U.S. patent application number 10/041693 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for waist elastic system with improved elastic decay properties for a training pant.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Glaug, Frank Steven, Kato, Margaret Ann.
Application Number | 20030199843 10/041693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23808500 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030199843 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kato, Margaret Ann ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Waist elastic system with improved elastic decay properties for a
training pant
Abstract
The present invention provides a child's disposable absorbent
training pant having an improved waist elastic system. The waist
elastic system has a selected maximum magnitude of decay over the
first three cycles at a specific extension, thereby providing a
substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more
comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
Inventors: |
Kato, Margaret Ann;
(Appleton, WI) ; Glaug, Frank Steven; (Appleton,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert N. Carpenter
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23808500 |
Appl. No.: |
10/041693 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10041693 |
Jan 7, 2002 |
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08455366 |
May 31, 1995 |
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6336921 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2013/51028
20130101; A61F 13/5116 20130101; A61F 13/49011 20130101; A61F
13/4902 20130101; A61F 13/496 20130101; A61F 13/15593 20130101;
A61F 2013/49025 20130101; A61F 13/15585 20130101; A61F 2013/8491
20130101; A61F 2013/15821 20130101; A61F 13/15747 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.3 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15; A61F
013/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A waist elastic system for a disposable absorbent pant
comprising a chassis including a front panel, a back panel, a
crotch panel, and an absorbent structure on said crotch panel, said
front panel and said back panel being selectively joined to form a
waist opening and a pair of leg openings, said waist elastic system
comprising: an elongate sleeve member defining an elongate passage
therein, and being generally peripherally disposed about said waist
opening, and an elongate elastic member disposed within said
elongate passage, said waist elastic system having a maximum
magnitude of decay of about 125 grams at an extension of about 300
millimeters over the first three cycles.
2. The waist elastic system of claim 1 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 76.98 grams.
3. The waist elastic system of claim 2 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 59.18 grams.
4. The waist elastic system of claim 1 wherein said elongate
elastic member comprises an outermost peripheral edge and an
innermost peripheral edge, and wherein said absorbent structure
comprises an absorbent end edge, said innermost peripheral edge of
said elongate elastic member being spaced from said absorbent end
edge between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
5. The waist elastic system of claim 1 wherein said chassis is a
multi-layer chassis comprising at least two layers, one of said
layers having a peripheral edge portion at said waist opening and
being folded upon itself to form said elongate sleeve member.
6. The waist elastic system of claim 5 wherein said one layer is a
nonwoven layer.
7. A waist elastic system for a disposable absorbent pant
comprising a chassis including a front panel, a back panel, a
crotch panel, and an absorbent structure on said crotch panel, said
front panel and said back panel being selectively joined to form a
waist opening and a pair of leg openings, said waist elastic system
comprising: an elongate sleeve member defining an elongate passage
therein, and being generally disposed about said waist opening, and
an elongate elastic member disposed within said elongate passage,
said waist elastic system having a maximum magnitude of decay of
about 90 grams at an extension of about 250 millimeters over the
first three cycles.
8. The waist elastic system of claim 7 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 73.42 grams.
9. The waist elastic system of claim 8 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 59.63 grams.
10. The waist elastic system of claim 7 wherein said elongate
elastic member comprises an outermost peripheral edge and an
innermost peripheral edge, and wherein said absorbent structure
comprises an absorbent end edge, said innermost peripheral edge of
said elongate elastic member being spaced from said absorbent end
edge between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
11. The waist elastic system of claim 7 wherein said chassis is a
multi-layer chassis comprising at least two layers, one of said
layers having a peripheral edge portion at said waist opening and
being folded upon itself to form said elongate sleeve member.
12. The waist elastic system of claim 11 wherein said one layer is
a nonwoven layer.
13. A waist elastic system for a disposable absorbent pant
comprising a chassis including a front panel, a back panel, a
crotch panel, and an absorbent structure on said crotch panel, said
front panel and said back panel being selectively joined to form a
waist opening and a pair of leg openings, said waist elastic system
comprising: an elongate sleeve member defining an elongate passage
therein, and being generally peripherally disposed about said waist
opening, and an elongate elastic member disposed within said
elongate passage, said waist elastic system having a maximum
magnitude of decay of about 70 grams at an extension of about 200
millimeters over the first three cycles.
14. The waist elastic system of claim 13 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 56.07 grams.
15. The waist elastic system of claim 14 wherein said maximum
magnitude of decay is about 44.50 grams.
16. The waist elastic system of claim 13 wherein said elongate
elastic member comprises an outermost peripheral edge and an
innermost peripheral edge, and wherein said absorbent structure
comprises an absorbent end edge, said innermost peripheral edge of
said elongate elastic member being spaced from said absorbent end
edge between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
17. The waist elastic system of claim 13 wherein said chassis is a
multi-layer chassis comprising at least two layers, one of said
layers having a peripheral edge portion at said waist opening and
being folded upon itself to form said elongate sleeve member.
18. The waist elastic system of claim 17 wherein said one layer is
a nonwoven layer.
19. A disposable absorbent pant comprising: a chassis including a
front panel, a back panel, a crotch panel, and an absorbent
structure on said crotch panel, said front and said back panel
being joined together to form a waist opening and a pair of leg
openings, said chassis further including a waist border comprising
a layer of material generally peripherally disposed about said
waist opening, and a waist elastic system generally peripherally
joined to said waist border, said waist elastic system having a
maximum magnitude of decay of about 90 grams at an extension of
about 250 millimeters over the first three cycles.
20. The pant of claim 19 wherein said maximum magnitude of decay is
about 73.42 grams.
21. The pant of claim 20 wherein said waist elastic system
comprises an elongate sleeve member having an elongate passage
therein, and an elastic member disposed within said elongate
passage.
22. The pant of claim 21 wherein said layer of material is a
nonwoven material.
23. The pant of claim 22 wherein said absorbent structure has an
absorbent end edge, and wherein said elastic member has an
outermost peripheral edge and an innermost peripheral edge, said
innermost peripheral edge being spaced from said absorbent end edge
between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
24. The pant of claim 23 wherein said elastic member is a single
elastic member.
25. The pant of claim 23 wherein said elastic member is a plurality
of elastic members.
26. In a disposable absorbent pant comprising a chassis including a
front panel and a back panel joined together to form a waist
opening and a pair of leg openings, a crotch panel, and an
absorbent structure disposed on said crotch panel; a waist elastic
system having a maximum magnitude of decay of about 150 grams at an
extension of about 300 millimeters over the first three cycles.
27. The pant of claim 26 wherein said maximum magnitude of decay is
about 76.98 grams.
28. The pant of claim 27 wherein said maximum magnitude of decay is
about 59.18 grams.
29. The pant of claim 26 wherein said waist elastic system
comprises an elongate sleeve member defining an elongate passage
therein, and being generally peripherally joined about said waist
opening, and an elongate elastic member disposed within said
elongate passage.
30. The pant of claim 29 wherein said absorbent structure has an
absorbent end edge, and wherein said elongate elastic member has an
outermost peripheral edge and an innermost peripheral edge, said
innermost peripheral edge being spaced from said absorbent end edge
between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
31. The pant of claim 30 wherein said elongate elastic member is a
single elastic member.
32. The pant of claim 30 wherein said elongate elastic member is a
plurality of elastic members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to disposable absorbent
training pants for children, and more particularly to improved
waist elastic systems therefor.
[0002] Current disposable absorbent training pants for children
going through the potty training stage have proved to be a
particularly desirable and useful product. This is especially true
for the child, when he or she has outgrown, or believe they have
outgrown, diapers. Diapers are for babies, and most children do not
like being identified with or as babies. Consequently, these
children do not want to wear baby diapers, and instead prefer to
wear a training pant that looks like adult underwear.
[0003] One problem with current training pants, however, is that
they do not provide optimum comfort and ease of use, i.e., ease of
pulling up or pulling down, over a wide weight or size range and
for an extended period of time. This discomfort, and difficulty in
pulling up or pulling down, very often frustrates the child to the
point that potty training is delayed due to the child's displeasure
with and difficulty in using the product.
[0004] One reason current training pants do not provide optimum
comfort and ease of use is the fact that one training pant size is
intended for use by children within a particular range of weights
or sizes. This requires a single size training pant to fit children
with different size waists. In practice, this means that the
training pant will not provide a substantially uniform low tension
over the required waist size range. For example, one specific
training pant size may be designed to fit children within a weight
range of 25-35 pounds. This weight range includes a wide range of
waist sizes. Generally, the training pant will fit one particular
weight, i.e., intermediate waist size, well enough to provide some
degree of satisfaction. However, at the low weight end, i.e., the
smallest waist size, an elastic waistband must be used to gather
the excess material at the waist opening. However, the tension
provided by the retracted elastic waistband can be too high,
thereby causing discomfort and/or difficulty in pulling the pant up
or down for the smaller to intermediate size children.
[0005] At the high end of the weight range, where the waist size is
largest, the elastic waistband will extend its maximum allowable
length to accommodate the larger waist. However, when fully
extended, it can exert too high of a tension against the child's
waist. Again, this results in discomfort, possible redmarking, and
difficulty in pulling the pant up and down, thereby delaying potty
training.
[0006] Thus, the fact that a single size training pant is designed
to fit wide weight ranges has prevented them from providing
substantially uniform low tensions over the corresponding wide size
ranges over an extended period of time. Yet, this is an extremely
desirable feature which, if available, would provide a training
pant comfortable to the child, and easy to pull up or down. Thus,
as a child would grow into, and then out of, a specified weight
range for a specific training pant size, then the child would have
a substantially uniform force or tension at the waist during that
period of wearing the specific size training pant; but, this
feature is not available in current children's disposable absorbent
training pants.
[0007] Various designs of elastic waistbands have been used in
these training pants, such as a single wide elastic member or a
plurality of narrow elastic members. The waistbands may fully, or
only partially, surround the waist opening. Generally, these
elastic waistbands are incorporated by one of two methods. The
first method incorporates the elastic waistbands when they are in
an extended, tensioned state. The second method incorporates the
elastic waistbands while they are in a relaxed, untensioned state.
The latter method may require the use of a special elastic
material, such as a heat-elasticizable material.
[0008] In both of these methods, the elastic waistbands generally
are joined to multiple layers of material. For example, the elastic
waistbands can be adhesively joined between two adjacent layers of
material, such as, for example, the topsheet and backsheet of the
training pant. In some cases, the elastic waistbands are first
adhesively joined to a carrier sheet of material, and then the
carrier sheet and elastic waistbands are adhesively joined between
the adjacent layers.
[0009] The application of adhesive in these methods is generally
accomplished by partially or totally coating the mutually facing
surfaces of the adjacent layers, or by applying the adhesive in a
bead to at least one of the layers. The latter method usually
involves a continuous bead pattern, such as a wave-like pattern of
adhesive.
[0010] Other methods or patterns for applying adhesive are
available, and include joining the elastic waistbands along their
full or entire length to multiple layers of material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one form of the present invention there is provided a
disposable absorbent training pant comprising a chassis including a
front panel, a back panel, a crotch panel, and an absorbent
structure on the crotch panel, in which the front and back panels,
when joined together, form a waist opening and leg openings. A
waist elastic system is provided about the waist opening, and has a
maximum magnitude of decay of about 125 grams at an extension of
about 300 millimeters over the first three cycles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features of the present
invention and the manner of attaining them will become more
apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of the invention, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a partially broken-away, front perspective view of
a child's training pant incorporating the principles of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-section through the waist of the pant in
FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one method for
making an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically illustrate one method for making
an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 2; and
[0018] FIGS. 7-13 are graphs comparing the first three cycles of a
training pant incorporating the principles of the present invention
against the first three cycles of a current training pant
product.
DEFINITIONS
[0019] Within the context of this specification, each term or
phrase below includes the following meaning or meanings. These
terms may be further defined, or used in conjunction with
additional language to further expand their meaning, in the
specification.
[0020] (a) "Associated with" refers to the attachment of an elastic
member, or elastic structure, to another element such that the
elastic member, or elastic structure, when attached to, placed
with, or formed from the element, gives that element elastic
properties. Thus, the joined elastic member and the other element
exhibit elasticity.
[0021] (b) "Cycle" refers to an extension of an elastic member or
elastic structure, and a retraction of the elastic member or
elastic structure following the removal of the force causing the
extension.
[0022] (c) "Decay" refers to a loss of tension at a specific
extension over a selected number of cycles.
[0023] (d) "Disposable" refers to a garment, article, pant, or the
like, that is designed to be used until soiled, either by
urination, defecation, or otherwise, and then discarded, rather
than being washed and reused again.
[0024] (e) "Disposed", "disposed on", "disposed with", and
variations thereof, refer to one element being integral or unitary
with another element, or to one element being a separate structure
joined to, connected to, placed with, or placed near another
element.
[0025] (f) "Elasticity" refers to the tendency of a material, or
composite material, to recover its original size and shape after
removal of the force causing a deformation. Elasticity may be
expressed in percent.
[0026] (g) "Elongation" refers to the ratio of the extension of a
material to the length of a material prior to the extension, and is
represented by the formula: 1 extended length minus original length
original length .times. 100.
[0027] Elongation may be expressed as a percent.
[0028] (h) "Extension" or variations thereof refers to the change
in length of a material due to stretching, and may be expressed in
units of length.
[0029] (i) "Hysteresis" refers to a loss of tension over a
specified number of cycles within a specified extension range.
[0030] (j) "Joining" or variations thereof refers to two or more
elements being connected together in any suitable manner, such as
by heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive
bonding, stitching, or the like. The elements can be joined
directly together, or may have one or more elements interposed
between them, all of which are connected together.
[0031] (k) "Member" when used in the singular can have the dual
meaning of a single element, or a plurality of elements.
[0032] (l) "Modulus of elasticity" refers to a constant that
numerically measures or represents the amount of elasticity a
material possesses.
[0033] (m) "Retraction" or variations thereof refers to the
decreasing change in length of an extended material upon removal of
the force causing the extension.
[0034] (n) "Elongate sleeve member" refers to a structure having an
elongate passage therein. The sleeve member can be formed by one
layer of material folded upon itself, or two or more layers of
material being selectively joined together, to form the elongate
passage.
[0035] (o) "Tension" refers to a force tending to cause the
extension of a body, or to the balancing force within that body
resisting the extension. Tension may be expressed in units of
grams.
[0036] (p) "Waistborder" refers to a border about the waist opening
of a training pant, and may be constructed of one or more layers of
material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention provides an improved waist elastic
system for children's training pants that results in a
substantially uniform low tension along the peripheral border of
the waist opening over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit,
and improved ease of use by the child over an extended period of
use. This is accomplished by, among other things, reducing the
number of layers of material, i.e., the mass or amount of material,
that the waist elastic system must gather. The more material there
is to gather, the more the elasticity will be degraded or reduced
in gathering the excess material. The present invention reduces
this number of layers or amount of material to be gathered by
incorporating an elastic member in, for example, one layer of
material, thereby reducing loss of elasticity.
[0038] The present invention selectively reduces the joined surface
area, or the number of points of joinder, between an elastic member
and its respective layer to which it is joined. For example, the
elastic member may not be attached along its full length to the
layer. The present invention provides a plurality of selectively
spaced apart, distinct adhesive zones. By reducing the surface area
of joinder between the elastic member and the layer of material,
there is a resultant reduction in the elastic member's loss of
elasticity.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 1, a disposable absorbent training
pant 20 comprises a chassis 22 including a front panel 24, a back
panel 26, a crotch panel 28, a waist opening 30, and a pair of leg
openings 32. Openings 30, 32 are formed by selectively joining
portions of front panel 24 and back panel 26 at side seams 34,
which extend between waist opening 30 and a respective leg opening
32. Each side seam 34 can be formed in any suitable manner, such as
by ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, or the
like. A waist border 36 peripherally surrounds waist opening 30,
and is formed upon joining front panel 24 and back panel 26 at
seams 34.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, chassis 22 includes an
absorbent structure 38 disposed at least at crotch panel 28.
Absorbent structure 38 includes an absorbent end edge 40, and has a
length dimension 42 (FIG. 6) that is greater than a width dimension
44. Chassis 22 further includes an outer cover layer 46 and a liner
48, which sandwich absorbent structure 38 therebetween. Liner 48 is
desirably a single layer of liquid permeable material, but may also
include other layers of material. Outer cover layer 46 is desirably
a two-layer material that includes an outer layer 50, which can be
made of a nonwoven liquid permeable material, and an inner layer
52, which can be made of a liquid impermeable material. Outer layer
50 and inner layer 52 can be joined together in any suitable
manner, such as by adhesives 54. Liner 48 is desirably joined to
outer cover layer 46 by adhesives 56, thereby sandwiching absorbent
structure 38 therebetween. As described, chassis 22 is a
multi-layer structure comprising outer cover layer 46 and liner
48.
[0041] Waist border 36 (FIG. 2) may also be a multi-layer structure
comprising outer cover layer 46 and liner 48. Waist border 36
desirably includes an extension of one of the layers of chassis 22,
for example, an extension of outer layer 50 (FIG. 2). This
extension forms a peripheral edge portion 58 that peripherally
surrounds waist opening 30.
[0042] Although described above with reference to a specific design
and materials, training pant 20 can have other designs or
constructions. Examples of other representative training pants are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,381, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0043] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, a separate waist
elastic system 60 is associated with chassis 22 about waist opening
30. Waist elastic system 60 includes an elongate sleeve member 62
defining therein an elongate passage 64, and an elongate elastic
member 66. Elongate sleeve member 62 can be formed from one layer
of material, such as a nonwoven liquid permeable material, by
folding the material into a C-shape configuration comprising an
outer surface 68 (FIG. 2) and an inner surface 70, which define
elongate passage 64. Outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 can be
joined together in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives 72.
Adhesives 72 join only outer surface 68 and inner surface 70
together, and do not contact elongate elastic member 66, which is
substantially freely movable in elongate passage 64.
[0044] Elongate sleeve member 62 is joined, such as by adhesives
74, to peripheral edge portion 58 (FIG. 2), such that the portion
of sleeve member 62 containing elongate elastic member 66 extends
outwardly beyond the end edge 59 of peripheral edge portion 58.
Desirably, waist elastic system 60 is joined to only one of the
layers comprising chassis 22, such as outer layer 50, for purposes
that will be explained hereafter. Within elongate passage 64,
elongate elastic member 66 has an outermost peripheral edge 76, and
an innermost peripheral edge 78 that is spaced a selective distance
from absorbent end edge 40. Although elongate elastic member 66 is
illustrated in FIG. 2 as a single ribbon of elastic material, it
may comprise a plurality of elastic ribbons or strands. In the case
in which elongate elastic member 66 is a plurality of strands or
ribbons, outermost peripheral edge 76 will correspond to the
outermost peripheral edge of the outermost strand or ribbon, and
innermost peripheral edge 78 will correspond to the innermost
peripheral edge of the innermost strand or ribbon.
[0045] Since waist elastic system 60 is a separate structure from
chassis 22, waist elastic system 60 can be made and constructed of
any types of desired material independent of the materials of which
chassis 22 is made. This provides increased flexibility in the
design and construction of waist elastic system 60.
[0046] In one embodiment, hereinafter also referred to as
Embodiment 1, of disposable absorbent training pant 20, outer cover
layer 46 comprises an outer layer 50 made of a liquid permeable
spunbond polypropylene web having a basis weight of about 20 grams
per square meter, and an inner layer 52 made of a 0.0015 centimeter
polyethylene film. Liner 48 can be made of the same material as
outer layer 50 and made hydrophilic by treating it with a wettable
agent, or can be made of a hydrophilic material. Absorbent
structure 38 can comprise a uniform mixture of any suitable
superabsorbent material and wood pulp fluff, with the mixture
enclosed in a tissue wrap to maintain the integrity of the
superabsorbent material and fluff. Sleeve member 62 can be made of
a nonwoven web of bicomponent fibers in a side-by-side orientation,
in which the fibers are present in the amount of about 50 percent
polypropylene fibers to about 50 percent polyethylene fibers.
Sleeve member 62 desirably has a basis weight of about 17 gsm, and
is constructed in a C-fold configuration to have a width of about
2.38 centimeters ({fraction (15/16)} inch) and a relaxed length of
about 73.66 centimeters (29 inches), i.e., a circumferential length
of about 73.66 centimeters. Elastic member 66 is made of a natural
rubber material, and has a thickness of about 7 mils, a width of
about 0.79 centimeters ({fraction (5/16)} inch), and a relaxed
circumferential length of about 28.58 centimeters (11.25 inches).
One process of constructing a waist elastic system 60 includes
providing two lengths of natural rubber having respective relaxed
lengths of about 14.28 centimeters (55/8 inches) (one-half of the
relaxed circumferential length) and two lengths of the
above-described nonwoven web having respective relaxed lengths of
about 36.83 centimeters (14.5 inches). Each natural rubber length
has a width of 0.79 centimeters ({fraction (5/16)} inch), and each
nonwoven web length has a width of about 4.83 centimeters (1.9
inches) (twice the C-fold configuration width of {fraction (15/16)}
inch). Both natural rubber lengths are extended about 36.83
centimeters (14.5 inches) and placed on a respective nonwoven web
length having a length of about 36.83 centimeters, with the ends of
each natural rubber length being joined to the ends of its
respective nonwoven web length. Each nonwoven web length is
C-folded over its respective natural rubber length. The two
resulting composites, comprising a natural rubber length and a
nonwoven web length, are joined at their ends to form a closed-loop
elastic waistband, such as a waist elastic system 60. The
composites can be joined together in a relaxed state or extended
state. The closed-loop elastic waistband has, in its relaxed state,
a circumferential length of about 73.66 centimeters (29
inches).
[0047] Elongate sleeve member 62 and elongate elastic member 66
also can be joined to chassis 22 at seams 34 at the same time front
panel 24 and back panel 26 are joined to form seams 34. Thus,
between seams 34 (FIG. 1), elastic member 66 is freely movable
within passage 64.
[0048] Waist elastic system 60 provides the features of a
substantially uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more
comfortable fit, and improved ease of use, over repeated uses of
training pant 20. A repeated use refers, for example, to the child
pulling the pant down to go to the bathroom, or pulling the pant
up. It has been discovered that this type of repeated use with
current training pants results in a substantial loss of elasticity
about waist opening 30. To address this loss of elasticity over
repeated uses, current training pants incorporate the waist elastic
with a relatively high tension for the purpose of compensating for
this loss of elasticity over repeated use. However, this relatively
high tension of the waist elastic results in an uncomfortable fit,
redmarking, and/or difficulty in pulling the pant up or down, all
of which are undesirable to both the child and the parent or
caretaker.
[0049] In analyzing this discovered problem, applicants have found
that one important factor relating to these desired features is the
average maximum rate of change of modulus of elasticity over the
first three cycles, which will be described in greater detail
below. FIGS. 7-13 compare the first three cycles of use of
Embodiment 1 against a current training pant. A cycle represents
one extension and one retraction of the waist elastic, which occurs
generally when the child pulls the pant upwardly or pulls the pant
downwardly. In FIG. 7, the first three cycles of Embodiment 1 are
represented by the curves identified as cycle 1, cycle 2, and cycle
3. Cycle 1 comprises an extension E1 and a retraction R1, in which
extension E1 begins at point A and ends at point B, and retraction
R1 begins at point B and ends at point C. Each point A, B, and C
represents a specific tension in grams at a specific extension in
millimeters. Cycle 2 has an extension E2 and a retraction R2, and
cycle 3 has an extension E3 and a retraction R3.
[0050] In comparison to the three cycles 1, 2, and 3 are the first
three cycles 1', 2', and 3', of a current training pant, identified
as Sample 1. When comparing cycles 1, 2, and 3 to cycles 1', 2',
and 3' of Sample 1, the Sample 1 cycles 1', 2', and 3' have a much
higher tension in grams over the extension range of 175 to 325
millimeters than cycles 1, 2, and 3. When taken over a range of
extension of about 175-325 millimeters, Embodiment 1 provides a
substantially more uniform, lower tension for the first three
cycles than Sample 1.
[0051] FIGS. 8-13 are similar to FIG. 7, in that each of the FIGS.
8-13 compares the first three cycles 1, 2, and 3 of Embodiment 1
with the first three cycles 1', 2', and 3' of Samples 2-7,
respectively. Note that the scales of the Y-axes, which represent
the load or tension in grams, are different in FIGS. 7-13 in order
to more clearly illustrate the comparisons.
[0052] Sample 1 (FIG. 7) was manufactured by The Drypers
Corporation, is generally identified as Big Boy and Big Girl
product, and was obtained from a product package having a bag count
of 13 for boys and girls weighing up to 36 pounds.
[0053] Sample 2 (FIG. 8) was manufactured by Kimberly-Clark
Corporation, is identified as HUGGIESO PULL-UPSI brand training
pant product, and was obtained from a product package having a bag
count of 16 for boys weighing 29-36 pounds and girls weighing 25-34
pounds.
[0054] Sample 3 (FIG. 9) was manufactured by Paragon Trade Brands,
is generally identified as Kids Pants product, and was obtained
from a product package having a bag count of 20 for boys and girls
in the 24-33 pound weight range.
[0055] Sample 4 (FIG. 10) was manufactured by The Procter &
Gamble Company, is generally identified as Pampers.RTM.
Trainers.RTM. product, and was obtained from a product package
having a bag count of 16 for boys and girls weighing 23-34
pounds.
[0056] Sample 5 (FIG. 11) was manufactured by Pope & Talbot, is
generally sold through the Vons store chain, and was obtained from
a product package having a bag count of 16 for boys and girls
weighing 27-36 pounds.
[0057] Sample 6 (FIG. 12) was manufactured by Molnlycke Consumer
Products AB, is generally identified as Libero Up & Go product,
and was obtained from a product package having a bag count of 22
for boys and girls weighing 20-33 pounds (9-15 kilograms).
[0058] Sample 7 (FIG. 13) was manufactured by the Uni-Charm
Corporation, is generally identified as Oyasumi Man product, and
was obtained from a product package having a box count of 8 for
boys and girls in the size range of 85-105 centimeters.
[0059] All products representing Samples 1-7 were commercially
purchased in late 1994 or early 1995.
[0060] With regard to the description herein, a modulus of
elasticity is a constant that numerically measures how much
elasticity a material possesses, such as waist elastic system 60. A
constant, with reference to FIG. 7, for example, is the slope
represented by any two points on a curve of any one of the
illustrated cycles. An average maximum rate of change of modulus of
elasticity is calculated by averaging a selected number of slopes
taken at specified points of a particular curve. Each curve of each
cycle, and this includes the portion representing the extension and
the portion representing the retraction in the cycle, had a slope
calculated at every 25 millimeter increment within the extension
range of 175 millimeters to 325 millimeters. The lower average
slope, whether during an extension, a retraction, or a cycle, of
Embodiment 1 in comparison to the higher average slope of any of
the Samples 1-7, indicates a substantially lower rate of increase
in tension over a wide size range than any of the Samples 1-7.
[0061] The average maximum rates of change of modulus of elasticity
over the first three cycles are calculated from the data presented
in Tables 1-9.
1TABLE 1 EMBODIMENT 1 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 104.57 120.15 122.37 102.35 115.70 113.03
2.10 1 200 155.75 171.32 178.00 149.07 173.55 165.54 1.78 225
198.02 213.60 220.27 198.02 220.27 210.04 1.58 250 235.85 251.42
262.55 233.62 264.77 249.64 1.42 275 267.00 289.24 300.37 267.00
302.59 285.24 1.53 300 302.59 329.29 342.64 300.37 342.64 323.51
1.55 325 340.42 371.57 382.69 335.97 380.47 362.22 Retraction 325
340.42 371.57 382.69 335.97 380.47 362.22 3.33 1 300 264.77 278.12
284.80 267.00 300.37 279.01 1.87 275 220.27 231.40 238.07 220.27
251.42 232.29 1.41 250 186.90 195.80 200.25 189.12 213.60 197.13
1.44 225 149.07 160.20 166.87 151.30 178.00 161.09 1.39 200 115.70
126.82 133.50 120.15 135.72 126.38 2.05 175 68.97 77.87 77.87 68.97
82.32 75.20 Extension 175 77.87 91.22 93.45 77.87 93.45 86.77 2.14
2 200 131.27 142.40 146.85 131.27 149.07 140.17 1.71 225 173.55
182.45 189.12 171.32 198.02 182.89 1.35 250 206.92 218.05 220.27
204.70 233.62 216.71 1.50 275 240.30 253.65 262.55 240.30 273.67
254.09 1.57 300 278.12 291.47 304.82 275.90 315.94 293.25 1.69 325
320.39 338.19 347.09 311.49 360.44 335.52 Retraction 325 320.39
338.19 347.09 311.49 360.44 335.52 2.71 2 300 255.87 269.22 273.67
253.65 287.02 267.89 1.76 275 213.60 220.27 229.17 213.60 242.52
223.83 1.30 250 180.22 191.35 195.80 182.45 206.92 191.35 1.32 225
149.07 160.20 162.42 149.07 171.32 158.42 1.46 200 113.47 122.37
126.82 115.70 131.27 121.93 1.90 175 68.97 77.87 77.87 68.97 77.87
74.31 Extension 175 75.65 86.77 91.22 75.65 91.22 84.10 2.10 3 200
126.82 137.95 140.17 129.05 149.07 135.51 1.76 225 169.10 182.45
184.67 171.32 195.80 180.67 1.37 250 202.47 215.82 220.27 204.70
231.40 214.93 1.33 275 233.62 249.20 253.65 235.85 269.22 248.31
1.53 300 271.45 289.24 293.69 271.45 307.04 286.58 1.67 325 309.27
331.52 344.87 307.04 349.32 328.40 Refraction 325 309.27 331.52
344.87 307.04 349.32 328.40 2.56 3 300 249.20 264.77 271.45 251.42
284.80 264.33 1.67 275 211.37 218.05 229.17 213.60 240.30 222.50
1.30 250 178.00 189.12 195.80 182.45 204.70 190.01 1.35 225 146.85
153.52 162.42 149.07 169.10 156.19 1.41 200 113.47 120.15 124.60
117.92 129.05 121.04 1.92 175 66.75 75.65 75.65 68.97 77.87
72.98
[0062]
2TABLE 2 EMBODIMENT 2 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 133.50 113.47 104.57 122.37 106.80 116.14
2.37 1 200 191.35 171.32 162.42 182.45 169.10 175.33 1.96 225
238.07 220.27 209.15 233.62 220.27 224.28 1.85 250 282.57 267.00
253.65 280.35 269.22 270.56 1.67 275 324.84 307.04 291.47 322.62
315.94 312.38 1.80 300 373.79 351.54 333.74 367.12 360.44 357.33
1.96 325 418.29 402.72 378.24 420.52 411.62 406.28 Retraction 325
418.29 402.72 378.24 420.52 411.62 406.28 4.45 1 300 302.59 291.47
282.57 307.04 291.47 295.03 2.08 275 249.20 240.30 233.62 253.65
238.07 242.97 1.55 250 211.37 202.47 193.57 215.82 198.02 204.25
1.55 225 171.32 166.87 155.75 173.55 160.20 165.54 1.64 200 131.27
126.82 115.70 131.27 117.92 124.60 2.10 175 77.87 73.42 64.52 77.87
66.75 72.09 Extension 175 100.12 86.77 77.87 91.22 80.10 87.22 2.26
2 200 149.07 144.62 135.72 149.07 140.17 143.73 1.83 225 198.02
186.90 180.22 198.02 184.67 189.57 1.58 250 238.07 224.72 220.27
240.30 222.50 229.17 1.60 275 278.12 264.77 255.87 280.35 267.00
269.22 1.92 300 327.07 315.94 298.14 329.29 315.94 317.28 1.94 325
378.24 362.67 344.87 380.47 362.67 365.78 Retraction 325 378.24
362.67 344.87 380.47 362.67 365.78 3.31 2 300 291.47 280.35 271.45
291.47 280.35 283.02 1.96 275 240.30 231.40 222.50 244.75 231.40
234.07 1.44 250 202.47 198.02 189.12 206.92 193.57 198.02 1.51 225
166.87 162.42 149.07 169.10 153.52 160.20 1.57 200 129.05 122.37
113.47 126.82 113.47 121.04 2.06 175 75.65 71.20 62.30 73.42 64.52
69.42 Extension 175 93.45 84.55 75.65 86.77 75.65 83.21 2.31 3 200
149.07 140.17 133.50 149.07 133.50 141.06 1.82 225 193.57 182.45
175.77 198.02 182.45 186.45 1.51 250 233.62 220.27 213.60 233.62
220.27 224.28 1.53 275 271.45 260.32 246.97 275.90 258.10 262.55
1.85 300 318.17 307.04 291.47 320.39 307.04 308.82 1.96 325 364.89
360.44 335.97 369.34 358.22 357.77 Refraction 325 364.89 360.44
335.97 369.34 358.22 357.77 3.10 3 300 287.02 278.12 269.22 291.47
275.90 280.35 1.87 275 240.30 233.62 220.27 244.75 229.17 233.62
1.46 250 202.47 195.80 189.12 206.92 191.35 197.13 1.53 225 166.87
160.20 149.07 169.10 149.07 158.86 1.58 200 126.82 122.37 109.02
124.60 113.47 119.26 2.10 175 75.65 66.75 60.07 71.20 60.07
66.75
[0063]
3TABLE 3 SAMPLE 1 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 191.35 209.15 193.57 198.02 191.35 196.69
2.95 1 200 262.55 282.57 269.22 273.67 264.77 270.56 2.67 225
327.07 349.32 338.19 342.64 329.29 337.30 2.92 250 396.04 424.97
411.62 418.29 400.49 410.28 4.08 275 489.49 538.44 511.74 527.32
493.94 512.19 8.67 300 678.81 629.91 696.41 760.94 678.61 728.90
44.65 325 1677.62 2159.33 1635.35 2147.09 1606.42 1845.16
Retraction 325 1677.62 2159.33 1635.35 2147.09 1606.42 1845.16
55.37 1 300 449.44 471.69 462.79 465.02 458.12 461.01 4.13 275
351.54 362.67 358.22 362.87 353.77 355.77 2.49 250 289.24 298.14
295.92 298.14 295.92 295.47 2.21 225 233.62 244.75 240.30 242.52
240.30 240.30 2.37 200 175.77 184.67 180.22 182.45 182.45 181.11
2.74 175 106.80 117.92 111.25 113.47 113.47 112.58 Extension 175
146.85 155.75 146.85 149.07 151.30 149.96 3.03 2 200 222.50 231.40
224.72 224.72 224.72 225.61 2.60 225 284.80 295.92 291.47 295.92
284.80 290.58 2.74 250 351.54 367.12 358.22 364.89 353.77 359.11
3.38 275 431.64 453.89 444.99 453.89 433.87 443.66 6.87 300 589.61
638.56 616.31 634.11 598.51 615.42 47.83 325 1688.75 1824.47
1415.08 2296.16 1831.14 1811.12 Retraction 325 1688.75 1824.47
1415.08 2296.16 1831.14 1811.12 54.45 2 300 440.54 456.12 451.67
453.89 447.22 449.89 3.93 275 347.09 353.77 351.54 353.77 351.54
351.54 2.47 250 282.57 291.47 291.47 291.47 291.47 289.69 2.14 225
231.40 238.07 235.85 238.07 238.07 236.29 2.33 250 173.55 180.22
175.77 178.00 182.45 178.00 2.76 175 104.57 115.70 106.80 106.80
111.25 109.02 Extension 175 137.95 149.07 140.17 140.17 140.17
141.51 3.06 3 200 211.37 224.72 220.27 220.27 213.60 218.05 2.69
225 282.57 287.02 282.57 291.47 282.57 285.24 2.69 250 349.32
253.77 253.77 353.77 351.54 352.43 3.44 275 431.64 449.44 436.09
442.77 431.64 438.32 6.34 300 574.04 614.09 596.29 614.09 585.16
596.73 42.59 325 1639.80 1688.75 1363.90 2239.42 1388.38 1664.05
Retraction 325 1639.80 1688.75 1363.90 2239.42 1388.38 1664.05
48.76 3 300 436.09 449.44 447.22 449.44 442.77 444.99 3.84 275
344.87 349.32 349.32 351.54 349.32 348.87 2.58 250 282.57 284.80
284.80 282.57 287.02 284.35 2.05 225 226.95 235.85 233.62 233.62
235.85 233.18 2.30 200 169.10 178.00 175.77 175.77 180.22 175.77
2.79 175 102.35 111.25 102.35 104.57 109.02 105.91
[0064]
4TABLE 4 SAMPLE 2 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 -4.45 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.67 3.03 1
200 71.18 73.41 82.31 68.96 68.96 72.96 4.66 225 182.41 189.08
200.20 180.18 195.75 189.53 3.47 250 264.71 278.06 286.96 262.49
289.18 276.28 2.67 275 322.55 349.24 351.47 327.00 364.81 343.01
2.51 300 375.94 415.98 413.75 384.83 438.22 405.75 2.51 325 436.00
476.04 480.49 444.90 504.96 468.48 Retraction 325 436.00 476.04
480.49 444.90 504.96 468.48 8.01 1 300 242.47 275.84 275.84 255.82
291.41 268.27 3.51 275 160.18 186.86 184.63 173.51 197.98 180.63
2.54 250 102.33 122.35 120.12 113.45 126.80 117.01 2.54 225 44.49
55.61 57.84 53.39 55.61 53.39 2.24 200 -8.90 -2.22 0.00 0.00 -2.22
-2.67 0.04 175 -11.12 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 0.00 -3.56 Extension 175
-11.12 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -4.00 0.75 2 200 11.12 15.57 17.80
15.57 13.35 14.68 3.97 225 97.88 117.90 122.35 106.78 124.57 113.89
2.88 250 164.61 193.53 189.08 180.18 202.43 185.97 2.62 275 226.90
258.04 255.82 242.47 273.61 251.37 3.31 300 304.75 342.57 340.35
320.33 262.59 334.12 4.43 325 422.65 444.90 447.12 436.00 473.81
444.90 Retraction 325 422.65 444.90 447.12 436.00 473.81 444.90
7.44 2 300 233.57 266.94 264.71 249.14 280.28 258.93 3.36 275
155.71 180.18 177.96 169.06 191.31 174.84 2.60 250 95.65 113.45
113.45 108.78 120.12 109.89 2.51 225 37.82 48.94 51.16 46.71 51.16
47.16 2.05 200 -11.12 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -4.00 -0.02 175
-11.12 -2.22 0.00 -2.22 -2.22 -3.56 Extension 175 -11.12 -2.22
-2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -4.00 0.53 3 200 2.22 8.90 17.80 11.12 6.67 9.34
3.75 225 88.98 109.00 111.22 97.88 109.00 103.22 2.99 250 160.16
182.41 182.41 171.28 193.53 177.96 2.47 275 215.77 246.92 244.69
229.12 262.49 239.80 3.22 300 291.41 327.00 327.00 306.98 349.24
320.33 4.66 325 411.53 431.55 436.00 424.88 480.49 436.89
Retraction 325 411.53 431.55 436.00 424.88 480.49 436.89 7.28 3 300
229.12 262.49 260.26 244.69 278.06 254.93 3.31 275 151.26 177.96
175.73 166.84 189.08 172.17 2.60 250 91.20 111.22 111.22 104.55
117.90 107.22 2.54 225 35.59 44.49 46.71 44.49 46.71 43.60 1.89 200
-11.12 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 0.00 -3.58 -0.02 175 -11.12 0.00 -2.22
-2.22 0.00 -3.11
[0065]
5TABLE 5 SAMPLE 3 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 422.65 447.12 453.79 380.39 358.14 412.42
7.76 1 200 627.30 654.00 665.12 553.90 531.65 606.39 7.55 225
838.63 851.98 856.42 718.51 709.61 795.03 9.13 250 1094.44 1098.89
1096.67 909.81 916.49 1023.26 11.66 275 1412.54 1421.44 1410.32
1161.18 1167.85 1314.67 15.70 300 1825.19 1851.88 1822.96 1523.77
1512.85 1707.29 19.81 325 2335.70 2365.73 2327.92 1995.36 1987.57
2202.46 Retraction 325 2335.70 2365.73 2327.92 1995.36 1987.57
2202.46 50.73 1 300 947.63 994.34 989.89 860.87 878.87 934.28 13.79
275 587.26 636.20 625.08 540.55 558.34 589.49 7.67 250 395.96
431.55 424.88 362.59 373.71 397.74 5.50 225 258.04 286.96 282.51
233.57 240.24 260.26 4.83 200 144.59 164.61 164.61 124.57 124.57
144.59 4.00 175 48.94 60.06 57.84 28.92 26.69 44.49 Extension 175
164.61 173.51 180.18 126.80 126.80 154.38 6.10 2 200 315.88 333.67
331.45 273.61 280.28 306.98 5.82 225 462.69 496.06 480.49 404.86
418.20 452.46 6.92 250 631.75 676.24 669.57 571.69 578.36 625.52
9.72 275 874.22 932.06 925.38 791.91 818.81 868.44 16.19 300
1296.87 1363.61 1354.71 1161.18 1190.10 1273.29 28.15 325 2044.30
2106.58 2064.32 1772.91 1897.48 1977.12 Retraction 325 2044.30
2106.58 2064.32 1772.91 1897.48 1977.12 43.48 2 300 896.47 949.85
940.95 820.83 843.08 890.24 12.94 275 562.79 611.73 602.83 518.30
538.32 566.80 7.46 250 378.16 413.75 411.53 342.57 355.92 380.39
5.30 225 246.92 273.61 271.39 220.22 226.90 247.81 4.64 200 133.47
149.04 155.71 109.00 111.22 131.69 3.95 175 35.59 46.71 44.49 17.80
20.02 32.92 Extension 175 140.14 155.71 160.16 106.78 109.00 134.36
6.26 3 200 291.41 313.65 322.55 264.71 282.49 290.96 5.84 225
431.55 471.59 462.69 395.96 398.18 431.99 6.64 250 605.06 642.87
633.98 542.77 565.02 597.94 9.08 300 840.85 880.89 872.00 751.87
778.57 824.84 15.13 275 1241.26 1283.52 1267.95 1094.44 1127.81
1203.00 28.09 325 1936.41 2002.03 1951.98 1814.06 1821.85 1905.27
Retraction 325 1936.41 2002.03 1951.98 1814.06 1821.85 1905.27
41.51 3 300 865.32 927.61 914.26 803.04 827.51 867.55 12.47 275
551.67 598.38 587.26 511.63 529.43 555.67 7.39 250 367.04 404.86
395.95 338.12 349.24 371.04 5.27 225 238.02 264.71 260.26 215.77
218.00 239.35 4.59 200 124.57 144.59 142.37 104.55 106.78 124.57
3.83 175 31.14 44.49 40.04 15.57 13.35 28.92
[0066]
6TABLE 6 SAMPLE 4 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 -2.22 -2.22 -4.45 2.22 -2.22 -1.78 5.58 1
200 128.91 153.36 128.91 148.91 128.91 137.80 8.05 225 322.27
342.27 340.05 353.39 337.83 339.16 6.17 250 473.40 484.52 502.30
513.41 493.41 493.41 5.32 275 602.31 602.31 644.54 657.38 624.54
626.32 5.39 300 742.33 731.22 782.34 793.45 755.67 761.00 4.57 325
860.18 840.13 886.80 915.69 873.46 875.24 Retraction 325 860.18
840.13 886.80 915.69 873.46 875.24 12.18 1 300 557.86 560.08 575.64
586.75 573.42 570.75 6.49 275 400.06 404.50 411.17 420.06 406.73
408.51 5.57 250 262.26 271.15 268.93 277.82 266.71 269.37 5.49 225
128.91 140.02 128.91 135.58 126.69 132.02 4.98 200 4.45 13.34 2.22
13.34 4.45 7.56 0.48 175 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45
Extension 175 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 2.08 2 200 42.23
62.23 37.78 51.12 44.45 47.56 7.11 225 215.59 233.37 220.03 228.92
228.92 225.37 5.97 250 371.17 373.39 368.94 386.72 373.39 374.72
5.42 275 500.07 506.74 513.41 522.30 508.96 510.30 5.87 300 544.54
642.32 662.32 677.88 657.88 656.99 6.65 325 806.79 793.45 826.79
849.02 840.13 823.23 Retraction 325 806.79 793.45 826.79 849.02
840.13 823.23 10.92 2 300 537.86 551.19 553.42 562.31 546.75 550.30
6.37 275 384.50 388.95 393.39 397.84 391.17 391.17 5.44 250 248.93
257.82 255.59 262.26 251.15 255.15 5.41 225 117.80 126.69 117.80
124.46 113.35 120.02 4.69 200 0.00 6.67 0.00 8.89 -2.22 2.67 0.20
175 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 Extension 175 -4.45 -4.45
-4.45 -4.45 -4.45 -4.45 1.51 3 200 33.34 46.67 24.45 40.01 22.23
33.34 7.25 225 204.47 228.92 204.47 224.48 211.14 214.70 5.80 250
346.72 364.50 360.05 368.94 357.83 359.61 5.21 275 482.29 486.74
493.41 500.07 486.74 489.85 5.71 300 624.54 622.31 635.85 648.99
631.21 632.54 6.70 325 784.56 800.12 802.34 822.34 791.23 800.12
Retraction 325 784.56 800.12 802.34 822.34 791.23 800.12 10.49 3
300 531.19 528.97 542.30 551.19 535.86 537.86 6.15 275 377.83
382.28 384.50 393.39 382.28 384.06 5.41 250 244.48 248.93 248.93
257.82 244.48 248.93 5.35 125 113.35 122.24 111.13 120.02 108.91
115.13 4.59 200 0.00 2.22 -4.45 6.67 -2.22 0.44 0.12 175 -4.45
-2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.22 -2.67
[0067]
7TABLE 7 SAMPLE 5 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 229.17 253.65 238.07 242.52 229.17 238.52
2.63 1 200 298.14 318.17 307.04 304.82 293.69 304.37 2.55 225
362.67 380.47 376.02 367.12 353.77 368.01 3.10 250 438.32 458.34
456.12 440.54 433.87 445.44 4.33 275 542.89 565.14 571.82 545.12
542.89 553.57 8.37 300 734.24 772.06 814.34 736.46 756.49 762.72
36.07 325 1588.62 1706.55 1775.52 1461.80 1789.98 1664.49
Retraction 325 1588.62 1706.55 1775.52 1461.80 1789.98 1664.49
48.25 1 300 482.79 469.47 451.67 449.44 458.34 458.34 4.86 275
340.42 347.09 331.52 331.52 333.74 336.86 2.35 250 282.57 284.80
273.67 273.67 275.90 278.12 1.57 225 242.52 246.97 233.62 235.85
235.85 238.96 1.57 200 202.47 209.15 193.57 198.02 195.80 199.80
1.99 Extension 175 151.30 164.85 140.17 149.07 144.62 149.96 2 175
186.90 198.02 178.00 182.45 180.22 185.12 2.63 200 253.65 252.55
244.75 249.20 244.75 250.98 2.58 225 315.94 324.84 309.27 315.94
311.49 315.50 2.88 250 387.14 393.82 387.14 387.14 382.69 387.59
3.77 275 473.92 496.17 482.82 478.37 478.37 481.93 7.01 300 636.34
671.94 685.26 649.69 663.04 657.25 33.09 325 1441.78 1530.77
1528.55 1314.95 1606.42 1484.49 Retraction 325 1441.78 1530.77
1528.55 1314.95 1606.42 1484.49 41.72 2 300 444.99 451.67 438.32
433.87 438.32 441.43 4.54 275 331.52 338.19 324.84 322.62 322.62
327.96 2.22 250 275.90 280.35 269.22 269.22 257.00 272.34 1.58 225
233.62 242.52 229.17 231.40 226.95 232.73 1.60 200 195.80 202.47
186.90 191.35 186.90 192.68 1.98 175 140.17 157.97 137.95 140.17
140.17 143.19 Extension 175 175.77 191.35 169.10 182.45 171.32
178.00 2.67 3 200 244.75 255.87 238.07 246.97 235.07 244.75 2.47
225 307.04 315.94 304.82 307.04 298.14 306.60 2.87 250 380.47
391.59 373.79 376.02 369.34 378.24 3.68 275 471.69 480.59 467.24
465.02 467.24 470.36 6.64 300 634.11 649.69 634.11 622.99 640.79
636.34 36.85 325 1753.27 1464.02 1419.53 1590.85 1535.22 1552.58
Retraction 325 1753.27 1464.02 1419.53 1590.85 1535.22 1552.58
44.62 3 300 442.77 449.44 433.87 424.97 433.87 436.98 4.45 275
333.74 335.97 320.39 318.17 320.39 325.73 2.24 250 275.90 278.12
264.77 264.77 264.77 269.67 1.53 225 235.85 240.30 224.72 229.17
226.95 231.40 1.60 200 193.57 202.47 184.67 189.12 186.90 191.35
2.05 175 137.95 155.75 131.27 137.95 137.95 140.17
[0068]
8TABLE 8 SAMPLE 6 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 220.22 202.43 231.35 218.00 213.55 217.11
4.18 1 200 327.00 304.75 338.12 322.55 315.88 321.66 3.67 225
422.65 395.96 429.32 415.98 402.63 413.31 3.74 250 520.53 487.16
527.20 507.18 491.61 506.74 4.36 275 636.20 591.71 638.43 618.41
593.94 615.74 6.48 300 809.71 747.43 803.04 780.79 747.43 777.68
16.75 325 1290.20 1145.61 1221.24 1212.34 1112.24 1196.33
Retraction 325 1290.20 1145.61 1221.24 1212.34 1112.24 1196.33
23.08 1 300 633.98 602.83 636.20 620.63 602.83 619.30 5.00 275
502.73 480.49 509.41 496.06 482.71 494.28 3.59 250 411.53 391.51
418.20 407.08 393.73 404.41 3.24 225 327.00 311.43 338.12 324.77
315.88 323.44 3.47 200 238.02 224.67 251.37 235.79 233.57 236.68
4.02 175 133.47 124.57 149.04 133.47 140.14 136.14 Extension 175
173.51 160.16 182.41 169.06 171.28 171.28 4.25 2 200 282.51 264.71
289.18 278.06 273.61 277.62 3.61 225 371.49 353.69 387.06 369.26
358.14 367.93 3.65 250 462.69 440.45 476.04 464.92 451.57 459.13
4.18 275 573.92 547.22 580.59 567.24 549.45 563.68 6.05 300 734.08
694.04 731.85 720.73 694.04 714.95 18.88 325 1339.14 1045.51
1285.75 1103.34 1161.18 1186.98 Retraction 325 1339.14 1045.51
1285.75 1103.34 1161.18 1186.98 23.19 2 300 618.41 591.71 622.85
611.73 591.71 607.28 4.84 275 496.06 471.59 500.51 487.16 476.04
486.27 3.49 250 404.86 387.06 413.75 400.41 389.26 399.07 3.24 225
320.33 306.98 331.45 320.33 311.43 318.10 3.47 200 231.35 220.22
244.69 231.35 229.12 231.35 4.02 175 129.02 120.12 142.37 129.02
133.47 130.80 Extension 175 164.61 153.49 177.96 162.39 166.84
165.06 4.31 3 200 271.39 258.04 289.16 278.06 266.94 272.72 3.58
225 364.81 344.79 380.39 367.04 353.69 362.15 3.68 250 460.47
440.45 469.37 456.02 444.90 454.24 3.97 275 565.02 538.32 567.24
556.12 540.55 553.45 5.84 300 716.28 678.47 718.51 702.94 680.69
699.38 17.19 325 1118.91 1012.14 1263.50 1243.48 1007.69 1129.15
Retraction 325 1118.91 1012.14 1263.50 1243.48 1007.69 1129.15
21.05 3 300 613.96 585.04 618.41 605.06 591.71 602.83 4.84 275
487.16 469.37 496.06 484.94 471.59 481.82 3.45 250 400.41 382.61
409.30 398.18 387.06 395.51 3.19 225 320.33 302.53 329.22 315.88
311.43 315.88 3.49 200 229.12 218.00 240.24 229.12 226.90 228.68
4.00 175 126.80 115.67 140.14 126.80 133.47 128.57
[0069]
9TABLE 9 SAMPLE 7 TENSION (grams) Extension/ Specimen Specimen
Specimen Specimen Specimen Average Slope Refraction (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
(g) (g/mm) Extension 175 129.17 133.63 120.27 104.68 89.09 115.37
3.55 1 200 213.80 227.17 211.58 189.31 178.17 204.01 2.90 225
291.75 300.56 291.75 256.12 242.76 276.61 2.87 250 367.48 371.93
371.93 322.93 307.34 348.32 3.47 275 463.24 458.79 467.70 398.66
387.52 435.18 7.93 300 708.23 652.55 677.05 572.37 558.78 633.40
17.46 325 1080.16 1097.98 1126.93 1035.62 1008.89 1069.91
Retraction 325 1080.16 1097.98 1126.93 1035.62 1008.89 1069.91
25.60 1 300 474.38 454.34 454.34 385.29 380.84 429.84 4.13 275
342.98 354.11 349.66 296.21 289.53 326.50 2.58 250 273.94 287.30
280.62 238.30 229.39 261.91 2.48 225 209.35 222.71 216.03 180.40
171.49 200.00 2.80 200 135.86 151.45 140.31 118.04 104.68 130.06
3.40 175 51.22 64.59 46.77 40.09 22.27 44.99 Extension 175 86.86
95.77 73.50 69.04 46.77 74.39 3.85 2 200 182.52 191.53 178.17
158.13 142.54 170.60 2.89 225 258.35 265.03 256.12 222.71 211.58
242.76 2.87 250 329.52 342.98 331.84 291.75 276.16 314.47 3.24 275
412.02 423.16 420.93 365.25 356.34 395.54 7.50 300 657.00 603.55
612.46 525.60 516.69 583.06 18.26 325 1028.94 1055.66 1075.71
1066.80 971.03 1039.63 Retraction 325 1028.94 1055.66 1075.71
1066.80 971.03 1039.63 24.85 2 300 458.79 443.20 440.97 376.39
371.93 418.26 3.88 275 338.52 347.43 342.98 291.75 285.07 321.15
2.55 250 271.71 282.85 276.16 231.62 224.94 257.46 2.39 225 209.35
218.26 213.80 178.17 169.26 197.77 2.90 200 133.63 146.99 133.63
111.36 100.22 125.16 3.40 175 49.00 57.91 42.32 33.41 17.82 40.09
Extension 175 77.95 91.31 66.81 62.36 40.09 67.70 3.90 3 200 173.72
184.85 171.49 153.67 142.54 165.25 3.08 225 253.89 265.03 256.12
222.71 213.80 242.31 2.69 250 325.16 334.07 329.62 285.07 273.94
309.57 3.10 275 409.79 416.47 409.79 354.11 345.21 387.08 6.95 300
632.51 581.28 587.96 506.58 496.65 560.79 19.15 325 1013.35 1111.34
1131.38 979.94 962.12 1039.63 Retraction 325 1013.35 1111.34
1131.38 979.94 962.12 1039.63 25.09 3 300 449.88 438.75 436.52
371.93 365.25 412.47 3.74 275 336.30 345.21 342.98 287.30 282.85
318.93 2.55 250 269.48 278.39 273.94 231.62 222.71 255.23 2.41 225
207.12 216.03 209.35 175.94 167.03 195.10 2.87 200 131.40 144.76
133.63 111.36 95.77 123.38 3.40 175 46.77 57.91 40.09 33.41 13.36
38.31
[0070]
10TABLE 10 EMBODI- EMBODI- Extension MENT 1 MENT 2 SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE
2 SAMPLE 3 Retraction AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE
AVG. SLOPE Extension 1 175 113.03 2.10 116.14 2.37 196.69 2.95 -207
3.03 412.42 7.76 200 165.54 1.78 175.33 1.96 270.56 2.67 72.96 4.66
606.39 7.55 225 210.04 1.56 224.28 1.85 337.50 2.92 189.53 3.47
795.03 9.13 250 249.64 1.42 270.56 1.67 410.28 4.08 276.26 2.67
1023.26 11.66 275 265.24 1.53 312.35 1.80 512.19 5.67 343.01 2.51
1314.67 15.70 300 323.51 1.55 357.33 1.96 728.90 44.65 405.75 2.51
1707.29 19.61 325 362.22 406.26 1845.16 465.48 2202.48 Retraction 1
325 362.22 3.33 406.28 4.45 1645.16 55.37 465.48 8.01 2202.48 50.73
300 279.01 1.87 295.03 2.08 461.01 4.13 268.27 3.51 934.26 13.79
275 232.29 1.41 242.97 1.55 357.77 2.49 180.63 2.54 589.49 7.67 250
197.13 1.44 204.25 1.55 295.47 2.21 117.01 2.54 397.74 5.50 225
161.09 1.39 165.54 1.64 240.30 2.37 53.39 2.24 260.26 4.63 200
126.38 2.05 124.60 2.10 181.11 2.74 -267 0.04 144.59 4.00 175 75.20
72.09 112.56 -3.56 44.49 Extension 2 175 86.77 2.14 87.22 2.25
149.96 3.03 -4.00 0.75 154.38 6.10 200 140.17 1.71 143.73 1.63
225.01 2.50 14.68 3.97 306.98 5.82 225 182.89 1.35 189.57 1.58
290.58 2.74 113.89 2.88 452.46 6.92 250 216.71 1.50 229.17 1.60
359.11 3.38 185.97 2.62 625.52 9.72 275 254.09 1.57 268.22 1.92
443.66 6.87 251.37 3.31 868.44 16.19 300 293.25 1.69 317.28 1.94
615.42 47.83 334.12 4.43 1273.29 28.15 325 335.52 365.78 1811.12
444.90 1977.12 Retraction 2 325 335.52 2.71 365.78 3.31 1811.12
54.45 444.90 7.44 1977.12 43.48 300 267.89 1.76 283.02 1.96 449.89
3.93 258.93 3.36 890.24 12.94 275 223.83 1.30 234.07 1.44 351.54
2.47 174.84 2.60 566.80 7.46 250 191.35 1.32 198.02 1.51 289.69
2.14 109.82 2.51 360.39 5.30 225 156.42 1.46 160.20 1.57 236.29
2.33 47.16 2.05 247.81 4.64 200 121.93 1.90 121.40 2.06 178.00 2.76
-4.00 -0.02 131.69 3.95 175 74.31 69.42 109.02 -3.56 32.92
Extension 3 175 884.10 2.10 83.21 2.31 141.51 3.06 -4.00 0.53
134.36 6.26 200 136.61 1.76 141.06 1.82 218.05 2.69 9.34 3.75
290.96 5.64 225 180.67 1.37 188.45 1.51 285.24 2.69 103.22 2.99
431.99 6.64 250 214.93 1.53 224.26 1.53 352.43 3.44 177.96 2.47
597.94 9.08 275 248.31 1.53 262.55 1.85 438.32 8.34 239.80 3.22
624.84 15.13 300 255.58 1.67 308.82 1.96 596.73 42.69 320.33 4.66
1203.00 28.09 325 528.40 357.77 1664.05 436.89 1905.27 Retraction 3
325 328.40 2.56 357.77 3.10 1664.05 48.76 436.89 7.28 1905.27 41.51
300 264.35 1.67 280.35 1.87 444.99 3.64 254.93 3.31 867.55 12.47
275 222.50 1.30 233.62 1.46 346.67 2.58 172.17 2.60 555.67 7.39 250
190.01 1.35 197.13 1.53 284.35 2.05 107.22 2.54 371.04 5.27 225
159.19 1.41 158.86 1.58 233.16 2.30 43.60 1.89 239.35 4.59 200
121.04 1.92 119.26 2.10 175.77 2.79 -3.56 -0.02 124.57 3.83 175
72.98 66.75 105.91 -3.11 28.92 Extension SAMPLE 4 SAMPLE 5 SAMPLE 6
SAMPLE 7 Retraction AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE AVG. SLOPE
Extension 1 175 -1.70 5.58 238.52 2.63 217.11 4.18 115.37 3.55 200
137.80 8.05 304.37 2.55 321.68 3.67 204.01 2.90 225 339.16 6.17
365.01 3.10 413.51 3.74 276.61 2.87 250 493.41 5.32 445.44 4.33
506.74 4.56 346.32 3.47 275 626.32 5.39 553.57 8.37 615.74 6.48
435.18 7.93 300 761.00 4.57 762.72 36.07 777.68 16.75 633.40 17.48
325 675.24 1664.49 1195.33 1.69.91 Retraction 1 325 675.24 12.16
1664.49 48.25 1196.33 23.08 1069.91 25.60 300 570.75 6.48 458.34
4.96 819.30 5.00 429.84 4.13 275 408.51 5.57 336.86 2.35 494.28
3.59 326.50 2.58 250 269.37 5.49 278.12 1.57 404.41 3.24 261.91
2.48 225 132.02 4.98 239.96 1.57 323.44 3.47 200.00 2.60 200 7.56
0.48 199.80 1.99 236.68 4.02 130.08 3.40 175 -4.45 149.95 136.14
44.99 Extension 2 175 -4.45 2.05 185.12 2.63 171.26 4.25 74.39 3.85
200 47.56 7.11 250.98 2.58 277.62 3.61 170.60 2.89 225 225.37 5.97
315.550 2.88 387.93 5.65 242.76 2.67 250 374.72 5.42 387.59 3.77
459.13 4.18 314.47 5.24 275 510.30 5.87 481.93 7.01 563.68 6.05
395.54 7.50 300 658.99 6.65 657.25 33.09 714.95 18.88 583.06 18.26
325 823.23 1484.49 1186.98 1039.63 Retraction 2 325 823.23 10.92
1484.49 41.72 1186.98 23.19 1039.63 24.65 300 550.30 6.37 441.43
4.54 607.26 4.84 416.26 3.88 275 591.17 5.44 327.96 2.22 485.27
3.49 321.15 2.55 250 255.15 5.41 272.34 1.58 399.007 3.24 257.48
2.39 225 120.02 4.69 232.73 1.60 316.10 3.47 197.77 2.90 200 2.67
0.20 192.68 1.98 231.35 4.02 125.16 3.40 175 -2.22 143.29 130.80
40.09 Extension 3 175 -4.45 1.51 178.00 2.67 165.06 4.31 67.70 3.90
200 33.34 7.25 244.75 2.47 272.72 3.58 165.25 3.08 225 214.70 5.80
306.60 2.87 362.15 3.68 242.31 2.69 250 359.61 5.21 378.24 3.68
454.24 3.97 309.57 3.10 275 489.85 5.71 470.36 6.64 553.45 5.84
387.08 6.95 300 632.54 6.70 836.54 36.65 699.38 17.19 560.79 19.15
325 800.12 1552.58 1129.15 1039.63 Retraction 3 325 800.12 10.49
1552.58 44.62 1129.15 21.05 1039.63 25.09 300 537.86 6.15 435.98
4.45 602.83 4.84 412.47 3.74 275 384.06 5.41 525.73 2.24 481.82
3.45 318.93 2.55 250 248.93 5.35 269.67 1.53 395.51 3.19 255.23
2.41 225 115.13 4.59 231.40 1.60 315.68 3.49 195.10 2.87 200 0.44
0.12 191.35 2.05 228.68 4.00 123.38 3.40 175 -2.67 140.17 128.57
38.31
[0071]
11TABLE 11 EXTENSION/ EMBODIMENT 1 EMBODIMENT 2 SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2
SAMPLE 3 RETRACTION EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. EXT.
AVE. CYCLE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE
SLOPE Extension 1 175-325 1.66 175-325 1.93 175-325 10.99 175-325
3.24 175-325 11.93 200-325 1.57 200-325 1.05 200-325 12.60 200-325
3.16 200-325 12.77 225-325 1.52 225-325 1.02 225-325 15.08 225-325
2.79 225-325 14.07 250-325 1.50 250-325 1.51 250-325 19.13 250-325
2.56 250-325 15.72 275-325 1.54 275-325 1.68 275-325 26.56 275-325
2.51 275-325 17.78 300-325 1.55 300-325 1.96 300-325 44.65 300-325
2.51 300-325 19.81 Retraction 1 175-325 1.91 175-325 2.23 175-325
11.55 175-325 3.15 175-325 14.39 200-325 1.89 200-325 2.25 200-325
13.31 200-325 3.77 200-325 16.46 225-325 2.01 225-325 2.41 225-325
18.05 225-325 4.15 225-325 19.42 250-325 2.20 250-325 2.69 250-325
20.56 250-325 4.69 250-325 24.06 275-325 2.60 275-325 3.27 275-325
29.75 275-325 5.78 275-325 32.28 300-325 2.33 300-325 4.45 300-325
55.37 300-325 6.01 300-325 50.73 Extension 2 175-325 1.66 175-325
1.86 175-325 11.07 175-325 2.99 175-325 12.15 200-325 1.58 200-325
1.78 200-325 12.58 200-325 3.44 200-325 13.36 225-325 1.52 225-325
1.78 225-325 15.21 225-325 3.31 225-325 15.25 250-325 1.58 250-325
1.02 250-325 19.36 250-325 3.45 250-325 18.02 275-325 1.63 275-325
1.93 275-325 27.35 275-325 3.87 275-325 22.17 300-325 1.59 300-325
1.94 300-325 47.83 300-325 4.43 300-325 28.15 Retraction 2 175-325
1.74 175-325 1.99 175-325 11.35 175-325 2.99 175-325 12.96 200-325
1.71 200-325 1.96 200-325 13.08 200-325 3.59 200-325 14.78 225-325
1.77 225-325 2.06 225-325 15.75 225-325 3.98 225-325 17.29 250-325
1.92 250-325 2.24 250-325 20.29 250-325 4.47 250-325 21.29 275-325
2.23 275-325 2.83 275-325 29.19 275-325 5.40 275-325 28.21 300-325
2.71 300-325 3.31 300-325 54.45 300-325 7.44 300-325 43.48
Extension 3 175-325 1.63 175-325 1.83 175-325 10.15 175-325 2.94
175-325 11.81 200-325 1.53 200-325 1.73 200-325 11.57 200-325 3.42
200-325 12.91 225-325 1.48 225-325 1.71 225-325 13.79 225-325 3.34
225-325 14.73 250-325 1.51 250-325 1.78 250-325 17.49 250-325 3.45
250-325 17.43 275-325 1.60 275-325 1.90 275-325 24.51 275-325 3.94
275-325 21.61 300-325 1.67 300-325 1.96 300-325 42.69 300-325 4.68
300-325 26.09 Retraction 3 175-325 1.70 175-325 1.94 175-325 10.39
175-325 2.93 175-325 12.51 200-325 1.66 200-325 1.91 200-325 11.91
200-325 3.52 200-325 14.25 225-325 1.72 225-325 1.99 225-325 14.31
225-325 3.93 225-325 15.56 250-325 1.85 250-325 2.14 250-325 18.40
250-325 4.40 250-325 20.46 275-325 2.12 275-325 2.48 275-325 28.30
275-325 5.29 275-325 35.99 300-325 2.56 300-325 2.10 300-325 48.78
300-325 7.28 300-325 41.51 EXTENSION/ SAMPLE 4 SAMPLE 5 SAMPLE 6
SAMPLE 7 RETRACTION EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. EXT. AVE. CYCLE
RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE Extension 1 175-325
5.85 175-325 9.51 175-325 6.52 175-325 6.36 200-325 5.90 200-325
10.68 200-325 7.00 200-325 8.93 225-325 5.38 225-325 12.95 225-325
7.83 225-325 7.93 250-325 6.09 250-325 16.25 250-325 9.19 250-325
9.62 275-325 4.98 275-325 22.22 275-325 11.61 275-325 12.69 300-325
4.57 300-325 36.07 300-325 18.75 300-325 17.48 Retraction 1 175-325
5.86 175-325 10.10 175-325 7.07 175-325 8.83 200-325 6.94 200-325
11.72 200-325 7.68 200-325 7.52 225-325 7.43 225-325 14.76 225-325
6.73 225-325 8.70 250-325 8.08 250-325 16.48 250-325 10.56 250-325
10.77 275-325 4.99 275-325 26.55 275-325 14.04 275-325 14.82
300-325 4.57 300-325 48.25 300-325 23.08 300-325 25.60 Extension 2
175-325 5.52 175-325 8.56 175-325 8.77 175-325 8.43 200-325 6.21
200-325 9.87 200-325 7.27 200-325 6.95 225-325 5.98 225-325 11.69
225-325 8.19 225-325 7.97 250-325 5.98 250-325 14.63 250-325 9.70
350-325 9.67 275-325 6.26 275-325 20.05 275-325 12.47 275-325 12.88
300-325 6.85 300-325 33.09 300-325 19.68 300-325 18.26 Retraction 2
175-325 5.50 175-325 6.94 175-325 7.04 175-325 6.66 200-325 6.58
200-325 10.33 200-325 7.65 200-325 7.32 225-325 7.03 225-325 12.52
225-325 6.69 225-325 9.42 250-325 7.57 250-325 16.18 250-325 10.51
250-325 10.43 275-325 9.64 275-325 23.13 275-325 14.01 275-325
14.37 300-325 10.92 300-325 41.72 300-325 23.19 300-325 24.85
Extension 3 175-325 5.36 175-325 9.16 175-325 6.43 175-325 6.46
200-325 6.13 200-325 10.045 200-325 6.95 200-325 6.99 225-325 5.85
225-325 12.46 225-325 7.87 225-325 7.97 250-325 5.87 250-325 15.63
250-325 9.00 250-325 9.73 275-325 6.21 275-325 21.64 275-325 11.51
275-325 13.05 300-325 6.70 300-325 36.65 300-325 17.19 300-325
19.15 Retraction 3 175-325 5.35 175-325 9.42 175-325 6.67 175-325
6.69 200-325 6.40 200-325 10.89 200-325 7.20 200-325 7.33 225-325
6.05 225-325 13.22 225-325 8.13 225-325 8.45 250-325 7.35 250-325
17.11 250-325 9.78 250-325 10.48 275-325 8.32 275-325 24.54 275-325
12.95 275-325 14.41 300-325 10.49 300-325 44.52 300-325 21.05
300-325 25.09
[0072]
12TABLE 12 EXTENSION/ EMBODIMENT 1 EMBODIMENT 2 SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2
SAMPLE 3 RETRACTION EXT. AVG. EXT. AVG. EXT. AVG. EXT. AVG. EXT.
AVG. CYCLE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE
SLOPE AVERAGE OVER 175-325 1.72 175-325 1.96 175-325 10.92 175-325
3.02 175-325 12.62 FIRST THREE 200-325 1.65 200-325 1.91 200-325
12.52 200-325 3.49 200-325 14.09 CYCLES 225-325 1.67 225-325 1.96
225-325 15.03 225-325 3.58 225-325 16.24 250-325 1.76 250-325 2.08
250-325 19.22 250-325 3.84 250-325 19.50 275-325 1.95 275-325 2.35
275-325 27.29 275-325 4.46 275-325 24.83 300-325 2.25 300-325 2.70
300-325 48.96 300-325 5.72 300-325 33.29 AVERAGE OVER 175-325 1.65
175-325 1.87 175-325 10.74 175-325 3.02 175-325 11.96 FIRST THREE
200-325 1.56 200-325 1.79 200-325 12.28 200-325 3.34 200-325 13.01
EXTENSIONS 225-325 1.51 225-325 1.77 225-325 14.69 225-325 3.15
225-325 14.68 250-325 1.53 250-325 1.80 250-325 18.68 250-325 3.16
250-325 17.06 275-325 1.59 275-325 1.90 275-325 26.17 275-325 3.44
275-325 20.51 300-325 1.64 300-325 1.95 300-325 45.06 300-325 3.87
300-325 25.55 AVERAGE OVER 175-325 1.79 175-325 2.05 175-325 11.10
175-325 3.02 175-325 13.29 FIRST THREE 200-325 1.75 200-325 2.04
200-325 12.76 200-325 3.63 200-325 15.16 RETRACTIONS 225-325 1.83
225-325 2.15 225-325 15.37 225-325 4.02 225-325 17.79 250-325 1.99
250-325 2.36 250-325 19.78 250-325 4.52 250-325 21.94 275-325 2.32
275-325 2.79 275-325 28.41 275-325 5.48 275-325 29.15 300-325 2.87
300-325 3.62 300-325 52.65 300-325 7.58 300-325 42.24 EXTENSION/
SAMPLE 4 SAMPLE 5 SAMPLE 6 SAMPLE 7 RETRACTION EXT. AVG. EXT. AVG.
EXT. AVG. EXT. AVG. CYCLE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE SLOPE RANGE
SLOPE AVERAGE OVER 175-325 5.57 175-325 9.30 175-325 6.75 175-325
6.57 FIRST THREE 200-325 6.36 200-325 10.09 200-325 7.27 200-325
7.17 CYCLES 225-325 6.42 225-325 12.65 225-325 6.21 225-325 8.24
250-325 6.56 250-325 18.36 250-325 9.79 250-325 10.11 275-325 7.29
275-325 23.02 275-325 12.77 275-325 13.71 300-325 8.58 300-325
40.07 300-325 30.02 300-325 21.74 AVERAGE OVER 175-325 8.58 175-325
9.11 175-325 6.58 175-325 6.43 FIRST THREE 200-325 6.06 200-325
10.40 200-325 7.04 200-325 6.96 EXTENSIONS 225-325 5.73 225-325
12.37 225-325 7.90 225-325 7.96 250-325 5.65 250-325 15.51 250-325
9.30 250-325 9.57 275-325 5.81 275-325 21.30 275-325 11.66 275-325
12.86 300-325 5.97 300-325 35.27 300-325 17.61 300-325 18.29
AVERAGE OVER 175-325 5.57 175-325 9.48 175-325 6.93 175-325 6.73
FIRST THREE 200-325 6.63 200-325 10.98 200-325 7.51 200-325 7.39
RETRACTIONS 225-325 7.10 225-325 15.33 225-325 8.52 225-325 8.52
250-325 7.67 250-325 17.25 250-325 10.28 250-325 10.55 275-325 6.77
275-325 24.74 275-325 13.67 275-325 14.55 300-325 11.20 300-325
44.86 300-325 22.44 300-325 35.18
[0073]
13TABLE 13 DECAY (grams) EMBODI- EMBODI- Extension (mm) MENT 1 MENT
2 SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2 SAMPLE 3 SAMPLE 4 SAMPLE 5 SAMPLE 6 SAMPLE 7
115 40.05 49.39 90.78 0.44 383.50 0.89 98.34 88.53 77.06 200 44.50
56.07 94.78 76.52 481.82 137.35 113.03 92.98 80.62 225 53.84 65.41
104.13 145.93 555.67 224.03 136.61 97.43 81.51 250 59.63 73.42
125.93 169.06 652.22 244.48 175.77 111.22 93.09 275 62.74 78.76
163.31 170.84 758.99 242.26 227.84 133.91 116.26 300 59.18 76.98
283.91 150.82 839.74 223.14 325.73 174.84 220.93 Average 53.32
66.67 143.81 118.94 611.99 179.69 178.55 116.49 111.58
[0074] Table 1 represents Embodiment 1 described above, and which
generally corresponds to elongate elastic member 66 (FIG. 2) being
joined to elongate sleeve member 62 at locations corresponding to
seams 34 (FIG. 1). Table 2 represents Embodiment 2, which is
similar to Embodiment 1, except that in Embodiment 2 the elastic
member is selectively intermittently joined to the elongate sleeve
member. The intermittent pattern of joining is a pattern of 1.27
centimeter (0.5 inch) wide adhesive zones separated by 1.27
centimeter wide zones with no adhesive. Table 3 represents Sample
1, Table 4 represents Sample 2, Table 5 represents Sample 3, Table
6 represents Sample 4, Table 7 represents Sample 5, Table 8
represents Sample 6, and Table 9 represents Sample 7.
[0075] The below-described test procedure was applied to five
specimen elastic waistbands of five products of each of the
Embodiments 1-2 Samples 1-7 to generate the data in Tables 1-13.
After describing the test procedure, one example of a calculation
will be provided.
[0076] Test Procedure
[0077] This test procedure is entitled "SINTECH TESTWORKSO Cycle
Testing Program for Elastomeric Waistbands." The test procedure
involves the following equipment:
[0078] (1) Sintech and TestWorks.RTM. version 2.11 software with a
tensile tester with an equivalent computerized data-acquisition
system, and a 25 pound load cell. Although this test procedure is
designed for the Sintech TestWorks.RTM. system, it can be performed
with other test systems that can be programmed to calculate the
required parameters.
[0079] (2) User's Guide for Sintech TestWorks' Program,
[0080] (3) Peg/pin fixtures that are clamped into each of the two
pneumatic grips/jaws of the Sintech Tester, with one of the
fixtures on the movable block at the top, and the other fixture on
the stationary block at the bottom.
[0081] Specimen preparation requires that used product, or product
that has been tested for other purposes, not be used. A finished
product is required, in which "finished product" refers to a
product manufactured to be used for its intended purpose, such as a
product removed from a bag purchased from any suitable facility,
such as a grocery store. With the finished product in the retracted
state, the elastic waistband is cut off from the top of the waist
opening so that the cut-off portion includes the full width of the
elastic member or element, and ensuring that the full length of the
waistband maintains its closed-loop form, i.e., ensuring the
waistband is not cut through its circumferential length. It was
sufficient for the elastic waistbands to be cut 2.38 centimeters
({fraction (15/16)} inch) in width at the waist opening, ensuring
that the elastic waistband included the full width of the elastic
member or element.
[0082] The test parameters for the procedure are as follows:
[0083] (1) a crosshead speed of 500 millimeters per minute,
[0084] (2) a gage length of 150 millimeters, and
[0085] (3) waist tension values, in grams, taken at designated 25
millimeter increments in the extension range of 150 millimeters to
325 millimeters.
[0086] The procedure for preparing the test equipment is as
follows:
[0087] (1) Verify the 25 pound load cell is in the Sintech Tester.
The load cell must warm up a minimum of 30 minutes.
[0088] (2) Boot up the Sintech, and if necessary, type in the
operator identification and press Enter. Use the arrow keys or
mouse to highlight the heading desired.
[0089] (3) Highlight "Test" on the main menu, and press Enter.
[0090] (4) Highlight "Method" on the Test Menu, and press
Enter.
[0091] (5) Highlight "CSD Standard", and press Enter.
[0092] (6) Highlight "Cycle Test 150-325 mm", and press Enter.
[0093] (7) Highlight "Test" from the Test Menu, and press
Enter.
[0094] (8) Enter the Sample identification code, and press
Enter.
[0095] (9) Clamp into each of the two pneumatic grips/jaws of the
Sintech Tester the pin/peg fixtures, with one on the movable block
at the top, and the other on the stationary block at the bottom.
Ensure that the upper and lower pin/peg fixtures are vertically
aligned. Press "T" to tare load and weight of fixtures.
[0096] (10) Press F9. Adjust the fixture distance to 150
millimeters from the top end of the top fixture to the bottom end
of the lower fixture. To accomplish this, press "G" for crosshead
movement and indicate the number of millimeters needed to obtain
the 150 millimeter gage length. Press "Z" for zero extension. Press
Escape for the Test Menu.
[0097] (11) Highlight "Calibrate" for calibration, and press Enter.
Follow the TestWorks.RTM. menu program for calibration of the load
cell, with reference to the User Guide for more information on Load
Cell Calibration if necessary. The load cell must be calibrated
whenever the load cell is changed, and at the beginning of each
day/shift.
[0098] (12) Press Escape when calibration is completed to return to
the Test Menu.
[0099] The testing steps are as follows:
[0100] (1) Place the closed-loop elastic waistband area onto the
grooved section of the top pin/peg fixture at the seamed portion of
the elastic waistband, and press F9.
[0101] (2) Press "T" to tare the load.
[0102] (3) Press Escape to return to the Test Menu.
[0103] (4) Place the other end of the waistband on the bottom
pin/peg fixture, with one seam on the top fixture and the other
seam on the bottom fixture.
[0104] (5) Highlight "Run", and press Enter. The test will start
and stop automatically, and will return to the 150 millimeter gage
length at completion.
[0105] (6) When the run is completed, highlight either "File" if
data and graphs are to be saved, or "Next" to save only the data.
Using either "File" or "Next" will bring up the "Test" screen for
the next specimen. Remove the waistband from the tester.
[0106] (7) Repeat steps 1-6 for the five specimens until the
testing is complete.
[0107] (8) Refer to the User's Guide for Sintech TestWorks protocol
to export data into an appropriate spreadsheet software
package.
[0108] This test procedure was performed on Embodiments 1 and 2 and
Samples 1-7. By way of example with reference to Table 9, five
elastic waistband specimens from five products of Sample 7
(Oyasumi-Man product) were individually run through the first three
cycles. The tension in grams at 25 millimeter increments between
175-325 millimeters is presented in the first five columns of Table
9 under the heading "TENSION (gms)". At each 25 mm increment for
the five specimens, the five tensions in grams were averaged and
appear in the "Average" column. Then, for example, by subtracting
the average tension of 204.01 grams at 200 millimeters of Extension
1 from the average tension of 115.37 grams at 175 millimeters of
Extension 1, and dividing that difference by the 25 millimeter
increment, there results an average slope of 3.55 grams per
millimeter between 175 millimeters to 200 millimeters in Extension
1; this 3.55 slope value appears in the "Slope (g/mm)" column.
Similar average slopes were calculated for all of the 25 millimeter
increments in the first three cycles.
[0109] Table 10 presents the data from the "Average" and "Slope"
columns of Tables 1-9 for Embodiments 1 and 2, and Samples 1-7.
[0110] Table 11 presents the average slopes (g/mm) at selected
extension ranges and retraction ranges for the extensions and
retractions of the first three cycles. For example, Sample 7 has an
average slope of 6.36 g/mm in the extension range of 175-325
millimeters for the extension of the first cycle; the first cycle
including Extension 1 and Retraction 1.
[0111] Similarly, for the retraction of the first cycle in the
175-325 millimeter range, Sample 7 has an average slope of 6.83
g/mm. These values are calculated from the data in Table 10. For
example, in Table 11, the average slope of 6.36 g/mm for Sample 7
in the extension range of 175-325 millimeters of the first cycle is
calculated by averaging, from Table 10, the six slope values for
Sample 7 between 175 millimeters and 325 millimeters for Extension
1.
[0112] From the data in Table 11, there is calculated for
Embodiments 1-2 and Samples 1-7, an overall average slope for (1)
the first three cycles, (2) the three extensions of the first three
cycles, and (3) the three retractions of the first three cycles
within specific ranges. These overall average slopes are presented
in Table 12. For example, Embodiment 1 has an overall average slope
over the first three cycles of about 1.96 grams per millimeter in
the range of 175-325 millimeters. The slope of 1.96 g/mm is
calculated by averaging the slope of 1.98 g/mm over the first three
extensions and the slope of 2.05 g/mm over the first three
retractions. As can be clearly seen in Table 12, Embodiments 1-2
have much lower overall average slopes for the first three cycles,
the first three extensions, and the first three retractions, than
Samples 1-7. These overall average slopes in Table 12 are termed
average maximum rates of change of modulus of the elasticity over
the first three cycles within the identified range.
[0113] By providing lower average maximum rates of change of
modulus of elasticity over the first three cycles, there is
provided a substantially uniform low tension over a wide size
range, a more comfortable fit, and improved ease of use.
[0114] Training pant 20 can be made of any suitable materials well
known in the field of personal care absorbent articles. For
example, absorbent structure 38 can comprise any suitable absorbent
material, natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof, along
with superabsorbent material. The absorbent material of which
absorbent structure is made may also be encased in a tissue wrap
(not shown) in order to maintain the integrity of the absorbent
material. Suitable superabsorbent materials are available from
various vendors, such as Stockhausen, Inc., Dow Chemical Company,
Hoechst-Celanese Corporation, and Allied Colloids, Inc. Typically,
the superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about
15 times its weight in water, and desirably is capable of absorbing
more than about 25 times its weight in water. A suitable natural
absorbent material is a wood pulp fluff identified by the trade
designation CR 1654 from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wis.
This particular wood pulp fluff is a bleached, highly absorbent
sulfate wood pulp fluff containing soft wood fibers.
[0115] Outer cover layer 46 may be a single layer of a liquid
permeable or liquid impermeable material, and may or may not have
breathability, i.e., be vapor permeable. In this particular
embodiment, outer cover layer 46 is a two-layer composite
comprising outer layer 50 and inner layer 52. Outer layer 50 is a
liquid permeable, nonwoven bicomponent web having a basis weight
between about 15 to about 35 gsm. The nonwoven bicomponent web may
be a spunbond bicomponent web, or a bonded carded bicomponent web.
Suitable bicomponent fibers are a wettable,
polyethylene/polypropyle- ne bicomponent fiber available from
CHISSO Corporation, Osaka, Japan. In this particular bicomponent
fiber, the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms
the sheath of the fiber. Other fiber orientations are possible,
such as multi-lobe, side-by-side, or end-to-end. An alternative
suitable material is a liquid permeable spunbond polypropylene
nonwoven web having a basis weight between about 15 gsm to about 50
gsm.
[0116] Inner layer 52 is desirably a 0.0015 centimeter polyethylene
film from Edison Plastics Company, Newport News, Va.
[0117] Liner 48 is a liquid permeable, substantially hydrophobic
material, such as a spunbonded web, meltblown web, bonded carded
web of synthetic polymer filaments, or combined synthetic filaments
with natural fibers, such as rayon. Suitable synthetic polymers
include, by way of example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and
polyester. Liner 48 typically has a pore size that readily allows
the passage of liquids, such as urine and other body exudates. If
desired, liner 48 can be treated with a surfactant to selectively
adjust its degree of wettability, and can also be selectively
embossed or perforated with discrete slits or holes. Liner 48
desirably has a basis weight between about 10 gsm to about 30
gsm.
[0118] All of the described adhesives, such as adhesives 54, 56,
72, 74, can be any adhesives suitable for joining the identified
materials. Suitable adhesives can be obtained from Findley
Adhesives, Inc., Wauwatosa, Wis., or obtained from National Starch
and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, N.J. The adhesives can be applied in
any manner, such as by spraying, slot-coat extrusion, printing, or
the like. The applied adhesive can be in any desired configuration,
such as continuous or discontinuous beads, continuous or
discontinuous swirls, meltblown patterns, spray patterns, or the
like.
[0119] Elongate sleeve member 62 of waist elastic system 60 can be
a nonwoven bicomponent web comprising about 50 percent
polypropylene fibers and 50 percent polyethylene fibers in a
side-by-side orientation, and having a basis weight of about 17
gsm. This particular type of material can be purchased from BASF
Corporation, Charlotte, N.C. Other materials suitable for use in
elongate sleeve member 62 include a 13 gsm spunbond polypropylene
web, or a 13 gsm spunbond polyester web.
[0120] Elastic member 66 is desirably made of natural rubber, or an
elastomeric material such as isoprene purchasable from JPS
Elastomerics Company, Holyoke, Me. Elastic member 66, as earlier
described above, can be a single ribbon of material, or a plurality
of strands or ribbons of elastic material. A desired material for
use as a plurality of strands of elastic are LYCRAO 940 decitex,
which can be purchased from E.I. DuPont de Nemours Company,
Wilmington, Del.
[0121] Another important factor in providing a substantially
uniform low tension over a wide size range, a more comfortable fit,
and improved ease of use, is the maximum magnitude of decay,
measured in grams of tension, at a specific extension over the
first three cycles. For ease of explanation and understanding, and
by way of example, the following description is made with reference
to FIG. 9. The first three cycles of Embodiment 1 are identified as
cycle 1, cycle 2, and cycle 3. Decay over the first three cycles 1,
2, and 3 is calculated by selecting an extension, for example 300
millimeters, and identifying the extension curve E1 for cycle 1 and
the retraction curve R3 for cycle 3, and then subtracting the
tension in grams at E1 from the tension in grams at R3. This
difference represents the decay, ie. the loss of tension in grams,
over the first three cycles at an extension of 300 millimeters.
[0122] Similarly, and continuing with reference to FIG. 9, Sample 3
is represented by cycle 1', cycle 2', and cycle 3'. The decay over
the first three cycles for Sample 3, measured at an extension of
300 millimeters, is the difference in grams at extension E1' of
cycle 1' and the retraction R3' of cycle 3'. FIG. 9 clearly
illustrates that the decay over the first three cycles of
Embodiment 1 is significantly less than the decay over the first
three cycles of Sample 3.
[0123] With reference to Table 13, the decay of Embodiments 1-2 and
Samples 1-7 are tabulated at 25 millimeter increments in the range
of 175 millimeters to 300 millimeters. At an extension of 300
millimeters, for example, Embodiment 1 results in a decay of 59.18
grams over the first three cycles, and Embodiment 2 results in a
decay of 76.98 grams over the first three cycles. These decay
values are significantly lower than the decay values at 300
millimeters for Samples 1-7. For example, at an extension of 300
millimeters, Sample 2 has a decay over the first three cycles of
150.82 grams, and Sample 3 has a decay over the first three cycles
of 839.74 grams.
[0124] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 5 and 6, one method will be
described of a manufacturing assembly line for making a disposable
absorbent training pant 20. In FIG. 5, a first layer 80 of a
material having opposite edge portions 84, 86 is continuously moved
in a first direction 82. The first layer 80 can be supplied in any
suitable manner well known in the art, and subsequently will form
part of elongate sleeve member 62 (FIG. 2). An elongate elastic
member 88 is continuously applied or provided in first direction
82, in any suitable manner well known in the art, in a selectively
tensioned state to first layer 80. Elongate elastic member 88 will
subsequently form part of elongate elastic member 66 (FIG. 2).
Elongate elastic member 88 can also be continuously applied or
provided in a substantially untensioned manner, and, if so, it may
be a specific type of elastomeric material commonly referred to as
a heat-elasticizable material. This latter type of elastomeric
material can be treated, such as by heat, to recover its latent
elasticity. Generally, elongate elastic member 88 will be joined to
first layer 80, prior to the folding of first layer 80, by a pulsed
adhesive system 90 for providing a predetermined adhesive pattern
on first layer 80 by selectively controlling a bank of spray
nozzles 91. The adhesive may be sprayed or applied in a continuous
pattern or an intermittent pattern. One system suitable for use is
the pulsed adhesive system described in European Patent Application
0 603 748 A1, the contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein. The adhesive can also be supplied in other suitable
manners, such as by extrusion slot coating or by a patterned
adhesive roll (not shown).
[0125] The pulsed adhesive system 90 can apply adhesive in any
desired pattern. For example, pulsed adhesive system 90 can apply
an adhesive pattern, such as adhesive zone 92 (FIG. 5) having a
window 93 that is void of adhesive. Another adhesive pattern that
can be applied by pulsed adhesive system 90 is represented by
adhesive zones 95 which extend substantially across first layer 80
in a direction transverse to first direction 82. Yet another
adhesive pattern is illustrated by adhesive zones 99 which are
applied intermittently and more closely spaced together than
adhesive zones 95. Regardless of the adhesive pattern utilized, it
is desired that the pattern be selected such that at least a
portion of the adhesive pattern will correspond in location to
seams 34 (FIG. 1) of training pant 20.
[0126] Alternatively, the application of adhesive can be
eliminated, and elongated elastic member 88 can be joined to first
layer 80 in a subsequent bonding step that results in seams 34, as
will be described hereafter. In this case, elongated elastic member
88 will be joined to first layer 80 after folding first layer
80.
[0127] After providing elongate elastic member 88 to first layer
80, first layer 80 passes through a folding board 94, which
continuously folds first layer 80 in a direction generally
transverse to first direction 82 along a fold line 96 and over
elongate elastic member 88. Upon being folded, elongate elastic
member 88 is intermittently joined to first layer 80, thereby
resulting in a first elastic composite 97, which will ultimately
form a part of elongate sleeve member 62 (FIG. 2).
[0128] A second elastic composite 112 (FIG. 6) can be made in a
separate manufacturing assembly line in the same manner as first
elastic composite 97. These two elastic composites 97, 112 can be
made in a parallel manner to each other, or angularly oriented to
each other, depending upon various factors, such as facility
accommodations, i.e., the size of the building housing the
apparatus, material supply requirements, operator requirements, or
the like. After first and second elastic composites 97, 112 have
been made, they can be individually wound on rolls, and transported
to another assembly line, such as that in FIG. 6, for subsequent
handling.
[0129] Referring now to FIG. 6, a base layer 98 having opposite
edge portions 102, 104 is continuously moved in a machine direction
100. Base layer 98 may be a single layer of material, or a laminate
or composite comprising, for example in this description, two
layers that ultimately form outer layer 50 and inner layer 52 (FIG.
2). Base layer 98 may also be made of a material suitable for use
as liner 48. A pair of adhesive applicators, such as adhesive spray
nozzles 106, apply adhesives, such as adhesives 74 (FIG. 2), along
opposite edge portions 102,104.
[0130] A plurality of absorbent structures 38 are registered or
provided on top of base layer 98 at equidistantly spaced apart
locations between the opposite edge portions 102, 104. Absorbent
structures 38 are positioned on base layer 98 such that their
respective lengths 42 are transverse to machine direction 100. This
orientation of absorbent structures 38 also results in their
respective widths 44 being transverse to the cross direction 101.
Each length 42 is greater in dimension than a width 44. The
absorbent structures 38 can be provided in any suitable manner
known in the art.
[0131] A top layer 108 is continuously supplied on top of absorbent
structures 38 and base layer 98. Just as base layer 98 may be made
of a material or layers of material suitable for outer cover layer
46 or liner 48, top layer 108 may also be made of materials
suitable for use as outer cover layer 46 or liner 48. In this
particular description, top layer 108 is the liner. First elastic
composite 97 and second elastic composite 112 are continuously
delivered to base layer 98 so as to be positioned on respective
edge portions 102, 104, and are joined thereto by adhesive beads 74
(FIG. 2). A pressure roller 110 presses elastic composites 97, 112,
base layer 98, and, if desired, top layer 108, together to assist
in joining the layers together. Top layer 108 may be smaller in
transverse width than base layer 98, and thus may not be in contact
with elastic composites 97,112. The elastic composites 97, 112 will
form elongate sleeve member 62 (FIG. 2).
[0132] Elastic composites 97, 112 may be joined to either side of
base layer 98. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates the elastic
composites 97, 112 joined on the same side of base layer 98 on
which absorbent structures 38 are placed. If desired, elastic
composites 97, 112 can be joined on the opposite side of base layer
98, thereby resulting in the embodiment in FIG. 2.
[0133] A patterned rotary die, such as patterned cutting roll 114,
cuts a plurality of openings 116 through top layer 108 and base
layer 98, between absorbent structures 38. Openings 116 will
subsequently form leg openings 32 (FIG. 1). If desired, openings
116 can be formed by other means, such as by water-jet cutters, and
may be cut into any desired form.
[0134] Thereafter, a folding board 118 folds base layer 98 along a
fold line 120 that is parallel to the machine direction 100. A
rotary ultrasonic bonder 122 then bonds the folded base layer 98
along a plurality of bond lines 124, which are generally transverse
to machine direction 100. The bonding along bond lines 124 forms
seams 34 (FIG. 1), and may be continuous or intermittent along one
or a plurality of lines. The bond lines 124 are located between
absorbent structures 38, and if desired can simultaneously bond
each elongate elastic member 88 (FIG. 5) to its respective layer 80
(FIG. 5). In this latter case, it may be unnecessary to apply any
adhesive to first layer 80 (FIG. 5).
[0135] A cutting roll 126 having a blade 128 cuts base layer 98
along cut lines 130 that are transverse to machine direction 100
and between absorbent structures 38. Desirably, cut lines 130 are
located within a central region or area of respective bond lines
124, thereby splitting a single bond line 124 into two bond lines.
The cutting of base layer 98 results in a plurality of disposable
absorbent training pants 20 having waist elastic systems 60 about
waist openings 30, and leg openings 32 formed by seams 34.
[0136] In the above-described process, elastic composites 97, 112
are material independent of chassis 22. Thus, elastic composites
97, 112 can be made of any desired materials, and materials
different from any materials of which chassis 22 is made, to
provide a waist elastic system 60 having desired elastic
properties.
[0137] FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of waist elastic system 60
is integral or unitary with chassis 22 (FIG. 1). In this
description, structural elements in common with those in FIG. 2
will retain the same reference numerals. Waist border 36 (FIG. 3)
comprises outer layer 50 and inner layer 52. A peripheral edge
portion 58 of outer layer 50 extends outwardly, i.e., further to
the right as illustrated in FIG. 3, beyond the ends of inner layer
52 and liner 48. Peripheral edge portion 58 extends sufficiently to
permit it to be folded upon itself to form an elongate sleeve
member 132. Sleeve member 132 comprises an outer surface 134, an
inner surface 136, and defines an elongate passage 138 having
elongate elastic member 140 disposed therein.
[0138] This construction of waist elastic system 60 provides
similar advantages and benefits previously described with reference
to FIG. 2. With regard to these constructions, the elongate sleeve
members 62, 132 can be disposed on the outermost side of outer
layer 50 or the innermost side of outer layer 50. For example, in
FIG. 2, both outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 of elongate
sleeve member 62 can be disposed on the opposite side, the lower
side as viewed in FIG. 2, of outer layer 50. Furthermore, if
desired, outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 can have peripheral
edge portion 58 sandwiched therebetween. With reference to FIG. 3,
peripheral edge portion 58 can be folded upon itself in a direction
opposite to that illustrated in FIG. 3, such that outer surface 134
is on the opposite side, the lower side as viewed in FIG. 3, of
peripheral edge portion 58. Generally, the construction and
placement of waist elastic system 60 with reference to peripheral
edge portion 58 will be determined by several factors, such as
material factors, manufacturing factors, aesthetic factors, or the
like.
[0139] With reference to FIG. 4, a description will be made of one
method for making the modification in FIG. 3. A base layer 142
having opposite edge portions 146, 148 is continuously moved in a
machine direction 144. Base layer 142 may be any of the layers
previously described with reference to chassis 22. For example,
base layer 142 may be selected to eventually comprise outer cover
layer 46, liner 48, or any other layer that may be incorporated in
chassis 22. In this particular description, base layer 142 is
selected to be outer cover layer 46 comprising an outer layer 50
and an inner layer 52.
[0140] A plurality of absorbent structures 38 are registered or
provided on top of base layer 142 in an equidistantly spaced-apart
manner. Each absorbent structure 38 has a length dimension 42
greater than a width dimension 44, and is oriented on base layer
142 such that length dimension 42 is generally transverse to
machine direction 144. The absorbent structures 38 are also, as
illustrated in FIG. 4, positioned between opposite edge portions
146, 148 of base layer 142.
[0141] A top layer 150, such as a liner material in this
description, is continuously supplied, in any suitable manner well
known in the art, to overlay the absorbent structures 38 and base
layer 142, and a plurality of openings 116 are cut or formed in a
manner such as that earlier described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0142] Top layer 150 has opposite edge portions 151, 153 which,
like opposite edge portions 146, 148 of base layer 142, extend in
the machine direction 144. As described above, base layer 142 forms
outer cover layer 46 comprising outer layer 50 and inner layer 52
(FIG. 3), and outer layer 50 extends laterally beyond opposite edge
portions 151, 153 of top layer 150. "Laterally beyond" refers to a
direction parallel to cross direction 168, which is transverse to
machine direction 144. It is this extension of outer layer 50 that
will form a part of waist elastic system 60.
[0143] In FIG. 4, two differently patterned adhesive rolls 152, 158
are illustrated for purposes of description intermittently applying
different adhesive patterns to base layer 142. However, it is
understood that generally only one adhesive pattern will be
selected.
[0144] Patterned adhesive roll 152 intermittently applies adhesive
in machine direction 144 in a selected adhesive pattern 154 to
opposite edge portion 146 of base layer 142. Adhesive pattern 154
includes a plurality of distinct adhesive zones 156 which are
spaced apart from one another, i.e., intermittently applied, in the
machine direction 144. If desired, only distinct adhesive zones 156
can be applied by patterned adhesive roll 152, thereby eliminating
any connecting adhesive pattern between the adhesive zones 156. As
will be described hereafter, it is the distinct adhesive zones 156
that adhesively join an elongate elastic member 140. The remaining
adhesive of adhesive pattern 154 will adhesively join a folded
portion of opposite edge portion 146. If preferred, a pulsed
adhesive system, similar to pulsed adhesive system 90 in FIG. 5,
can replace patterned adhesive rolls 152, 158. Regardless of the
apparatus and method of applying adhesives, it is important that
the process and apparatus be capable of applying the adhesive in a
selectively intermittent pattern.
[0145] Patterned adhesive roll 158 applies an optional adhesive
pattern 160 having a plurality of spaced-apart distinct adhesive
zones 162. In comparison to adhesive zones 156, adhesive zones 162
are more closely spaced together. The spacing of adhesive zones
156, 162, as well as their dimensions, can be dependent upon
numerous variables, such as the adhesive material, the amount of
adhesive applied, the elastic material, the layer materials,
manufacturing speeds, or the like.
[0146] An elongate elastic member 140 is continuously delivered, in
machine direction 144, to each edge portion 146, 148 of base layer
142. In this particular description, these opposite edge portions
146, 148 correspond to, in the finished product, peripheral edge
portion 58 (FIG. 3) of outer layer 50. Each elongate elastic member
140 can be applied either with a selected tension, or substantially
untensioned, in a manner similar to that described with reference
to the method in FIG. 6.
[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the elongate elastic
members 140 are delivered or positioned on base layer 142 such that
they overlie adhesive zones 156 in opposite edge portion 146, or
adhesive zones 162 in opposite edge portion 148. This results in an
intermittent joining of elastic members 140 in their respective
edge portions 146, 148.
[0148] After elongate elastic members 140 have been delivered to
base layer 142, a pair of folding boards 164 fold each opposite
edge portion 146, 148 along their respective fold lines 166. This
causes each opposite edge portion 146, 148 to be folded in a
direction parallel to cross direction 168, and over a respective
elongate elastic member 140. Opposite edge portions 146, 148 will
eventually form, in a finished training pant 20, an elongate sleeve
member 62 (FIG. 2).
[0149] After passing through folding boards 164, base layer 142 can
be processed in a manner similar to that in FIG. 6. For example, a
folding board 118 folds base layer 142 along fold line 170, which
is generally parallel to machine direction 144. An ultrasonic
bonder, such as rotary ultrasonic bonder 122, ultrasonically bonds
folded base layer 142 along a plurality of bond lines 172,
generally transverse to machine direction 144. A cutting roll 126
then cuts base layer 142 along a plurality of cut lines that lie
between absorbent structures 38 and that are generally transverse
to machine direction 144. The cutting of folded base layer 142
forms individual disposable absorbent training pants 20 (FIG. 1)
with respective waist elastic systems 60 (FIG. 2) about waist
openings 30, and leg openings 32 formed from seams 34.
[0150] While this invention has been described as having preferred
embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further
modifications. This application is therefore intended to cover any
variations, equivalents, uses or adaptations of the invention
following the general principles thereof, and including such
departures from the present disclosure as come within known or
customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and
falls within the limits of the appended claims.
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