ethylene-co-propylene) block syndiotactic polypropylene triblock copolymers, isotactic polypropylene block regioregular polypropylene block isotactic polypropylene triblock copolymers, polyethylene random (ethylene / olefin) copolymer block copolymers, reactor blend polypropylene, very low density polypropylene (or equivalently, ultra-low density polypropylene), metallocene polypropylene, and blends or combinations thereof. Suitable polypropylene polymers containing crystalline isotactic blocks and amorphous atactic blocks are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,559,262, 6,518,378, and 6,169,151.Suitable isotactic polypropylenes with stereoirregularity along the polymer chain are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,555,643 and EP 1 256 594 A1. Suitable examples include elastomeric random copolymers containing propylene with low concentrations of comonomers (e.g., ethylene or higher α-olefins) incorporated into the backbone. Elastic polyethylene can be prepared similarly to the elastic polypropylene example and can be used to prepare the elastic laminates of the present invention.

[0028] In some embodiments, two or more elastomers may be blended to achieve the desired elastic performance. For example, a styrenic block copolymer may be blended with a polyolefin elastomer, or a polypropylene elastomer may be blended with another polyolefin elastomer. The elastomeric composition of the present invention may include one or more additives commonly used in the art to tailor the composition for a particular application.

[0029] In a non-limiting example, elastomeric layer 14 comprises a film 15. The film may include a single layer or multiple layers. The film may be extensible or elastic in the transverse and / or longitudinal directions. The film may be pre-activated prior to bonding, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,533,067.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the elastomeric layer may be shorter than the laminate itself in one or more dimensions. For example, the elastomeric layer may include a first dimension Y, where Y may be at least 10 mm less than the dimension W of the laminate in the same direction. In certain embodiments, Y is at least about 20% of W, or about 25% to about 100%, or about 35% to about 85%, or up to about 80%, with each range recited in 5% increments within this range. Additionally or alternatively, the elastomeric layer may have dimensions equal to one or more dimensions of the laminate. For example, the elastomeric layer may include a longitudinal length that is substantially the same across the entire lateral width of the elastomeric layer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer may have a basis weight of about 5 to about 150 gsm, or about 10 to about 100 gsm, or less than about 150 gsm, with each range recited in 5 gsm increments within this range.

[0031] The laminate 10 may include elastic regions 18. The elastic regions 18 are generally defined by the periphery of the elastomeric material 14. The elastic regions 18 may include corrugated regions 141 where the nonwoven layer(s) form gathers when the laminate is in a relaxed state, as described below. The laminate may also include dead zones 140, which are non-corrugated portions that include an elastomeric layer. The dead zones 140 may be formed on one or more edges of the elastomeric layer 14, where the elastic layer was retained during the laminate manufacturing process. For illustration purposes, the dead zones are separated from the corrugated regions by an imaginary line DZ (which need not be a straight line). It should be understood that non-corrugated means are substantially free of corrugations, and slight corrugations may be present within the dead zones 140, but this does not contribute to overall functionality.

[0032] The laminate is elastically extensible in the elastic zones 18. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the elastic zones comprises at least about 20%, or from about 30% to about 100%, or up to about 80% of the total area of ​​the laminate, with the ranges recited in 5% increments within this range.

[0033] The laminate may further comprise one or more inelastic regions. In certain embodiments, the laminate 10 comprises a first inelastic region 20 extending laterally outward from the first laminate edge 9 of the laminate to the edge 17 of the first elastomeric material. The ear may further include a second inelastic region 22, which may extend laterally inward from the second laminate edge 11 to the edge 19 of the second elastomeric material. The first and second inelastic regions may be made of the same material(s) or may be made of different materials.

[0034] In various embodiments, the laminate 10 includes a gathered laminate 24 in which one of the layers distorts more than the remaining layers during lamination. Thus, the low-extensibility layers (i.e., nonwovens 12, 16) may form gathers (i.e., corrugations) when the laminate 24 is in a relaxed state. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elastomeric layers distort while the nonwoven(s) are in a relaxed state during lamination. The elastomeric layers may be stretched in one or more directions. Corrugations then form in the nonwoven layer(s) in the elasticized region when the subsequently formed laminate 24 is in a relaxed state. When preparing the laminated laminate, the elastomeric layers are stretched in the direction of stretch (i.e., the intended direction of stretch in the final product). The stretch direction may be the transverse and / or longitudinal direction. In a non-limiting example, the elastomeric layers are stretched in a direction corresponding to the transverse direction of the article. In other words, the laminate may be oriented such that when the laminate is joined to a chassis after lamination, the laminate is stretchable in the transverse direction of the article. As previously mentioned, during the formation of the laminate, the elastomeric layer 14 may be secured at one or more edges and stretched at other portions, which may become dead zones 140 in the assembled laminate.

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, two or more laminate layers are joined by one or more bond regions 40. The bond regions include a plurality of separate bonds 30, which may be ultrasonic bonds 32. The ultrasonic bonds may join the nonwoven layers through the elastomeric layers. The bonds may be rectangular or square. The separate bonds 30 are at least about 0.25 mm apart as determined by the Bond Size Test Method herein. 2 , or at least about 0.3 mm 2 , or at least about 0.35 mm 2 , or about 0.2 mm 2 ~approximately 2mm 2 and for the range, within this range, 0.05 mm 2 The joining nubs used to form the joints shall be at least about 0.25 mm. 2 , 0.36mm 2 , or at least about 0.49 mm 2 , or at least about 0.5 mm 2 , or about 0.4 mm 2 ~approximately 2mm 2 The range may be 0.05 mm. 2 Each item is listed below.

[0036] The bonds may be arranged in a pattern 34. The pattern 34 may include a grid 36 having parallel rows 310 and parallel columns 312, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. The rows may extend substantially laterally and the columns may extend substantially longitudinally. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that arranging the bonds in a uniform pattern (as opposed to randomly arranged bonds) ensures suitable tensile strength as well as desired stretch properties. In various non-limiting examples, the pattern may be non-staggered, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. In other non-limiting examples, the pattern may be staggered.

[0037] The bonds in adjacent extending rows have a maximum longitudinal separation distance D of about 6 mm or less, or about 5 mm or less, or about 4 mm or less, or about 2 mm to about 6 mm. AThe bonds in adjacent extending rows may have a maximum lateral separation distance D of about 4 mm or less, or about 3 mm or less, or about 2.5 mm or less, or about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm. B and the range is recited for increments of 0.05 mm within the range. The foregoing separation distances may be determined by the Bond Dimensions Test Method herein.

[0038] The bond regions 40 may comprise a bond density of at least about 2.5%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or about 4.25%, or about 3% to about 6%, as determined by the Bond Dimension Test Method herein, with ranges recited in 0.1% increments within the range. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the bond density values ​​herein ensure suitable tensile strength without significantly reducing the laminate's extensibility, more specifically, extensibility at peak loads. While increased bonding is known to attenuate the effect of extensibility, the inventors have found that bond regions arranged as taught herein do not significantly impede extensibility despite the greater amount of adhesion.

[0039] In addition to the above, even with high bond densities, the laminate may comprise an unload force of at least about 0.9 N, or at least about 0.95 N, or at least about 1 N, or at least about 1.05 N, or about 0.75 N to about 1.25 N at 50%, with ranges recited in 0.05 N increments within this range, as determined by the Hysteresis Test Method herein. The laminate may comprise a force relaxation of at least about 15%, or at least about 16%, or at least 20%, or about 15% to about 35%, with ranges recited in 1% increments within this range, as determined by the Hysteresis Test Method herein.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the laminates of the present invention may have a hysteresis ratio of at least about 1.75, or at least about 2, or from about 1.5 to about 3, as determined by the Hysteresis Test Method herein, with ranges recited in 0.1 increments within the range. Thus, the laminates exhibit high elasticity. When incorporated into absorbent articles, laminates with the hysteresis ratios of the present invention have a balance of extensibility with strength. The laminates of the present invention can be easy to apply (e.g., after application, the elastic ears relax, allowing the product to fit snugly to the wearer) while still having sufficient ability to withstand forces during wear.

[0041] The laminate, or more specifically, bonded region 40, may have an elongation at 0.5 N of at least about 5%, or at least about 5.5%, or at least about 5.75%, or at least about 5.8%, or about 5% to about 6.5%, with ranges recited in 0.1 increments within this range. The laminate, or more specifically, bonded region 40, may have an elongation at 1.5 N of at least about 20%, or at least about 21%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 26%, or about 20% to about 30%, or about 21% to about 28%, with each range recited in 1% increments within this range. The laminate, or more specifically, bonded region 40, may have an elongation at a load of 3.0 N of at least about 100%, or at least about 105%, or at least about 110%, or at least about 115%, or from about 100% to about 130%, or from about 105% to 125%, with each range being recited in 1% increments within this range. The laminate, or more specifically, bonded region 40, may include a peak load of at least about 7 N / cm, or at least about 7.5 N / cm, or at least about 8 N / cm, or at least about 8.5 N / cm, or at least about 8.75 N / cm, or from about 7 N / cm to about 10 N / cm, or from about 7.5 N / cm to about 9.5 N / cm, or from about 8 N / cm to about 9 N / cm, with each range being recited in 0.5 N / cm increments within this range. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate, or more specifically, the bonded region 40, may have an elongation at peak of at least about 250%, or at least about 300%, or at least about 325%, or at least about 350%, or at least about 375%, or at least about 400%, or about 200% to about 400%, or about 300% to about 400%, or about 325% to about 390%, with each range listed in 5% increments within this range. The elongation and load values ​​may be determined by the tensile testing method described herein. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the aforementioned elongation and load values, alone or in combination, indicate high resistance to tearing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the laminate may include a second bond region 42 as shown in FIG. 4. The second bond region 42 may include a second bond density that may be different from the first bond density. In non-limiting examples, the second bond density is less than the first bond density. The second bond density may be at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, or about 20% to about 75%, or about 30% to about 60%, or about 40% to about 55% greater than the first bond density, with ranges recited in 5% increments within the range. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation to determine the bond density difference is: [(first bond density - second bond density) / first bond density]. * 100% = difference in bond density.

[0043] The first bonded region and the second bonded region may each include an average region width as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the average width W of the first region FR is the average width of the second region W SR In a non-limiting example, the average width W of the first region may be less than FR is the average width of the second region W SR The range may be at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or about 10% to about 70%, or about 15% to about 60%, or about 20% to about 50%, or about 25% to about 45%, with ranges recited in 1% increments within the range. Thus, the laminate may be bonded with sufficient bond density along one or more edges to ensure suitable strength and / or prevent film creep. In non-limiting examples, the first bonded region may have a higher bond density, and the region may extend across the dead zone and into a region of the laminate that is free or substantially free of elastomeric material (i.e., the non-elastic region 20 described above). The first bonded region may bridge the interface between a region of the laminate having an elastomeric layer and a region of the laminate having only a nonwoven layer. In some examples, the average width WFR of the first region may be generally evenly distributed across the dead zone and across the non-elastic region.

[0044] The second bond region 42 may at least partially overlap the stretch region 18. In a non-limiting example, the second bond region 42 at least partially overlaps the corrugated region 141, and the first bond region at least partially overlaps the dead zone 140, as shown in FIG. 4. In such a case, the dead zone may be bonded by a denser bond pattern, which may prevent creep of the film. It is also contemplated that the second bond region 42 may at least partially overlap the dead zone and / or the first bond region may at least partially overlap the corrugated region. Any suitable configuration of bond regions is within scope.

[0045] The second bond regions may differ from the first bond regions in bond density, pattern, separate bond regions, bond type / material, bond geometry, bond orientation, or combinations thereof. In a non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 4, the second bond regions 42 may be staggered and the first bond regions 40 may include a grid pattern.

[0046] The laminate may also include a third bond region 43 which may be the same as or different from the first or second bond region.

[0047] In addition to the above, the laminate may have an average peel force in the dead zone 140 of at least 50 gf / cm, or at least about 60 gf / cm, or at least about 70 gf / cm, or at least about 75 gf / cm, or at least about 90 gf / cm, or about 30 gf / cm to about 100 gf / cm, or about 45 gf / cm to about 95 gf / cm, with each range recited in 5 gf / cm increments within this range. The laminate may have an average peel force in the corrugated region of at least about 70 gf / cm, or at least about 75 gf / cm, or at least about 80 gf / cm, or at least about 100 gf / cm, or at least 125 gf / cm, or at least 130 gf / cm, or about 70 gf / cm to about 150 gf / cm, or about 75 gf / cm to about 135 gf / cm, with the ranges recited in 5 gf / cm increments within this range. Specifically, in bonded areas having at least 5% bond density, the average peel force may be at least about 100 gf / cm, or at least about 125 gf / cm, or at least about 130 gf / cm, or from about 100 gf / cm to about 150 gf / cm, or from about 120 gf / cm to about 140 gf / cm, or from about 125 gf / cm to about 135 gf / cm, with ranges recited for 1 gf / cm increments within the range. Average peel force values ​​may be determined by the peel force test method described herein. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that patterns having the bond density values ​​described herein provide better peel force due to the greater contact surface area of ​​the bonds during peel. In other words, the positioning, number, and / or area of ​​the bonds results in a greater surface area being peeled during peel.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the elastomeric laminate 10 has an air permeability of at least about 1 mm according to the air permeability test method herein. 3 / m 2 / min, or approximately 1m 3 / m 2 / min ~ approx. 125m 3 / m 2 / min, or approximately 1m 3 / m 2 / min ~ approx. 35m 3 / m 2per minute, and for each range, the air permeability value may be 1 m 3 / m 2 Enumerate in / minute increments.

[0049] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the above bond regions are particularly useful at high production speeds and volumes, including, for example, line speeds of at least 200 m / min and / or bond forces of at least 700 N. [Example]

[0050] The following laminate examples demonstrate the properties of the invention herein. Four exemplary laminates are used to show the performance of gathered laminates containing the three patterns of Figures 3, 4, and 5.

[0051] Example 1 includes a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven, and an elastomeric film sandwiched between the first and second nonwovens. Each of the first and second nonwovens is 17 gsm SMS available from Fibertex, Denmark under the trade name B10170AF. The elastomeric film is KG6707.130 available from Mondi, Germany, and has a basis weight of 48 gsm. Before combining the films, a ring roll was run. The film contained a width of 43 mm in its relaxed state. The film was stretched to 195% strain (i.e., 28.5 mm stretched to approximately 84.3 mm, with a dead (unstretched) zone of approximately 7.25 mm on each side). In the stretched state, the setting resulted in a width of approximately 1.6 mm. The film was stretched as described, but the first and second nonwovens were ultrasonically bonded through the film using the bonding pattern shown in Figure 4. In the corrugated region, the pattern is staggered and the bond density is 2.02%. A is 4.65 mm, and D B is 7.37 mm. In the dead zone, the pattern is a grating, the bonding density is 4.25%, and D A is 3.76 mm, and D B Each separation joint is 0.49 mm2 The dead zones were formed with square nubs having an area of ​​0.05 mm. Example 1 illustrates the structure and performance of the corrugated areas of Figures 4 and 5. The dead zones of Figure 4 are described in Example 3 to provide sufficient size for testing. The dead zones of Figure 5 are described in Example 4 to provide sufficient size for testing.

[0052] Example 2 includes a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven, and an elastomeric film sandwiched between the first and second nonwovens. The first and second nonwovens are each 17 gsm SMS available from Fibertex, Denmark under the trade name B10170AF. The elastomeric film is KG6707.130 available from Mondi, Germany, and has a basis weight of 48 gsm. Before combining the films, a ring roll was run. The film included a width of 44 mm in its relaxed state. The film was stretched to 216% strain (i.e., 26.5 mm stretched to approximately 84 mm, with a dead (unstretched) zone of approximately 8.75 mm on each side). In that stretched state, the setting resulted in a width extension of approximately 1.3 mm for the film. The film was stretched as described, but the first and second nonwovens were ultrasonically bonded through the film using the bonding pattern shown in Figure 3. The pattern is a lattice, the bond density is 4.25%, and D A is 3.76 mm, and D B Each separation joint is 0.49 mm 2 Example 2 illustrates the construction and performance of the corrugated region of Figure 3. The dead zone of Figure 3 is described in Example 3 to provide a sufficient size for testing.

[0053] Example 3 includes a first nonwoven fabric, a second nonwoven fabric, and an elastomeric film sandwiched between the first and second nonwoven fabrics. Each of the first and second nonwoven fabrics is a 17 gsm SMS available from Fibertex, Denmark under the trade name B10170AF. The elastomeric film is KG6707.140 available from Mondi, Germany, and has a basis weight of 48 gsm. Prior to combining the films, a ring roll was run. While the films were in a relaxed state as described, the first and second nonwoven fabrics were ultrasonically bonded through the films using the bonding pattern shown in Figure 3. The pattern was a grid, with a bond density of 4.25%, D A is 3.76 mm, and D B is 2.14 mm. Example 3 shows the structure and performance of the dead zone in FIGS.

[0054] Example 4 includes a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven, and an elastomeric film sandwiched between the first and second nonwovens. Each of the first and second nonwovens is 17 gsm SMS available from Fibertex, Denmark under the trade name B10170AF. The elastomeric film is KG6707.130 available from Mondi, Germany, and has a basis weight of 48 gsm. Before combining the films, a ring roll is run. The film comprises a width of 50 mm in a relaxed state. While the film was in a relaxed state as described, the first and second nonwovens were ultrasonically bonded through the film using the bonding pattern shown in Figure 5. The pattern is staggered, and the bond density is 2.02%. Furthermore, D A is 4.65 mm, and D B is 7.37 mm. The example shows the structure and performance of the dead zone in FIG.

[0055] Table 1 below summarizes the patterns and stacks tested from which the following data was derived.

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] Table 2 shows the tensile values ​​in the corrugated region for the three pattern options. As can be seen, the denser patterns showed better elongation under different degrees of force.

[0058] [Table 2]

[0059] Table 3 shows the hysteresis values ​​in the waveform region for the three pattern options. As can be seen, the higher density patterns exhibit substantially equivalent hysteresis performance to the lower density patterns, despite the increased amount of coupling.

[0060] [Table 3]

[0061] Table 4 shows the average peel force values ​​in the corrugated areas and the dead zones for the three pattern options. As can be seen, the denser pattern provides improved peel strength in both the corrugated areas and the dead zones. This not only reduces delamination and tearing, but the improved peel strength in the dead zones also reduces creep of the film during product use.

[0062] [Table 4]

[0063] Articles containing laminates The laminate 10 of the present invention may be incorporated into an absorbent article 100, such as a disposable absorbent article. The laminate may be attached to one or more layers of a chassis 120 by chassis attachment bonds 102. The chassis attachment bonds may include ultrasonic bonds, adhesive bonds, mechanical bonds, or combinations thereof.

[0064] 6 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent article 100 of the present invention in a flat, uncontracted state. The body-facing surface 115 of the absorbent article 100 faces towards you. The absorbent article 100 includes a longitudinal centerline 105 and a lateral centerline 110.

[0065] The absorbent article 100 comprises a chassis 120. The absorbent article 100 and chassis 120 are shown as having a first waist region 114, a second waist region 118 opposite the first waist region 114, and a crotch region 116 located between the first waist region 114 and the second waist region 118. The waist region 114 and the waist region 118 generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article that encircle the waist of the wearer when worn. The waist region 114 and the waist region 118 may include elastic members 155 that gather around the waist of the wearer to improve fit and containment. The crotch region 116 is the portion of the absorbent article that is generally positioned between the legs of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

[0066] The outer periphery of the chassis 120 is defined by longitudinal edges 112 and waist edges (i.e., a first waist edge 113 in the first waist region 114 and a second waist edge 119 in the second waist region 118). The chassis 120 may have opposing longitudinal edges 112 oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 105. However, for better fit, the longitudinal edges 112 may be curved or angled to create an "hourglass" shaped article when viewed in plan view, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. The chassis 120 may have opposing lateral edges 113, 119 (i.e., the first waist edge 113 and the second waist edge 119) oriented generally parallel to the lateral centerline 110.

[0067] The chassis 120 may comprise a liquid pervious topsheet 124, a backsheet 126, and an absorbent core 128 between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126. The topsheet 124 may be joined to the core 128 and / or the backsheet 126. The backsheet 126 may be joined to the core 128 and / or the topsheet 124. It should be recognized that other structures, elements, or substrates may be positioned between the core 128 and the topsheet 124 and / or between the core 128 and the backsheet 126. In some embodiments, an acquisition distribution system 127 is disposed between the topsheet 126 and the absorbent core 128.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the chassis 120, along with other features added to form a composite absorbent article structure, provides the primary structure of the absorbent article 100. The topsheet 124, backsheet 126, and absorbent core 128 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, although absorbent article constructions are generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,860,003, 5,151,092, 5,221,274, 5,554,145, 5,569,234, 5,580,411, and 6,004,306.

[0069] Components of disposable absorbent articles can be at least partially composed of biosourced content, as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007 / 0219521 (A1), 2011 / 0139658 (A1), 2011 / 0139657 (A1), 2011 / 0152812 (A1), and 2011 / 0139659 (A1), including, but not limited to, topsheets, backsheet films, backsheet nonwovens, ear / ear laminates, leg gasket systems, superabsorbents, acquisition layers, core wrap materials, adhesives, fastening systems, and landing zones. In at least one embodiment, the disposable absorbent article component comprises a biobased content value of about 10% to about 100%, or about 25% to about 75%, or about 50% to about 60%, using ASTM D6866-10, Method B. To determine the biobased content of any component using the ASTM D6866-10 methodology, a representative sample of the component must be obtained for testing. In at least one embodiment, the disposable absorbent article component can be ground to fine particles of less than about 20 mesh using well-known grinding methods (e.g., a Wiley® mill), and a representative sample of a suitable mass can be removed from the randomly mixed particles.

[0070] One or more masking layers or materials may be provided within the absorbent article 100. The masking layer may be a layer that provides cushioning when the absorbent article is touched from the garment-facing or wearer-facing surface. The masking layer may "mask" any roughness that may be caused by the absorbent material. The masking layer may "hide" the visibility of bodily waste when viewing the wearer-facing or garment-facing surface. The masking layer may have a basis weight ranging from about 15 gsm to about 50 gsm or from about 15 gsm to about 40 gsm. The masking layer may comprise one or more nonwoven materials (e.g., hydroentangled nonwoven materials), foams, pulp layers, and / or other suitable materials. The masking layer may be the outer cover material of the backsheet. The masking layer may be a layer that forms the garment-facing or wearer-facing side of the core wrap. The masking layer may be a separate material positioned intermediate the garment-facing surface of the core and the liquid-impermeable backsheet.

[0071] The laminate 10 of the present invention forms or is part of one or more components of an article, including, but not limited to, ears, waist features, belts, and combinations thereof.

[0072] Topsheet: The topsheet 124 is generally the portion of the absorbent article 100 that at least partially contacts or may be positioned more proximal to the wearer. Suitable topsheets 124 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 124 is generally supple, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 124 is liquid pervious, allowing liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. The topsheet 124 may be apertured. The topsheet may be apertured by overbonding the material and then ring-rolling to break the overbonds, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097.

[0073] 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, there will typically be holes present to allow bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet.

[0074] Absorbent core: The absorbent core 128 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp, commonly referred to as airfelt crepe paper batting; meltblown polymers, including coform; chemically stiffened, modified, or crosslinked cellulose fibers; tissue, including tissue wrappers and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other absorbent material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose-free, contains less than 10% by weight cellulose fibers, less than 5% by weight cellulose fibers, less than 1% by weight cellulose fibers, trace amounts of cellulose fibers, or no cellulose fibers. It should be understood that trace amounts of cellulosic material do not substantially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility, and absorbency of the substantially cellulose-free portion of the absorbent core. Among other advantages, when at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially free of cellulose, this portion of the absorbent core is believed to be significantly thinner and more flexible than a similar absorbent core containing more than 10% by weight of cellulose fibers. The amount of absorbent material, e.g., absorbent particulate polymer material, present in the absorbent core may vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent core in an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% by weight of the core. In some embodiments, the absorbent core may comprise one or more channels 129, which are substantially free of absorbent particulate polymer material. The channels 129 may extend in the longitudinal or transverse direction. The absorbent core may further comprise two or more channels. The channels may be straight, curved, angled, or any operable combination thereof. In a non-limiting example, two channels are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis.

[0075] Backsheet: The backsheet 126 is generally positioned so as to be at least a portion of the garment facing the surface of the absorbent article 100. The backsheet 126 may be joined to a portion of the topsheet 124, 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 126 may be designed to prevent bodily exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent article 100 from soiling articles that may come into contact with the absorbent article 100, such as bed sheets and undergarments. In certain embodiments, the backsheet 126 is substantially water-impermeable. The backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of 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.

[0076] The backsheet 126 may also be comprised of two or more layers. The backsheet 126 may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover material may include bond patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material may be a nonwoven material, such as a hydroentangled nonwoven material.

[0077] Ears / fasteners: The absorbent article 100 may include one or more ears 130, including, for example, a front ear 132 located in a first waist region and / or a back ear 134 located in a second waist region. The ears 130 may be integral with the chassis or may be separate elements joined to the chassis 120 at chassis attachment bonds 102 that may join one or more layers of the ear to the chassis. The ears 130 may be extensible or elastic. The ears 130 may be formed from one or more nonwoven webs, woven webs, knit fabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges, foams, scrims, or any combinations and / or laminates thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ears 130 may comprise an elastomer, which makes the ears stretchable. In certain embodiments, the ears 130 may be formed from a stretch laminate, such as a nonwoven / elastomeric laminate or a nonwoven / elastomeric / nonwoven laminate, which also makes the ears stretchable. The ears 120 may be stretchable in the cross direction of the article. In some embodiments, the ears are elastic in the cross direction. In further embodiments, the ears 130 may stretch more in the cross direction than in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the ears may stretch more in the longitudinal direction than in the cross direction. In one specific, non-limiting example, the ears may include one or more inelastic regions along with separate elastic regions.

[0079] In some embodiments, the ears comprise a laminate of one or more nonwovens and one or more elastic materials, such as laminate 10 having any of the features or laminate layers described herein for the laminates of the present invention.

[0080] Any suitable nonwoven may be used in the ears 130. Suitable nonwovens may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, or at least about 22 gsm, or up to about 17 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 17 gsm, with ranges recited for increments within the range. When the ears 130 include two or more nonwovens, the nonwovens may have the same or different basis weights. Similarly, the nonwovens may have the same layer configuration or different layer structures. Furthermore, the nonwovens in the ears may include nonwovens with the same or different features in the backsheet, topsheet, leg gasket system, and / or waist feature.

[0081] The ears may comprise ultrasonically bonded ears, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 674,559. The ears may be gathered laminate 24. The ears may be activated by processes disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0082418, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,167,897, 5,993,432, 5,156,793, 5,167,897, 7,062,983, and 6,843,134.

[0082] The ears may be joined to the chassis at chassis attachment bonds 102. In some non-limiting examples, the chassis attachment bonds are located in inelastic regions of the ears.

[0083] The absorbent article 100 may also include a fastening system 148, which when fastened, interconnects the first waist region 116 and the rear waist region 118, creating a waist circumference that can encircle the wearer while the absorbent article 100 is being worn. The fastening system 148 may comprise fastening elements 150, such as, for example, tape tabs, hook-and-loop fastening components, interengaging fasteners such as tabs and slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and / or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known fastening means is generally acceptable. The absorbent article may further comprise landing zones where the fastening elements can be engaged and / or release tapes that protect the fastening elements from insults prior to use. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,848,594, 4,662,875, 4,846,815, 4,894,060, 4,946,527, 5,151,092, and 5,221,274. An exemplary interengaging fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,432,098. In some embodiments, the fastening system 148 and / or the element 150 are foldable.

[0084] The fastening system 148 may be joined by any suitable means to any suitable portion of the article 100. The fastening system may be joined to the ears between layers.

[0085] Leg Gasket System The absorbent article 100 may include a leg gasketing system 170 attached to the chassis 120, which may include one or more cuffs. The leg gasketing system may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs 172. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a single piece of material bonded to the absorbent article, thereby extending upward from the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article and may provide improved containment of fluids and other bodily exudates near the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The barrier leg cuffs are bounded by a proximal edge that is joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet 124 and / or backsheet 126, and a free edge 175 that is intended to contact the wearer's skin and form a seal. In some embodiments, the free edge 175 comprises a folded edge. The barrier leg cuffs 172 extend at least partially between the front waist edge 113 and the back waist edge 119 of the absorbent article on either side of the longitudinal centerline 105 and are at least in the crotch region. The barrier leg cuffs may be joined to the chassis of the article at their proximal edges by a bond which may be achieved by a combination of adhesive, melt bonding, or other suitable joining processes.

[0086] The barrier leg cuffs may be integral with the topsheet 124 or backsheet 126, or may be separate materials joined to the chassis of the article. Each barrier leg cuff 172 may include one, two, or more elastic elements 155 adjacent its free edge 175 to provide a better seal.

[0087] In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 172, the article may comprise gasket cuffs 176 joined to the chassis of the absorbent article, particularly the topsheet 124 and / or backsheet 126, and positioned externally relative to the barrier leg cuffs 172. The gasket cuffs 176 may provide a better seal around the wearer's thighs. The gasket cuffs may comprise a proximal edge and a free edge 177. The free edge 177 may comprise a folded edge. Each gasket cuff may comprise one or more elastic elements 155 in the chassis of the absorbent article between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126 in the region of the leg openings. All or a portion of the barrier leg cuffs and / or gasket cuffs may be treated with a lotion or another skin care composition.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the leg gasketing system comprises a barrier leg cuff integrated with the gasket cuff. Suitable leg gasketing systems that may be part of the absorbent article are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62 / 134,622, 14 / 077,708, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,939,957, 3,860,003, 7,435,243, and 8,062,279.

[0089] Elastic waist mechanism As shown in FIG. 6 , the absorbent article 100 may include at least one elastic waist feature 180 to help provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 180 is generally intended to stretch to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. Elastic waist features include a waistband, a waist cuff having a pocket formed from a portion of the waist feature 180 that is detached from the chassis 120, and a waist panel designed to fit securely around the wearer's abdomen. Non-limiting examples of elastic waist features are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13 / 490,543, 14 / 533,472, and 62 / 134,622. The waist feature 180 may be joined to the chassis 120 in the first waist region 114 and / or the second waist region 118. The waist feature may be used in conjunction with ears 130 to provide the desired stretch and flexibility to properly fit the article to the wearer. The waist feature may comprise a laminate 10 having any of the features described herein with respect to the laminate. The waist feature may be laterally and / or longitudinally extensible or elastic. In some embodiments, the waist feature 180 comprises a belt 220.

[0090] Adult or infant pants absorbent articles In some embodiments, the article 100 may include absorbent pants 200 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The absorbent pants may include a chassis 120, a belt 220 positioned around the waist of the wearer, and optional leg gasket systems 170. FIG. 7B shows an exemplary precursor structure to the pants of FIG. 7A in an open configuration laid flat and laterally stretched for elastically induced contraction. In final assembly of the pants, the front belt portion 222 is joined to the back belt portion 223 at seams 224, which may be permanent or refastenable. To form the pants 200, the precursor structure may be folded at or about the lateral centerline 110 with the topsheet 124 facing inward, and the longitudinal edges of the front 222 and back 223 belt portions joined at seams 224 to form a pant structure having leg openings, front waist edges, and back waist edges. In this manner, the pant 200 may be provided with a pre-formed continuous waist opening and pre-formed continuous leg openings for the wearer when the pant 200 is worn.

[0091] The front belt portion 222 and the back belt portion 223 may be the outermost structures that form the front and back regions of the pants 200. The pants may include an outer wrap 226 that encases the entire front, crotch, and back regions and forms the outermost pant-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the backsheet outer cover forms the outer wrap. The outer wrap 226 may be formed from one or more sections of a nonwoven web and, if desired, may be cut to a contour that provides a suitably adjusted edge contour of the leg openings.

[0092] The belt 220 may comprise the laminate 10 of the present invention having any of the features described above, including one or more nonwoven layers and one or more elastomeric layers. The laminate layers may be joined by ultrasonic bonding. The belt portion may comprise a gathered laminate.

[0093] According to some non-limiting examples, the nonwoven fabric used in the belt portions may include materials that provide good recovery when external pressure is applied and then removed.

[0094] The elastomeric layer of a waist feature, such as a belt portion, may include one or more elastic members 155. The elastic members 155 may be elastomeric fibers, such as LYCRA® fiber available from INVISTA (Wichita, KS), in various decitex levels. The elastic members 155 may also include any heat-shrinkable elastic material known in the art. Other suitable elastics may be made from a variety of other materials, including, but not limited to, rubber, styrene ethyl butylene styrene, styrene ethylene propylene styrene, styrene ethylene propylene styrene, styrene butadiene styrene, styrene isoprene styrene, polyolefin elastomers, elastomeric polyurethanes, and other elastomeric materials known in the art, as well as combinations thereof. In some non-limiting examples, the elastic members may be extruded strand elastics having any number of strands (or filaments). In some embodiments, the elastic members may have a decitex ranging from 50 to 2000, or any integer value for any decitex value within this range. Those skilled in the art can select an appropriate decitex based on the desired amount of shrinkage and other principles discussed herein. In a further embodiment, the elastic member can be in the form of a film. Examples of films are described in prior patent applications (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0040826). The film can be made using various resins combined in at least one of several sublayers, which provide different benefits to the film.

[0095] It should be noted that the elastic member 155 may take on a number of configurations: for example, the width may vary, a single strand or multiple parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material may be used, various shapes may be used including straight and curved, or various cross-sectional shapes may be used (circular, rectangular, square, etc.).

[0096] The layers of the waist feature (e.g., belt portion) and / or chassis 120 may be joined together around the elastic strands 155 by adhesive deposited between the layers, by thermal bonding, by crimping, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elastic members may be strips or sections of film formed from an elastomeric material. When the elastic members are elongated, it may be desirable for the strands 155 to be oriented with their longer dimension in the transverse direction, or even substantially aligned in the transverse direction, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7B.

[0097] Other configurations of the belt portion or waist feature may include at least 3 waist elastic members, at least 5 elastic members, at least 10 waist elastic members, or at least 15 waist elastic members, or from about 2 to about 35 waist elastic members, or from about 5 to about 25 waist elastic members, with each range being recited in increments within the range.

[0098] In one embodiment, adjacent elastic members 155 are spaced from one edge of the member to the other edge of the member by a longitudinal distance of at least 3.5 mm, optionally at least 4 mm, optionally at least 4.5 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, optionally at least 5.5 mm, optionally at least 6 mm, optionally at least 6.5 mm, optionally at least 7 mm, optionally at least The elastic members may be spaced apart at a longitudinal distance of 7.5 mm, optionally at least 8 mm, optionally at least 8.5 mm, optionally at least 9 mm, optionally at least 9.5 mm, optionally at least 10 mm, optionally at least 10.5 mm, optionally at least 11 mm, optionally at least 11.5 mm, and optionally at least 12 mm. The spacing between the elastic members may be the same or may vary along the longitudinal length of the waist feature. For example, the spacing between adjacent elastic members may be uniformly 7 mm, or may vary (i.e., two adjacent elastic members are 3 mm apart, two are 6.5 mm apart, etc.).

[0099] During manufacture of the waist feature, the elastic members 155 may be pre-strained by a desired amount for incorporation into the waist feature. Upon subsequent relaxation of the waist feature, the elastic members may contract laterally toward their unstrained length. This may gather the layers of the waist feature, forming wrinkles or creases generally having ridges and valleys extending in the z-direction across the length of the elastic members 155.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the corners of the front and / or rear belt portions may be cut, as suggested in FIG. 7B . The corners may be cut along a straight line or along a cut path that is curved, either concave or convex, relative to the remaining areas of the belt portions, as may be desired to create a particular curved leg edge profile. In conjunction with such cuts and the elastic strand configurations described above, it may be desirable to provide a bond between the layers along the edges of the respective belt portions 222, 223. Such a bond can help prevent any separation of the layers along the edges, which could contribute to an uneven appearance, and can also help efficiently pull the rear belt portions laterally inward toward the central chassis 120 under the contractile force of the elastic strands below the seam 224. The bond may be effected, for example, by mechanical bonding / crimping as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,854,984 and 4,919,738, by heat bonding or welding, or by the deposition of an adhesive between the layers. In a non-limiting example, such bonds may form a pattern along the edges, and may supplement any bonds between layers that generally hold the respective belt portions 222, 223 together as a laminate structure.

[0101] The side seams 224 may be permanent or refastenable. A permanent seam may be formed between the front and rear belt portions by any joining mechanism, which may not be forcibly separated without significant damage to one or both of the front and rear belt portions or without including a mechanism that can effect substantial reattachment or refastening. Joints that form permanent seams may include crimping, heat bonding / welding, ultrasonic bonding, or adhesive bonding. A refastenable seam may be formed between the front and rear belt portions by any mechanism configured to allow for substantially non-destructive forced separation of the front and rear belt portions and subsequent substantial reattachment or refastening in the same location. One example of such a mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastening system, e.g., a VELCRO fastening system. A hook component of suitable size and shape may be joined to one of the front or rear belt portions along its longitudinal edge at a location where they can engage together to form seam 224, and may be joined to the other of the front or rear belt portion along its longitudinal edge.

[0102] Test Method Joint Dimension Test Method A bond dimensional test is used to measure the bond density of laminates in various bonded areas. The bond dimensional test is performed on transmitted light microscopy images generated using a stereoscopic optical microscope (such as a Zeiss V20 Stereoscope) and an attached camera (such as a Carl Zeiss Axio Cam MRc5). Measurements are performed using a calibrated line rule or irregular area tool in Image Pro Plus software (Version 7.0.0.591, Media Cybernetics, USA) against a scale placed in the image as it was acquired. The accuracy of the scale generated by the microscope is verified against a ruler / caliper before the image and measurements are taken. For the purposes of this method, a bond is the intentional joining of two or more layers and any deformed areas that occur during the bonding process (e.g., reduced caliper at the bond site). It is recognized that in some cases, the deformed areas may contain one or more openings. A tear or slit in the elastomeric layer where no nonwoven is bonded is not considered a bond, as shown in Figure 8 where the bond 30 is a generally square area that substantially conforms to the shape of a nub. Sideways on the bond in Figure 8 are lighter areas that are film tears 300 where no nonwoven is bonded within the tear. Such tear areas 300 are not bonds or parts of bonds.

[0103] To measure the bond dimensions in the elastic regions, the laminate is fully stretched until any wrinkles or corrugations are flattened. Care must be taken to avoid overstretching the corrugated elastic regions, which will result in plastic deformation of the nonwoven or plastic substrate.

[0104] Sample collection 1. Uniform pattern area: To measure the bonding density of a bonding area with a uniform pattern, use a sample of at least 1 cm. 2 Cut a square sample of area 1 cm from the patterned bonded area of ​​the laminate. Care must be taken to avoid collecting or measuring samples from adjacent areas if they differ. 2If the square sample collection size is larger than the patterned area, use 1 cm 2 Collect a rectangular sample with an area of ​​1 cm, with the shorter dimension of the patterned area forming one side of the rectangle and the other being 1 cm. 2 is selected to be 2. Other Areas: To measure bond density in bonded areas that do not have a uniform pattern, identify multiple bonds of interest and outline the resulting perimeter as shown in Figure 9. Collect a sample by cutting along the perimeter. 3. The ear may be divided into three longitudinally extending regions such that the bond regions are indistinguishable: a first region having a width corresponding to the maximum width between the proximal edge of the ear and the edge of the chassis bond closest to the distal edge of the ear; a second region having a width corresponding to the maximum width between the distal edge and the edge of the fastener attachment bond closest to the proximal edge of the ear; and a third region having a width extending between the first and second regions. Each region may extend longitudinally relative to the length of the ear in its respective region and vary in length in the same manner as the length of the ear in its respective region.

[0105] A microscope and / or imaging software is used to measure bond dimensions and separation distances to within 0.01 mm. A total of five measurements are used to calculate the average separation distance (i.e., maximum lateral separation distance or maximum longitudinal separation distance). The maximum lateral separation distance is measured along a line parallel to the lateral axis between the farthest point on the first longitudinal bond edge 301 of the first bond 30A and the laterally closest first longitudinal bond edge 301 (i.e., the equivalent edge) of the second bond 30B, as shown in Figures 10A-10B. The maximum longitudinal separation distance is measured along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis between the farthest point on the first lateral bond edge 302 of the first bond 30A and the longitudinally closest first lateral bond edge 302 (i.e., the equivalent edge) of the second bond 30C. To the extent that the rows are not aligned with the cross direction of the article, the sample should be reoriented so that the rows are aligned with the cross direction of the article before measuring the cross separation distance.To the extent that the columns are not aligned with the long direction of the article, the sample should be reoriented so that the columns are aligned with the long direction of the article before measuring the long separation distance.

[0106] In areas without a regular pattern with rows, the lateral separation distance is measured between the furthest points on adjacent bonds along a line of 180°±10° in the lateral direction. The longest lateral separation distance on the sample is taken as the maximum lateral separation distance. In areas without a regular pattern with rows, the longitudinal separation distance is measured between the furthest points on adjacent bonds along a line of 180°±10° in the longitudinal direction. The longest longitudinal separation distance on the sample is taken as the maximum longitudinal separation distance.

[0107] The isolated bond area is measured using the irregular area tool 15 in Image Pro Plus software or an equivalent program by selecting only the light areas (as shown in Figure 8) and excluding the adjacent periphery, which appears as a darker grey scale. The average isolated bond area of ​​at least five bonds is calculated. The cohesive bond area is calculated as the area of ​​a 1 cm 2The binding density is the average isolated binding area multiplied by the number of bonds in the sample area (i.e., 1 cm). 2 The resulting bond density is calculated as 1 cm 2 Normalize to the sample area and report.

[0108] Tensile Test Method A suitable computer-interfaced tensile tester, such as an MTS Model Alliance RT / 1 with TestWorks4® software or equivalent, is used. The tensile tester is placed in a temperature-controlled room at 22°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 10% relative humidity. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The data acquisition rate is set to at least 50 Hz. The gripper used for the test is wider than the specimen. A 50.8 mm wide gripper may be used. The gripper is a pneumatic gripper with one flat and one opposing face designed to concentrate the total gripping force along a single line perpendicular to the direction of the test stress, with a semicircular projection (radius = 6 mm, e.g., part number 56-163-827 from MTS Systems Corp.) protruding from the opposing face to minimize specimen slippage, or an equivalent gripper. The load cell is selected so that the force being measured is between 10% and 90% of the capacity of the load cell used. The initial distance between the gripping force lines (gauge length) is set to 25.4 mm. The load measurement of the tool is zeroed to account for the mass of the fixture and gripper.

[0109] A sample measuring 50.8 mm (along the CD of the web, or along the intended stretch direction of the laminate) is cut from either the article component with the laminate, the component web (with the laminate therein), or the laminate web, down to a sample measuring 25.4 mm (along the MD of the web, or perpendicular to the intended stretch direction of the laminate). The sample is cut so that the stretch zone is centered and is at least 25.4 mm long in the CD, or in the intended stretch direction of the laminate. If a 50.8 mm long sample is not available, a sample as small as 32 mm in the CD or in the intended stretch direction can be used. The sample is attached to the jaws so that there is no slack and the measured load is between 0.00 N and 0.02 N. The sample is attached to the center of the jaws so that the stretch direction of the sample is parallel to the applied tensile stress. The sample is gripped so that the stretchable region covers the entire gauge length, i.e., the stretchable region starts at the top grip and runs to the end of the bottom grip.

[0110] The sample is stretched at 508 mm / min with a data acquisition rate of at least 50 Hz until the sample breaks, typically to a strain of >100%. The % strain is calculated from the length between the grip lines, L, and the initial gauge length, L, using the following formula:

[0111]

number

[0112] The sample is pulled until it bursts (i.e., the post-peak force response reaches a value less than 10% of the peak force). The break point is defined as the point at which the material breaks or bursts, and the force drops rapidly to a zero value.

[0113] The test is repeated on five separate samples, and the average and standard deviation of at least four samples is reported. If the recorded standard deviation is higher than 5%, a new set of five samples is tested. The average values ​​for each of the following are recorded: elongation at 0.5 N load, elongation at 1.5 N load, elongation at 3.0 N load, peak load, and peak elongation. Elongation data is reported in % strain. Peak force is normalized by the width of the sample, and peak load is reported as N / cm.

[0114] Hysteresis Test Method The equipment is set up as described in the tensile test setup section above. The gage length and crosshead speed are adjusted according to the test and table below. The data acquisition rate is set to at least 50 Hz.

[0115] [Table 5]

[0116] Sample preparation: For Elastic Modulus Testing: Cut a sample to a dimension of 10 mm in the direction of intended stretch of Laminate X and 25.4 mm in the direction perpendicular to the intended stretch direction of the laminate. Collect the sample from either the inelastic or elastic region.

[0117] For Sample Hysteresis Testing: Cut a sample to measure 50.8 mm (or a minimum of 32 mm) in the direction of intended stretch of Laminate X and 25.4 mm perpendicular to the intended stretch direction. Collect the sample from the elastic region to have a corrugated region at least 25.4 mm long in the stretch direction.

[0118] Test Protocol 1. Preload: Place the sample in the grips so that the uniform width is along the direction perpendicular to the gauge length. Secure the sample in the upper grip, allow the sample to hang slack, and then close the lower grip. For sample hysteresis testing, the corrugation length should span the entire gauge length (i.e., there should be no inelastic or dead zone between the top and bottom grips). Set the slack preload at 5 gram force. This means that data collection begins when the slack is removed by 5 gram force (at a constant crosshead speed of 13 mm / min). Strain is measured at the adjusted gauge length (l ini ), where the adjusted gauge length is the sample length between the jaws of the tensile tester at a force of 5 grams. This adjusted gauge length is the initial sample length, which corresponds to 0% strain. The percent strain at any point in the test is defined as the change in length relative to the adjusted gauge length divided by the adjusted gauge length and multiplied by 100. 2. First Cycle Load: Pull the specimen to 100% strain at a constant crosshead speed as described in Table 5. The load is recorded at 75% strain and at 100% strain (F ini ) to the nearest 0.001 mm. max ) and record the sample length between the grippers in the first cycle. 3. First Hold: The sample is held at 100% strain for 30 seconds. At the end of the 30 second hold, the 100% strain (F end ) to record the load. 4. First cycle unloading: At a constant crosshead speed as listed in Table 5, move the crosshead to its starting position (initial specimen length l ini ) and report unloading at 50% strain. 5. Second hold: The sample is held in the relaxed state for 1 minute. 6. Second cycle loading: Pull the specimen to 100% strain at a constant crosshead speed as described in Table 5. Record the second cycle 7 gram force load (l) to the nearest 0.001 mm. ext ) and record the sample length between the grips. 7. Second cycle hold and unload: The specimen is then held at 100% strain for 30 seconds, and then the crosshead is returned to its new starting position (before the gauge length adjustment) at a constant crosshead speed as listed in Table 5.

[0119] The test is repeated on five separate samples, and the mean and standard deviation of at least four samples is reported. If the recorded standard deviation is higher than 5%, a new set of five samples is tested.

[0120] The measured and recorded forces in Newtons (N) are the load forces at 75% and 100% strain in step (2), the load force at 100% at the end of step (3), and the unload force at 50% strain in step (4). The average length recorded is l ini , l max , and l ext is.

[0121] (F ini -F end ) / F ini * The % force relaxation, defined as 100, is reported to the nearest 0.01%.

[0122] (l ext -l ini ) / (l max -l ini ) * The % set, defined as 100%, is recorded to the nearest 0.01%.

[0123] Hysteresis ratio = 75% load force / 50% unload force

[0124] The average value for each of the above is reported.

[0125] Peel force test method: The equipment is set up as described in the tensile test setup section above. The initial distance between the gripping force lines (gauge length) is set to 50.8 mm. The load measurement of the instrument is zeroed to account for the mass of the fixture and gripper.

[0126] Sample preparation: Samples are cut from either the article component with the laminate, the article component web, or the laminate web to a dimension of 25.4 mm in the intended direction of stretch of Laminate X and 152.4 mm perpendicular to the intended direction of stretch of the laminate. Samples are collected from the stretched region of the sample unless otherwise specified. To measure peel force within the corrugated region of the stretched region, the sample is collected from the corrugated region. Similarly, dead zone samples are collected from the dead zone of the stretched region. If the sample is not wide enough or long enough, then follow the procedure described at the end of this method for cutting and testing the sample.

[0127] A minimum of five samples should be collected and cut from the same absorbent article product or the same portion of the laminate web, and care should be taken to prevent damage to the samples during the separation process.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 11 , starting at one of the lateral edges 500 of the sample, initiate peeling of the sample by carefully separating the first substrate 12 from the second substrate 16 at the bond boundary using tweezers or sensitive fingers until the first substrate 12 is separated from the second substrate 16 and elastomeric layer 14 by approximately 30 mm.

[0129] The sample is attached to the grips in a manner that ensures no slack and a measured load of 0.00 N to 0.02 N. The sample is attached to the center of the grips so that the peel direction of the sample is parallel to the applied tensile stress. The sample is placed between the grips with the longitudinal dimension of the bonded area perpendicular to the grip head. The first grip holds the first substrate (nonwoven) at grip line A, and the second grip holds the elastic film and second substrate (nonwoven) at grip line B, thereby peeling the first substrate from the elastic film and second substrate at a 180° peel direction. The peel test is initiated, and the sample is stretched at 300 mm / min with a data acquisition rate of at least 50 Hz until the sample is completely separated. The peel displacement of each sample is reported as crosshead travel in millimeters on the x-axis, while the separation force of each sample is reported as force (gf, gram-force) on the y-axis. The separation force (gf) is averaged over peel displacements (travel) of 25.4 mm to approximately 127 mm. The averaged force is normalized by the bonded region width of the sample using the following equation:

[0130]

number

[0131] This is reported as the sample peel force. The arithmetic mean of the sample peel force in gf / cm and standard deviation for at least four samples is recorded and reported as the average peel force (gf / cm). If the recorded standard deviation is higher than 15%, a new set of four samples is tested.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will understand that bonded samples of other dimensions may also be used in the peel method. This may require the use of a different gauge length, with the separation force averaged over a different peel distance rather than 25.4 mm to 127 mm. The crosshead speed should be kept the same as for the 300 mm / min method. For example, a sample 15 mm wide in the stretch direction and 40 mm long perpendicular to the stretch direction may be evaluated using a 10 mm gauge length. The separation force for such a sample should be averaged over a peel distance of 10 mm to 50 mm. The separation force should be averaged over a minimum of 40 mm of peel distance (travel) and should not include the first 10 mm of peel data. If the bonded area width of the sample is narrower than the sample width, then the effective bonded area should be centered on the sample during the peel test. The averaged separation force should be normalized by the bonded area width of the sample using the following formula:

[0133]

number

[0134] Air Permeability Test The air permeability of a laminate or substrate (e.g., a film, nonwoven, or article component) is determined by measuring the standardized air flow rate through the test sample driven by a specific pressure drop. This test is particularly suitable for materials with relatively high air permeability, such as nonwovens, perforated laminates, etc. ASTM D737 was used with the following modifications:

[0135] Use a TexTest FX 3300 instrument or equivalent available from Textest AG, Switzerland, or Advanced Testing Instruments ATI, Spartanburg, SC, USA. Carry out the procedures described in the TEXTEST FX 3300 Air Permeability Tester manual under "Airtightness Test and Function and Calibration Check" in the operating instructions. If a different instrument is used, follow the same provisions for airtightness and calibration as per the manufacturer's instructions.

[0136] The sample is tested in a fully stretched state (i.e., no wrinkles or corrugations and no plastic deformation of the plastic substrate(s)).

[0137] The test pressure drop was set to 125 Pa and the pressure drop was 38.3 cm. 2 Use a test head (FX3300-5 model) or equivalent with an area of ​​100 mm. Record the results to three significant figures. Calculate the average of the five samples to obtain the air permeability value (m 3 / m 2 / min).

[0138] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0139] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference(s). Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0140] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (100), a first waist region (114), a second waist region (118), and a crotch region (116) disposed between said first waist region and said second waist region; a topsheet (124), a backsheet (126), and an absorbent core (128) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a laminate (10) comprising elastic regions (18) and disposed in ears (130) and / or waist features (180) disposed in one of the first waist region or the second waist region; The laminate (10) is a first nonwoven fabric (12), a second nonwoven fabric (16), and an elastomeric material (14) sandwiched between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the elasticized region; a bond region (40) comprising a plurality of discrete bonds (30) bonding the elastomeric material (14) to the first nonwoven (12) and the second nonwoven (16) and a bond density of 3% to 6%, the bond region (40) at least partially overlapping the elastomeric material; an unload force of at least 0.90 N at 50% according to the Hysteresis Test Method herein; a dead zone (140) which is a non-corrugated portion comprising said elastomeric material; Equipped with the bonding region at least partially overlaps the dead zone; An absorbent article (100).

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said separation bonds are arranged in a grid pattern (36).

3. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the separation bonds are arranged in a staggered pattern.

4. In the bonded region, adjacent separation bonds (30) have a maximum lateral separation distance (D Ｂ ) and a maximum longitudinal separation distance (D Ａ The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article is separated by a

5. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plurality of separation bonds comprises a plurality of ultrasonic bonds (32).

6. One or more of the separation bonds is 0.3 mm ２ The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the above-mentioned separate bonded regions.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hysteresis ratio of the laminate is 2 or more, and the hysteresis ratio is a load force at 75% / unload force at 50% according to the hysteresis test method of the present specification.

8. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said bond density is at least 4.25%.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the laminate has an average peel force of at least 70 gf / cm.

10. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said dead zone comprises a second average peel force that is at least 90 gf / cm.

11. An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second bonding region (42) having a second bonding density, said second bonding density being 40% of said bonding density.

12. 12. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein said second bond region at least partially overlaps with the corrugated region (141).

13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the laminate has an elongation of 20% or more under a load of 1.5N.

14. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said laminate has a peak elongation of at least 330%.

Images