U.S. patent application number 13/276679 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for fastening member comprising shaped tab.
Invention is credited to Henry Young Chin, Jason Arthur Hilbourne, David Randall Knaub, Joseph Bernard Kraimer, Kouichi (NMN) Miyamoto.
Application Number | 20120035574 13/276679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31191197 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120035574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyamoto; Kouichi (NMN) ; et
al. |
February 9, 2012 |
Fastening Member Comprising Shaped Tab
Abstract
A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent
article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a
longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral
centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a
shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab
has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal
portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge
comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped
upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to
the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively
shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with
respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.
Inventors: |
Miyamoto; Kouichi (NMN);
(Higashinada-ku, JP) ; Kraimer; Joseph Bernard;
(Higashinada-ku, JP) ; Knaub; David Randall;
(Portland, OR) ; Hilbourne; Jason Arthur;
(Portland, OR) ; Chin; Henry Young; (Portland,
OR) |
Family ID: |
31191197 |
Appl. No.: |
13/276679 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12492223 |
Jun 26, 2009 |
8060993 |
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13276679 |
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11796846 |
Apr 30, 2007 |
7568264 |
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12492223 |
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10624005 |
Jul 21, 2003 |
7219403 |
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11796846 |
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60398002 |
Jul 23, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/24008 20150115;
Y10T 428/24017 20150115; Y10T 24/2708 20150115; Y10T 24/44641
20150115; A61F 13/5638 20130101; Y10T 24/27 20150115; Y10T 24/2775
20150115; Y10T 24/2792 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.16 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/49 20060101
A61F013/49 |
Claims
1. A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline,
a lateral centerline, an outer surface and an inner surface, a
first waist region and a second waist region, the disposable
absorbent article comprising; a chassis, said chassis comprising: a
liquid pervious topsheet; a backsheet comprising a liquid
impervious layer having first and second side edges; and an
absorbent core disposed between said liquid pervious topsheet and
said liquid impervious backsheet; first and second side panels
joined to said chassis at said first waist portion of said article;
first and second stretchable ear panels respectively joined to said
first and second side panels; a first barrier leg cuff that is
disposed inboard of said first side edge of said liquid impervious
layer of said backsheet; a first elasticized outer leg cuff that is
disposed outboard of said first side edge of said liquid impervious
layer, the first elasticized outer leg cuff comprising a plurality
of elastic strands, wherein said first barrier leg cuff and said
first elasticized outer leg cuff are formed by a layer of material
that extends continuously between said first barrier leg cuff and
said first elasticized outer leg cuff; a second barrier leg cuff
that is disposed inboard of said second side edge of said liquid
impervious layer of said backsheet; and a second elasticized outer
leg cuff that is disposed outboard of said second side edge of said
liquid impervious layer, the second elasticized outer leg cuff
comprising a plurality of elastic strands, wherein said second
barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized outer leg cuff are
formed by a layer of material that extends continuously between
said second barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized outer leg
cuff.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said liquid impervious
layer of said backsheet comprises a liquid impervious film.
3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said liquid impervious
backsheet comprises an outer nonwoven web joined to said liquid
impervious layer.
4. The absorbent article of claim 3 wherein said first and second
side panels are an integral extension of said backsheet.
5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said first and second
side panels are an integral extension of said outer nonwoven web of
said backsheet.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1 said first side panel has an
outer side edge that is disposed outboard of said first elasticized
outer leg cuff and wherein said second side panel has an outer side
edge that is disposed outboard of said second elasticized outer leg
cuff.
7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said layer
of material that extends continuously between said first barrier
leg cuff and said first elasticized outer leg cuff comprises a
fibrous nonwoven material and wherein said layer of material that
extends continuously between said second barrier leg cuff and said
second elasticized outer leg cuff comprises a fibrous nonwoven
material.
8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the number
of elastic strands of said first elasticized outer leg cuff is
greater than the number of elastic strands of said first barrier
leg cuff and the number of elastic strands of said second
elasticized outer leg cuff is greater than the number of elastic
strands of said second barrier leg cuff.
9. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first
stretchable ear panel comprises a tab and a hook fastening
material.
10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said layer
of material that extends continuously between said first barrier
leg cuff and said first elasticized outer leg cuff is joined to
said chassis between said first side edge of said liquid impervious
layer of said backsheet and a first side edge of said absorbent
core, and wherein said layer of material that extends continuously
between said second barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized
outer leg cuff is joined to said chassis between said second side
edge of said liquid impervious layer of said backsheet and a second
side edge of said absorbent core.
11. A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal
centerline, a lateral centerline, an outer surface and an inner
surface, a first waist region and a second waist region, the
disposable absorbent article comprising: a chassis, said chassis
comprising; a liquid pervious topsheet; a backsheet comprising a
liquid impervious layer having first and second side edges; and an
absorbent core disposed between said liquid pervious topsheet and
said liquid impervious backsheet; first and second stretchable ear
panels respectively joined to said chassis at said first waist
portion of said article; a first harrier leg cuff that is disposed
inboard of said first side edge of said liquid impervious layer of
said backsheet; a first elasticized outer leg cuff that is disposed
outboard of said first side edge of said liquid impervious layer,
the first elasticized outer leg cuff comprising a plurality of
elastic strands, wherein said first barrier leg cuff and said first
elasticized other leg cuff are formed by a layer of material that
extends continuously between said first barrier leg cuff and said
first elasticized outer leg cuff; a second barrier leg cuff that is
disposed inboard of said second side edge of said liquid impervious
layer of said backsheet; and a second elasticized outer leg cuff
that is disposed outboard of said second side edge of said liquid
impervious layer, the second elasticized outer leg cuff comprising
a plurality of elastic strands, wherein said second barrier leg
cuff and said second elasticized outer leg cuff are formed by a
layer of material that extends continuously between said second
barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized outer leg cuff.
12. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said liquid
impervious layer of said backsheet comprises a liquid impervious
film.
13. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said liquid
impervious backsheet comprises an outer nonwoven web joined to said
liquid impervious layer.
14. The absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first and second
stretchable panels are joined to said backsheet.
15. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said first
stretchable panel is joined to said layer of material that extends
continuously between said first barrier leg cuff and said first
elasticized outer leg cuff and wherein said second stretchable
panel is joined to said layer of material that extends continuously
between said second barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized
outer leg cuff.
16. The absorbent article of claim 11 said first barrier leg cuff
is disposed inboard of a first side edge of said absorbent core and
wherein said second barrier leg cuff is disposed inboard of a
second side edge of said absorbent core.
17. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said layer
of material that extends continuously between said first barrier
leg cuff and said first elasticized outer leg cuff comprises a
fibrous nonwoven material and wherein said layer of material that
extends continuously between said second barrier leg cuff and said
second elasticized outer leg cuff comprises a fibrous nonwoven
material.
18. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein the number
of elastic strands of said first elasticized outer leg cuff is
greater than the number of elastic strands of said first barrier
leg cuff and the number of elastic strands of said second
elasticized outer leg cuff is greater than the number of elastic
strands of said second barrier leg cuff.
19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said first
stretchable ear panel comprises a tab and a hook fastening
material.
20. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said layer
of material that extends continuously between said first barrier
leg cuff and said first elasticized outer leg cuff is joined to
said chassis between said first side edge of said liquid impervious
layer of said backsheet and a first side edge of said absorbent
core, and wherein said layer of material that extends continuously
between said second barrier leg cuff and said second elasticized
outer leg cuff is joined to said chassis between said second side
edge of said liquid impervious layer of said backsheet and a second
side edge of said absorbent core.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/492,223, filed Jun. 26, 2009, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/796,846, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,568,264, issued Aug. 4, 2009, which is a continuation of prior
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/624,005, filed Jul. 21, 2003, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,219,403, issued May 22, 2007, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/398,002, filed Jul. 23,
2002, the substances of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a fastening member
comprising a base panel and a shaped tab extending from the base
panel. More specifically the present invention relates to a
fastening member which may be used for fastening a portion of an
object to another portion.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fastening systems are widely known and widely used.
Disposable absorbent articles are one example which is provided
with fastening systems. The fastening systems provided on
disposable absorbent articles are to form a closure of so-called
open type absorbent articles (e.g., diaper) when in use or to
adjust the dimension of the waist circumference of so-called
pull-on type absorbent articles (e.g., diaper). In conventional
arrangement of fastening systems on disposable diapers, the
fastening member of the fastening system is provided to extend in
the direction parallel to the lateral direction of the absorbent
diaper such that the fastening member is pulled in the lateral
direction tor fastening the diaper and for forming a defined
dimension of the waist opening. This provides a lateral tensioning
force to keep the diaper in the abdominal region of the wearer.
However, this defined waist dimension created by the fastening
system cannot accommodate the changes in body dimension caused by
wearer movement such that the diaper tends to slide/slip down on
the wearer when the dimension of the abdomen of the wearer becomes
smaller than the defined dimension formed by the fastening system.
Further, when the abdominal dimension becomes larger than the
defined dimension formed by the fastening system, the body tends to
posh the diaper to a different position on the wearer (typically to
a smaller dimension area which is lower than the point or initial
fit) or the diaper tends to be so tight on the abdomen that the
diaper can mark the skin or be uncomfortable to wear.
[0004] Many attempts have been made to solve such problems. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,383,871 issued to Carlin et al. on Jan. 24, 1995
discloses a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on
the wearer. The closure system provides a primary line of tension
around the wearer that fits predominantly within the low motion
zone to enhance the dynamic fit and to anchor the absorbent core
its place so that it will not slip/slide during use. The primary
line of tension established by the closure system is disposed at an
angle on the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the closure system
is provided with tape tabs of a specified design, to allow the
wearer to easily form the "angled" primary line of tension about
the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,794 issued to Thomas on Feb. 18,
1997 discloses a method for the manufacture of angled tape tabs for
use with disposable absorbent articles. The tape tabs are provided
at an angle to the machine direction or longitudinal centerline of
the disposable diaper to provide improved fit and containment about
the wearer's waist. However, these publications do not disclose a
specific design of tape tab to allow easy and inexpensive operation
of manufacture without creating a trim while providing
directionality of the tape tab.
[0005] Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a fastening
member which is able to provide directionality of the fastening
member. There is also a need for a fastening member which is able
to be easily and inexpensively manufactured without creating a
trim. None of the existing absorbent articles provides all of the
advantages and benefits of the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is directed to a fastening member. The
fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a
lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening
member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally
from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline,
a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The
shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a
shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge
are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the
shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction
and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the
fastening member.
[0007] All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated
herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be
construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the present invention will be better understood from the
following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a diaper
having a fastening member of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II
of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the diaper of FIG. 1 in its
flat-out configuration;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of the fastening
member;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of
FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of the fastening member
shown in FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view showing the contour edge
of the fastening member;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a process forming a plurality
of fastening members;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing the fastening
member joined to the landing zone member;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of a fastening
member;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an another alternative embodiment of a fastening
member;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a further alternative embodiment of a fastening
member; and
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a diaper having an alternative fastening member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other steps
and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be
added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of."
[0023] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to
devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and more
specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in
proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the
various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is
used herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are not
intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an
absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a
single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise
disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). As used
herein, the term "disposed" is used to mean that an element(s) of
the diaper is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular place
or position as a unitary structure with other elements of the
diaper or as a separate element joined to another element of the
diaper. As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses
configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another
element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and
configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another
element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in
turn are affixed to the other element.) As used herein, the term
"diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants
and incontinent persons about the lower torso. The present
invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as
incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, absorbent inserts,
diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like.
The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or
direction in the plane of the absorbent article that Is generally
aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane
which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves
when dm absorbent article is worn. The terms "transverse" or
"lateral" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line,
axis or direction which lies within the plane of the absorbent
article that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the diaper 20 having a
fastening member 48 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2
showing a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1
and FIG. 3 showing a top plan view of the diaper 20 of FIG. 1 in
its flat-out configuration as well, the diaper 20 has an inner
surface 26 facing the wearer, an opposite outer surface 28, a
longitudinal centerline L, and a lateral centerline T. The diaper
20 also has longitudinal side edges 22 run generally in the
longitudinal direction of the diaper and lateral end edges 24 run
between the longitudinal side edges 22 generally in the lateral
direction of the diaper 20. The periphery of the diaper 20 is
defined by the longitudinal side edges 22 and the lateral end edges
24. The diaper 20 further has a front waist region 36, a back waist
region 38 and a crotch region 40 disposed between the front waist
region 36 and the back waist region 38.
[0025] The diaper 20 comprises a chassis 54 and a fastening member
48 joined to the chassis 54. The chassis 54 has a generally
rectangle shape in its flat-oat configuration as shown in FIG. 3.
The chassis 54 has lateral end edges 58 and longitudinal side edges
56. The lateral end edge 58 of the chassis 54 preferably defines
the lateral end edge 24 of the diaper 20. The longitudinal side
edges 56 of the chassis 54 preferably defines the longitudinal side
edge 22 of the diaper 20 at least in the crotch region 40. The
chassis 54 comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 30; a liquid
impervious backsheet 32; an absorbent core 34, which is preferably
positioned between at least a portion of the topsheet 30 and the
backsheet 32; and a side flap 44 extending laterally outwardly from
the absorbent core 34. The side flap 44 has a proximal flap 74 and
a distal flap 76. The chassis 54 farther comprises an elasticized
outer leg cuff 42 disposed adjacent to the longitudinal side edge
22 in the crotch region 40. The elasticized outer leg cuff 42 has a
base 68 and a gasket cuff 70 supported by the base 68 at a joint 72
of the base 68 to the gasket cuff 70. The gasket cuff 70 is
provided with an elastic material 46 and has an inner cuff 81
extending laterally inwardly from the joint 72 and an outer cuff 83
extending laterally outwardly from the joint 72. The chassis 54
shown in FIG. 1 also may comprise barrier leg cuffs 52 and an
elastic waist feature (not shown in Figures). The fastening member
48 is joined adjacent to die longitudinal side edge 56 of the
chassis 54 and joined to an element constituting the chassis 54
such as a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, an elasticized
outer leg cuff, a barrier leg cuff or combinations thereof by any
known means such as adhesives or heat and pressure attachment such
that the fastening member 48 extends laterally outwardly from the
absorbent core 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fastening
member 48 is joined to the backsheet 32 by heat and pressure
attachment. The fastening member 48 comprises an ear panel or base
panel 49 and a shaped tab 51 extending laterally outwardly from the
ear panel 49 in stretched configuration of the shaped tab 51.
(FIGS. 1 and 3 show the shaped tab 51 being folded laterally
inwardly). The fastening member 48 also has fastening materials
100. A landing zone member 94 is provided in the front waist region
36 to form a closure of the diaper 20 together with the fastening
materials 100 of the fastening member 48.
[0026] The liquid pervious topsheet 30 is preferably positioned
adjacent the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 34 and may
be joined thereto and/or to the backsheet 32 by any attachment
means known in the art. The topsheet 30 is preferably compliant,
soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at
least a portion of the topsheet 30 is liquid pervious, permitting
liquid to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable
topsheet 30 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials,
such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films;
or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton
fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene
fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
Preferably, the topsheet 30 is made of a hydrophobic material or is
treated to be hydrophobic in order to isolate the wearer's skin
from liquids contained in the absorbent core 34. If the topsheet 30
is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the upper
surface of the topsheet 30 is treated to be hydrophilic so that
liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly.
[0027] The liquid impervious backsheet 32 is generally that portion
of the diaper 20 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of
the absorbent core 34. Backsheet 32 prevents the exudates absorbed
and contained therein from soiling articles that may contact the
diaper 20, such as bedsheets and undergarments. In preferred
embodiments, the backsheet 32 is impervious to liquids (e.g.,
urine) and comprises a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic
film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051
mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured
by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the
trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet
materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to
escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing exudates from
passing through the backsheet 32. Exemplary breathable materials
may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite
materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films
such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the
designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex.,
under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite
materials comprising polymer blends are available from Clopay
Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097.
The backsheet 32 may be covered by a woven or a nonwoven to impart
more cloth-like appearance to the diaper.
[0028] The absorbent core 34 may comprise any absorbent material
that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the
wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such
as urine and other certain body exudates. The absorbent core 34 has
longitudinal side edges and end edges and can be manufactured in a
wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass,
"T"-shaped, asymmetric, etc,) and may comprise a wide variety of
liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and
other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, which is
generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable
absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown
polymers, including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or
cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and
tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;
superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other
known absorbent material or combinations of materials. In any case
all or a portion of the core may include slits which allow the core
to form openings when stretched into which fecal mater can flow.
The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 34 may
also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbent
structure(s) may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic
gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and
lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one
or more layers or structures). However, the total absorbent
capacity of the absorbent core 34 should be compatible with the
design loading and the intended use of the diaper 20.
[0029] The barrier leg cuff 52 is joined adjacent the longitudinal
side edges 56 of the chassis 54. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
the barrier leg cuff 52 is joined onto the topsheet 30 at the
proximal edge 66 of the barrier leg cuff 52 by any known means. The
barrier leg cuff 52 may comprise any known materials such as a
nonwoven material which may be liquid impervious and/or
hydrophobic. The barrier leg cuff 52 has a lateral inner portion 62
extending laterally inwardly from the proximal edge 66 and being
provided with an elastic materials at the distal end of the lateral
inner portion 62 to space the lateral inner portion 62 upwardly
away from the topsheet 30 to serve as a barrier to leakage of body
exudates.
[0030] The side flap 44 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is disposed
adjacent the longitudinal side edge 56 of the chassis 54 so as to
extend laterally outwardly from the absorbent core 34 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The side flap 44 is preferably formed
with a material which is liquid impervious and/or hydrophobic. The
side flap 44 has a proximal flap 74 which is laterally proximate to
the absorbent core 34 and a distal flap 76 which extends laterally
outwardly from the proximal flap 74. The proximal flap 74 and the
distal flap 76 may be formed with an integral material or
alternatively may be formed with separate materials joined to each
other. The side flap 44 may be formed by a single layer of
material, or two or more layers of material.
[0031] The elasticized outer leg cuff 42 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
comprises the side flap 44 and the elastic material 46. The outer
leg cuff 42 is a generally T-shaped cuff having a base 68 and a
gasket cuff 70 supported by the base 68 at a joint 72 of the base
to the gasket cuff 70. The term, "generally T-shaped" means that
the base branches from the gasket cuff at the joint between the
inner cuff and the outer cuff of the gasket cuff such that the base
forms an angle with the inner cuff and an angle with an outer cuff
in a cross-sectional view when the diaper is in a relaxed
configuration. Therefore, the base may form an angle of 90 degree
or an angle other than 90 degree with the inner cuff and the outer
cuff. The base 68 comprises the proximal flap 74 and extends
between the longitudinal side edge of the absorbent core 34 and the
joint 72. The gasket cuff 70 comprises the distal flap 76 and
disposed on the top of the base 68. The gasket cuff 70 has an inner
cuff 81 extending laterally inwardly from the joint 72 and an outer
cuff 83 extending laterally outwardly from the joint 72 as shown in
FIG. 2. The top gasket cuff surface 86 has a generally flat surface
in cross-section as shown in FIG. 2 while it may have a degree of
undulation in the longitudinal direction formed by the gather
caused by the elastic material 46 as shown in FIG. 1. The gasket
cuff 70 is provided with the elastic material 46 such as a
plurality of elastic strands, a single elastic belt or the
like.
[0032] The fastening member 48 comprises an ear panel or base panel
49 and a shaped tab 51 extending laterally outwardly from the ear
panel 49 in stretched configuration of the shaped tab 51. The ear
panel 49 and the shaped tab 51 may be formed with an integral
material or may be formed with separate materials joined to one
another. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion of the
shaped tab 51 is integrally formed with the ear panel 49. The
fastening member 48 also has fastening materials 100 to form a
closure of the diaper 20 with the landing zone member 94.
[0033] The ear panel 49 may comprise any material such as a plastic
film, woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene
fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers or may
comprise any combination of materials thereof. The ear panel 49 is
preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the
wearer's skin as the ear panel 49 touches the wearer's skin when in
use. Further, at least a portion of the ear panel 49 may be vapor
pervious, permitting vapor to readily penetrate through its
thickness. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the ear panel 49
comprises a plastic film 53 and a nonwoven 55 laminated on the
plastic film 53 such that the nonwoven 55 laces the wearer's body
and the plastic film 53 faces outwardly when the diaper 20 is used.
The ear panel 49 may have stretchability so that the ear panel 49
is able to provide a force to maintain the diaper on the wearer's
body.
[0034] The shaped tab 51 may comprise an extension of the ear panel
49 or may comprise separate materials joined to the car panel 49.
The shaped tab 51 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a leading portion 57, a
connective portion 59, and a trailing portion 61. The trailing
portion 61 comprises an extension of the ear panel 49. The leading
portion 57 may comprise the same material as the ear panel 49
and/or the connective portion 59 or may comprise different
materials. The leading portion 57 serves as a grasp portion for the
shaped tab 51. The connective portion 59 preferably comprises a
material different from the material of the ear panel 49. This
allows to provide the connective portion 59 with properties
different mom the material of the ear panel 49 with respect to,
e.g., stiffness and stretchability. The connective portion 59 may
comprise a plastic film, a woven, a nonwoven or a combination
thereof. Preferably, the connective portion 59 is stiffer than the
ear panel 49. Preferably, the connective portion 59 is less
stretchable than the ear panel 49. The connective portion 59 which
is stiffer and/or less stretchable than the ear panel 49 reduces to
transmit the forces developed in the ear panel 49 therethrough. It
also reduces to transmit the wrinkles created in the ear panel 49
due to the forces developed in the ear panel 49. The connective
portion 49 is provided with an adhesive means 63 to join portions
of the connective portion 49 to the trailing portion 61 and the
leading portion 57.
[0035] The fastening material 100 is provided on the shaped tab 51.
The fastening material 100 is intended to provide a fastening means
for engaging the landing zone member 94 so as to provide a secure
side closure for the diaper 20. Thus, the fastening material 100
comprises a first hook fastening material 106 comprising a
plurality of hooks 102 and the base substrate 104 to support the
nooks 102. The base substrate 104 is joined to the connective
portion 59 of the shaped tab 51 through the adhesive means 63. It
is preferable that the hooks 102 protrude beyond the surface of the
ear panel 49 such that the hooks 102 sufficiently engage into the
landing zone member 94. It should be understood that the use of the
term "hook" should be non-limiting in the sense that the engaging
elements may comprise any shapes as are known in the art so long as
they are adapted to engage a complementary landing zone member. The
first hook fastening material 106 may comprise any of the well
known configurations and securement means for achieving a side
closure on a diaper. It is preferable that the first book fastening
material 106 comprises two hook fastening materials which are
spacedly positioned in the lateral direction of the shaped tab 51.
Each of the first hook fastening materials 106 generally extends in
the longitudinal direction of the shaped tab 51 and a gap is
provided between each of the first hook fastening materials 106.
Without wishing to be bound by the theory, it is believed that the
gap between the fastening materials contributes to reduce the
transmission of the induced stress developed in one of the
fastening materials to the other of fastening materials and
prevents the other of the fastening materials from being detached
due to the transmission of the induced stress developed in the one
of the fastening materials. The gap may have a lateral width of
between about 3 mm and about 15 mm, preferably between about 5 mm
and about 13 mm, more preferably between about 7 mm and about 11
mm. While the fastening material 100 comprises a first hook
fastening material 106 comprising a plurality of hooks 102, the
fastening material 100 may comprise first adhesive materials which
are spacedly positioned in the lateral direction of the diaper
20.
[0036] The fastening material 100 may also have a second adhesive
material 108 provided at the gap between the first hook fastening
material 106. The second adhesive material 108 may comprise the
adhesive means 63 of the connective portion 59 or may comprise a
different adhesive means. The second adhesive material 108 provides
a supplemental fastening means. The second adhesive material 108
may also serve as a means to temporarily attach the shaped tab 51
to the ear panel 49 as shown in FIG. 1 before use of the diaper 20.
Alternatively, the second adhesive material 108 may serve as a
means to roll up and secure the soiled diaper to dispose it by
being joined to the backsheet 32. Such an adhesive material 108 is
particularly useful when the outer surface of backsheet 32
comprises a plastic film as the hook means does not engage the
plastic film.
[0037] The fastening member 48 may be folded such chat the shaped
tab 51 having the fastening material 100 is superposed on the ear
panel 49 and engages the nonwoven 55 of the ear panel 49 as shown
in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the shaped tab 51 may be folded
along the partition line 110 described hereinbelow. Alternatively,
the fastening member 48 may be folded at any point of the shaped
tab 51 or the ear panel. 49. For example, the fastening member 48
may be folded along the line 106A, 106B or 106C as indicated in
FIG. 4. When the fastening member 48 is folded along the line 106A
or 106B, the second adhesive material 108 is superposed on either
of the first book fastening materials 106. This allows to prevent
the adhesion of the second adhesive material 108 from being
deteriorated because the adhesive material 108 only touches the
bead of the hooks 102.
[0038] The fastening member 48 is designed to have a specific shape
to provide directionality of the fastening member 48 and also to be
easily and inexpensively manufactured without creating a trim. FIG.
6 shows an enlarged top plan view of the fastening member 48
comprising the base panel or ear panel 49 and the shaped tab 51.
The fastening member 48 extends in the longitudinal direction and
in the lateral direction which correspond to the longitudinal
direction and the lateral direction of the diaper 20, respectively.
The shaped tab 51 is disposed to laterally extend from the base
panel or car panel 49. The ear panel 49 and the shaped tab 51 can
be sectioned by a partition line 110 extending in the longitudinal
direction as shown in FIG. 6 as an imaginary line. The fastening
member 48 also has a lateral centerline T1. The lateral centerline
T1 of the fastening member 48 can be defined as a line extending in
the lateral direction equally dividing the partition line 110 into
an upper half and a lower half in FIG. 6.
[0039] The ear panel 49 has a generally rectangle shape having a
lateral upper edge 112, a lateral lower edge 114, a longitudinal
leading edge 116 and a longitudinal trailing edge 118. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the lateral upper edge 112 and a
lateral lower edge 114 are in parallel and the longitudinal leading
edge 116 and the longitudinal trailing edge 118 are also in
parallel. As the lateral upper edge 112 and the lateral lower edge
114 are in parallel, the longitudinal length V of the ear panel 49
should be constant at any point along the lateral direction of the
ear panel 49. Such constant longitudinal length V of the ear panel
49 allows not to create any trim when the fastening member 48 is
manufactured continuously as described herein below. As far as such
constant longitudinal length V of the ear panel 49 is maintained
along the lateral direction, the lateral upper edge and the lateral
lower edge maybe curved, wavy, or any other shape. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the partition line 110 aligns the
longitudinal leading edge 116. The partition line 110 is defined as
a longitudinal line which has the same longitudinal length V as the
rest of the ear panel 49 and which is the closest to the shaped tab
51. The longitudinal length in the area of the shaped tab 51
changes depending on the desired shape of the tab and such change
of the longitudinal length imparts the "shape" to the shaped tab.
In other words, the partition line 110 is the boundary line to
start changing the longitudinal length of the fastening member 48
as it moves from the ear panel 49 toward the shaped tab 51.
[0040] The shaped tab 51 extends laterally from the ear panel 49.
The shaped tab 51 is surrounded by a contour edge 124 and the
partition line 110. The shaped tab 51 has a longitudinal centerline
L2 and a lateral centerline T2. The longitudinal centerline L2 can
be defined as a line extending in the longitudinal direction
equally dividing the maximum lateral width W of the shaped tab 110
into two. The maximum width W can be determined as a width from the
partition line 110 to a point on the contour edge 124 which is
laterally furthest away from partition line 110. The shaped tab 51
also has a distal portion 120 and a proximal portion 122 which are
disposed in the lateral direction. The distal portion 120 and the
proximal portion 122 may be separated by the longitudinal
centerline L2. The lateral centerline T2 can be defined as a line
extending in the lateral direction equally dividing the
longitudinal centerline L2 into an upper half and a lower half. The
longitudinal centerline L2 and the lateral centerline T2 intersect
at a center point X. While the partition line 110 shown in FIG. 6
is not disturbed by the contour edge 124 of the shaped tab 51, the
partition line 110 may be disturbed by the contour edge 124 as
shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6 depending on its shape of the
contour edge 124.
[0041] The contour edge 124 of the shaped tab 51 comprises a shaped
upper edge 126 and a shaped lower edge 128 which am defined by
being separated by the lateral centerline T1 of the fastening
member 48. Thus, the shaped upper edge 126 extends from a point D
where the contour edge 124 and the partition line 110 intersect in
the upper half of the fastening member 48 to a point E where the
contour edge 124 and the lateral centerline T1 of the fastening
member 48 intersect. The shaped lower edge 128 extends from the
point E to a point F where the contour edge 124 and the partition
line 110 intersects in the lower half of the fastening member 48.
The longitudinal centerline L2 intersects the shaped upper edge 126
at a point A in the upper half of the fastening member 48 and
intersects the shaped lower edge 128 at a point B in the lower half
of the fastening member 48. The lateral center line T2 intersects
the contour edge 124 at a point C.
[0042] The shaped upper edge 126 extending between das point D and
the point E and the shaped lower edge 128 extending the point E and
the point F have specific shapes. It is important that the shaped
upper edge 126 and the shaped lower edge 128 are asymmetric with
respect to the lateral centerline T1 of the fastening member 48 as
shown in FIG. 7. It is also important that the shaped upper edge
126 and the shaped lower edge 128 are symmetric with respect to the
longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab 51 when relatively
shifted in the longitudinal direction. As schematically shown in
FIG. 7, the shaped upper edge 126 shown by the solid line is
relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction toward the shaped
lower edge 128 as shown by a dotted imaginary line 126. The dotted
imaginary line of the shaped upper edge 126 thus shifted is
symmetric with the shaped tower edge 128 with respect to the
longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab 51. While the shaped
upper edge 126 is relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction
in FIG. 7, the shaped lower edge 128 may be relatively shifted in
the longitudinal direction toward the shaped upper edge 126.
[0043] The specific shapes of the shaped upper edge 126 and the
shaped lower edge 128 are important to provide a fastening member
which has directionality and which is able to be easily and
inexpensively manufactured without creating a trim. The
asymmetricalness of the shaped upper edge 126 and the shaped lower
edge 128 with respect to the lateral centerline T1 of the fastening
member 48 allows to provide the directionality of the shaped tab
51. The symmetricalness of the shaped upper edge 126 and the shaped
lower edge 128 with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of
the shaped tab 51 when relatively shifted in the longitudinal
centerline L2 allows to continuously manufacture a fastening member
easily and inexpensively without forming a trim.
[0044] The directionality of the shaped tab 51 can be generally
recognized by the shape of the distal portion 120 of the shaped tab
51. The distal portion 120 of the shaped tab 51 shown in FIG. 6 is
designed to provide downwardness of directionality as indicated by
the arrow M. More concretely, the directionality can be recognized
by specific shapes of the distal upper edge extending between the
point A and the point C in the distal portion 120 and of the distal
lower edge extending between the point C and the point B in the
distal portion 120. It is convenient, to compare the shape of the
distal upper edge and the distal lower edge by the greatest
distance from the center point X of the shaped tab 51. As shown in
FIG. 6, the distal upper edge has a point G thereon which Is spaced
at the greatest distance from the center point X. The distal lower
edge has a point H thereon which is spaced at the greatest distance
from the center point X. The greatest distance between the point H
and the center point X is preferably greater than the greatest
distance between the point G and the center point X. Because of
such difference of the distance from the center point X, the user
recognizes directionality of the distal portion 120. It is
preferable that the greatest distance between the center point X
and the point H is present at an angle S of between about 30 degree
and about 60 degree downwardly with respect to the lateral
centerline T2. It is also preferable that the greatest distance
between the center point X and the point G is present at an angle T
of between about 30 degree and about 60 degree upwardly with
respect to the lateral centerline T2. It is even more preferable
that the greatest distance between the center point X to the point
H is not less than about 120% of the greatest distance between the
center point X and the point G. It Is also preferable that the
greatest distance between the center point X to the point H is not
more than about 200% of the greatest distance between the center
point X and the point G.
[0045] The distal portion 120 of the shaped tab 51 may preferably
have an upper rounded corner 130 and a lower rounded corner 132
which are adjacent the point G and point H, respectively. It is
preferable that the upper rounded corner 130 has a greater radius
of curvature than the lower rounded corner 132. This also
contributes to define the shape of shaped tab 51 to provide
directionality.
[0046] The proximal portion 122 of the shaped tab 51 may have a
recess 134 on the shaped upper edge 126 and a recess 136 on the
shaped lower edge 128. The recess 134 extends between the point D
and the point A on the shaped upper edge 126 and has a symmetric
shape with the lower rounded corner 132 extending between the point
E and B when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction. At
least a part of the recess 136 extends between the point B and the
point F on the shaped lower edge 128 and has a symmetric shape with
the upper rounded corner 130 extending between the point A and the
point E. The recess 134 and/or the recess 136 effectively reduces
the wrinkles, which are created in the ear panel 49 by the
laterally pulling force, to be transmitted into the upper edge
anchor the lower edge of the shaped tab 51, and helps the laterally
pulling force to concentrate into the center portion of the shaped
tab 51 along the lateral centerline T2. Thus, as the wrinkles are
not transmitted into the upper edge and/or the lower edge of the
shaped tab 51, especially of the distal portion 120, the risk of
removal of the shaped tab 51 caused by the wrinkles can be
reduced.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a process forming a
plurality of fastening members. In FIG. 8, the fastening member web
148 is provided in the direction indicated by the arrow P. The
fastening member web 148 has preferably been provided with a
fastening material such as a hook fastening material and/or
adhesive material. The fastening member web 148 is cut along a
shaped cut line 160 generally extending in the longitudinal
direction and cut along a lateral cut line 162 to obtain a
plurality of fastening members 48. A pair of fastening members 48
can be joined to the opposite longitudinal side edges 56 of the
chassis 54 as shown in FIG. 3. The lateral cut line 162 forms the
lateral lower edge 114A of the preceding fastening member 48A and
the lateral upper edge 112C of the following fastening member 48C
on the left side. The shaped cut line 160 forms the contour edge
124 of the shaped tab 51. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the
shaped tab 51B of the fastening member 48B on the right side has
the shaped upper edge 126B and the shaped lower edge 128B. The
shaped upper edge 126B corresponds to the shaped tower edge 128A of
the shaped tab 51A of the preceding fastening member 48A on the
left side. The shaped lower edge 128B corresponds to the shaped
upper edge 126C of the shaped tab 51C of the following fastening
member 48C on the left side. Thus, the specific configuration of
the fastening member allows to continuously manufacture a fastening
member easily and inexpensively without forming any trim as well as
providing directionality of the fastening member.
[0048] The fastening member 48 having directionality is especially
useful when the fastening member 48 is joined to the landing zone
member 94 to form a closure of the diaper 20. As shown in FIG. 9,
the landing zone member 94 is provided in the front waist region
(not shown in FIG. 9). Because the shaped tab 51 of the fastening
member 48 is provided with downwardness of directionality M as
explained above, the user tends to pull the shaped tab 51
downwardly whereby the "angled" line of tension about the wearer is
easily formed. The landing zone member 94 in FIG. 9 may be provided
with an angled guide means 95 to indicate the direction of the
fastening member 48 to more easily form the "angled" line of
tension about the wearer.
[0049] Many alternatives are possible in forming a fastening member
of the present invention while only representative examples are
described herein below. FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of
a fastening member. The fastening member 248 comprises the base
panel or ear panel 249 and the shaped tab 251 sectioned by the
partition line 310 extending in the longitudinal direction. The ear
panel 249 has a lateral upper edge 312, a lateral lower edge 314, a
longitudinal leading edge 316 and a longitudinal trailing edge 318.
While the lateral upper edge 312 and the lateral lower edge 314 are
curved as shown in FIG. 10, the longitudinal length V therebetween
remains constant along the lateral direction of the ear panel 249.
The contour edge 324 of the shaped tab 251 is formed by a
combination of straight lines as shown in FIG. 10. The shaped tab
251 also has a distal portion 320 and a proximal portion 322.
[0050] The contour edge 324 of the shaped tab 251 comprises a
shaped upper edge 326 and a shaped lower edge 328. The shaped upper
edge 326 extends from a point D where the contour edge 324 and the
partition line 310 intersect in the upper half of the fastening
member 248 to a point E where the contour edge 324 and the lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 248 intersect. The shaped
lower edge 328 extends from the point E to a point F where the
contour edge 324 and the partition line 310 intersect in the lower
half of the fastening member 248. The shaped upper edge 326 and the
shaped lower edge 328 are asymmetric with respect to me lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 248 as shown in FIG. 10. The
shaped upper edge 326 and the shaped lower edge 328 are symmetric
with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab
251 when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction. It is
preferable in FIG. 10 that the greatest distance between the point
H and the center point X is greater than the greatest distance
between the point G and the center point X. The shaped upper edge
326 of the shaped tab 251 has a tapered, inclined distal upper
corner 327 while the shaped lower edge 328 maintains the shape of
the distal lower corner 329 having a right angle. This contrast of
the shape of the distal upper corner 327 and the distal lower
corner 329 also contributes to provide directionality of the shaped
tab 251. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the proximal
portion 322 of the shaped tab 251 has no recess on the shaped upper
edge 326 and no recess on the shaped lower edge 328.
[0051] FIG. 11 also shows an alternative embodiment of a fastening
member. This embodiment of the fastening member 448 also comprises
the base panel or ear panel 449 and the shaped tab 451 sectioned by
the partition line 510 extending in the longitudinal direction. The
contour edge 524 of the shaped tab 451 is formed by a combination
of straight lines as shown in FIG. 11. The shaped tab 451 also has
a distal portion 520 and a proximal portion 522.
[0052] The contour edge 524 of the shaped tab 451 comprises a
shaped upper edge 526 and a shaped lower edge 528. The shaped upper
edge 526 extends from a point D where the contour edge 524 and the
partition line 510 intersect in the upper half of the fastening
member 448 to a point E where the contour edge 524 and the lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 448 intersect. The shaped
lower edge 528 extends from the point E to a point F where the
contour edge 524 and the partition line 510 intersect in the lower
half of the fastening member 448. The shaped upper edge 526 and the
shaped lower edge 528 are asymmetric with respect to the lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 448 as shown in FIG. 11. The
shaped upper edge 526 and the shaped lower edge 528 are symmetric
with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab
451 when relatively shifted In the longitudinal direction. It is
preferable in FIG. 11 that the greatest distance between the point
H and the center point X is greater than the greatest distance
between the point G and the center point X. The shaped lower edge
528 of the shaped tab 451 has a protrusion 529 protruding generally
downwardly while the shaped upper edge 526 has the shape of the
distal upper corner 527 having a right angle. This contrast of the
shape of the distal upper corner 527 and the protrusion 529 also
contributes to provide directionality of the shaped tab 451.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the proximal portion
of the shaped tab 451 has a recess 534 on the shaped upper edge 526
and no recess on the shaped lower edge 528.
[0053] FIG. 12 further shows an alternative embodiment of a
fastening member. This embodiment of the fastening member 648 also
comprises the base panel or ear panel 649 and the shaped tab 651
sectioned by the partition line 710 extending in the longitudinal
direction. The shaped tab 651 also has a distal portion 720 and a
proximal portion 722.
[0054] The contour edge 724 of the shaped tab 651 comprises a
shaped upper edge 726 and a shaped lower edge 728. The shaped upper
edge 726 extends from a point D where the contour edge 724 and the
partition line 710 intersect in the upper half of the fastening
member 648 to a point E where the contour edge 724 and tire lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 648 intersect. The shaped
lower edge 728 extends from the point E to a point F where the
contour edge 724 and the partition line 710 intersect in the lower
half of the fastening member 648. The shaped upper edge 726 and the
shaped lower edge 728 are asymmetric with respect to the lateral
centerline T1 of the fastening member 648 as shown in FIG. 12. The
shaped upper edge 726 and the shaped lower edge 728 are symmetric
with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab
651 when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction. It is
preferable in FIG. 12 that the greatest distance between the point
H and the center point X is greater than the greatest distance
between the point G and the center point X. The shaped upper edge
726 in the distal portion 720 (i.e., between the point A and the
point G) and the shaped lower edge 728 in the distal portion 720
(i.e., between the point H and the point B) are both inclined
downwardly as it is apart laterally away mom die proximal portion
722. This shape of the shaped upper edge 726 and the shaped lower
edge 728 in the distal portion 720 also contributes to provide
directionality of the shaped tab 651. Further, in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 12, the proximal portion of the shaped tab 651 has a
recess 734 on the shaped upper edge 726 and a recess 784 on the
shaped lower edge 728.
[0055] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a diaper having a
fastening member. The diaper 820 comprises a chassis 854 and a side
panel 847 joined to the chassis 854. The chassis 854 has a liquid
permeable topsheet 830, a liquid impermeable backsheet 832, and an
absorbent core 834. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the side
panel 847 is formed with an integral extension of the backsheet 832
(e.g., an extension of a liquid impermeable film or an extension of
an outer nonwoven covering the liquid impermeable film). Therefore,
the backsheet 832 of the diaper 820 has a generally hourglass shape
having a narrow crotch region. The diaper 820 is also provided with
the fastening member 848. The fastening member 848 is provided in
the form of a fastening tape and comprises a shaped tab 851 and a
base panel 849. The most portion of the base panel 849 is used to
join the fastening member 848 to the side panel 847.
[0056] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *