BR112020004125B1 - ELASTOMERIC LAMINATE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to fibrous elastomeric laminates (including bilaminates and trilaminates) comprising bundled elastics and may have dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios, dtex to spacing ratios, and/or void area to yarn area ratios. The fibrous laminates of the present disclosure may be used for disposable absorbent article components (including pant waistbands) and may comprise inventive bonding arrangements that provide inventive textures and texture arrangements. When the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the invention are used for pant waistbands, the pants may have inventive application forces, sustained fit loading forces, and sustained fit unloading forces. Furthermore, when the absorbent articles are packaged under compression at the stacking heights in the bag, the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure maintain their properties and characteristics, including their inventive textures.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001]The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, more particularly, to disposable absorbent articles comprising improved elastomeric laminates configured to form part of various components of the disposable absorbent articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditional fibrous elastomeric laminates, as disclosed in the art, are often used to make waistbands for disposable pants. Because traditional fibrous elastomeric laminates use larger elastic yarns (e.g., average dtex greater than 400) with larger spaces between the elastic yarns (e.g., average yarn spacing greater than 4 mm) at higher pre-stretches (e.g., average pre-stretch greater than 200%), they have many undesirable performance parameters. Specifically, traditional laminates have high yarn pressure (e.g., yarn pressure greater than 1 psi) and modulus (e.g., section modulus greater than 10 gf/mm) that result in inadequate sustained fit and red marks. Additionally, the force required to open many waistbands made with fibrous elastomeric laminates can be too great (e.g., application force greater than 2,500 gf), making it difficult for caregivers and wearers to don the disposable pants.

[0003] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure overcome many of the shortcomings of fibrous elastomeric laminates by using thin elastomeric yarns (e.g., average dtex less than 400) with close spacing (e.g., average yarn spacing less than 4 mm), resulting in low yarn pressure (yarn pressure less than 1 psi) and modulus (e.g., section modulus less than 10 gf/mm). These new fibrous elastomeric laminates disclosed herein provide ease of application/donning, better sustained fit, and no marks on the wearer's skin due to the way they distribute force. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure also lend themselves to having multiple texture zones that help make the disposable pant more fabric-like and communicate zones of comfort fit or signal performance and a contoured fit. In general, the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have an appearance and performance unlike any elastomeric laminate previously disclosed or marketed.

[0004]It has also been observed that the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure can be subjected to the process of being incorporated into the absorbent article and being packaged at high compressions for a substantial shelf life, while still maintaining the beneficial and desirable properties described herein.

[0005] Much of the focus of the present disclosure relates to disposable pants and pant waistbands, but it is important to note that the novel laminates of the present disclosure have many applications for disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, pads, liners, etc.) and article components (e.g., topsheets, bottomsheets, cuffs, side panels, waistbands, etc.).

[0006]Further details of the design ambitions of the new fibrous elastomeric laminates follow in the sections below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one example presented in the present disclosure, an elastomeric laminate may comprise a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400, and an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic yarns may have an average yarn spacing in the range of from about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average dtex of from about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-stretch in the range of from about 75% to about 250%. A plurality of densified bonds join the first and second nonwovens, are isolated and spaced apart from each other, and overlap and at least partially surround portions of the plurality of elastic yarns. The laminate has a peel strength between the first and second nonwovens of from about 1 N/cm to about 15 N/cm and may be from about 1.5 N/cm to 10 N/cm. A dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio of a first elastic yarn and at least one of the first and second nonwovens is from about 1.5 to about 15 or may be from about 3 to about 10. The first nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter, and the second nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter. Alternatively, the first layer of nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight of about 8 grams per square meter to about 25 grams per square meter, and the second layer of nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight of about 8 grams per square meter to about 25 grams per square meter.

[0008] In one example presented in the present disclosure, an elastomeric laminate comprises a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average dtex of about 10 to about 400. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic yarns may have an average yarn spacing in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-stretch in the range of about 75% to about 250%. The first and second nonwovens may be joined together, and a third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven, such that the second nonwoven is an intermediate nonwoven. A ratio of the dtex to the spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns is from about 65:1 to about 200:1 or may be from about 75:1 to about 150:1. The first and second nonwovens may be joined together by an adhesive, the adhesive overlapping and at least partially surrounding a portion of the plurality of elastic yarns. The second and third nonwovens may be joined together by a plurality of bonds, the plurality of bonds being isolated and laterally spaced from each other. Elastic yarns may not be present between the second and third nonwovens. The outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven may have different percentages of contact area. The percentage of the outer surface contact area of the third nonwoven may be less than about 35% and the percentage of the outer surface contact area of the first nonwoven may be greater than about 40%.

[0009] In a given example of the present disclosure, a disposable absorbent panty article comprises a chassis, an anterior waist region, and a posterior waist region. The chassis may comprise a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet. A first plurality of elastic threads are disposed in the anterior waist region and a second plurality of elastic threads are disposed in the posterior waist region. The anterior and posterior waist regions are joined at laterally opposing side seams to form a waist and leg opening. The anterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of the laterally opposing anterior lateral seams; and b) a more distal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of the laterally opposing anterior lateral seams. The posterior waist region is a region between a) a most proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and b) a most distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions. The anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic cord of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic cord of the anterior waist region, the anterior component region being defined by an anterior distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic cord and an anterior proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic cord. The anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections, defined by the first, second, and third component section lines, each arranged parallel to the lateral axis and arranged at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line. The anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4. The absorbent article is divided into three article sections, section L, section M, and section R, the article sections being defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally left most distal point of a left lateral edge of the frame and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally right most distal point of a right lateral edge that is laterally opposite the left lateral edge of the frame, any portion of the article on one lateral side or the other of the M section defining the L section and the laterally opposite R section. Each of the first and second pluralities of elastics has an average thread spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic threads may have an average thread spacing of from 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average dtex of from about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-stretch of from about 75% to about 250%. At least a portion of each of the first and second pluralities of elastics has a thread pressure of from about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi or may be less than about 1 psi or less than about 0.75 psi or less than about 0.5 psi. The pant-type article has an application force of about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf, or may have from about 1,000 gf to about 1,400 gf and a sustained setting loading force greater than about 30% of the application force and a sustained setting unloading force greater than about 25% of the application force.

[0010] In one example provided of the present disclosure, a packaged product comprises a package and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles. The package has dimensions of height, width, and depth, an interior space, and an exterior surface, and the package comprises a film. The plurality of disposable absorbent articles are folded, and may be folded twice, and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles. The stack of disposable absorbent articles is compressed along a compression axis and arranged within the interior space of the package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along the width dimension of the package. Each of the folded disposable absorbent articles comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises an elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens, the plurality of elastic yarns having an average yarn spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average dtex of about 10 to about 400, an average pre-stretch of about 50% to about 300%. Alternatively, the plurality of elastic yarns may have an average yarn spacing of 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average dtex of about 40 to about 250, and an average pre-stretch of about 75% to about 250%. The packaged product exhibits a stack height in the pouch of 70 mm to 110 mm, the stack height in the pouch being the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack and then multiplied by ten.

[0011] In each of these examples disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, one or more of the following may be true: a) greater than 70% of the elastic yarns in one of the article sections L and R extend at least 50% of a lateral width (extended and flat) of the respective sections L and R; b) less than 20% of the elastic filaments of the first plurality of yarns are broken between adjacent bonds of the first plurality of bonds that are transversely spaced 20 mm apart; c) the elastomeric laminate has a section modulus of from about 3 gf/mm to about 10 gf/mm, or from about 4 gf/mm to about 9 gf/mm; d) the elastomeric laminate forms at least one of an article component selected from the group consisting of a side panel, a waistband panel, a waist band, a leg cuff, and a flap panel; e) the elastomeric laminate may form an article component that is divided into four equal sections according to the section modulus method, and wherein at least one of the sections comprises at least a portion of the first plurality of elastics and has a section modulus of from about 3 gf/mm to about 10 gf/mm or from about 4 gf/mm to about 9 gf/mm; f) the basis weight of the first nonwoven is from about 6 g/m2 to about 35 g/m2; g) the basis weight of the second nonwoven is from about 6 g/m2 to about 35 g/m2; h) the portions of the elastomeric laminate comprise a TS7 value of less than about 12 and a TS750 value of less than 60; (i) the elastomeric laminate has an air permeability of at least one of: (a) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no extension); (b) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute air permeability at 3 gf/mm (slight extension); and (c) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute air permeability at 7 gf/mm (moderate extension); (j) the elastomeric laminate has a cantilever flexure of less than about 40 mm; (k) the elastomeric laminate has a roughness frequency of about 0.2 mm-1 to about 1 mm-1 , and a roughness wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm; l) the elastomeric laminate has a percentage of the contact area of at least one of: 1) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, 2) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and 3) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; m) the elastomeric laminate has a height value of 2% to 98% of < 1.6 mm; n) the force relaxation over time of the elastomeric laminate is about 5% to about 30%; and o) a peel strength between the first and second nonwoven layers of at least about 1 N/cm to about 5 N/cm or about 2 N/cm to about 10 N/cm or up to and including substrate failure of one or both of the nonwoven substrates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0013]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0014]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0015]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0016]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0017]The perspective figure of a diaper comprises multiple zones

[0018]Figure 1G is a front perspective view of a pant-type diaper on a mannequin comprising multiple texture zones.

[0019]Figure 2A is a plan view of a facing surface of the pant garment of Figure 1A comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0020]Figure 2B is a plan view of a facing surface of the pant garment of Figure 1B comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0021]Figure 2C is a plan view of a facing surface of the pant garment of Figure 1C comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0022]Figure 2D is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of the pants of Figure 1D comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0023]Figure 2E is a plan view of a garment facing surface of the pants of Figure 1E comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0024]Figure 2F is a plan view of a garment facing surface of the pants of Figure 1F comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0025]Figure 2G is a plan view of a garment facing surface of the pants of Figure 1G comprising the texture, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0026]Figure 2H is a plan view of a garment facing surface of a pair of pants comprising multiple texture zones prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0027]Figure 2H' is an exploded view of a portion of the connection arrangement of Figure 2H.

[0028] Figure 2I is a plan view of a garment facing surface of a pair of pants comprising multiple texture zones prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0029]Figure 2I' is an exploded view of a portion of the connection arrangement of Figure 2I.

[0030]Figure 3A is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1A comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1A, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0031]Figure 3B is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1B comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1B, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0032]Figure 3C is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1C comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1C, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0033]Figure 3D is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1D comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1D, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0034]Figure 3E is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1E comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1E, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0035]Figure 3F is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an optional embodiment of the pants of Figure 1F comprising color fields and/or color patterns that complement the different textures of Figure 1F, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0036]Figure 4 is a top view of a garment-facing surface of a portion of an elastomeric laminate of the present disclosure illustrating the color contrast between the elastic yarns and a substrate layer of the laminate and the asymmetric spacing of the elastic yarns.

[0037]Figure 5A illustrates a stress-strain curve with maximum extension, application force, sustained setting loading force, and sustained setting unloading force.

[0038] Figure 5B illustrates the sustained fit loading force and sustained fit unloading force in the inventive and comparative products.

[0039]Figure 5C illustrates the sustained fit loading force and sustained fit unloading force of a product of the invention and a comparative marketed product.

[0040]Figure 5D is a front perspective view of the initial fit of the comparative commercial product of Figure 5C [Easy Ups (size 4)].

[0041]Figure 5D' is a front perspective view of the final fit of the comparative commercial product of Figure 5C [Easy Ups (size 4)].

[0042]Figure 5E is a front perspective view of the initial setup of the product of the invention of Figure 5C [elastic band with adhesive-bonded beam (size 4)].

[0043]Figure 5E' is a front perspective view of the final fit of the product of the invention of Figure 5C [elastic band with adhesive bonded beam (size 4)].

[0044]Figure 5F is a rear perspective view of the initial fit of the comparative commercial product of Figure 5C [Easy Ups (size 4)].

[0045]Figure 5F' is a rear perspective view of the final fit of the comparative commercial product of Figure 5C [Easy Ups (size 4)].

[0046]Figure 5G is a rear perspective view of the initial setup of the product of the invention of Figure 5C [elastic band with adhesive-bonded beam (size 4)].

[0047]Figure 5G' is a rear perspective view of the final fit of the product of the invention of Figure 5C [elastic band with adhesive bonded beam (size 4)].

[0048]Figure 6A is an image of the adhesive bonded elastomeric laminate of the invention of the present disclosure having an average pre-stretch of 150% showing the percentage of contact area obtained from the surface topography method.

[0049]Figure 6B is an image of the adhesive bonded elastomeric laminate of the invention of the present disclosure having an average pre-stretch of 120% showing the percentage of contact area obtained from the surface topography method.

[0050]Figure 6C is an image of the ultrasonically bonded elastomeric laminate of the invention of the present disclosure showing the percentage of contact area obtained from the surface topography method.

[0051]Figure 6D is an image of a marketed product of the present disclosure showing the percentage of contact area obtained from the surface topography method.

[0052]Figure 6D is an image of a current marketed product of the present disclosure showing the percentage of contact area obtained from the surface topography method.

[0053]Figure 7 illustrates the section module.

[0054]Figure 8 is a graph showing the force relaxation over time of a laminate comprising extruded yarn elastics and an elastomeric laminate of the invention of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 9A is a schematic side view of a converting apparatus adapted to manufacture an elastomeric laminate including a first plurality of elastic yarns positioned between a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0056]Figure 9B is a view of the converter apparatus of Figure 9A, taken along line 9B-9B.

[0057]Figure 10A is a detailed view of an elastic thread in an extended state attached between the first and second substrates.

[0058]Figure 10B shows a length of an elastic wire in a relaxed state with a first cross-sectional area.

[0059] Figure 10C shows a length of the elastic cord of Figure 10B in an extended state with a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of 10B.

[0060]Figure 10D is a detailed view of an elastic wire in a relaxed state attached between the first and second substrates.

[0061]Figure 10E is a cross-sectional view of the elastic cord, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10A taken along line 10E-10E.

[0062]Figure 10F is a cross-sectional view of the elastic cord in a connected region of Figure 10D taken along line 10F-10F, with the elastic cord being in a relaxed state.

[0063]Figure 10G is a cross-sectional view of the elastic cord in an unbound region of Figure 10D taken along line 10G-10G, with the elastic cord being in a relaxed state.

[0064] Figure 10H is a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10A taken along line 10E-10E, wherein a plurality of strands of the elastic yarn are bonded in a first configuration.

[0065] Figure 10I is a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10A taken along line 10E-10E, wherein a plurality of strands of the elastic yarn are bonded in a second configuration.

[0066] Figure 10J is a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10A taken along line 10E-10E, wherein a plurality of strands of the elastic yarn are bonded in a third configuration.

[0067] Figure 10K is a scanning electron microscopy ("SEM") photograph of a cross-sectional view of an elastic wire including five filaments in a bonded region surrounded by first and second hardened substrate materials.

[0068] Figure 10L is a scanning electron microscopy ("SEM") photograph of a cross-sectional view of an elastic thread including five filaments in a bonded region surrounded by first and second hardened substrate materials.

[0069]Figure 10M is a scanning electron microscopy ("SEM") photograph of a cross-sectional view of an elastic wire including fifteen filaments in a region bonded to and surrounded by first and second hardened substrate materials.

[0070] Figure 10N is a detailed view of multiple elastic threads in an extended state bonded between first and second substrates, illustrating multiple bonds that can be used to form various textures.

[0071] Figure 10O is a cross-sectional view of the elastic yarn, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10N taken along line 10O-10O, such that the plurality of strands is only partially surrounded by a densified bond 322.

[0072] Figure 10P is a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn, bond, first substrate, and second substrate of Figure 10A taken along line 10E-10E, wherein a plurality of strands of the elastic yarn are bonded in an alternative embodiment of the third configuration of Figure 10J.

[0073] Figure 10Q is a detailed view of multiple elastic strands in an extended state bonded between first and second substrates, illustrating a free end of the strand 327.

[0074] Figure 10R is a detailed view of multiple elastic strands in an extended state bonded between first and second substrates, illustrating free ends of filament 328.

[0075]Figure 11A is a plan view of a garment facing surface or an outer surface of an elastomeric bilaminate.

[0076]Figure 11B is a plan view of a user-facing surface of an inner surface of the elastomeric bilaminate of Figure 11A.

[0077]Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11A taken along line 11C-11C and is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11B taken along line 11C'-11C'.

[0078]Figure 11D is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11A taken along line 11D-11D and is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11B taken along line 11D'-11D'.

[0079]Figure 11E is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11A taken along line 11E-11E and is a cross-sectional view of the bilaminate of Figure 11B taken along line 11E'-11E'.

[0080]Figure 12A is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an elastomeric trilaminate.

[0081]Figure 12B is a plan view of a user-facing surface of an elastomeric trilaminate of Figure 12A.

[0082]Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 12A taken along line 12C-12C and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 12B taken along line 12C'-12C'.

[0083]Figure 12D is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 12A taken along line 12D-12D and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 12B taken along line 12D'-12D'.

[0084]Figure 12E is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 12A taken along line 12E-12E.

[0085]Figure 12F is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trilaminate of Figure 12A taken along line 12E-12E.

[0086]Figure 13A is a plan view of a garment-facing surface of an elastomeric trilaminate.

[0087]Figure 13B is a plan view of a user-facing surface of an elastomeric trilaminate of Figure 13A.

[0088]Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13A taken along line 13C-13C and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13B taken along line 13C'-13C'.

[0089]Figure 13D is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13A taken along line 13D-13D and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13B taken along line 13D'-13D'.

[0090]Figure 13E is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13A taken along line 13E-13E and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'.

[0091] Figure 13F is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trilaminate of Figure 13A taken along line 13E-13E and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'.

[0092] Figure 13G is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trilaminate of Figure 13A taken along line 13E-13E and is a cross-sectional view of the trilaminate of Figure 13B taken along line 13E'-13E'.

[0093]Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the relationship between average wire spacing and average section modulus dtex.

[0094]Figure 15A is a graph illustrating the relationship between dtex-spacing ratio and section modulus.

[0095]Figure 15B is a graph illustrating the relationship between dtex-spacing ratio and section modulus.

[0096]Figure 16A is a front perspective view of a pair of pants comprising distinct waistbands having continuous elastics.

[0097]Figure 16B is a rear perspective view of the pants of Figure 16A.

[0098]Figure 16C is a plan view of the pants of Figure 16A, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings.

[0099] Figure 16D is a cross-sectional view of the pant of Figure 16C taken along the transverse axis, illustrating the elasticized top layer (showing elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42) and the elasticized bottom layer (showing elastics 316 oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42).

[0100] Figure 16E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pant of Figure 16C taken along longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct longitudinally opposed waistbands, wherein elastics 316 are oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between core wrap 74 and topsheet 124 and oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between backsheet film 126 and backsheet nonwoven 127.

[0101] Figure 16F is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pant of Figure 16C taken along longitudinal axis 42, showing distinct longitudinally opposed inner waistband layers 432 and a common outer waistband layer 434, and showing elastic yarns 316 extending continuously through the core.

[0102] Figure 16G is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the waistband pant of Figure 16C taken along longitudinal axis 42, showing a common inner waistband layer 432 and a common outer waistband layer 434.

[0103]Figure 17 is a plan view of a pair of pants prior to the joining of the side panels to form the waist and leg openings.

[0104] Figure 18 is a plan view of a taped diaper comprising a pair of discretely shaped elastomeric flap panels 530 and a pair of non-elastomeric flap panels 540.

[0105] Figure 19A is an interior plan view of a feminine hygiene article 801, specifically a tampon, illustrating elasticized tabs 802 where the elastics 316 are at approximately 45 degree angles to the longitudinal axis 42 and the lateral axis 44.

[0106] Figure 19B is an exterior plan view of an alternative embodiment of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 19A, illustrating elasticized tabs 802, wherein the elastics 316 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 42.

[0107] Figure 19C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the feminine hygiene article 801, taken along line 19C-19C of the feminine hygiene article 801 of Figure 19A, illustrating only one layer of yarns between the layers constituting the flaps, as well as yarns underlying or forming a portion of the topsheet 124 and the secondary topsheet 124'.

[0108]Figure 20 illustrates packaged disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure.

[0109]Figure 21 illustrates the pressure under wire.

[0110]Figure 22 is a front view of a hook fixture for performing the hoop extension test.

[0111]Figure 23A is a plan view of the pants, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings, illustrating the front and rear component regions 50 and 51.

[0112]Figure 23B is a plan view of the pants, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings, illustrating the front and rear component regions 50 and 51.

[0113]Figure 23C is a plan view of the pants, prior to joining the side edges of the waistband to form the waist and leg openings, illustrating the front and rear component regions 50 and 51.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] The present disclosure details improved elastomeric laminates (also referred to as "bundled laminates" comprising "bundled elastics") comprising a greater number of elastic yarns having a greater fineness (i.e., lower decitex) and closer spacing than has previously been disclosed or practiced in disposable absorbent articles. Such improved fibrous elastomeric laminates can be used as components (e.g., topsheets, backsheets, waistbands, tabs, side panels, cuffs, etc.) of disposable absorbent articles (e.g., disposable tape diapers, pants, pads, liners, etc.) for fitting and sealing at the waist, legs, thigh region ("crotch"), and sides of the wearer to provide, overall, the greatest level of extensibility, ease of application, the most comfortable wearing conditions, improved leak protection, and a better sustained fit. Additionally, the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure lend themselves to having different bonding zones by means of different arrangements and/or different bonding types. Definitions

[0115]The following explanations of the terms may be useful in understanding this description:

[0116]The term "disposable" as it relates to absorbent articles means that they are generally not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and are preferably intended to be recycled, decomposed, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). Disposable absorbent articles often comprise an adhesive between the layers and/or elements for bonding the article (e.g., flap panels, side panels, and seams are bonded to the chassis by adhesive and the layers of the flap panels, side panels, waistband, and chassis are bonded to each other using adhesive). Alternatively, heat and/or pressure bonding are used with or in place of the adhesive. In such cases, portions of the layers of material may become partially molten and pressed together so that upon cooling they are physically bonded to each other. Adhesives [including, for example, styrenic block copolymers (e.g., SIS, SBS)], nonwovens (including, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), and absorbent gel material (MGA 26 - see Figures 16C and 16D) comprise greater than 50%, greater than 75%, and often greater than 90% of the weight of the disposable absorbent article. And a core comprising the MGA 26 is often held within the chassis in a manner that would encapsulate and contain the MGA 26 under normal conditions. Such disposable absorbent articles typically have an absorbent capacity of greater than about 100 ml of fluid and may have capacities of up to about 500 ml of fluid or more. Seams (including the use of stitching thread) and/or woven materials are not typically used to produce a disposable absorbent article. If seams and woven materials are used, they constitute an extremely small percentage of the disposable absorbent article. Some contact areas of disposable absorbent articles for closures may comprise a woven material, but no other portion of a disposable absorbent article typically comprises woven materials.

[0117] "Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and confine bodily exudates, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or near the wearer's body to absorb and confine the various exudates discharged by the body. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training diapers, pull-on sanitary pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a waist opening and pre-formed leg openings, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), resealable diapers or sanitary pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper supports and liners, feminine hygiene articles such as panty liners, feminine pads, removable absorbent liners, pad systems and panties (disposable and semi-durable), and the like.

[0118]The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer, respectively, to the location of an element relatively closer to or further from the longitudinal or lateral centerline of a structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extending element is situated closer to the longitudinal axis than the distal edge of the same element, relative to the same longitudinal axis).

[0119]The terms "wearer-facing" and "garment-facing" refer, respectively, to the relative location of an element, or a surface of an element or group of elements. The term "wearer-facing" means that the element or surface is closer to the user during use than some other element or surface. The term "garment-facing" means that the element or surface is further from the user during use than some other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is close to the user's clothing that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).

[0120]The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending substantially perpendicularly from one waist edge to an opposite waist edge of the article, and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered "longitudinal".

[0121]"Lateral" refers to a direction running from a longitudinally extending side edge to an opposite longitudinally extending side edge of the article and generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction. Directions up to 45 degrees from the lateral direction are considered "lateral".

[0122]The term "arranged" refers to an element that is situated in a particular place or position.

[0123]The term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby one element is directly attached to another by the direct joining between them, as well as configurations whereby the element is indirectly attached to another by the joining of the first to intermediate member(s) which, in turn, is/are attached to the other element.

[0124]The terms "water permeable" and "water impermeable" refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended use of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term "water permeable" refers to a layer or layered structure having interconnected pores, openings and/or voids that allow liquid water, urine or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term "water impermeable" refers to a layer or layered structure through whose thickness liquid water, urine or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (other than natural forces such as gravity). A layer or layered structure that is impermeable to water, according to this definition, may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., it may be "vapor permeable".

[0125]"Elastic", "elastomer" or "elastomeric" refers to materials that exhibit elastic properties, which include any material that, upon application of force, may be extended or elongated from its initial relaxed length to an elongated length greater than 10% greater than its initial length and which returns substantially to its initial length upon release of the applied force. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, tapes, yarns and other sheet-like structures.

[0126]"Prestretch" refers to the stretch imposed on an elastic or elastomeric material prior to its combination with another element of the elastomeric laminate or absorbent article. Prestretch is determined by the following equation: prestretch = ((extended length of elastic relaxed length of elastic)/relaxed length of elastic)*100.

[0127]"Decitex", also known as dtex is a measurement used in the textile industry to measure yarns or filaments. 1 Decitex = 1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a relaxed yarn or filament weighs 500 grams, that yarn or filament would have a decitex of 500.

[0128] The term "substrate" is used in the present invention to describe a material that is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1/10 or less) compared to its length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers of fibrous materials, nonwovens, films and sheets such as polymeric films or metal foils. Such materials may be used alone or may comprise two or more layers laminated together. Thus, a web is a substrate.

[0129]The term "nonwoven" refers, in the present invention, to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) through processes such as continuous spinning, blow spinning, carding and the like. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0130]The term "machine direction" (MD) is used, in the present invention, to refer to the direction of material flow through a process. Furthermore, the relative location and movement of material can be described as flowing in the machine direction through a process from an upstream point in the process to a downstream point in the process.

[0131]The term "transverse direction" (DT) is used in the present invention to refer to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0132]The term "tape diaper" (also called "open diaper") refers to disposable absorbent articles that have a leading front waist region and a leading back waist region that are not closed, pre-closed, or connected to each other when packaged, prior to being placed on the wearer. A tape diaper may be folded around the lateral centerline with the inside of one waist region in surface contact with the inside of the opposite waist region without fastening or joining the waist regions. Examples of tape diapers are disclosed in various suitable embodiments in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, 6,426,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393, and 6,861,571, and in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887; 2013/0211356 A1; and 2013/0306226 A1.

[0133] The term "pants" (also referred to as "training diaper", "pre-closed diaper", "diaper pants", "pants-type diaper", "panties" and "wear-on diaper") refers in the present invention to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant may be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening, and at least one continuous and closed leg opening prior to the article being applied to the wearer. A pant may be pre-formed or pre-closed by various techniques including, but not limited to, joining portions of the article together using any permanent and/or reclosable closure member (e.g., seams, heat splices, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive joints, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant may be preformed at any location along the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., with a side closure or junction, with a front waist closure or junction, with a rear waist closure or junction). Examples of pant-type diapers in various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 7,569,039 and in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0233082 A1; 2005/0107764 A1, 2012/0061016 A1, 2012/0061015 A1; 2013/0255861 A1 2013/0255862 A1; 2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0134]The term "side seam" is the area that connects the front waist region to the rear waist region to form the waist and leg openings. Side seams may be formed as permanent seams via thermal, pressure, heat or ultrasonic bonding. Side seams may also be formed by means of fastening elements to create a recloseable side seam. In such cases, the length of the side seam is determined by the length of the fastener or fasteners. Side seams must be of sufficient strength not to open during use but to be easily opened for removal.

[0135]"Closed form" means that opposing waist regions are joined as packaged, permanently or reclosably to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0136]"Open form" means that opposing waist regions are not initially joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings but comprise a closure means, such as a fastening system, for joining the waist regions to form the waist and leg openings prior to or during application to a wearer of the article.

[0137] The term "channel", as used herein, is a region or zone in a layer of absorbent material that has a substantially lower basis weight (e.g., less than 50%, less than 70%, less than 90%) than the surrounding material in the material layer. The channel may be a region in a material layer that is substantially free of material (e.g., 90% free of absorbent material, 95% free of absorbent material, or 99% free of absorbent material, or completely free of material). A channel may extend through one or more layers of absorbent material. Channels generally have a lower flexural modulus than surrounding regions of the absorbent material layer, allowing the material layer to flex more easily and/or rapidly distribute more body exudates within the channel than in surrounding areas of the absorbent material layer. Thus, a channel is not merely an indentation in the material layer that does not create a reduced basis weight in the material layer in the channel area.

[0138] "Bond void cross-sectional area" is the cross-sectional area of the void created by the pre-stretched elastic material when the nonwoven substrates are compacted or densified to form the bond. The shape of the void is defined substantially by the shape and dimensions of the elongated elastic present when the bond is formed (see Figure 10K). The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may comprise densified bonding bonding substrates and overlapping elastic yarns such that a bond void cross-sectional area of the densified bond is from about 0.001 mm2 to about 0.03 mm2, or from about 0.005 mm2 to about 0.015 mm2.

[0139] "Yarn cross-sectional area" is the combined cross-sectional area of the individual filaments forming the yarn. The yarn cross-sectional area is determined by measuring the cross-sectional area of each of the filaments forming the yarn in the fully relaxed state and adding the individual filament cross-sectional areas together to determine the cross-sectional area of the yarn in its relaxed state. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have yarns that have a yarn cross-sectional area in their relaxed arrangement of from about 0.004 mm2 to about 0.04 mm2 or from about 0.008 to about 0.03.

[0140] The "void area to wire area ratio" is the ratio required to form dimensional lock and is determined by dividing the cross-sectional area of the bond void space by the cross-sectional area of the wire of the relaxed elastic wire. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have void area to wire area ratios of less than about 1, or from about 0.25 to about 0.9, or from about 0.3 to about 0.7.

[0141] "Bond length" or "Lb" is defined as the longest dimension of the bond. The measurement is taken from a first end of a bond to a second end of the bond along the running length of the bond itself. For substantially linear bonds, the length measurement will be perpendicular to the bond width measurement. For circular bonds, the length is taken to be the diameter of the circular bond. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond length of from about 1 mm to about 300 mm, from 3 mm to about 150 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 100 mm. See Figures 2H, 2H', 10A and 10I.

[0142] "Average bond length" is defined as the average of the bond length of a representative plurality of bonds forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Such elastomeric laminates may have an average bond length of from about 3 mm to about 300 mm, from about 5 mm to about 100 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 50 mm. Bonds 322 may be continuous and may longitudinally overlap from about 2 to about 200 elastic strands, from about 5 to about 150 elastic strands, or from about 10 to about 100 elastic strands. Figures 2H, 2I, and 10N illustrate densified bonds 322 overlapping a plurality of elastic strands 316.

[0143] The "bond width" or "Wb" is defined as the shortest dimension of the bond. The measurement from a first side of a bond to a second side of the bond intersects the bond of the bond length measurement. For substantially linear bonds, the measurement is perpendicular to the bond length measurement. For circular bonds, the width is taken to be the diameter of the circular bond. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. See Figures 2H, 2I, and 10A.

[0144] "Average bond width" is defined as the average of the bond width of a representative plurality of bonds forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0145] As used in this disclosure, "bond region width" or "Wbr" is defined as the width from a first laterally opposite bond to a second laterally opposite bond measured parallel to the lateral axis. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a bond region width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. See Figures 2H and 2I.

[0146] "Average bond region width" is defined as the average bond region width of a representative plurality of bond regions forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average bond region width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0147]The "bond region length" or "Lbr" is defined as the length from a first longitudinally opposed bond to a second longitudinally opposed bond measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure can have a bond region length of from about 10 mm to about 300 mm. See Figures 2H and 2I.

[0148] "Average bond region length" is defined as the average bond region length of a representative plurality of bond regions forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average bond region length of from about 10 mm to about 300 mm or from about 25 mm to about 200 mm.

[0149]The "longitudinal bond spacing" or "Sb" is defined as the spacing between a first bond and a second bond measured parallel to the longitudinal axis - see Figure 2H. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a longitudinal bond spacing of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm or from about 2 mm to about 15 mm.

[0150] "Average longitudinal bond spacing" is defined as the average of the longitudinal bond spacing of a representative plurality of bonds forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average longitudinal bond spacing of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm.

[0151]"Lateral bond spacing" or "Sia" is defined as the spacing between a first bond and a second bond measured parallel to the lateral axis - see Figure 2H. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a lateral bond spacing of about 2 mm to about 30 mm.

[0152] "Average lateral bond spacing" is defined as the average of the lateral bond spacing of a representative plurality of bonds forming the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have an average lateral bond spacing of from about 2 mm to about 30 mm.

[0153] The "dtex to spacing ratio" is determined by dividing the elastic decitex by the elastic spacing of the plurality of elastics being examined. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure can have dtex to spacing ratios of from about 65:1 to about 300:1 or from about 80:1 to about 200:1.

[0154] The "dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio" is determined by dividing the elastic decitex by the nonwoven basis of the one or more nonwoven substrates of the elastomeric laminate disposed over one side (garment facing side or wearer facing side) of the elastic yarn, i.e., the inner or outer substrate layers of the elastomeric laminate. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure can have dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios of from about 1.5 to about 15, from about 3 to about 12, or from about 4 to about 10.

[0155] "Peel strength" is the force required to separate the first and second nonwoven substrate layers that form the elastomeric laminate. The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a peel strength of at least about 1 N/cm to about 5 N/cm or from about 2 N/cm to about 10 N/cm or up to and including substrate failure of one or both of the nonwoven substrates.

[0156]The term "melting point" is the temperature at which a material or substance changes state from solid to liquid at atmospheric pressure. At the melting point, the solid and liquid phases exist in equilibrium. The melting point of the first and second substrates may be from about 100 to about 170, or from about 110 to about 160, or from about 120 to about 150 degrees Celsius. The melting point of the elastic strands of elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may be greater than about 170 degrees Celsius.

[0157]"Application force" is the force that a user's caregiver may encounter while donning the absorbent article. Application force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0158]The "sustained fit load force" is the force that an article applies to the wearer when the wearer's waist extends, for example, during breathing or during wearer movement such as when a wearer goes from a standing to a sitting position or from a prone to a sitting position. The sustained fit load force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0159]The "sustained fit unloading force" is the force that an article applies to the wearer when the wearer's waist contracts, for example, during breathing or during wearer movement such as when a wearer goes from a sitting to a standing position or from a sitting to a prone position. The sustained fit unloading force is derived from a two-cycle hip hoop test.

[0160]Other definitions may be presented in the present invention.

Textures of the present revelation

[0161] Absorbent articles comprising traditional fibrous elastomeric laminates, i.e. those having elastics with a decitex above 400, elastic spacing greater than 4 mm and elastic pre-stretch above 200%, have a texture comprising large random roughnesses that are present on the surface facing the wearer as well as on the surface facing the garment. The texture formed by such large random roughnesses does not provide the appearance of a textile garment and the size and roughness may impact the wearer's skin leaving marks and indentations.

[0162] Absorbent articles comprising elastomeric laminates and bundled elastics formed from bundled elastics have much more intentional, well-defined, and deliberate textures made possible by the bundled elastics incorporated into the elastomeric laminate. These intentional, well-defined, and deliberate textures and texture zones can be used to communicate the intended use of the article, the function of the article, as well as the intended user. For example, an intentional texture that is loose and soft may communicate a snug-fitting design intended for nighttime, low-activity wear or may be desirable for younger infants who move less or who have more sensitive skin. Conversely, an intentional design that is softer and more closely fitted to the skin may communicate a contoured design suitable for daytime, high-activity wear such as walking, hiking, or playing sports. A contoured-fitting design may also be intended for use on more active older children, e.g., toddlers or toddlers who are walking/running. The intentional, well-defined and deliberate textures and texture zones enabled by beam-elastic-based laminates are consistent with textile garments that typically have such identifiable texture patterns as well as patterns to communicate function. For example, it is easy to differentiate between leggings made for relaxation and leggings made for high-activity activities such as aerobics, running or sports because of the visual nature of the design and, in particular, the textures and/or texture zones.

[0163]The intentional, well-defined and deliberate textures and texture zones enabled by elastic laminates can also impact the distribution of forces in the waistband as well as the sustained fit by providing structural features, e.g. vertically oriented gathers, enabled by the textures themselves that increase resistance to deformation and prevent overlapping, stretching, shrinking and slipping of the elastomeric laminate in use. General

[0164] As shown in Figures 2H and 2I, an article component (e.g., a waistband, a side panel, and a flap panel, etc.) may comprise a plurality of the same or different type and/or arrangement of bonds 322 or bonding regions 324 that may be of similar shape, scale, arrangement, and/or pattern across multiple sections (e.g., sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, R, or M). Bonds 322 or bonding regions 324 may be formed using an adhesive or may be formed mechanically, including by heat, pressure, and/or ultrasound, and may join first and second substrate layers 306 and 308, with elastic yarns 316 therebetween, to form the absorbent article component. Each of the sections may comprise a plurality of the same type and/or arrangement of bonds 322 or bond regions 324 to form the same or similar texture zone (i.e., the same or substantially the same texture presentation). Alternatively, the bonds 322 or bond regions 324 in one or more sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be different from the bonds 322 or bond regions 324 in another section to form different texture zones. Different texture zones may also be formed by adjusting the spacing, dtex, and pre-stretch of the elastic yarns between the layers of the laminate. It should also be noted that the texture and/or bond pattern may be mirrored along one or both of the longitudinal and/or lateral centerlines to create a more holistically balanced texture appearance.

[0165] Figure 2H illustrates linear, longitudinally extending, continuous ultrasonic bonds (comprising densified portions) 322 disposed in sections 1 and 2 in the anterior waist region 36, arcuate ultrasonic bonds in sections 1 and 2 in the posterior waist region 38, arcuate ultrasonic bond regions 324 in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the posterior waist region 38, and spiral adhesive 319 in section 4 of the posterior waist region 38. Each of these depicted bonds 322 and bond regions 324 join together the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308. These differences in bond type, pattern, and shape will contribute to providing distinct and visually discernible well-defined texture differences in the various sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and/or R.

[0166] The garment-facing surface 2 of a substrate in the area where a wearer-facing surface 4 of the article component is bonded to the chassis, often by spiral or slot-coated adhesive, may have a discernible texture difference even when it comprises the same bonding arrangement and elastic profile as adjacent areas of the article component because the adhesive bonding of the article component to the chassis may partially reduce the impact of the elastics 316 in that area; further, the elastic strands may be cut so that they do not run continuously along the chassis 200.

[0167]The bonds 322 or bonding regions 324 joining the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308, where the elastic yarns 316 are therebetween, translate substantially the same texture on the garment-facing surface 2 of the elastomeric laminate 302 as on the wearer-facing surface 4.

[0168] The elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise continuous bonds 322 [e.g., in the article of Figure 2H, in the anterior waist region 36, several of the bonds may extend continuously (longitudinally) along multiple component sections - some bonds 322 extend continuously from component section 1 through 4, but are laterally distinct because they are laterally spaced (Sia)] along a given shape or pattern. Alternatively, bond regions 324 may be formed from a plurality of bond points arranged in a specific pattern or shape (see, e.g., Figure 2H, in the posterior waist region 38, sections 1 through 3). Examples of the shapes or patterns that may be formed from a plurality of distinct bond points include lines arranged parallel to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral axes or lines arranged angularly with respect to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral axes. The bond or bonding regions may form various open shapes 324" (e.g., arcs, curves, etc.—see Figure 2H) and closed shapes 324' (e.g., circles, triangles, squares, rhombuses, etc.—see Figure 2H). With respect to closed shapes 324', the bonding leaves a central portion 321 unbonded, while the perimeter is bonded via bonds 322, and the two cooperate to form the appearance of closed shape 324' (see Figure 2H). Bonding Regions

[0169]Regarding the bonding regions 324, the distinct bonds forming a pattern or shape may be arranged 5 mm or less apart from each other and more typically 3 mm or less apart from each other (S1) (see Figure 2H'). These closely spaced bonds 322 may be considered part of the same bonding region 324.

[0170] With respect to specific bonding arrangements to produce desirable textures, an article component selected from a flap panel, a side panel, and/or a waistband panel may, in section 1, comprise longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions transversely spaced from each other at an average lateral bond spacing, and may, in sections 2 or 3, comprise longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions transversely spaced from each other at an average lateral bond spacing of section 1. The bonds or bonding regions in these sections may have an average longitudinal bond length of from about 20 mm to about 200 mm and an average lateral bond spacing of from about 2 mm to about 20 mm. Extend/cooperate

[0171] The bonds 322 or bond regions 324 of one section may "extend" into another section or "cooperate" with bonds in multiple sections to form a larger composite shape. For example, an end edge of a bond or bond region in one section may substantially align with an end edge of the bond or bond region in an adjacent section such that the bond or bond region is, or appears to be, continuous across multiple sections or such that a larger composite shape is formed (e.g., an arc, spiral curves, etc.). For example, a bond or bond region in section 1 may have an end edge that is substantially aligned with an end edge of a bond or bond region in section 2. Thus, a bond element may extend or appear to extend through sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or L, R, and M. Furthermore, an end edge of a bond or bond region in a section disposed in a first waist region may substantially align with an end edge of the bond or bond region in an adjacent section disposed in a second waist region such that the bond or bond region is, or appears to be, continuous from a first waist region to a second waist region such that a larger composite shape is formed (e.g., an arch, spiral curves, etc.).

General texture example

[0172] It may be desirable for each of sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and sections L, M and R to consist of a plurality of densified bonds 322 or bonding regions 324 joining the first and second nonwoven layers, each having a basis weight of from about 6 g/m2 to about 35 g/m2, the densified bonds 322 or bonding regions 324 overlying a plurality of elastic yarns 316 having an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm or from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, an average dtex of either about 20 to about 300 or from about 40 to about 220, and an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300% or from about 75% to about 250% to form an elastomeric laminate that can be used as a component of the article, such as a waistband tab. Said bonds 322 or bond regions 324 can have an average bond width or average bond region width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm or from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, an average bond length or average bond region length of from about 5 mm to about 300 mm or from about 20 mm to about 200 mm, and have an average lateral bond spacing of from about 2 mm to about 20 mm or from about 4 mm to about 10 mm. The densified bonds 322 or bond regions 324 can overlap and dimensionally lock at least 15 elastic strands. One or more of the densified bonds superimposed on the one or more elastic yarns may have a yarn cross-sectional area in its relaxed arrangement of from about 0.002 mm2 to about 0.04 mm2 and a bond void space cross-sectional area of the bond of from about 0.001 mm2 to about 0.02 mm2. A ratio of the bond width to the bond length of at least two bonds of said plurality of densified bonds may be from about 4:1 to 300:1 or from about 20:1 to about 200:1. And further, a ratio of dtex to nonwoven basis weight of a first elastic yarn (of the plurality of elastic yarns) and the first and second layers of nonwoven may be from about 1.5 to about 7; a ratio of dtex to spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns may be from about 65:1 to about 300:1; a ratio of average lateral bond spacing to average bond width may be from 1:1 to 50:1; a ratio of average bond length to average bond width may be from 1:1 to 300:1; a ratio of average longitudinal bond spacing to average bond width may be from 1:2 to 20:1; a ratio of average bond length to average longitudinal bond spacing may be from 1:1 to 300:1.

Sticker

[0173] One or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and sections L M and R of a component article may be free of adhesive. For example, sections having densified bonds joining the first and second substrates may be free of adhesive. However, it may be desirable that these sections comprising densified bonds may also comprise adhesive, for example in a trilaminate or quadrilaminate configuration as described further below. In other words, the elastomeric laminate sections may comprise 2 or more substrate layers and may comprise one or more bonding means including mechanical, thermal, ultrasonic, pressure, adhesive, cohesive and combinations thereof. It may also be desirable for the component article sections to consist solely of adhesive bonds securing the substrate layers as well as the elastic strands therebetween. Areas comprising substantially continuous fields or areas of adhesive joining the elastics and/or substrates of an elastomeric laminate may result in a smoother texture. These smoother sections may be desirable in high-traffic zone areas and user-facing surfaces in contact with the user. These smoother textures signal a contoured fit to the body. These smoother adhesive sections may also be used to contrast macrotextures created by sections comprising intermittent bonds (e.g., discrete ultrasonic bonds).

[0174] It should also be understood that one or more of the component sections may comprise a single texture, as illustrated in section 1 of Figure 1A, showing a single texture with a heart identification illustration. Alternatively, one or more of the component sections may comprise 2 or more distinct textures, as illustrated in section 2 of Figure 1C. In certain embodiments, one or more of the component sections in a first waist region may comprise the same texture as one or more of the component sections in a second waist region. In other embodiments, the textures in a first waist region may be distinctly different from the textures in a second waist region.

[0175] The L and R section, in one or both waist regions, may have a relatively smooth texture enabled by the application of a continuous adhesive field bonding the elastics to the substrate layers of the elastomeric laminate, while the M section may have an intentional, well-defined texture enabled by an intermittent bonding pattern formed by mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, pressure bonds, and/or bonds formed from adhesives, cohesives, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the M section may comprise an outer nonwoven material comprising zones of varying basis weight and/or thicknesses - the outer nonwoven material comprising zones of varying basis weight and/or thicknesses may extend from a first edge of the waist through the crotch region to the opposite waist edge or may be present only in the crotch region of the article. In certain embodiments, the outer nonwoven material comprising zones of varying basis weight and/or thickness may overlay a portion of the elastomeric laminate and/or may form a portion of the elastomeric laminate.

[0176]Alternatively, the L and R sections, in one or both regions of the waist, may have a relatively smooth texture enabled by a closely spaced pattern of intermittent bonds or a continuous bonding surface joining the elastics to the substrate layers of the elastomeric laminate, while the M section may have a different texture enabled by an intermittent bond pattern having a different spacing or pattern than the bonding pattern in the L and R sections.

Different texture zones

[0177] When the textures vary (through different bond arrangements, including one or more of different average bond width, different average bond length, and different average longitudinal bond spacing in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R), they may have different parametric values, including one or more of contact area percentage, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, height value from 2 to 98%, Emtec TS7 value, and/or Emtec TS750 value. Different texture zones may have at least a 10%, 15% or 20% different value of each of these parameters in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M and R. Sections 1 and 4, which may include the appendix region (i.e., the portion of a flap below a side seam), may have different textures relative to other sections of the component or article due to the desire to make the sections along the waist and leg openings appear more finished or to communicate a greater level of elasticity or stretch along these openings. Additionally, it may be desirable for the texture zones adjacent to the waist and leg openings to be the same or similar, at least in the L and R sections. Additionally, it may be desirable for the L and R sections to have a greater percentage of the contact area than the M section. It may also be desirable for a first texture zone to have a percentage of the contact area of less than about 30% and the second texture zone to have a percentage of the contact area of greater than about 35%. Alternatively, it may be desirable for a first texture zone to have a percentage of the contact area of less than about 40% and the second texture zone to have a percentage of the contact area of greater than about 50%.

[0178] It may be desirable to supplement the distinct texture zones with common (i.e., similarly shaped, sized, and arranged) graphic zones and/or color zones, each of the texture, color/graphic zones being arranged to overlap one another in the absorbent article. More particularly, a common color and/or graphic pattern field (e.g., 700) may overlap similarly shaped, sized, and arranged bonding arrangements (e.g., 600). Figures 3A-F illustrate different color fields and/or graphic patterns, with many of the different color fields and/or graphic patterns 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, etc. being within the shape and size and arrangement of a different texture zone 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, etc. in Figures 2A through G. For example, the color field and/or graphic pattern of 700 may have a distinctly different color and/or pattern than 701, 702, 703, and 704, just as the texture zone 600 may have a distinctly different bonding pattern or arrangement than 601, 602, 603, and 604.

[0179]However, it may also be desirable to have zones of color fields and/or graphic patterns that do not complement or coordinate with different texture zones, such that certain color fields and/or graphic patterns are larger or smaller or have a different shape compared to the texture zones they overlap. For example, in Figures 2A versus 3A, 601 is a distinct texture field, while the common area of color field and/or graphic pattern 701 and 701' are two distinct zones.

[0180] It may also be desirable to have zones of color fields and/or graphic patterns that overlap with zones of texture that have little or no connection, for example, area 603 in Figure 2B has no texture but overlaps with color field and/or graphic pattern 703 in Figure 3B, so that the textured appearance can coordinate with other areas that have texture.

[0181] Figure 1G illustrates an absorbent article having a first relatively smooth texture, a percentage of contact area greater than 40%, in the L and R sections wherein the elastomeric laminate is formed from 2 layers of substrate with elastics bonded together by a substantially continuous adhesive layer. The L and R section may also comprise apertures 388 that are formed in the elastomeric laminate. The apertures may pass from the outer surface through the laminate to the inner surface and may be arranged in a random pattern or in a purposeful pattern (as shown in Figure 1G). The M section comprises a different texture than the L and R sections. The L and R sections, as shown in Figure 1G, have a greater percentage of contact area, greater than 40% than the M section (percentage of contact area of less than 35%). The M section may be formed from a bilaminate or trilaminate and may comprise an intermittent pattern of bonds formed by heat, pressure, ultrasound or adhesive. Alternatively, the M section may comprise an outer substrate layer formed of non-woven material comprising areas of varying basis weight or thickness.

Texture parameters

[0182] With respect to texture characteristics, one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R may have: an Emtec TS7 value of less than about 12; an Emtec TS750 value of less than 60; a roughness frequency of about 0.2 mm-1 to about 1 mm-1; a roughness wavelength of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm; and a 2% to 98% height value of <1.6 mm. It should be understood that one or more of the Emtec, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, and/or 2% to 98% height value in sections L and R may be different than the Emtec, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, and/or 2% to 98% height value in section M.

Performance parameters

[0183] The texture zones of the present disclosure are not intended to impact the desired performance of the article or components of the article. Thus, one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, L, M, and R may comprise a texture zone and may have: a section modulus of from about 4 gf/mm to about 10 gf/mm; a cantilever flexure of less than about 40 mm; an air permeability of at least one of: a) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no extension); b) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 3 gf/mm (slight extension); and c) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 7 gf/mm (moderate extension); a percentage of the contact area of at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; a relaxation of force over time of about 5% to about 30%; less than 10% of the elastic threads are broken between adjacent bonds that are transversely spaced 20 mm apart; less than 20% of the elastic filaments are broken between bonds that are transversely spaced 20 mm apart; a peel strength between the first and second nonwoven layers of greater than about 1 N/cm to about 10 N/cm or up to and including substrate failure; more than 70% of the elastic yarns in one of the article sections L and R extend at least 50% of a lateral width (extended and flat) of the respective L and R sections; and a yarn pressure of less than 1 psi (according to the conditions defined by the yarn pressure test).

Random texture

[0184] As shown in Figure 4, strikingly unique textile looks can be achieved by randomly spacing the plurality of elastics between substrate layers in combination with darker colored yarns with a lighter colored nonwoven or lighter colored yarns with a darker colored nonwoven. One way to achieve this effect is to have more yarns (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%) in one or more of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4, relative to one of the other sections. In a single section component, the yarns can be asymmetrically spaced. The ΔE* of such a section can be greater than 7 and less than about 60.

[0185] This effect may be enhanced by the use of elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure (i.e., having an average yarn spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average dtex of about 20 to about 300, and an average pre-stretch of about 50% to about 300%) and having elongated bonds or bond regions that extend the length of the laminate (at about 90 degrees to the direction of the elastic yarns), where the bonds or bond regions have an average bond length of about 5 mm to about 150 mm, and with an average lateral bond spacing of about 2 mm to about 15 mm.

Multiple beams

[0186] It should be appreciated that one or more texture zones may be formed from multiple bundles of elastic. For example, separate bundles may comprise a different number of elastics, and/or the bundles may have elastics having different dtex, and/or the elastics from two bundles may be arranged at different spacing, and/or the separate bundles may provide elastics having different pre-stretch, and/or the different bundles may provide elastics having different orientations in the product, e.g., liner, arched, angled, etc. The resulting portions created from such a multiple bundle approach may have different textures. Application force, sustained set loading force, and sustained set unloading force of the present disclosure

[0187] Absorbent articles comprising fibrous elastics and traditional elastomeric laminates typically require high application forces to ensure adequate sustained fit loading forces and sustained fit unloading forces to maintain the position of the article on the wearer. Absorbent articles comprising traditional fibrous elastics do not retain tensile forces as well as articles comprising bundled elastics and thus typically involve a significant trade-off between consumer and performance, i.e., either difficult application for consumers and adequate sustained fit and seal or ease of application for consumers and inferior sustained fit, seal and leak performance.

[0188]The higher decitex elastic of traditional fibrous elastic laminates has between 30 and 60 individual elastic filaments twisted together to form the elastic yarn. The lower decitex elastic of the bundled elastic laminate has between 3 and 7 elastic filaments. Without being bound by theory, the lower decitex elastic used in the bundled elastic laminate will have fewer individual filaments than the higher decitex elastic. In some cases, the lower decitex may have as many as 1/10 the number of filaments. Since the elastic filaments are twisted together to form the yarns, the elastic comprising more filaments will have more interaction between the filaments as the yarns stretch and contract. This increased interaction can adversely impact the retention of sustained fit loading and unloading forces. Furthermore, the larger bundle of twisted filaments will likely also result in different filaments being attached to the laminate substrates at different points along the yarn, introducing additional constraints on various filaments in the bundle, further impacting the filaments’ ability to extend and contract. The lower decitex elastic yarns of the bundled elastic laminate comprise significantly fewer filaments, and thus the filaments can extend and contract more independently of each other, providing an elastic response closer to a monofilament yarn.

[0189] An absorbent article comprising a bundled elastic laminate may have an application force of between about 900 gf and about 1,600 gf, a sustained set loading force greater than about 30% of the application force, and a sustained set unloading force greater than about 25% of the application force. Alternatively, an absorbent article comprising a bundled elastic laminate may have an application force of between about 1,500 gf and about 3,000 gf, a sustained set loading force greater than about 35% of the application force, and a sustained set unloading force greater than about 30% of the application force.

[0190] To create the ideal user experience, it is desirable to provide an absorbent article that has the correct balance between application force, sustained-set loading force, and sustained-set unloading force. Figure 5A shows a force-elongation curve that nicely illustrates where these forces are taken along the curve. The desired result would be to have an article that has an application force that is equal to or less than other comparative competitive products, and a sustained-set loading force and a sustained-set unloading force that are both greater than other comparative competitive products. For products that have similar application force, the sustained-set loading force and sustained-set unloading force may also be reflected as a percentage relative to the application force. The actual application forces, sustained-set loading forces, and sustained-set unloading forces of embodiments of the invention, as well as competitive products, can be found in Table A (below). Figure 5B is an illustration of the data in Table A illustrating the superior sustained fit loading forces and sustained fit unloading forces of embodiments of the invention compared to competitive products. Two products, adhesive-bonded elastic (embodiment of the invention) and Easy Ups (size 4), illustrated in Figure 5C were selected to conduct the mannequin fit testing. During the mannequin fit testing, the products were applied to a mechanically manipulated mannequin that was put through a series of fixed motions simulating actual infant movements. After application, the initial position from which the pant article rests on the mannequin was measured: initial anterior waist position, initial posterior waist position, and initial rise (measured from a fixed point on the anterior through the crotch to a fixed point on the posterior). Figure 5D shows the initial Easy Ups fit from the anterior and Figure 5F shows the initial Easy Ups fit from the posterior. Figure 5E shows the initial adjustment of an embodiment of the invention from the front and Figure 5G shows the initial adjustment of an embodiment of the invention from the back. The article was then loaded with 75 ml of synthetic urine and then subjected to the mechanical manipulation steps. After the first cycle of mechanical manipulation, the product was again loaded with another 75 ml of synthetic urine and then subjected to a second cycle of mechanical manipulation. After the second cycle, the final position of the product was measured, the final position of the front waist, the final position of the back waist and the final elevation. Figure 5D' shows the final adjustment of the Easy Ups from the front and Figure 5F' shows the final adjustment of the Easy Ups from the back. Figure 5E' shows the final adjustment of an embodiment of the invention from the front and Figure 5G' shows the final adjustment of an embodiment of the invention from the back. The black lines in Figures 5D', 5E', 5F', and 5G' are included to provide a reference for comparison between the competitive marketed product and the inventive embodiment. From the graphs, tables, and images, it is evident that the inventive embodiment provides superior sustained fit over the competitive marketed product as a result of the sustained fit loading forces and sustained fit unloading forces of the elastomeric waistband with webbing. Actual manikin test measurements are shown in Table B (below). The data shows that the competitive marketed product, Easy Ups, had 162% more fore-end slack, 200% more back-end slack, and 202% more rise slack than the inventive embodiment, the adhesive-bonded webbing. Additionally, Easy Ups had 456% more slippage than the adhesive-bonded webbing elastic product.

Reasons for this revelation

[0191] Many absorbent articles comprising traditional fibrous elastic laminates have used adhesive to bond the elastic materials to the substrates forming the elastomeric laminate. Approaches have included yarn coating where the adhesive is applied directly to the elastic yarns and surface coating where the adhesive is applied to one or both substrates of the elastomeric laminate and then the elastic is sandwiched between the substrates. Some attempts have been made to create spaced thermal bonds on either side of the elastic to secure and hold it in place between the substrates.

[0192] The low decitex (small diameter), narrow spacing, and low stretch structure of bundled elastics provides a unique combination of properties that enable bundled elastic materials to be present within a thermal, mechanical, or ultrasonic bond; in other words, the elastic strands are so thin that the bond can be created continuously from one side of the elastic strand along the yarn to the other side of the yarn. In fact, the bond can extend continuously along multiple elastic strands. It has been discovered that in order to enable a fully ultrasonically bonded bundled elastic laminate, a number of relationships may be desirable: 1) a specific range of dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratio may be maintained to ensure that there is nonwoven material in the bonded area to surround the elastic strand during the bonding process, and 2) a specific range of void area to yarn area ratio may also be maintained to ensure dimensional locking around the elastic. The void area of the bond is created by forming the bond around an elongated elastic having an elongated diameter (smaller than the diameter of the relaxed wire). When the elastic is allowed to relax, the elastic diameter increases as does the surface area, thereby dimensionally locking the wider elastic wire into the narrower void space of the bond.

[0193] Another ratio that is relevant to forming a bundled elastic laminate with the correct balance of application force (ease of application), sustained set loading force, and sustained set unloading force for proper positioning and sealing of the article is the ratio of dtex to spacing. As the decitex of the elastic increases, the force to extend the elastic also increases. To maintain the proper balance of forces, the spacing between the elastics may also be increased. As the decitex decreases, the elastic spacing must also decrease to ensure the proper balance of forces. Therefore, to maintain the proper balance of forces, the ratio of dtex to spacing may desirably be maintained.

[0194] The prior art does not define the limits of the ratios of average yarn spacing, average dtex, and nonwoven basis weight of ultrasonically bonded fibrous elastomeric laminates required to provide desirable performance parameters of article components, especially including section modulus. Accordingly, the art does not disclose the key points to show how to reliably produce elastomeric laminates where the densified bonds overlap the elastic yarns so that the yarns are dimensionally locked to prevent yarn breakage. Accordingly, the art fails to disclose elastomeric laminates that are truly suitable for use as disposable absorbent article components. The primary ratios disclosed herein produce elastomeric nonwovens desirable for use as disposable absorbent article components. The primary ratios of ultrasonically bonded laminates include: dtex to spacing ratios, dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios, and void area to yarn area ratio.

[0195] Referring to Figure 15A, the relationship of the ratio of dtex to spacing and the section modulus of spandex yarns is known. A ratio of dtex to spacing of about 65:1 to about 215:1 will result in a section modulus of about 4.0 gf/mm to about 9 gf/mm.

[0196] Referring to Figure 15B, other desirable dtex to spacing ratios are shown. A dtex to spacing ratio of about 40:1 to about 88:1 would provide a very low section modulus. This would be desirable for small, i.e., premature, infants. This very soft tactile feel would also result in very little force as the infant moves and stretches the garment.

[0197] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a dtex to spacing ratio of about 88:1 to about 140:1 which would provide a low to moderate section modulus. This would be desirable for small infants who are not yet walking. This would provide a low to moderate strength increase for additional applied stretch. This would also allow for a wide range of fit with few product offerings.

[0198] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a dtex to spacing ratio of about 140:1 to about 233:1, which is desirable for most walking infants and adults. This would provide a section modulus that minimizes product looseness while providing a comfortable fit. This would also allow for a wide range of fit with few product offerings.

[0199] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a dtex to spacing ratio of about 233:1 to about 300:1 that would mimic a film like section modulus and feel. This is desirable when offering a product with better fit, i.e., more sizes available over a target fit range.

[0200] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a ratio of average longitudinal bond spacing to average bond width of from about 1:2 to about 20:1, from about 5:1 to about 15:1, or from about 7:1 to about 13:1.

[0201]The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a ratio of average lateral bond spacing to average bond width of from about 1:1 to about 50:1, from about 10:1 to about 30:1, or from about 15:1 to about 20:1.

[0202] The elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may have a ratio of average bond length to average bond width of from about 1:1 to about 300:1, from about 10:1 to about 200:1, or from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

Function of parameters

[0203]The fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure outperform prior art fibrous elastomeric laminates in many of the relevant parameters that measure laminate performance, including:

[0204]The hip ring is relevant because it is a measurement of the elongation and contraction of the closed circumference of an absorbent article. Data generated from this test can be used to determine the application force, the sustained fit loading force, and the sustained fit unloading force.

[0205] Application force is relevant because it is a measure of the force a user's caregiver may encounter while donning the absorbent article.

[0206]A sustained fit load force is relevant because it is a measurement of the force an article applies to the wearer when the wearer's waist extends, for example during breathing or during wearer movement such as when a wearer goes from a standing to a sitting position.

[0207]Sustained fit discharge force is relevant because it is a measurement of the force an article applies to the wearer when the wearer's waist contracts, for example during breathing or during wearer movement such as when a wearer goes from a sitting to a standing position.

[0208]Surface topography (percentage of contact area, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength and height value from 2 to 98%) is relevant because it is the measure of the texture properties of elastomeric laminates. Surface topography makes it possible to define the percentage of contact area, which is the portion of the surface that can be in contact with the skin, the roughness frequency and roughness wavelength characterize the structural aspects of the texture and the height value from 2 to 98% helps to define the thickness of the elastomeric laminate.

[0209]Pressure under thread (mean pressure under thread) is relevant because it is a measurement of the pressure that the elastic will place on the skin. A low pressure under thread correlates to less indentation and marks on the skin resulting in better skin condition and comfort.

[0210]Air permeability is relevant because it is a measure of the ease with which air passes through the elastomeric laminate. Air permeability is typically used to measure the breathability of various fabrics including waterproof fabrics. Air permeability is typically measured in units of volume/surface area/unit time. The primary influences on air permeability are the density of the material and its structure. Fabrics may be coated or otherwise treated to modify their air permeability selectively or over the entire fabric.

[0211]Strength relaxation over time is relevant because it is a measure of the ability of elastomeric laminates to retain their strength over time under a fixed load. Certain spandex materials can retain over 70% of their strength over time while other elastic approaches, such as extruded filament elastics, can lose up to 70% of their strength over time.

[0212]Emtec is relevant because it is an objective measuring instrument and the only existing device that meets all requirements according to the textile and nonwovens industry. It simultaneously collects all the single relevant parameters, which have an influence on the tactile characteristics of nonwovens and textile products, which are: softness, smoothness/roughness and hardness. The correlation of the measured results of Emtec with reliable hand panel numbers, determined by experienced hand panelists, is excellent (up to 100%), according to the manufacturer.

[0213]Color contrast is relevant because it improves small-scale color measurements of the elasticized laminate where the elastic strands have significantly different colors than the regions between the strands and can be produced from the calibrated scanned images. These paired color measurements are then used to calculate a color contrast for the laminate.

[0214]The section modulus is relevant because it is a measure of the slope of a force-elongation curve within a given section of the elastomeric laminate. Relatively speaking, if the force increases rapidly with elongation, the material has a higher modulus than one where the force increases more slowly with elongation. It may be desirable to have different sections.

[0215]Cantilever bending is relevant because it is the measure of flexural bending as a function of length. The test is performed with a target deflection and the length of extension required to achieve the target deflection is recorded. The shorter the length, the more flexible the material is considered to be.

[0216]These ingredients are described in more detail below. Additionally, see the Methods section for more details on performing tests for each of these parameters.

Section module

[0217] Referring to Figure 14, the determination of section modulus from any combination of average yarn spacing and average dtex for spandex yarns is shown. The relevance of section modulus to product performance and consumer perception is significant for two main reasons. First, section modulus is how consumers perceive the ease of application, fit, and comfort of a product. Section modulus conveys the ease and extent of elongation at a given applied force. At a section modulus that is too high, consumers perceive the product to be too small, too tight, and uncomfortable with increased potential for leaving marks on the skin. Conversely, at a section modulus that is too low, the consumer perceives the product to be too large, too loose, and unable to stay in place or seal adequately around the legs and waist. Consumer testing has revealed that a section modulus between about 4 gf/mm and about 9 gf/mm is the preferred range for absorbent garments.

[0218]A second important impact of section modulus is the number of sizes that are needed within a product matrix to fit a range of consumers. The larger the section modulus, the more sizes need to be offered to achieve adequate fit across a range in which consumers perceive the product to be comfortable.

Surface topography

[0219]Surface topography is the aerial topology of the elastomeric laminate surface measured using optical profilometry. Data from a three-dimensional surface are then sampled and processed to extract various parameters that describe the percentage of contact area and 2 to 98% of the surface height of the elastic laminate sample, as well as the roughness frequency and roughness wavelength.

[0220] Referring to Figures 6A-E and Table C (below), for comparison of various absorbent articles, we selected a first configuration to determine the percentage of contact area that corresponds to the thickness of the epidermis, 100 micrometers, a second configuration of 2X the epidermis, or 200 micrometers, and a third configuration of 3X the epidermis, or 300 micrometers. It is evident from the surface topography measurements that the 302-beam elastic laminates (see Figures 6A-6C) have a significantly larger contact surface at 100 μm (1.5X to 1.9X), 200 μm (1.8X to 2.5X), and 300 μm (1.9X to 2.7X) compared to the prior art structures (see Figures 6D and 6E). Furthermore, the 2% to 98% height value that is derived from the surface topography data also shows a significant difference in surface smoothness for the bundled elastic laminate 302 relative to the prior art structures. These differences in increased surface contact as well as surface smoothness will have a direct and significant impact on minimizing or eliminating skin marks from the various structures that can be created from the bundled elastic laminates 302. In contrast, the above 2% to 98% height value data shows that the prior art product has a much rougher surface due in part to its higher elastic decitex and increased spacing, which results in larger random uncontrolled roughnesses. The combination of the larger uncontrolled roughnesses with the significantly lower percentage of contact area results in skin pressure and skin marks that are likely to be significantly higher for the prior art product executions and significantly lower for articles comprising the bundled elastic laminates.

[0221] The elastomeric laminates 302 of the present disclosure may have a percentage of the contact area at 100 µm greater than about 13% and/or a percentage of the contact area at 200 µm greater than about 27% and/or a percentage of the contact area at 300 µm greater than about 39%. Furthermore, the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure may have a height value of 2% to 98% less than about 1.6.

Emtec

[0222]EMTEC is an objective measuring instrument and the only existing device that meets all the requirements according to the textile and nonwovens industry. It simultaneously collects all the single relevant parameters, which have an influence on the tactile characteristics of nonwovens and textile products, namely: softness, smoothness/roughness and hardness. The correlation of the measured results of Emtec with reliable hand panel numbers, determined by experienced hand panelists, is excellent (up to 100%), according to the manufacturer. EMTEC has proven to be a valuable means for measuring the softness and tactile properties of various elastomeric laminates. Such elastomeric laminates, due to their complex construction, have a range of parameters that can affect the tactile properties of the laminate. For example, the basis weight of the nonwoven, the bonding pattern, the texture, the elastic dtex, the elastic pre-stretch, the elastic spacing, etc. may impact the ability of examiners to discern softness and smoothness without the biases introduced by other visual or tactile elements. EMTEC has been shown to correlate with hand panel ratings and thus may provide an unbiased assessment of the elastomeric laminates themselves. It may be desirable to provide portions of an elastomeric laminate comprising an Emtec TS7 value of less than about 12 and an Emtec TS750 value of less than about 60. It has also been found that a ratio of an Emtec TS750 : Emtec TS7 value <8 is also particularly desirable. Process of the present disclosure

[0223] This section provides some details related to the process of producing fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, a plurality of elastic yarns 316 (from about 10 yarns to about 1,500 yarns having a decitex of about 10 to about 400) unwinds about a first axis of rotation 346 from a first beam 314 (which is a first measuring device 310) in the direction of the DM machine and transfers the plurality of elastic yarns 316 from the first beam 314 (e.g., a warp beam) to a second measuring device 312 (which includes a first cylinder 323 having a second axis of rotation 329 and a second cylinder 331 having a third axis of rotation 334, which form a nip line 336). The plurality of elastic strands 316 may be extended along the machine direction DM between the first measuring device 310 and the second measuring device 312 to pre-stretch the plurality of elastics 316 (from about 50% to about 300%). The extended elastic strands 316 may be bonded via an adhesive 351 from an adhesive applicator 349 (or the plurality of elastics 316 may be bonded via other suitable means, such as ultrasonically) with a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308 in the second measuring device 312 to produce an elastomeric laminate 302, such that each of the strands is spaced (in DT) in the elastomeric laminate from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm. It is this process that forms the elastomeric laminate 302 of the present disclosure and which may be further incorporated into various absorbent article components such as waistbands, flap panels, side panels, crossbars, topsheets, backsheets, braces, waistbands, waist braces and/or chassis to provide the benefits described in this patent application. Further details of the process for creating bundled elastomeric laminates for use in disposable absorbent articles are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 62/436,589 entitled “Methods and apparatuses for making elastomeric laminates with elastic strands unwound from beam,” first named inventor being Schneider, filed December 20, 2016. The elastomeric laminate 302 may be produced as part of the absorbent article production line, or may be produced offline, and unwound as an elastomeric laminate that is fed into the absorbent article production line. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure

[0224] An "elastomeric laminate 302" of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 between a first substrate layer 306 and a second substrate layer 308, wherein the plurality of elastics 316 (often referred to as a "first plurality of elastics," a "second plurality of elastics," etc.) has an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400, and a yarn pressure of from about 0.1 to about 1 psi. Said elastomeric laminate 302 may be used to form various components of the article or at least a portion of various components of the absorbent article, for example, a waistband, a side panel, a waistband, or a leg cuff. Additionally, the elastomeric laminate 302 may be used to form regions of the article or at least a portion of a region of the article, for example, the front waist region, the thigh region, or the back waist region. When the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a chassis, a side panel, a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and a flap panel, and combinations thereof, the plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic threads. And, when the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a waist cuff, an inner leg cuff, an outer leg cuff, and combinations thereof, the first plurality of elastics 316 of the elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise from about 10 to about 400 elastic threads. Ultimately, "elastic plurality" is a contextual term, where certain properties (e.g. Average Dtex, Average Yarn Spacing, Pressure Under Yarn, etc.), arrangements, attributes, characteristics, arrangement, etc. of elastics are referred to to define what a certain "elastic plurality" is.

[0225] Additionally, elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, chassis 200, a topsheet 124, a bottomsheet 125, and a flap panel 530, elastomeric laminate 302 may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic yarns with an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, average dtex of from about 10 to about 400, an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%; and a first substrate 306 and a second substrate 308, each having a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 45 grams per square meter.

[0226] Further, when elastomeric laminate 302 can form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 430, a side panel 330, a chassis 200, a topsheet 124, a bottomsheet 125, and a flap panel 530, elastomeric laminate 302 can comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 50 to about 825, from about 100 to about 650 elastic threads, or from about 150 to about 475 elastic threads; comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an average thread spacing of from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, or from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm; comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an average dtex of from about 30 to about 300 or from about 40 to about 200; comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an average pre-stretch that can be from about 75% to about 300% or from about 100% to about 250%.

[0227] Where the elastomeric laminate 302 may form at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 122, a waist brace 123, an inner leg brace 150, an outer leg brace 140, and a transverse barrier 16, and may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 10 to about 400 elastic yarns with an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, average dtex of from about 10 to about 400, an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%, and a first substrate 306 and/or second substrate 308 each having a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 45 grams per square meter.

[0228] Further, when the elastomeric laminate 302 forms at least a portion of one or more of the group of article components including a waistband 122, a waist brace 123, an inner leg brace 150, an outer leg brace 140, and a transverse barrier 16, the elastomeric laminate may comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having from about 15 to about 300 elastic strands, from about 20 to about 225 elastic strands, or from about 25 to about 150 elastic strands; comprise a plurality of elastics 316 having an average strand spacing of from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, or from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm; comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an average dtex of from about 30 to about 300 or from about 40 to about 250; comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having an average pre-stretch that can be from about 75% to about 300% or from about 100% to about 250%.

[0229] Any of the waistband 430, side panel 330, flap panel 530, chassis 200, topsheet 124, bottomsheet 125, waistband 122, waist brace 123, inner leg brace 150, outer leg brace 140, or crossbar may comprise an elastomeric laminate 302 comprising a plurality of elastics 316 having a pressure under wire of from about 0.1 psi to about 1 psi or from about 0.2 psi to about 0.8 psi; comprising an elastomeric laminate comprising an air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no extension) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an air permeability level at 3 gf/mm (slight extension) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute and/or an air permeability level at 7 gf/mm (moderate extension) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute; comprising an elastomeric laminate comprising a cantilever flexure of less than about 40 mm or alternatively less than about 35 mm; in other embodiments, the cantilever flexure may be less than 30 mm or alternatively less than 25 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm; comprising an elastomeric laminate comprising a percentage of the contact area of from 13% at 100 μm and/or greater than about 27% at 200 μm and/or greater than about 39% at 300 μm and/or a value of from 2% to 98% of the height < 1.6 mm; comprising an elastomeric laminate comprising a percentage of the contact area of from 13% at 100 μm and/or greater than about 27% at 200 μm and/or greater than about 36% at 300 μm and/or a value of from 2% to 98% of the height < 2.2 mm; comprising an elastomeric laminate comprising a roughness frequency of from about 0.2 mm-1 to about 1 mm-1 and a roughness wavelength of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0230] In addition to the bundled elastic yarns 316 that may be used in each of the absorbent article components, other elastic components such as elastic nonwovens, elastomeric films, elastomeric foams, elastomeric scrims, and elastomeric tapes, or combinations thereof, may be used with the bundled elastics 316. Ultrasonic Bonding of the Present Disclosure Formation of Densified Bonds

[0231] Referring to Figure 10I, a first material 354, such as a first substrate 306, may be bonded to a second material 356, such as a second substrate 308, via one or a plurality of bonds 322. The bond may be formed by fusing the first material 354 and the second material 356 to form a densified region 311, which may be formed by ultrasonic bonding. The bond 322 may completely (or substantially) surround and conform to the outer perimeter of the elastic thread 316 to define a dimensional lock. Thus, the densified bonds 322 can be said to overlap one or a plurality of elastic yarns 316. The densified bond or plurality of bonds 322 can hold the first and second materials 354 and 356 together such that the two materials have a peel strength of from about at least 1 N/cm to about 5 N/cm or from about at least 2 N/cm to about 10 N/cm up to and including substrate failure of one or both of the nonwoven substrates. Thus, the bond or plurality of bonds 322 can dimensionally lock the elastic yarns 316 and hold the first and second substrates together such that the resulting elastomeric laminate 302 is useful as an article component. While one or more of the bonds 322 may overlap one or a plurality of elastic strands 316, one or more of the bonds 322 may form a densified region holding the first and second materials 354 and 356 together, not overlapping an elastic strand 316.

[0232] The first and second materials 354 and 356 (e.g., inner and outer waistband layers 432 and 434) may be fused together to form a densified region 311 around the elastic thread and bonded to one another; the densified region may be ultrasonically formed such that a void space having a bond void cross-sectional area substantially matching the shape and dimensions of the tensioned elastic thread(s) or individual filaments comprising the filament(s). As the elastic tension is released, the cross-sectional dimensions of the relaxed elastic (having a thread cross-sectional area) increase causing the now larger elastic to be dimensionally locked in place by the relatively smaller void space. The dimensional lock holds the discrete length of the elastic thread in a fixed position in the bond region with the first and second substrates. Therefore, it is important that the cross-sectional area of the bond void be less than the cross-sectional area of the relaxed elastic wire(s), i.e., a void to elastic area ratio of less than 1. It may be desirable to have a void to elastic area ratio of from about 0.25 to about 0.9 or from about 0.3 to about 0.7. In a shrink elastomeric laminate, the cross-sectional area of the bond void is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the shrink 316 elastic wire(s) held within the bond. In most circumstances, the cross-sectional shape of the void will be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the 316 elastic wire held within the bond.

[0233] Although the elastic yarn 316 is overlapped and dimensionally locked by the densified bonds as described, the elastic yarn 316 may not be bonded between densified bonds 322. Alternatively, the elastic yarns may be bonded between the densified bonds 322 by adhesive. For example, a first elastic yarn may be overlapped by at least 3 densified bonds joining the first elastic yarn to the first and second nonwovens, and the first elastic yarn may be unbonded between a first and a second bond of the at least 3 bonds, and the first elastic yarn may be unbonded between the second bond and a third bond of the at least three bonds. Additionally, the first yarn may be unbonded between a third and a fourth bond of the at least 3 bonds, and the first elastic yarn may be unbonded between the fourth bond and a fifth bond of the at least three bonds.

[0234] Figure 10A is a detailed view of an elastic wire 316 in an extended state secured with bonds 322 between first and second substrates 306, 308. The bonding process may apply heat, pressure, ultrasound, or combinations thereof, to a first region 350 of the first substrate 306 and a second region 352 of the second substrate 308, such that the first material 354 of the first substrate 306 and the second material 356 of the second substrate 308 become pliable. In contrast, the first and second pliable materials 354, 356 deform and completely surround an outer perimeter 358 of a distinct length of the elastic wire 316 extended in a bond region 360 forming a void having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the tensioned elastic wire 316.

[0235] A dimensional lock may be created between a portion of the elastic cord 316 and the bond between the first and second materials 354, 356 once the tension of the extended elastic cord 316 is released. The dimensional lock acts to maintain and/or hold the elastic cord 316 in a fixed position in the bond region 360. For the purpose of general explanation, Figure 10B shows a length of an elastic cord 316 in an unextended or relaxed state, wherein the elastic cord 316 defines a first cross-sectional area A1. And Figure 10C shows a length of the elastic cord 316 of Figure 10B in an extended state, wherein the elastic cord 316 defines a second cross-sectional area A2 that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the extended elastic yarn 316 expands when tension is partially or fully released from the elastic yarn 316. As discussed in more detail below, the tendency of the cross-sectional area of the elastic yarn 316 to expand helps to create dimensional lock. An important factor in creating the dimensional lock bond between the first and second materials 354, 356 without cutting the extended elastic yarns 316 is the ratio of dtex to nonwoven basis weight. In order for the bond to have sufficient bond strength to prevent separation of the first and second layers of material 354, 356 without applying excessive combined pressure that could cut the elastic yarns 316, it is necessary to have sufficient total nonwoven basis weight to substantially or completely envelop the elastic yarns and adequately condense to bond the first and second materials 354, 356 to form nonwoven bond regions surrounding the elastic yarns. The ratio of dtex to the average basis weight of the nonwoven may be from about 2 to about 13, from about 3 to about 10, or from about 4 to about 8.

[0236] Turning to Figure 10D, a detailed view of an elastic cord 316 as shown in Figure 10A is provided wherein tension has been released (or reduced) on the elastic cord 316 and showing how the tendency of the elastic cord 316 to expand creates a dimensional lock in the bonded region 360. Figures 10D and 10F show the elastic cord 316 as having a first cross-sectional area A1 in an unbonded region 362 of the elastomeric laminate 302, wherein the first cross-sectional area A1 is greater than the second cross-sectional area A2 of the extended elastic cord 316 shown in Figures 10A and 10E. Figures 10D and 10G show the elastic wire 316 as having a third cross-sectional area A3 in the bond region 360 of the elastomeric laminate 302, wherein the third cross-sectional area A3 is equal to or approximately equal to the second cross-sectional area A2 of the extended elastic wire 316 shown in Figures 10A and 10E. As shown in Figure 10G, the first and second materials 354, 356 in the bond region 360 help to prevent the cross-sectional area of the elastic wire 316 from expanding completely when the tension in the elastic wire 316 has been reduced. Thus, in some embodiments, no adhesive may be applied and/or present between the elastic cord 316 and the first and second materials 354, 356. It should further be appreciated that in some embodiments, adhesive may be applied and/or present between the elastic cord 316 and the first and second materials 354, 356 to assist the dimensional lock in maintaining the discrete length of the elastic cord 316 in a fixed position relative to the bonding region 360 along with the first and second substrates 306, 308. In some embodiments, the adhesive and dimensional lock in the bonding regions 360 may share the load exerted by the elastic cord 316.

[0237] It should further be appreciated that the elastic strands 316 attached herein in accordance with the methods described herein may also be constructed from one or more strands 364. For example, Figure 10H shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic strand 316 at an attachment region 360 wherein the elastic strand 316 comprises a plurality of individual strands 364. As shown in Figure 10H, the elastic strands 316 include outer strands 364a surrounding an inner strand 364b. The outer filaments 364a define the outer perimeter 358 of the elastic yarn 316, and the outer filaments 364a may surround the inner filament 364b such that the inner filament 364b is not in contact with the first material 354 and the second material 356 in the bond 322. It will be appreciated that the filaments 364 may be disposed in various positions within the bond region 360. For example, Figure 10I shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn 316 in a bond region 360 wherein the plurality of individual filaments 364 together define a perimeter 358 that is elongated along the transverse direction DT (i.e., transversely side-by-side such that other filaments of the elastic yarn are not above or below them when viewed in cross-section (e.g., Figures 10I-L)) and all of the plurality of filaments 364 are in contact with the first and second materials 354 and 356.

[0238] In another example, Figure 10J shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic yarn 316 in a bond region 360 in which at least two of the strands 364 are separated from each other by at least one bond between the first material 354 and the second material 356.

[0239] It should be appreciated that different components may be used to construct the elastomeric laminates 302 in accordance with the methods and apparatus of the present invention. For example, the first and/or second substrates 306, 308 may include nonwovens and/or films and may be constructed from various types of materials, such as plastic films; apertured plastic films; woven or nonwoven webs of natural materials, e.g., wood fibers or cotton; synthetic fibers, such as polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene, or a combination of natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers; or coated woven or nonwoven webs; polymeric films, such as thermoplastic polyethylene or polypropylene films, and/or multilayer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material.

[0240] It should further be appreciated that the wires 316 and/or filaments 364 of the present invention may define a variety of different cross-sectional shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the wires 316 or filaments 364 may define circular, oval, or elliptical cross-sectional shapes, or irregular shapes such as bone and hourglass shapes. Furthermore, the elastic wires 316 may be configured in a variety of ways and having a variety of decitex values. In some embodiments, the elastic wires 316 may be configured with decitex values in the range of about 10 decitex to about 400 decitex, specifically mentioning all 1 decitex increments within the aforementioned range and all bands formed therein or thereby.

[0241] As previously mentioned, substrates 306, 308 with elastic strands 316 positioned therebetween may be bonded according to the methods of the present invention without having to break the elastic strands. For example, as shown in Figures 10G and 10H through 10J, ultrasound, heat, pressure, and combinations thereof may be applied to substrates 306, 308 to create bonds 322 surrounding elastic strand 316. Bond 322 is defined by a compressed region comprising first material 354 and second material 356, the compressed region having a minimum thickness Tb. Furthermore, the elastic wire 316 may have a thickness Te at the bond region 360. In some embodiments, in substrates 306, 308 that are bonded together to create a bond thickness Tb having a certain size relative to the elastic wire thickness Te, the elastic wire 316 may not be separated during the bonding process. Furthermore, forces exerted between the elastic wire 316 and the first and second materials 354, 356 relative to the bond region 360 may be prevented from breaking the bond 322. Such a relationship between Te and Tb may be characterized by the decitex of the elastic wires 316 and the bond thickness Tb. For example, substrates 306, 308 may be bonded together with an elastic thread having a decitex value of less than or equal to about 78 positioned therebetween to create a bond 322 having a thickness Tb of at least about 100 μm ("microns") without separating the elastic thread 316. In another example, substrates 306, 308 may be bonded together with an elastic thread having a decitex value of less than or equal to about 250 positioned therebetween to create a bond 322 having a thickness Tb of at least about 200 μm ("microns") without separating the elastic thread 316. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10J, the bond thickness Tb may be at least 50% greater than the minimum cross-sectional thickness Tf of a filament 364. For example, as shown in Figure 10J, the minimum cross-sectional thickness Tf of a filament 364 having a circular cross section can be defined as the diameter of that filament.

[0242] In Figures 10K-10M, electron microscopy (SEM) photographs show cross-sectional views of an elastic yarn 316 in a bond region 360 surrounded by first and second materials 354, 356. In Figures 10K and 10L, the elastic yarn 316 is a decitex elastic yarn 78 including five strands 364, each strand 364 having a diameter of about 43 μm ("microns"). And the bond 322 defines a thickness Tb of about 80 μm ("microns"). In Figure 10M, the elastic yarn 316 is a decitex elastic yarn 235 including fifteen strands 364, each strand 364 having a diameter of about 43 μm ("microns"). And the 322 bond defines a Tb thickness of about 200 μm ("microns").

[0243] As shown in Figures 10N, 10O, and 10P, the densified bonds 322 may only partially surround some of the elastic strands such that the top or bottom of bond 322 is much thicker than the other. This effect may be due to the process of ultrasonic joining the elastomeric laminate to a stationary ultrasonic horn, which may drag a portion of bond 322 while bond 322 is being formed, and in a molten state, creating a tail versus the contour defined by the other of the top or bottom of bond 322 and/or creating a wedge-shaped bond 322.

[0244] In certain embodiments, the bond 322 may be distinct and may surround only a portion of the filaments forming the yarn. The distinct bond may surround at least about 10, at least about 20 filaments, at least about 30 filaments, at least 10 elastic strands. Furthermore, the plurality of elastic strands may comprise at least 100 elastic strands, wherein each of the at least 100 elastic strands comprises at least 3 filaments, wherein the plurality of densified bonds overlap at least 50 of the elastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands and surround at least 150 filaments of the at least 100 elastic strands, and wherein substantial portions of the at least 100 elastic strands between the densified bonds are unbonded.

[0245] Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure comprising a plurality of densified bonds as described above may be adhesive-free. Alternatively, certain sections of the elastomeric laminates may comprise adhesives without densified bonds or certain sections may comprise a combination of adhesives and densified bonds. For example, a first plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwovens may be overlaid with a first plurality of densified bonds and a second plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwovens may be overlaid with adhesive bonds. The first and/or second plurality of elastics may comprise from about 2 to about 20 elastic threads, may have an average thread spacing of about 3 mm or more, and/or may have an average dtex of the second plurality of elastics that is about 300 or greater.

Breakup

[0246] Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure having dtex to spacing ratios, dtex to nonwoven basis weight ratios, and void area to elastic area ratios within the ranges set forth above will result in minimal breakage of the elastic yarn between the densified portions of a plurality of bonds (i.e., minimal free ends 327 (see Figure 10Q) of yarns or free ends 328 of filaments between densified bonds). More particularly, less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% of the yarns between the densified portions of the bonds may be broken in elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Additionally, less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% of the filaments between the densified portions of the bonds may be broken in elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure. Alternatively, a lower breakage may be identified as greater than 70%, greater than 80% or greater than 90% of the elastic yarns in one of the article sections L and R extending at least 50% of a lateral width (extended and flat) of the respective sections L and R.

[0247]It may, however, be desirable to have densified bonds in a section but not have elastics in that section, such as in sections over the chassis. The elastic strands may be purposely cut or broken in that section so that the cut or broken free ends of the elastic strands overlap the chassis. Where an elastomeric laminate comprises openings, the openings may cut or break the elastic strands.

[0248] Although elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have minimal breakage of the elastic yarn between densified portions of a plurality of bonds, a portion of the filaments composing the yarn(s) may be broken between the densified portions of the plurality of bonds (see free end 327 of Figure 10Q and free ends 328 of Figure 10R).

[0249] It may be desirable for less than 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the elastic strands of a first plurality of strands to be broken between adjacent densified bonds of the first plurality of bonds that are spaced less than 20 mm transversely apart.

[0250]For example, a first elastic yarn may be overlapped by at least 3 densified bonds joining the first elastic yarn to the first and second nonwovens, where the first elastic yarn is unbonded between the first and a second bond of the at least 3 bonds, and the first elastic yarn is unbonded between the second bond and a third bond of the at least three bonds.

[0251] As another example, a first elastic yarn may be overlapped by at least 5 densified bonds joining the first elastic yarn to the first and/or second nonwovens, wherein the first elastic yarn is unbonded between the first bond and a second bond of at least 3 bonds, and the first elastic yarn is unbonded between the second bond and a third bond, and further, wherein the first yarn is unbonded between the third bond and a fourth bond, and the first elastic yarn is unbonded between the fourth bond and a fifth bond. Bilaminates of the present disclosure

[0252] As illustrated in Figures 11A through 11E, and as described in detail in the Ultrasonic Bonding section above, the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may be bilaminates and may comprise bundled elastics 316. The bilaminates may be joined via densified regions, mechanically, thermally, by pressure, or ultrasonically, as described in the Ultrasonic Bonding section above. The bilaminates may also be bonded to one another by applying adhesives in a defined pattern, random pattern, or continuous pattern. The bilaminates may comprise two nonwoven substrates having the same polymer composition, basis weight, formation type (spunbonded, carded, meltblown spunbonded, etc.). Alternatively, the nonwoven substrates forming the bilaminate may be formed from nonwovens having different polymer compositions, basis weights, formation type (spunbonded, carded, meltblown, etc.). Each of the bilaminates of Figures 11A through 11E may be used to form the waistband of Figures 16E through G. Trilaminates of the present disclosure

[0253] Absorbent articles comprising bundled elastic laminates provide a step change in the garment texture, such as appearance. The appearance may be further enhanced through a multilayer laminate configuration (3 or more substrate layers). Such configurations lend themselves to distinct and different bonding approaches and patterns that enable the laminate to have a first texture on one surface and a second texture on the opposite surface. The textures may be the same, distinctly different, and/or complementary.

[0254]When it is desirable to have a different texture on the garment-facing surface 2 or outer surface 206 compared to the wearer-facing surface 4 or inner surface 205, the elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may be in the form of a trilaminate. Referring to Figures 12A-13G , for example, the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 may be bonded with a different type of bond and/or bonding arrangement compared to the second and third substrate layers 308 and 309. More particularly, as shown in Figures 12A-E , the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 may be ultrasonically bonded to each other with continuous (longitudinally or laterally) or discrete (longitudinally or laterally) bonds 322 comprising densified portions 311 (see Figures 12C and 12E ), while the second and third substrates 308 and 309 may be bonded via a substantially continuous adhesive layer 319 (see Figures 12C and 12E ). Figure 12F illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a pattern of densified portions of the ultrasonic bonds join the first, second, and third substrates in addition to an adhesive layer joining the second and third substrates. In another alternative embodiment, the bonds 322 joining the first and second substrates may be an adhesive rather than densified portions, such that discrete or patterned adhesive bonds join the first and second substrates and a continuous adhesive layer joins the second and third substrates. For each of these embodiments, the elastics 316 may be bundled elastics. The aforementioned configuration provides a smooth texture on one surface of the laminate and a deliberate, well-defined, and intentional texture pattern on the opposite surface.

[0255] In Figures 12A-12E, the first and second substrates 306 and 308 may be joined by a first process step to form a bilaminate, then the third substrate 309 may be joined by a second process step to the bilaminate to form a trilaminate. Alternatively, the second and third substrates 308 and 309 may first be joined to form a bilaminate via a first process step, then the first substrate 306 may be joined to the bilaminate to form a trilaminate via a second process step.

[0256] In the alternative embodiment of Figure 12F, the second and third substrates 308 and 309 may first be joined to form a bilaminate via a first process step, then the first substrate 306 may be joined to the bilaminate to form a trilaminate via a second process step.

[0257] Referring to Figures 13A-13G, the first and second substrate layers 306 and 308 may be ultrasonically bonded with a continuous (longitudinally or laterally) or discrete (longitudinally or laterally) bonding pattern 322 comprising densified portions 311 (see Figures 13C and 13E), while the second and third substrates 308 and 309 may be joined via a second continuous (longitudinally or laterally) or discrete (longitudinally or laterally) ultrasonically bonding pattern (see Figures 13C and 13E). The bonds 322 joining the first and second substrates 306 and 308 may alternatively form a pattern of continuous (longitudinally or laterally) or discrete (longitudinally or laterally) adhesive bonds, and the bonds 322 joining the second and third substrates 308 and 309 may also form a pattern of continuous (longitudinally or laterally) or discrete (longitudinally or laterally) adhesive bonds such that one or both of the bond areas may be adhesive bonds. For each of these embodiments, the elastic strands 316 may be bundled elastic. In these embodiments, one surface of the laminate may be smooth while the opposite surface is textured. Alternatively, one surface of the laminate may have a first texture and the opposite surface of the laminate may have a second texture. In a third embodiment, both surfaces of the laminate may have a relatively smooth texture.

[0258] Figure 13F illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the densified portions of the ultrasonically bonded bonds join the first, second, and third substrates. Figure 13G illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first and second substrates 306 and 308 are ultrasonically bonded and in which an additional second inner substrate 308' is ultrasonically bonded to the third substrate 309 and in which the second inner substrates 308 and 308' are bonded with an adhesive layer such that a quadrilaminate is formed.

[0259]As shown in Figure 13E, wherein the bonds joining the second and third substrates are ultrasonic, the second and third substrates may be joined by a first process step to form a bilaminate, then the first substrate may be joined to the bilaminate by a second process step.

[0260] As shown in Figure 13F, adhesive may be applied to one of the first substrate 306 and the second substrate 308, and subsequently the first, second, and third substrates are joined by ultrasonic bonds to form a trilaminate. Alternatively, the first and second substrates 306 and 308 may be joined via a first process step, then the bilaminate may be joined to the third substrate 309 with ultrasonic bonds that bond all three substrate layers via a second process step.

[0261] As shown in Figure 12G, the first and second substrates may be joined to form a bilaminate; separately, the additional second substrate 308' may be joined to the third substrate to form a bilaminate; then, the two bilaminates may be joined.

[0262] Although embodiments 12A-13G illustrate a plurality of elastic yarns disposed between the second and third nonwovens, it should be understood that the plurality of elastic yarns may be disposed between the first and second nonwovens or between both the first and second nonwovens and the second and third nonwovens.

[0263]In addition to using a trilaminate, different textures can also be achieved on garment-facing and wearer-facing surfaces of a two-layer laminate by using a first and second substrate having different bonding arrangements of each of the nonwoven layers, or nonwoven layers having different basis weight arrangements as set forth in P&G Attorney Docket No. 15271P, entitled “Stretch Laminate with Beamed Elastics and Formed Nonwoven Layer” and filed June 19, 2018.

[0264] It should also be understood that prior art trilaminate structures comprising traditional elastic yarns due to their random, large, and uncontrolled roughness will not have the performance or appearance of the inventive trilaminate structures because the inventive trilaminate structures have bundled elastics, which form controlled roughness of higher frequency and lower amplitude, disposed between at least the first and second or second and third substrate layers. In particular, the bundled elastics enable the inventive trilaminates of this disclosure to produce the inventive properties disclosed herein (see Table C below), including the inventive percentage of contact areas, unique and inventive texture zones, and a unique and inventive balance of application force, sustained set loading force, and sustained set unloading force. Each of the trilaminates of Figures 12A through 13G may be used to form the waistband of Figures 16E through G. Adhesive bonded laminates of the present disclosure

[0265] It should be understood that the ratio of dtex to spacing is not only important for ultrasonically bonded laminates, but is also important for adhesive bonded laminates because the modulus resulting from the ratio of dtex to spacing is very similar between an ultrasonically bonded elastomeric laminate and an adhesive bonded elastomeric laminate. The adhesive bonded laminate comprising a wide adhesive application coverage will, however, be no more than an ultrasonically bonded laminate with equal dtex, spacing and stretch due to the high frequency, low amplitude folds that result in a stacking of nonwoven material that prevents the laminate from fully contracting. The ultrasonically bonded laminate contracts more due to the spaced bonds that result in lower frequency, higher amplitude folds that are less resistant to the contraction forces of the elastics in the laminate. These differences can be leveraged to create specific silhouettes or shapes of the absorbent article, as well as visually distinct textures. For example, ultrasonic devices may be used at the waist or legs so that the openings contract more than the center (which may be bonded by adhesive) of the article to aid in sealing and fitting around the waist (e.g., section 1) and legs (e.g., section 4) and will also provide fabric-like textures around the waist and legs. Chemistry and structure of the elastomeric yarns of the present disclosure

[0266] Bundled elastics can be formed from spandex fibers. One type of spandex fiber is the "polyurethane-urea" elastomer or "high hard segment" polyurethane, which must be formed into fibers using a solution (solvent) spinning process (rather than being melt processable). The urea bonds in polyurethane-urea provide strong mutual chemical interactions important for an "anchoring" that enables adequate stress relaxation performance at temperatures close to body temperature, on time scales that correspond to diaper use, including overnight. This type of anchoring enables better strength relaxation over time (i.e., less strength decline over time when held in an extended condition at body temperature) than many thermoplastic polyurethanes (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200 °C) or styrenic thermoplastic block copolymers. Elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure comprising elastic yarns having such chemistry may have a strength relaxation over time of from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 10% to about 25%, or from about 15% to about 20%.

[0267]In contrast, extruded yarns and scrims are typically produced from styrenic block copolymers or thermoplastic elastomers that can be formed in the melt state by conventional extrusion processes. Thermoplastic elastomers include compositions such as polyolefin elastomers, polyurethane (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200 °C), etc. Because these thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane (polyurethane with a hard segment melting point below 200 °C) can be melted/remelted, and extruded, this makes them more susceptible to greater stress relaxation in use, which is a major negative aspect. The styrenic block copolymers used in extruded yarns comprise a comparatively long rubbery intermediate block situated between comparatively short end blocks. End blocks that are short enough to allow adequate flow in conventional extrusion processes often have a greater propensity to relax stress and undergo force relaxation over time, see Figure 8.

[0268]The urea bond present in Sandex requires that it be made by the spinning process. Spandex cannot be melt/remelted or extruded like styrenic block copolymers. The Spandex prepolymer is combined with solvent and additives, and the solution is spun to produce solid Spandex fiber. Multiple fibers are then spun together to form a spandex yarn. Spandex yarns can be surface finished to prevent blocking and wound onto bobbins. A spandex fiber can have a decitex of about 15, so a 500 dtex yarn can have nominally 33 fibers wound together to make a yarn. Depending on the decitex we use for the bundle approach, we can have 40 fibers (or filaments), 30 fibers, 20 fibers, 15 fibers, 8 fibers, 5 fibers, 3 fibers or even as few as 2 fibers. Spandex fiber may be monocomponent or bicomponent (as disclosed in WO201045637A2).

[0269] Still related to the chemistry of bundle elastics, it may be desirable to coat the bundle elastics with an oil, such as a silicone oil or mineral oil, including about 10%, about 7%, about 5%, about 3%, or about 1% silicone oil or mineral oil. Treating the bundle elastics with silicone oil helps prevent blocking (crosslinking) when the yarns are wound onto a bobbin or bundle and also decreases the COF of the yarn in textile machines (for weaving, knitting, and warping processes).

[0270]Commercially available spandex yarns may also be known as Lycra, Creora, Roica or Dorlastan. Spandex is often called elastane fiber or polyurethane fiber.

[0271] LYCRA HYFIT yarns, a product of Invista, Wichita, Kansas, USA, are suitable for producing the yarns comprising the plurality of elastics 316 forming the elastomeric laminate 302. Some yarns, for example, the aforementioned LYCRA HYFIT yarns, may comprise a plurality of individual fibers wound together to form the yarn. With respect to elastic yarns formed from a plurality of individual fibers, it has been discovered that the individual fibers may move relative to one another, altering the cross-sectional shape of the yarn as well as becoming loose, which may lead to poor control of the yarns as well as poor bonding/adhesion/bonding of the elastic yarns to one or both of the first substrate layer 306 and the second substrate layer 308 of the elastomeric laminate 302. To minimize the negative aspects with respect to yarns comprising a plurality of fibers, it would be advantageous to minimize the number of fibers in a given yarn. It would therefore be desirable to have fewer than about 40 fibers per yarn, fewer than about 30 fibers per yarn, fewer than about 20 fibers per yarn, fewer than about 10 fibers per yarn, fewer than about 5 fibers per yarn, and 1 fiber forming the yarn. In the case of a single fiber forming the yarn that can provide comparable performance to the prior art multi-fiber yarns, it would be desirable for the fiber to have a fiber decitex of from about 22 to about 300 and a fiber diameter of from about 50 micrometers to about 185 micrometers. Component sections of the present disclosure

[0272] The components of the absorbent articles comprising elastomeric laminates 302 may be sectioned to permit detailed measurement and characterization of the structure. The waistband 122 (see Figure 17), the waist cuff 123 (see Figure 18), the inner leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140, and the crossbar 165 all comprise 1 section. With respect to the waistband 122, the waist cuff 123, the inner leg cuff 150, the outer leg cuff 140, and the crossbar 165, the section is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic and the most proximal elastic.

[0273] Other components, such as chassis 200, topsheet 124 (see Figures 16C, 16D, and 16E), bottomsheet 125 (see Figure 16D), side panel 330 (see Figure 17), flap panel 530 (see Figure 18), and waistband panel (e.g., front and back waistband) 430 (see Figures 1A-F, 16C, and 16F) all comprise multiple sections as described herein. With respect to side panel 330, flap panel 530, and waistband panel 430, the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 and the most proximal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 plus forming the component, except in cases where only a portion of the component is defined to be sectioned, then it is the region disposed between and including the defined most distal elastic portion of elastomeric laminate 302 and the defined most proximal elastic portion of elastomeric laminate 302 (see alternative back waist region 38' in Figure 16C, which is a portion of the back waistband component). The region is defined by a first line extending parallel to lateral axis 44 (of the article of which the component is a part) and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic, and a second line extending parallel to lateral axis and passing through the most proximal point of the most proximal elastic. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines arranged parallel to the lateral axis 44 and arranged at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and the second line. The region comprises a first section, "1" or "section 1", which includes the most distal elastic; a fourth section, "4" or "section 4", which includes the most proximal elastic; a second section, "2" or "section 2", arranged adjacent to section 1; and a third section, "3" or "section 3", arranged between sections 2 and 4.

[0274] For example, an anterior waist region 36 comprising a front waistband 430f may be sectioned as follows (see Figures 23A-C): "Wherein anterior waist region 36 comprises an anterior component region 50 disposed between and including an anterior most distal elastic cord 417 of anterior waist region 36 and an anterior most proximal elastic cord 418 of anterior waist region 36; wherein anterior component region 50 is defined by an anterior distal component region line 419 extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through a most distal point 420 of anterior most distal elastic cord 417 and an anterior proximal component region line 421 extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through a most proximal point 422 of anterior most proximal elastic cord 418; wherein anterior component region 50 is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines 423, 424, and 425, each disposed parallel to lateral axis 44 and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between anterior distal component region line 419 and anterior proximal component region line 421; wherein the anterior component region 50 comprises a first component section, front section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread 417, a fourth component section, front section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread 418, a second component section, front section 2, adjacent to the front section 1, and a third component section, front section 3, disposed between the front sections 2 and 4." For example, a posterior waist region 38 comprising a posterior waistband 430f may be sectioned as follows (see Figures 23A-C): "Wherein the posterior waist region 38 comprises a posterior component region 51 disposed between and including a most distal posterior elastic thread 517 of the posterior waist region 38 and a most proximal elastic thread 518 of the anterior waist region 38; wherein the posterior component region 51 is defined by a posterior distal component region line 519 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a most distal point 520 of the posterior most distal elastic cord 517 and a posterior proximal component region line 521 extending parallel to the lateral axis 44 and passing through a most proximal point 522 of the posterior most proximal elastic cord 518; wherein the posterior component region 51 is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by the first, second, and third component section lines 523, 524, and 525, each disposed parallel to the lateral axis 44 and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the posterior distal component region line 519 and the posterior proximal component region line 521; wherein the posterior component region 51 comprises a first component section, posterior section 1, comprising the most distal posterior elastic cord, a fourth component section, posterior section 4, comprising the most proximal posterior elastic cord 518, a second component section, posterior section 2, adjacent to the posterior section 1, and a third component section, posterior section 3, disposed between the anterior sections 2 and 4."

[0275] For embodiments in which the laterally extending elastic disposed in one or both waist regions comprises an arcuate portion extending longitudinally inwardly and from the most proximal point of the lateral junction, the most proximal point of the most proximal elastic is the point at which the elastic intersects a line extending laterally from a most proximal point of a first lateral junction to the most proximal point of the laterally opposite lateral junction as shown in Figure 23B.

[0276] With respect to chassis 200, top layer 124 (see Figures 16C, 16D, and 16E), and bottom layer 125 (see Figure 16D) in which elastics 316 of elastomeric laminate 302 extend in a substantially longitudinal orientation, the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between, and including, the most distal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of longitudinal axis 42 and the most distal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of longitudinal axis 42. The region is defined by a first line extending parallel to longitudinal axis 42 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a first side of longitudinal axis 42 and a second line extending parallel to longitudinal axis 42 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a second side of longitudinal axis 42. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and arranged at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and the second line. The region comprises a first section, "1" or "section 1", which includes the most distal elastic on the first side of the longitudinal axis; a fourth section, "4" or "section 4", which includes the most distal elastic on the second side of the longitudinal axis; a second section, "2" or "section 2", arranged adjacent to section 1; and a third section, "3" or "section 3", arranged between sections 2 and 4.

[0277] With respect to chassis 200, top layer 124, and bottom layer 125 (see Figure 16E) in which elastics 316 of elastomeric laminate 302 extend in a substantially lateral orientation, the portion of the component to be sectioned is defined as the region disposed between and including the most distal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 on a first side of lateral axis 44 and the most distal elastic of elastomeric laminate 302 on a second side of lateral axis 44. The region is defined by a first line extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a first side of lateral axis 44 and a second line extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through the most distal point of the most distal elastic on a second side of lateral axis 44. For each of these elements, the region is then divided into 4 equal sections, defined by three lines disposed parallel to the lateral axis 44 and disposed at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance between the first line and the second line. The region comprises a first section, "1" or "section 1", which includes the most distal elastic on the first side of the lateral axis; a fourth section, "4" or "section 4", which includes the most distal elastic on the second side of the lateral axis; a second section, "2" or "section 2", disposed adjacent to section 1; and a third section, "3" or "section 3", disposed between sections 2 and 4. Sections of absorbent articles of the present disclosure

[0278] In addition to the absorbent article "component sections" described above, the absorbent article itself may be divided into "article sections" (see Figures 1A-3F, 16C, 17, 18, and 23A-C). The article sections may be used to enable characterization of the structure of the article components that overlap the chassis and that extend laterally beyond the chassis. In particular, an intermediate section "M" or "section M" of the article region is defined by a left article region line 650 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passing through a laterally left most distal point 651 of a left lateral edge 237a of the frame 200 and by a right article region line 652 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and passing through a laterally right most distal point 653 of a right lateral edge 237b (laterally opposite from the left lateral edge 237a) of the frame 200. Everything on either side of the article section M is the left article section "L" or "section L" and the laterally opposite right article section "R" or "section R". The L and R sections may be more particularly referred to by reference to whether the L, R or M sections are in the anterior, posterior or inter-thigh regions 33, 38 and 37, and, as appropriate, with which section it overlaps. For example, with respect to a waistband 430, it may be referred to as having a section 1 (adjacent to a waist opening 190) in the L section of the anterior waist region 36. As another example, a portion of the waistband 430 may be referred to that is longitudinally beyond the chassis 200 in the M section of the posterior waist region 38. Beamed elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure

[0279] Consumer interactions and research have shown that there is a long unmet consumer need for absorbent articles that comprise fabric-like textures while maintaining the correct balance of strength and modulus for easy application and removal and freedom of movement while providing an article with the correct balance of sustained fit forces and low elastic pressure on the skin (relative to current fibrous products) to provide a comfortable, non-marking wearing experience. Elastomeric laminate structures having a section modulus between about 2 gf/mm and 15 gf/mm or between 3 gf/mm and 12 gf/mm or between 4 gf/mm and 10 gf/mm are most desirable for ease of application, ease of removal, fit for fit and freedom of movement. Combining section modulus with application force, sustained fit unloading force, and sustained fit loading force wherein the application force is less than about 1,600 gf, a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and a sustained fit unloading force greater than 25% of the application force helps to ensure ease of use and improved sustained fit and seal. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may also comprise a bundled elastic laminate having an application force greater than about 1,500 gf, a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and a sustained fit unloading force greater than 30% of the application force. Traditional elastic material configurations may exhibit very high pressures beneath each elastic element, e.g., elastic threads, leading to increased skin marks and reduced comfort. One approach to reducing the pressure of the elastic on the skin is to increase the number of elastics in a given area, e.g., bundled elastics. Increasing the number of elastics in a given area may only reduce the pressure under each elastic, however, if this is the only change it may also significantly increase the overall modulus of the elastomeric laminate structure. To obtain the correct balance between modulus and skin pressure, it is necessary to reduce the elastic decitex and/or elastic stretch when the spacing between the elastics is reduced, thus increasing the number of elastics to balance the modulus and skin pressure and maintain these parameters within the range preferred by the consumer. To provide the desired section modulus, a unique balance of elastic decitex, elastics with a decitex less than 400 and filament spacing, when the spacing is less than 4 mm, is desirable.

[0280] The relationship between decitex and spacing to obtain the desired results can be characterized as a ratio. The ratio between dtex and spacing can be greater than 60:1 and less than 300:1, greater than 60:1 and less than 250:1, greater than 65:1 and less than 215:1, or greater than 60:1 and less than 150:1. The ratio can also be greater than 80:1 and less than 300:1, greater than 80:1 and less than 250:1, or greater than 65:1 and less than 300:1. This advancement was made possible by applying very low decitex elastic at very low stretch levels and with very tight elastic spacing which have never been seen before in disposable absorbent articles. The application of this low decitex elastic in low stretch and tight spacing is made possible by a new absorbent article technology created from the textile warp beam technology approach. The examples below illustrate such elastomeric structures.

[0281]The elastomeric laminate forming part of the absorbent article may comprise two or more nonwoven layers with elastic material disposed therebetween wherein a first portion of the elastic material is joined to the nonwoven layers by one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding.

[0282] The elastomeric laminate forming part of the absorbent article may comprise two or more nonwoven layers with elastic material disposed between at least two of the nonwoven layers, wherein the elastic material is joined to one or both of the nonwoven layers by one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding. An elastomeric laminate has a first region texture that may be formed in part by adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding arranged in an arcuate pattern/shape. Alternatively, the first region texture may be formed in part by adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding and arranged in a vertical (longitudinal) linear orientation. Alternatively, a first region may be formed in part by adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding and arranged in a matrix of closed shapes, and in certain embodiments, the adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding may be arranged angularly with respect to one or both of the longitudinal or lateral centerlines. Alternatively, the elastomeric laminate may comprise an inner waistband layer and an outer waistband layer formed of two separate nonwoven layers bonded together by adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding with elastics disposed between the inner waistband layer and the double outer waistband layer. It should be understood that one or both of the nonwoven materials forming the elastomeric laminate may comprise a plurality of apertures, arranged randomly or in a defined pattern, extending through one or both of the nonwoven layers. Example 1: Trousers with ultrasonically bonded waistband Trousers details: Total product length 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.5 mm Average side bond spacing (by 4.5 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by ultrasound) 150 mm Average dtex 140 Average yarn spacing 1.5 mm Average pre-stretch 180% Outer nonwoven (NT) waistband basis weight 20 g/m2 Waistband type Outer NT carded Inner NT waistband basis weight 20 g/m2 Waistband type Inner NT carded Example 2: Trousers with ultrasonically bonded waistband Trousers details: Total product length 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.7 mm Average side bond spacing 4.0 mm (ultrasonic) Average bond length (ultrasonic) 150 mm Average dtex 45 Average yarn spacing 0.5 mm Average pre-stretch 150% Outer NT waistband basis weight 15 g/m2 Waistband type Outer NT continuous spun yarn Inner NT waistband basis weight 15 g/m2 Waistband type Inner NT continuous spun yarn Example 3: Trousers with adhesive-bonded waistband Trousers details: Total product length 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Adhesive application Slit adhesive basis weight 8 g/m2 Average dtex 210 Average yarn spacing 2.5 mm Average pre-stretch 150% Outer NT waistband basis weight 13 g/m2 Waistband type Outer NT continuous spun yarn Inner NT waistband basis weight 13 g/m2 Inner NT waistband type continuous spun Example 4: Trilaminate waistband providing smooth texture on the inside and raised texture on the outside Trouser details: Total product length 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Outer NT waistband basis weight 13 g/m2 Outer NT waistband type continuous spun Mid NT waistband basis weight 8 g/m2 Mid NT waistband type continuous spun Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT to mid NT Average side bond spacing (by 10 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by uniform variable (non-ultrasonic)) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 1 mm Inner NT waistband basis weight 13 g/m2 Inner NT waistband type continuous spun Adhesive bonding Mid NT to NT Adhesive application Adhesive base weight Average dtex Average spacing Intermediate average pre-stretch and slit elastic 8 g/m2 78 1 mm 150% Example 5: Waistband with multiple texture zones Pant details: Total product length 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Outer NT waistband basis weight Outer NT waistband type 20 g/m2 continuous spun Inner NT waistband basis weight 15 g/m2 Inner NT waistband type continuous spun 1st waistband section: Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Average side bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by variable ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average dtex 78 Average yarn spacing 1 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 2nd and 3rd waistband sections: Adhesive bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Adhesive application slit Base weight of adhesive 8 g/m2 Average Dtex 78 Average thread spacing 1 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 4th section of the waistband: Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Average side bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by variable ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average Dtex 78 Average thread spacing 1 mm Average pre-stretch 150% Example 6 (hypothetical): Waistband with multiple texture zones Pants details: Total length of product 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Outer NT waistband base weight 20 g/m2 Waistband type Outer NT continuous spun Inner NT waistband base weight 15 g/m2 Waistband type Inner NT continuous spun 1st waistband section (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of external and internal NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) Average bond arrangement (by 5 and 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis) Average dtex Average yarn spacing Average pre-stretch 2nd and 3rd waistband sections in L and R sections (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of external NT waistband to internal NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by variable ultrasound) Average bond length (by variable ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) closed shapes Average dtex Average yarn spacing Average pre-stretch 2nd and 3rd waistband sections in M section (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of external NT waistband to internal NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by variable ultrasound) Average bond length (by variable ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) closed shapes Average dtex Average yarn spacing Average pre-stretch 2nd and 3rd waistband sections in M section (front and back waistband): ultrasound of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by 3 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by 180 mm ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.5 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) extending laterally (herringbone pattern) Average dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 4th section of front waistband: Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by 25 mm ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) extending laterally Average dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 4th section of the front waistband: Adhesive bonding of the outer NT waistband to the inner NT waistband and elastic Adhesive application Continuous slit Adhesive base weight 8 g/m2 Average Dtex 640 Average thread spacing 3 mm Average pre-stretch 180% Example 7 (hypothetical): Waistband with multiple texture zones Pants details: Total length of the product 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: External NT waistband base weight External NT waistband type Internal NT waistband base weight Internal NT waistband type 1st section of the waistband (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of the outer NT waistband to the inner NT waistband and elastic Average side bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by uniform variable (non-ultrasonic)) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by angular (between ultrasound) 5 and 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis) Average Dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 2nd and 3rd waistband sections in L and R sections (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner, elastic NT waistband Average lateral bond spacing (by ultrasound variable) Average bond length (by ultrasound variable) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) arched Average Dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 2nd and 3rd waistband sections in M section (front and back waistband): Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner, elastic NT waistband Average lateral bond spacing (by ultrasound 3 mm) Average bond length (by 180 mm ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.5 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) extending laterally (herringbone pattern) Average dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 4th front waistband section: Ultrasonic bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Average lateral bond spacing (by 4 mm ultrasound) Average bond length (by 25 mm ultrasound) Average bond width (by ultrasound) 0.75 mm Average bond arrangement (by ultrasound) extending laterally Average dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 150% 4th front waistband section: Adhesive bonding of outer NT waistband to inner NT waistband and elastic Adhesive application continuous slit Adhesive base weight 8 g/m2 Average dtex 640 Average yarn spacing 3 mm Average pre-stretch 180% Example 8: Waistband with multiple texture zones (inner smooth texture and outer raised texture) Pant details: Total length of the product 450 mm Waistband height from seam to seam 355 mm Center chassis length 403 mm Laminate details: Base weight of the outer NT waistband 13 g/m2 Type of waistband External NT bicomponent Base weight of the intermediate NT layer 8 g/m2 Type of waistband Intermediate NT continuous spun Internal NT waistband base weight 13 g/m2 Type of waistband Internal NT continuous spun Ultrasonic bonding of the outer NT waistband to the intermediate NT waistband Average lateral bond spacing (by ultrasound variable) Average bond length (by ultrasound variable) Average bond width (ultrasonic) 0.7 mm Adhesive bonding of the intermediate NT waistband to the internal NT and elastic waistband Application of the adhesive continuous slit Base weight of the adhesive 8 g/m2 Average Dtex 78 Average thread spacing 0.75 mm Average pre-stretch 120%

[0283] Inventive examples 1 to 8 above will have one or more of the following properties: a) a peel strength between the first and second nonwovens of from about 1 N/cm to about 10 N/cm or up to and including substrate failure; b) a dtex to spacing ratio of from about 65:1 to about 200:1; e) a wire pressure of from about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi; d) an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf; e) a sustained set loading force of greater than about 30% of the application force; f) a sustained set unloading force of greater than about 25% of the application force; g) a section modulus of from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm; h) a cantilever bending of less than about 40 mm; i) a percentage of the contact area of one or both surfaces of the laminate of at least one of: 1) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, 2) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and 3) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; and j) a relaxation of the force over time of the elastomeric laminate of from about 5% to about 40%. Absorbent articles of the present disclosure

[0284] Products comprising elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure may comprise absorbent articles 100 of different structure and/or shape that are generally designed and configured to control bodily exudates such as urine, menstruation, and/or feces, such as disposable diapers and underwear-style diapers, including disposable absorbent articles for infants and adults.

[0285] As shown in the Figures, the absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a chassis 200 comprising a topsheet 124, a backsheet 125, and an absorbent core 128 disposed at least partially between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 125. The chassis 200 may further comprise an inner leg clamp 150 and an outer leg clamp 140 (the clamps are generically referred to as 52).

[0286] An end portion of an absorbent article 100 may be configured as a front waist region 36 and the longitudinally opposite end portion may be configured as a rear waist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 100 that extends longitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38 may be configured as a crotch region ("crotch") 37. The length of each of the front waist region 36, the rear waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may be about 1/3 the length of the absorbent article 100, for example (see, e.g., Figure 18). Alternatively, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the rear waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions (e.g., defined by the longitudinal dimension of the immediately adjacent side seam or the longitudinal dimension of the flap panel/side panel immediately adjacent to the center chassis - see, e.g., Figures 16C and 17); or in the case where an article has a continuous component such as the pants in Figures 16G and 23C, the side seam 172 (or where the side seam will be or was 172') may define the boundaries between the front and rear waist regions and the crotch region (see alternative component sections 1'-4' and alternative front and rear waist regions 36' and 38' and the crotch region 37' in Figure 16C, where the rear waistband is longitudinally longer than the front waistband).

[0287]When the lateral joints are used to define the anterior and posterior waist regions and the region between the thighs, this can be described as follows:

[0288]"Anterior waist region 36 is a region between a) a more proximal anterior axis 410 extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions 172 or 172'; and b) a more distal anterior axis 411 extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions 172 or 172'; and posterior waist region 38 is a region between a) a more proximal posterior axis 510 extending parallel to lateral axis 44 and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions 172 or 172'; and b) a more distal posterior axis 511 extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions 172 or 172'."

[0289] The absorbent article 100 may have a laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposite, laterally extending rear waist end edge 138 in the rear waist region 38.

[0290] The chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100 may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 237a and a second longitudinally and laterally opposite side edge 237b. Both side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge 136 and the rear waist end edge 138. The chassis 200 may form a laterally extending front waist end edge portion 136 in the front waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposite, laterally extending rear waist end edge portion 138 in the rear waist region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 200 may comprise an interior chassis surface 202 (forming at least a portion of the wearer-facing surface 4), an exterior chassis surface 204 (forming at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2), a longitudinal axis 42, and a lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpoint of the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the rear waist end edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend through from a midpoint of the first side edge 237a and through a midpoint of the second side edge 237b.

[0291] Referring to Figure 16C, often, as with waistbanded absorbent articles, chassis 200 may have a length measured along longitudinal axis 42 that is less than the length of absorbent article 100. Both side edges 237 of chassis 200 may not extend longitudinally to one or both of forward waist end edge 136 and rear waist end edge 138. Chassis 200 may not form a portion of one or both of laterally extending forward waist end edge 136 in forward waist region 36 and laterally extending and longitudinally opposing rear waist end edge 138 in rear waist region 38.

[0292] Referring to Figure 16D, chassis 200 may comprise elastics 316 oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between backsheet nonwoven 127 and backsheet film 126. Alternatively, chassis 200 may comprise elastics 316 oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between core wrap 74 and backsheet 125. Still further, in Figure 16E, chassis 200 comprises elastics 316 oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between backsheet film 126 and backsheet nonwoven 127. Figure 16D also shows elastics 316 oriented parallel to longitudinal axis 42 between a first topsheet 124a and a second topsheet 124b. Still further, Figure 16E shows elastics 316 oriented parallel to lateral axis 44 between topsheet 124 and core wrap 74.

[0293] A portion or all of the absorbent article 100 may be made to be laterally elastically extensible. Extensibility of the absorbent article 100 may be desirable to allow the absorbent article 100 to conform to a user's body during movement by the user. Extensibility may also be desirable, for example, to allow the caregiver to extend the anterior waist region 36, the posterior waist region 38, the crotch region 37, and/or the chassis 200 to provide additional body coverage for users of different sizes, i.e., to tailor the fit of the absorbent article 100 to the individual user and to help facilitate application. Such extension may provide the absorbent article 100 with a generic hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region ("crotch") 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions 36 and/or 38. Such extension may also impart a fitted appearance to the absorbent article 100 during use.

[0294] Chassis 200 may be substantially rectangular and may have discrete side panels 330 (Figure 17), extendable flap panels 530 (Figure 18), and/or non-extendable flap panels 540 (Figure 18) joined to chassis 200 at or adjacent to chassis side edges 237 at one or both of forward waist region 36 and rear waist region 38. Portions of one or more of chassis side edges 237, forward end edge 236 of the chassis, and rear end edge 238 of the chassis may be arcuate or curved in a convex or concave manner as shown in Figure 19A. The chassis 200 may comprise integral side panels 330, integral stretch flap panels, integral waistbands 430, or integral non-stretch flap panels 540 formed from one or more of the outer cover nonwoven, the backsheet film, the outer leg brace material, the topsheet, or core wrap 74 disposed in one or both of the front and back waist regions (Figure 18). Alternatively, the chassis 200 may comprise discrete side panels 330 (see Figure 17), discrete stretch flap panels 530 (see Figure 18), or discrete waistbands 430 or discrete waistband layers [Figures 1A-F, 2A-F, 3A-F, 16E, and 16F (inner waistband layers 432)]. The chassis may be shaped rectangular or non-rectangular in one waist region and substantially rectangular in the opposite waist region. Alternatively, the chassis may be substantially rectangular in one or both of the waist regions and non-rectangular in the thigh region.

[0295]The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements, the elastic elements being present in a first waist region, in the region between the thighs, and in the second opposite waist region.

Closed trouser type article

[0296] Absorbent articles in the style of closed form pant-type diapers are generally disclosed in Figures 1A-F, 2A-F, 3A-F, 16A-17, and 23A-C, and are designed to be packaged in a closed form having a waist opening 190 and two leg openings 192 and designed to be donned on the wearer like a pair of durable underwear. The pant-type diapers may comprise discrete elastomeric side panels 330 (Figure 17) and/or discrete waistbands 430 [Figures 1A-F, 2A-F, 3A-F, 16A-C, 16E, 16F) (inner waistbands), and 23A] in either or both of the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38. Alternatively, the side panels 330 and/or the waistband 430 may be formed integrally with other elements of the article, such as the chassis 200.

[0297] When the absorbent article comprises front and back waistbands 430, the sides of the front and back waistbands 430 on one side of the article may be permanently or recloseably joined to each other and the front and back side panels on the opposite side of the article may be permanently or recloseably joined to each other to create a waist opening 190 and a pair of leg openings 192 (Figures 16A and 16B). The waistband 430 provides an elastically stretchable feature that provides a more comfortable, contoured fit by initially conformably fitting the article 100 to the wearer and maintaining that fit throughout the duration of use, well after the undergarment diapers have been loaded with exudates, since the elastomeric side panels allow the sides of the undergarment diapers to expand and contract. Additionally, the elastomeric waistbands 430 provide ease of application and develop and maintain forces and wear stresses to hold the article 100 on the wearer and improve fit, especially when bundled elastomeric laminates are used to form the waistbands 430. The elastomeric side panels provide ease of application by allowing the undergarment-like diaper pair to be pulled conformably over the wearer's hips and positioned at the waist where the waistbands 430 conform to the body and provide sufficient tension to maintain the position of the article on the wearer. The tension created by the side panels is transmitted from the elastic waistbands 430 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg opening 192. Typically, particularly with respect to discrete side panels 330, the chassis 200 is disposed between the side panels 330 and extends to form a portion of the waist edge 136 and/or 138 of the undergarment-form diapers comprising side panels 330. In other words, a portion of the waist edge 136 and/or 138 in one or both of the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38 may be formed in part by the side panels 330 and in part by the chassis 200.

[0298] The pant comprising side panels 330 may also comprise a pair of laterally opposed reclosable junctions 174. The reclosable side junction 174 may be formed by reclosably joining an interior surface of a portion of the article, e.g., a side panel 330, to an exterior surface of another portion of the article 100, e.g., a longitudinally opposed side panel 330 or the chassis 200 to form the reclosable side junction 174.

[0299] The waistbands of the pant-type diapers 430 may also comprise a first permanent side junction 172 and a second laterally opposite permanent side junction 172 as illustrated, for example, in Figures 16A and 16B. Permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an interior surface of a portion of the article 100, e.g., waistband 430, to an exterior surface of another portion of the article 100, e.g., a longitudinally opposed waistband 430 or chassis 200 to form permanent side seam 172. Alternatively, permanent side seam 172 may be formed by joining an interior surface of a portion of the article 100, e.g., waistband 430, to an interior surface of another portion of the article 100, e.g., a longitudinally opposed waistband 430 to form permanent side seam 172. Any pant-type diapers comprising the side panel 330 configurations described above may comprise a waistband 122 in which at least a portion of the waistband 122 (as illustrated in Figure 17 ) is disposed at or immediately adjacent to the edge of the waistband 136. and/or 138 and overlaps a portion of the central chassis 200. The waistband 122 may extend laterally to overlap portions of the internal leg braces 150 and/or portions of the elastomeric side panels 330. The waistband 122 may be disposed on the inner surface 202 of the chassis 200 or, alternatively, between the upper layer 124 and the lower layer 125.

[0300] Specifically with respect to the waistband 430 as illustrated in Figure 16F, the inner waistband layer 432 and/or the outer waistband layer 434 of the first and second elastomeric waistbands 430 may be formed by a common waistband layer as shown in Figure 16F. When the first and second elastomeric waistbands 430 have a common waistband layer, the common waistband layer may extend from a first waistband edge in a first waist region to a longitudinally opposite second waistband edge in a second waist region, i.e., from the front waistband edge 136 to the rear waistband edge 138.

[0301] Further, particularly with respect to the waistband diapers 400 as illustrated in Figures 16C, the waistband diapers 400 may have a first elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in a first waist region having a first longitudinal length and a second elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in a second waist region having a second longitudinal length, wherein the longitudinal length of the first waistband is greater than the longitudinal length of the second waistband along the side edge of the waistband at or adjacent to the side seam. This difference in length helps to provide coverage for the buttocks at the rear of the pants by providing a more underwear-like appearance. And while this advantage is disclosed for the waistband diapers 400, there is also an advantage to having longitudinally longer side panels 330 in the rear waist region 38.

Article with ribbon in open form

[0302] Absorbent, open-form, taped style articles are generally disclosed in Figure 18. The taped diaper 500, the open-form taped article, may comprise elastomeric flap panels 530 in one or both of the anterior waist region 36 and the posterior waist region 38. The elastomeric flap panels 530 may be structurally unitary with other elements of the article 100 or as a separate element joined to another element of the article 100. The first elastomeric flap panels 530 provide an elastically stretchable feature that provides a more comfortable, contoured fit by initially conformably fitting the article 100 to the wearer and maintaining that fit throughout the duration of use, well after the taped diaper 500 has been loaded with exudates, as the first elastomeric flap panels 530 enable the diaper to expand and contract to fit the wearer. Additionally, the elastomeric flap panels 530 develop and maintain wear forces (stresses) and accentuate the stresses developed and maintained by the fastening system 179 (including fasteners 175 (e.g., hooks) that are releasably engageable with a mating fastener 178 (e.g., ties)), to hold the article 100 on the wearer and improve the fit. The elastomeric flap panels 530 especially assist in maintaining the primary line of tension formed by the fastening system 179 allowing the diaper to fit conformably over the wearer's hips where there is dynamic movement, and initially pre-tension the waist opening 190 and leg opening 192, since the diaper wearer typically extends the elastomeric flap panels 530 when donning the strapped diaper 500, so that when the elastomeric flap panels 530 contract, tension is transmitted from the elastomeric flap panels 530 along the waist opening 190 and along at least a portion of the leg opening 192. Although the open form article of the present disclosure may have the elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in the rear waist region 38, alternatively, the taped diaper 500 may be provided with elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in the front waist region 36 or both the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38. The open form article may also have elastomeric flap panels 530 disposed in a first waist region and elastomeric flap panels 530 or non-elastomeric flap panels 540 disposed in a second waist region.

[0303] Alternatively, open form, taped style absorbent articles may comprise an elastomeric waistband 430 disposed in one of the waist regions. The elastomeric waistband 430 may be joined and/or positioned in a specific location or position and may be structurally unitary with other elements of the article 100 or as a separate element joined to another element of the article 100. In a taped waistband diaper, the elastomeric waistband 430 may be disposed in the back waist region 38. The elastomeric waistband 430 may have fasteners disposed at or adjacent to laterally opposite ends of the waistband. The fasteners 175 may be disposed on the interior surface of the waistband 430 to engage with a discrete snap fastener component 178 or with the exterior surface 204 of the article (such as the nonwoven backsheet 127) to secure the article to the wearer.

Exterior cladding material

[0304] The backsheet 125 may comprise a backsheet film 126 and a backsheet nonwoven 127. The backsheet nonwoven 127 may also be referred to as an outer covering material. The outer covering material forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 and effectively "covers" the backsheet film 126 such that the film is not present on the garment-facing surface. The outer covering material may comprise a bonding pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features. Absorbent Core

[0305] As used herein, the term “absorbent core” 128 refers to the component of the absorbent article 100 that has the maximum absorbent capacity and that comprises an absorbent material. Referring to Figures 16C and 16D, in some instances, the absorbent material (e.g., 26 and 53) may be positioned within a core pocket or a core wrap 74. The absorbent material may be profiled or non-profiled, depending on the particular absorbent article. The absorbent core 128 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, an absorbent material, and glue enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material may comprise superabsorbent polymers, a blend of superabsorbent polymers and aerated felt, aerated felt alone, and/or a foam. The absorbent core may comprise an absorbent material comprising at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or up to 100% superabsorbent polymers by weight of the absorbent material. In such cases, the absorbent material may be free of aerated felt, or at least predominantly free of aerated felt, in which case the MGA 26 may be held in place by an adhesive 54, such as a thermoplastic adhesive. And, for swim diapers, the article may be free of superabsorbent polymers. The periphery of the absorbent core, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as a rectangular, "T", "Y", "hourglass", or "dogbone" shape, for example. A periphery of the absorbent core having a generally "dog bone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the crotch region ("crotch") 37 of the absorbent article 100.

[0306] Referring to Figures 16C and 16D, the absorbent core 128 may have areas of little or no absorbent material, where a wearer-facing surface of the core pouch 74 may be joined to a garment-facing surface of the core pouch 74. These areas having little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels" 129. These channels may incorporate any suitable shapes, and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other instances, the absorbent core may be embossed to create the impression of channels. The absorbent core in Figures 16C and 16D is merely one example of an absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0307]As used herein, a charged absorbent core is one that contains (or is capable of containing) a charge of at least 50, 100, or 200 milliliters (mls) for adult diapers, pants, and incontinence articles. The disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure comprising an absorbent core are designed to fit the wearer with an empty absorbent core (i.e., one that is not charged), as well as being capable of lasting use for an appreciable time (2 or more hours) even when the core is charged. Capture Materials

[0308] One or more capture materials (e.g., 130) may be present at least partially between the topsheet 124 and the absorbent core 128. The capture materials are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of body exudates. These materials may remove water from the topsheet 124 and rapidly move body exudates into the absorbent core 128. The capture materials 130 may comprise one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, crosslinked cellulosic materials, air-laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunbond materials, or combinations thereof, for example. In some cases, portions of the capture materials may extend through portions of the topsheet 124, portions of the topsheet 124 may extend through portions of the capture materials, and/or the topsheet 124 may be nested with the capture materials. Typically, a capture material or layer may have a width and length that are less than the width and length of the topsheet 124. The capture material may be a secondary topsheet in the context of the feminine pad. The capture material may have one or more channels as described in the absorbent core section 128 (including the embossed version). The channels in the capture material may or may not align with the channels in the absorbent core 128. In one example, a first capture material may comprise a nonwoven material and a second capture material may comprise a crosslinked cellulosic material.

Upper layers

[0309] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a topsheet 124. The topsheet 124 is the portion of the absorbent article 100 that is in contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet 124 may be joined to portions of the backsheet 125, the absorbent core 128, the leg cuffs 52, and/or any other layers, as is known to those skilled in the art. The topsheet 124 may be pliable, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of, or all of, the topsheet may be liquid permeable, allowing liquid bodily exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials made from natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., bicomponent PE/PP or polyester or polypropylene fibers or blends thereof), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may have one or more layers. The topsheet may be apertured, may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and/or may have a plurality of embossings (e.g., a bonding pattern). The topsheet may be provided with apertures by overconsolidating a material and then breaking the overconsolidations by ring crimping, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097 to Benson et al., issued May 13, 1997, and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0136014 to Arora et al. Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant, and/or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, typically apertures will be present so that body exudates can pass through the topsheet. The topsheet may comprise a bonding pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features.

Lower layers

[0310] The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a backsheet 125. The backsheet 125 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 100 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 128. The backsheet 125 may be joined to portions of the topsheet 124, the nonwoven backsheet 127, the absorbent core 128, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article by any attachment methods known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet film 126 prevents, or at least inhibits, bodily exudates absorbed and confined in the absorbent core 128 from soiling articles such as bed sheets, undergarments, and/or garments. The backsheet is typically liquid impermeable, or at least substantially liquid impermeable. The backsheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film, having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, the passage of bodily exudates through the backsheet. The backsheet may comprise a bonding pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features.

Leg Braces

[0311] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise leg cuffs 52, which include inner leg cuffs 150 and outer leg cuffs 140. The inner leg cuffs 150 may be positioned laterally within outer leg cuffs 140. Each of the leg cuffs 52 may be formed of a piece of material that is attached to the absorbent article 100 such that it may extend upwardly from a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 and provide improved confinement of body exudates approximately at the junction between the wearer's torso and legs. The inner leg cuffs 150 are bounded by a border directly or indirectly joined to (or formed by) the topsheet and/or the backsheet and a free terminal edge, which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The inner leg braces 150 may extend longitudinally at least partially (or completely) between the front waist edge 136 and the rear waist edge 138 of the absorbent article 100 on opposite sides of the chassis and may be present at least in the region between the thighs 37. Each inner leg brace 150 may comprise one or more elastics 316 (e.g., elastic cords or straps) proximate to or at the free end edge. These elastics 316 cause the inner leg braces 150 to help form a seal around the legs and torso of a wearer. The outer leg braces 140 extend at least partially between the front end edge 136 and the rear end edge 138. The outer leg braces 140 essentially cause portions of the absorbent article 100 to approximate the chassis side edges 237a and 237b to help form a seal around the wearer's legs. The external leg braces 140 may extend at least to the thigh region 37. Waist bands/waist braces

[0312] The absorbent articles 100 of the present disclosure may comprise one or more elastic waistbands 122. The elastic waistbands 122 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface or the wearer-facing surface, or may be formed between them. For example, a first elastic waistband 122 may be present at the front waist region 36, proximate to the front waist edge 136, and a second elastic waistband 122 may be present at the rear waist region 38, proximate to the rear waist edge 138. The elastic waistbands 122 may assist in sealing the absorbent article 100 around a wearer's waist and at least inhibit bodily exudates from escaping the absorbent article 100 through the waist opening circumference. In some cases, an elastic waistband may completely encircle the waist opening 190 of the absorbent article 100. A waistband 123 may be formed by an extension of the waistband 122 and may remain unattached to the underlying structure at the central portion of the waistband 123 to allow bodily exudates flowing along the topsheet 124 to be trapped between the topsheet 124 and the underside of the waistband 123. In other words, the waistband 123 may be joined to the underlying structure, e.g., the central chassis 200 of the absorbent article 100 along the longitudinally distal edge of the waistband 123 and/or along laterally opposing side edges of the waistband 123. Waistband

[0313] In addition to what was disclosed regarding waistbands in the Open-Form Tapered Article and Closed-Form Pant-Like Article sections above, the front and back waistbands 430f and 430b may comprise front and back waistband inner layers 432 and front and back waistband outer layers 434 having an elastomeric material (e.g., yarns 316 or a film (which may be apertured)) disposed at least partially therebetween. The elastic yarns 316 or film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce elastic elongation over the absorbent core 128 or, alternatively, pass continuously through the absorbent core 128. The elastic yarns 316 may have uniform or variable spacing therebetween in any portion of the waistbands. The elastic yarns 316 may also be pre-stretched by the same or different amounts. The front and back waistbands 430f and 430b may have one or more elastic element-free zones where the chassis 200 overlaps the waistbands 430f and 430b. In other cases, at least some of the elastic strands 316 may extend continuously through the chassis 200. The inner and/or outer waistband layer may comprise a bonding pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features.

[0314]The front and back layers of the inner waistband 432 and the front and back layers of the outer waistband 434 may be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable waistband layer configurations can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0211363.

[0315] The front and rear waistband end edges 438f and 438b may extend longitudinally beyond the front and rear frame end edges 236 and 238 or may be co-terminal. The front and rear waistband side edges 437 may extend laterally beyond the frame side edges 237a and 237b. The front and rear waistbands 430f and 430b may be continuous [i.e., have at least one layer that is continuous (see 434 in Figure 16F) from the waistband end edge 438f to the opposite waistband end edge 438b]. Alternatively, the front and back waistbands 430f and 430b may be discontinuous from the waistband end edge 438f to the opposite waistband end edge 438b (see 432 and 434 in Figure 16E), so that they are distinct.

[0316] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis 42) of the rear waistband 430b may be greater than the longitudinal length of the front waistband 430f, and this may be particularly useful for increased buttock coverage when the rear waistband 430b has a greater longitudinal length relative to the front waistband 430f adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the side seams 172. Alternatively, the bottom corners of the longer rear waistband may be trimmed in diagonal or curved lines.

[0317] Front and back waistbands 430f and 430b may include slits, holes, and/or perforations that provide increased breathability, softness, and a garment-like texture. The underwear-like appearance may be accentuated by substantial alignment of the waist and leg edges at side seams 172.

Packaged absorbent articles of the present disclosure

[0318]The assembled absorbent articles, especially including diapers and disposable pants, from the converter are transferred to the stacking chain and form a stack. The stack of absorbent articles is then compressed in two stations: 1) Pre-compression (PC): which squeezes most of the air out of the diapers. The mechanical tension reaches about 0.45 but the force is usually less than 200 N. 2) Main Compression (MC): the stack is further compressed to a mechanical tension of about 0.7. Although the increase in tension is small compared to PC, the force on the stack reaches its maximum at MC. Depending on the intermediate range and the product formulation, the MC force on the stack rises to a few kN and sometimes above 10 kN. This puts the diapers under a pressure of 100 to 500 kPa in a quarter of a second at a mechanical tension rate of about 1/s.

[0319]The pile is typically over-compressed followed by a reduction before conveying through the draw frame into the bag. Over-compression is necessary to smooth the conveyance of the pile through the draw frame as this reduces the normal contact forces (and therefore friction) between the absorbent articles in the pile and the draw frame surfaces. These forces in MC can have potential negative impacts on product performance such as glue leakage, MGA perforation, loss of softness and 3D structure (including texture), among others.

[0320]In addition, there is still a long and difficult road ahead, from palletizing to shipping and warehouse handling, until the absorbent articles packaging finally reaches the shelf or the consumer's home. During transportation, absorbent articles packaging is exposed to a wide range of dynamic loads in all three directions and drastic changes in temperature and humidity that alter the material properties. After production, absorbent articles may be confined in bags for several months before use.

[0321] Of course, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed in packages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics and/or symbols relating to the properties of the absorbent articles may be formed into, printed on, positioned on, and/or placed on the outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. As mentioned above, the absorbent articles may be compression packed so as to reduce the size of the packages while still providing an adequate quantity of absorbent articles per package. By compression packaging the absorbent articles, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings for manufacturers due to the size of the package.

[0322] The fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure have been found to withstand the negative forces associated with producing an absorbent article and being packaged under high compression for an extended period of time. It is important to note that the fibrous elastomeric laminates of the present disclosure maintain the important properties disclosed herein, including those associated with texture (e.g., percent contact area, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, and 2-98% height value).

[0323] Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag stack height of less than about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the above-specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them, in accordance with the In-Bag Stack Height Test described herein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the present invention may have a bag stack height of from about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, from about 75 mm to about 95 mm, from about 80 mm to about 95 mm, from about 80 mm to about 90 mm, from about 85 mm to about 90 mm, or from about 88 mm to about 90 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the above-specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them, in accordance with the Bag Stack Height Test described herein.

[0324] Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary package 1000 comprising a plurality of absorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002 in which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are situated. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks 1006. As indicated above, each of the absorbent articles 1004 may be disposable absorbent pant articles and may particularly be pant articles with a waistband. Embodiments of exemplary claims of the present disclosure Exemplary set of claims 1: 1. An elastomeric laminate comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average inter-yarn spacing of between about 0.25 mm and about 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%; wherein a plurality of densified bonds join the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of densified bonds are distinct and spaced apart from one another; wherein the plurality of densified bonds overlap and at least partially surround portions of the plurality of elastic yarns; wherein a peel strength between the first and second nonwovens is from about 1 N/cm to about 15 N/cm; and wherein a ratio of dtex to nonwoven basis weight of a first elastic yarn and at least one of the first and second nonwovens is from about 1.5 to about 15. 2. The elastomeric laminate of claim 1, wherein a first elastic yarn of the first plurality of elastic yarns comprises from about 2 to about 40 filaments, including first and second filaments, wherein the first and second filaments are disposed transversely side by side of each other and wherein at least one distinct bond of the plurality of distinct bonds surrounds at least the first and second filaments. 3. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one distinct bond overlaps at least 10 elastic yarns of the first plurality of elastic yarns. 4. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one distinct bond encircles at least 20 filaments of the at least 10 elastic yarns. 5. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns comprises an average yarn spacing in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. 6. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the densified bonds comprising the plurality of densified bonds has a void area to yarn area ratio of less than 1. 7. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of dtex to the spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. 8. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprises at least 100 elastic strands, and wherein each of the at least 100 elastic strands comprises at least 3 filaments, and wherein the plurality of densified bonds overlap at least 50 of the elastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands and surround at least 150 filaments of the at least 100 elastic strands, and wherein substantial portions of the at least 100 elastic strands between the densified bonds are unbonded. 9. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of a waistband, a chassis, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet, a flap panel, and combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns comprises from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic yarns, wherein each of the elastic yarns comprising the about 40 to about 1,000 elastic yarns is overlapped by and partially surrounded by the plurality of discrete bonds. 10. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein a third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven such that a trilaminate is formed, and wherein an outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven have different percentages of contact area. 11. The elastomeric laminate of claim 10, wherein the third nonwoven is bonded to the second nonwoven by an adhesive. 12. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter, and the second nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter. 13. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: a) a percentage of the contact area of at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; b) a force relaxation of about 5% to about 30%; c) a cantilever bending of less than about 40 mm; d) a height value of 2% to 98% < 2.2 mm; e) a wire pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi; and f) a section modulus of about 2 gf/mm to about 15 gf/mm. 14. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic wires have an average wire spacing of about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm. 15. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 40 to about 250. 16. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average pre-stretch of from about 100% to about 250%. Exemplary set of claims 2: 1. An elastomeric laminate comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein the first and second nonwovens are bonded together, and a third nonwoven is bonded to the second nonwoven, such that the second nonwoven is an intermediate nonwoven; wherein a ratio of dtex to spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns is from about 65:1 to about 200:1; wherein the first and second nonwovens are bonded together by an adhesive, and wherein the adhesive overlaps and at least partially surrounds a portion of the plurality of elastic yarns; wherein the second and third nonwovens are bonded together by a plurality of bonds, wherein the plurality of bonds are distinct and laterally spaced from each other; and wherein an outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven may have different percentages of contact areas. 2. The elastomeric laminate of claim 1, wherein the elastic yarns are not present between the second and third nonwovens. *** 3. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of dtex to spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. 4. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter, and the second nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter to about 35 grams per square meter. 5. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of: a) a percentage of the contact area of at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; b) a force relaxation of about 5% to about 30%; c) a cantilever bending of less than about 40 mm; d) a value of 2% to 98% height < 2.2 mm; e) a pressure under wire of about 0.1 to about 1 psi; and f) a section modulus of about 2 gf/mm to about 15 gf/mm. 6. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm. 7. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 40 to about 250. 8. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average pre-stretch of from about 100% to about 250%. Exemplary set of claims 3: 9. A disposable absorbent pant-like article, the disposable absorbent pant-like article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet; a first plurality of elastic yarns disposed in a front waist region; a second plurality of elastic yarns disposed in a rear waist region; wherein the front and back waist regions are joined at laterally opposite side seams to form a waist and leg opening; wherein each of the first and second plurality of elastic yarns has an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm; wherein each of the first and second plurality of elastic yarns has an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second plurality of elastic yarns has a yarn pressure of from about 0.1 to about 1 psi; wherein the pant-like article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf and a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and wherein the pant-like article has a sustained fit unloading force greater than 25% of the application force. 10. The disposable absorbent panty article of claim 1, wherein the anterior waist region is a region between a) a most proximal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; and b) a most distal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; wherein the posterior waist region is a region between a) a most proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and b) a most distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic thread of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic thread of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by an anterior distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the anterior most distal elastic thread and an anterior proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the anterior most proximal elastic thread; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; and wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections, L section, M section and R section, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally left most distal point of a left side edge of the frame and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally right most distal point of a right side edge which is laterally opposite the left side edge of the frame, wherein any portion of the article on one side or the other of the M section defines the L section and the laterally opposite R section. 11. The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 2, wherein at least one of the anterior sections 2 and 3 within section L comprises a different connection arrangement than the anterior section 1 within section L and wherein at least one of the anterior sections 2 and 3 within section L comprises a different connection arrangement than the anterior section 4 within section L. 12. The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 2 and 3, wherein the anterior sections 3 and 4 within section L comprise a different connection arrangement than the anterior sections 3 and 4 within section M and wherein section L comprises at least 3 different connection arrangements within the anterior sections 1 to 4. 13. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a portion of the chassis is contiguous with the anterior section 4 within section M and has the same connection arrangement and/or the same graphic pattern as the anterior section 4 within M. 14. The disposable absorbent pant article of claim 2 or 3, wherein the anterior sections 3 and 4 within section M comprise a different connection arrangement than the anterior sections 3 and 4 within section M and wherein section L comprises at least 3 different connection arrangements within the anterior sections 1 to 4. 15. The disposable absorbent panty article of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the front section 1 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic yarns than the front section 2 within the L section and wherein the front section 2 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic yarns than the front section 3 within the L section; and wherein the ΔE* of the front sections 1 and 2 within the L section is greater than about 7 and less than about 60. 15. The disposable absorbent panty article of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the at least one distinct linkage comprising the plurality of distinct linkages is disposed in portions of at least three front sections 1 to 4 within the L section. Disposable absorbent panty article according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that more than 70% of the elastic yarns in at least one of the sections L and R extend at least 50% of a lateral width (when the absorbent article is extended and flat) of the respective at least one of the sections L and R. 17. Disposable absorbent panty article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disposable absorbent panty article has an application force greater than about 1,500 gf, a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and a sustained fit unloading force greater than 30% of the application force. 18. The disposable absorbent panty article of any preceding claim, wherein the disposable absorbent panty article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf, a sustained-fit loading force of from about 400 gf to about 800 gf, and a sustained-fit unloading force of from about 325 gf to about 600 gf. 19. The disposable absorbent panty article of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second pluralities of elastic yarns has an average yarn spacing of from about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm. 20. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second pluralities of elastic yarns has an average dtex of from about 40 to about 250. 21. The disposable absorbent pant article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second pluralities of elastic yarns has an average pre-stretch of from about 100% to about 250%. Exemplary set of claims 4: 22. A packaged product, comprising: a package having dimensions of height, width and depth, an internal space and an external surface, the package comprising a film; a plurality of disposable absorbent articles, which are folded twice and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles, wherein the stack of disposable absorbent articles is compressed along a compression axis and disposed within the interior space of the package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along the width dimension of the package, each of the folded disposable absorbent articles comprising: a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises an elastomeric laminate comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of between about 0.25 mm and about 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%; and wherein the packaged product exhibits a stack height in the bag of from 70 mm to 110 mm, wherein the stack height in the bag is the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack and then multiplied by ten. 23. The packaged product of claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of densified bonds join the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of densified bonds are distinct and spaced apart from one another; wherein the plurality of densified bonds overlap and at least partially surround portions of the plurality of elastic yarns; and wherein a ratio of dtex to nonwoven basis weight of a first elastic yarn and at least one of the first and second nonwovens is from about 1.5 to about 7. 24. The packaged product of any preceding claim, wherein an elastomeric laminate of at least one absorbent article of the plurality of absorbent articles has at least one of: a) a contact area percentage of at least one of: a) greater than about 13% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 27% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 36% at 300 μm; b) a roughness frequency of from about 0.2 mm-1 to about 1 mm-1; c) a roughness wavelength of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm; and d) a height value of 2 to 98% between 0.3% to about 3.0. 25. The packaged product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic threads have an average spacing between the threads of about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm. 26. The packaged product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic threads have an average dtex of about 40 to about 250. 27. The packaged product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastic threads have an average pre-stretch of about 100% to about 250%. 28. The packaged product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article is a disposable taped diaper. 29. The packaged product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article is a disposable pair of pants. 30. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, further comprising at least two texture zones, including a first texture zone comprising a first bonding arrangement and including a second texture zone comprising a second bonding arrangement, wherein the first and second bonding arrangements are different. 31. The elastomeric laminate of claim 9, wherein the first and second texture zones have different percentages of contact area. 32. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent pantyhose article, and wherein the disposable absorbent pantyhose article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf and a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and wherein the pantyhose article has a sustained fit unloading force greater than 25% of the application force. 33. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the packaged product exhibits a stack height in the bag of from 75 mm to about 95 mm. Exemplary set of claims 5: 1. A disposable absorbent panty article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet; a first plurality of elastic yarns disposed in a front waist region; a second plurality of elastic yarns disposed in a back waist region; wherein the front and back waist regions are joined at laterally opposing side seams to form a waist and leg opening; wherein the front waist region is a region between a) a more proximal front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of the laterally opposing front lateral seams; and b) a more distal front axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of the laterally opposing front lateral seams; wherein the posterior waist region is a region between (a) a most proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and (b) a most distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic cord of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic cord of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by a line of the anterior distal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic cord and a line of the anterior proximal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic cord; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections, L section, M section and R section, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally most distal point left of a left side edge of the frame and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally most distal point right of a right side edge which is laterally opposite the left side edge of the frame, wherein any portion of the article on one side or the other of the M section defines the L section and the laterally opposite R section; wherein each of the first and second pluralities of elastics has an average thread spacing of from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm; wherein each of the first and second pluralities of elastics has an average dtex of from about 40 to about 300; wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second pluralities of elastics has a pressure under yarn of from about 0.1 to about 1.2 psi; wherein the pant-like article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf and a sustained fit loading force greater than about 30% of the application force and a sustained fit unloading force greater than about 25% of the application force; wherein the L section and the R section have a first texture having a first percentage of the contact area and the M section has a second texture having a second percentage of the contact area wherein the first percentage of the contact area is greater than the second percentage of the contact area; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of elastics disposed in the L section and the R section are joined to the laminate substrates by means of adhesive bonding; and wherein the M section comprises thermal, mechanical, pressure or ultrasonic bonds or a substrate having a non-uniform basis weight or a non-uniform thickness to form a portion of the texture on an outer surface of the M section. Exemplary set of claims 6: 1. An elastomeric laminate comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average yarn spacing of between about 0.25 mm and about 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns have an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%; wherein a peel strength between the first and second nonwovens is from about 1 N/cm to about 15 N/cm; wherein the first and second nonwovens are bonded together by means of an adhesive; wherein the adhesive overlaps and at least partially surrounds a portion of the plurality of elastic threads; wherein a ratio of dtex to spacing of the plurality of elastic threads is from about 65:1 to about 200:1; and wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent article. 2. The elastomeric laminate of claim 1, wherein a ratio of dtex to spacing of the plurality of elastic threads is from about 65:1 to about 150:1. 3. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: a) a percentage of the contact area of at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; b) a force relaxation of from about 5% to about 30%; c) a cantilever bending of less than about 40 mm; d) a height value of from 2% to 98% < 2.2 mm; e) a pressure under yarn of from about 0.1 to about 1 psi; and f) a section modulus of from about 2 gf/mm to about 15 gf/mm. 4. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of elastic yarns comprises from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic yarns. 5. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven such that a trilaminate is formed, and wherein an outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven have different percentages of contact area. 6. Elastomeric laminate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least two texture zones, including a first texture zone comprising a first bonding arrangement and including a second texture zone comprising a second bonding arrangement, wherein the first and second bonding arrangements are different. 7. Elastomeric laminate according to claim 6, characterized in that the first and second texture zones have different percentages of contact area. 8. Elastomeric laminate according to claim 5, characterized in that the third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven by an adhesive. 9. Elastomeric laminate according to claim 5, characterized in that the third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven by heat, pressure and ultrasound bonds. 10. The elastomeric laminate of claim 5, 8 or 9, wherein the third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven by laterally and/or longitudinally distinct bonds. 11. The elastomeric laminate of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a waistband, a chassis, a side panel, a topsheet, a backsheet, a flap panel and combinations thereof. 12. The elastomeric laminate of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate has a yarn pressure of about 0.1 to about 1 psi. 13. The elastomeric laminate of claim 5 and 8 to 10, wherein elastic yarns are not present between the second and third nonwovens. 14. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent panty article comprising an anterior waist region and a posterior waist region; wherein the anterior and posterior waist regions are joined at junctions to form a waist and leg opening; wherein the anterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; and b) a more distal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; wherein the posterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and b) a more distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic thread of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic thread of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by an anterior distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic thread and an anterior proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic thread; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; wherein the disposable absorbent panty article is divided into three article sections, section L, section M, and section R, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally most distal point of a left lateral edge of the chassis and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally most distal point of a right lateral edge that is laterally opposite the left lateral edge of the chassis, wherein any portion of the article on one lateral side or the other of the M section defines the L section and the laterally opposite R section. 15. Elastomeric laminate according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the anterior sections 2 and 3 within the L section comprises a different bonding arrangement than the anterior section 1 within the L section and in which at least one of the anterior sections 2 and 3 within the L section comprises a different bonding arrangement than the anterior section 4 within the L section. 16. Elastomeric laminate according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the anterior sections 3 and 4 within the L section comprise a different bonding arrangement than the anterior sections 3 and 4 within the M section and in which the L section comprises at least 3 different bonding arrangements within the anterior sections 1 to 4. 17. Elastomeric laminate according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a portion of the chassis is contiguous with the anterior section 4 within the M section and has the same bonding arrangement and/or the same graphic pattern as the anterior section 4 within the M. 18. Elastomeric laminate according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the front section 1 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic threads than the front section 2 within the section L and in which the front section 2 comprises 5% more or 5% less elastic threads than the front section 3 within the section L; and wherein the ΔE* of the preceding sections 1 and 2 within the L section is greater than about 7 and less than about 60. 19. The disposable absorbent panty article of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least one distinct bond is disposed in portions of at least three preceding sections 1 to 4 within the L section. 20. The disposable absorbent panty article of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein more than 70% of the elastic yarns in at least one of the L and R sections extend at least 50% of a lateral width (when the absorbent article is extended and flat) of the respective at least one of the L and R sections. 21. The elastomeric laminate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a disposable absorbent panty article, and wherein the disposable absorbent panty article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf. gf and a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force and wherein the pantyhose article has a sustained fit unloading force greater than 25% of the application force. 22. The disposable absorbent pantyhose article of claim 21, wherein the disposable absorbent pantyhose article has an application force greater than about 1,500 gf, a sustained fit loading force greater than 30% of the application force, and a sustained fit unloading force greater than 30% of the application force. 23. The disposable absorbent pantyhose article of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the disposable absorbent pantyhose article has an application force of from about 900 gf to about 1,600 gf, a sustained fit loading force of from about 400 gf to about 800 gf, and a sustained fit unloading force of from about 325 gf to about 600 gf. 24. The elastomeric laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of each disposable absorbent article of a plurality of disposable absorbent articles; wherein each disposable absorbent article comprising the plurality of disposable absorbent articles is folded twice and arranged to form a stack of disposable absorbent articles; wherein the stack of disposable absorbent articles is compressed along a compression axis and arranged within the interior space of a package such that the compression axis of the stack of disposable absorbent articles is oriented substantially along a width dimension of the package to form a packaged product; and wherein each of the folded disposable absorbent articles comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the packaged product exhibits a stack height in the bag of from 70 mm to 110 mm, and wherein the stack height in the bag is the width of the package divided by the number of disposable articles per stack and then multiplied by ten. 25. The elastomeric laminate of claim 24, wherein the packaged product exhibits a stack height in the bag of from 75 mm to about 95 mm. Exemplary set of claims 7: 26. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of the absorbent article and wherein the elastomeric laminate comprises a plurality of bonds overlapping at least a portion of the elastic yarns composing the plurality of elastics; wherein the plurality of bonds are densified bonds and wherein each of the plurality of bonds joins the first and second nonwoven layers via a densified portion; wherein a first elastic yarn of the plurality of elastics is overlapped by a first bond of the plurality of bonds; wherein the first elastic yarn of the plurality of yarns comprises from about 2 to about 40 filaments; wherein the first bond contacts at least one first and one second filament of about 2 to about 40 filaments and wherein the first and second filaments are disposed longitudinally side by side of each other; and wherein a dtex to nonwoven ratio of the first elastic yarn and the first and second nonwoven layers is from about 1.5 to about 10. 27. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of an absorbent article; wherein the first elastomeric laminate comprises a plurality of bonds overlapping at least a portion of the elastic yarns comprising the plurality of elastics; wherein the plurality of bonds are densified bonds and wherein each of the plurality of bonds joins the first and second nonwoven layers via a densified portion; wherein a first elastic yarn of the plurality of elastics is overlapped by a first bond of the plurality of bonds; wherein the first elastic yarn of the plurality of yarns comprises from about 2 to about 40 filaments; wherein the first bond contacts at least one first and one second filament of about 2 to about 40 filaments and wherein the first and second filaments are disposed longitudinally side by side of each other; and wherein the ratio of dtex to the spacing of the first plurality of elastics is from about 65:1 to about 215:1. 28. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first elastomeric laminate joined to the chassis, the elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of the absorbent article, wherein the elastomeric laminate comprises an adhesive overlying at least a portion of the elastics comprising the first plurality of elastics; wherein the adhesive joins the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein a first elastic yarn of the first plurality of elastics is overlaid by the adhesive; wherein the first elastic yarn of the first plurality of yarns comprises from about 2 to about 40 filaments; and wherein the elastomeric laminate has a dtex to first plurality of elastic spacing ratio of from about 65:1 to about 215:1. 4. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of elastics have an average dtex in the range of from about 30 to about 400. 5. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 8 grams per square meter to about 45 grams per square meter; and wherein the second nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 8 grams per square meter to about 45 grams per square meter. 6. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastics comprises from about 40 to about 1,000 elastic yarns. 7. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastics have an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 400%. 8. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elastics has an average yarn spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm. 9. The absorbent article of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 8, wherein a ratio of dtex to yarn spacing of the plurality of elastics is from about 65:1 to about 300:1. 10. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric laminate has a section modulus of from about 3 gf/mm to about 12 gf/mm. 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate has a void area to yarn area ratio of less than 1. 12. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1, 2, and 4 to 11, wherein the elastomeric laminate comprises an adhesive. 13. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent article further comprises: a second plurality of elastics between the first and second substrates; wherein the second plurality of elastics comprises from about 10 to about 50 elastic threads; wherein the second plurality of elastics have an average thread spacing of about 3 mm or more; wherein the average dtex of the second plurality of elastics is about 300 or more; and wherein the second plurality is adhered to the first and second substrates by means of an adhesive. 14. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the thread pressure of the plurality of elastics comprises from about 0.1 to about 1 psi. 15. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate has a contact area percentage of at least one of: a) greater than about 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than about 30% at 300 μm; Exemplary set of claims 8: 1. An absorbent article comprising: a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis; an anterior waist region and a posterior waist region; wherein the anterior and posterior waist regions are joined at laterally opposite anterior and posterior side junctions to form a waist and leg opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet; an elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers, wherein the plurality of elastics comprises a first elastic yarn and a second elastic yarn; the elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of bonds that overlap at least a portion of the elastic yarns composing the plurality of elastics and wherein each of the plurality of bonds joins the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the plurality of links comprises densified links comprising a densified portion, and wherein at least a portion of the densified links overlaps and at least partially surrounds the first and second elastic strands; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; wherein the anterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; and b) a more distal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; wherein the posterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and b) a more distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic thread of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic thread of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by an anterior distal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic thread and an anterior proximal component region line extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic thread; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; and wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections, section L, section M, and section R, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally left most distal point of a left lateral edge of the chassis and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally right most distal point of a right lateral edge that is laterally opposite the left lateral edge of the chassis, wherein any portion of the article on one lateral side or the other of the M section defines the L section and the laterally opposite R section; wherein the front section 1 comprises longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions spaced transversely from each other at an average lateral bond spacing; and wherein at least one of the front sections 2 and 3 comprises longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions spaced transversely from each other at an average lateral bond spacing different from the front section 1. 2. An absorbent article comprising: a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis; a front waist region and a rear waist region; wherein the front and rear waist regions are joined at laterally opposite front and rear side junctions to form a waist and leg opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a bottomsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet; an elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers, wherein the plurality of elastics comprises a first elastic yarn and a second elastic yarn; the elastomeric laminate comprises a plurality of bonds that overlap at least a portion of the elastic yarns composing the plurality of elastics and wherein each of the plurality of bonds joins the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the plurality of bonds comprises densified bonds comprising a densified portion, and wherein at least a portion of the densified bonds overlap and at least partially surround the first and second elastic yarns; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; wherein the anterior waist region is a region between a) a more proximal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; and b) a more distal anterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed anterior lateral junctions; wherein the posterior waist region is a region between (a) a most proximal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most proximal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; and (b) a most distal posterior axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through the most distal points of laterally opposed posterior lateral junctions; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic cord of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic cord of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by a line of the anterior distal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic cord and a line of the anterior proximal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic cord; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; and wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections, section L, section M and section R, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally left most distal point of a left side edge of the chassis and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally right most distal point of a right side edge which is laterally opposite to the left side edge of the chassis, wherein any portion of the article on one side or the other of section M defines section L and section R; wherein front section 1 comprises a first connecting arrangement in at least one of sections L and R; wherein front section 2 comprises a second connecting arrangement in at least one of sections L and R; wherein front section 3 comprises a third connecting arrangement in at least one of sections L and R; wherein front section 4 comprises a fourth connecting arrangement in at least one of sections L and R; wherein the first bonding arrangement is different from the fourth bonding arrangement; and wherein the first and fourth bonding arrangements are different from at least one of the second and third bonding arrangements. 3. An absorbent article comprising: a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis; a front waist region and a rear waist region; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of elastics between the first and second nonwoven layers, wherein the plurality of elastics comprises a first elastic yarn and a second elastic yarn; the elastomeric laminate comprising a plurality of bonds that overlap at least a portion of the elastic yarns composing the plurality of elastics and wherein each of the plurality of bonds joins the first and second nonwoven layers; wherein the plurality of bonds comprises densified bonds comprising a densified portion, and wherein at least a portion of the densified bonds overlaps and at least partially surrounds the first and second elastic strands; wherein the elastomeric laminate forms an article component; wherein the anterior waist region represents the anterior 1/3 of the absorbent article; wherein the posterior waist region represents the posterior 1/3 of the absorbent article; wherein the anterior waist region comprises an anterior component region disposed between and including a most distal anterior elastic strand of the anterior waist region and a most proximal elastic strand of the anterior waist region; wherein the anterior component region is defined by a line of the anterior distal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most distal point of the most distal anterior elastic strand and a line of the anterior proximal component region extending parallel to the lateral axis and passing through a most proximal point of the most proximal anterior elastic strand; wherein the anterior component region is then divided into 4 equal component sections defined by first, second, and third component section lines each disposed parallel to the lateral axis and disposed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance between the distal anterior component region line and the proximal anterior component region line; wherein the anterior component region comprises a first component section, anterior section 1, comprising the most distal anterior elastic thread, a fourth component section, anterior section 4, comprising the most proximal anterior elastic thread, a second component section, anterior section 2, adjacent to anterior section 1, and a third component section, anterior section 3, disposed between anterior sections 2 and 4; and wherein the absorbent article is divided into three article sections, L section, M section and R section, wherein the article sections are defined by a left article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally left most distal point of a left side edge of the frame and by a right article section line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and passing through a laterally right most distal point of a right side edge which is laterally opposite the left side edge of the frame, wherein any portion of the article on one side or the other of the M section defines the L section and the laterally opposite R section; wherein a percentage of the contact area in the front section 1 within section M is at least 15% different from a percentage of the contact area in the front section 1 within section L. 4. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the plurality of bonds or bonding regions in the front section 1 extends into section 2. 5. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a plurality of the bonds or bonding regions in section 2 extend into section 3. 6. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bond comprising the plurality of bonds extends longitudinally. 7. The absorbent article of claim 6, characterized in that the at least one longitudinally extending bond is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. 8. The absorbent article of any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the at least one longitudinally extending bond is disposed in the front section 1. 9. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bond or a bond region forming the plurality of bonds cooperates to form arcuate bonds or arcuate bond regions. 10. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: a) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 1 is from about 2 mm to about 15 mm; b) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 2 is from about 2 mm to about 15 mm; c) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 3 is from about 2 mm to about 15 mm; and d) the average lateral bond spacing of the front section 4 is from about 2 mm to about 15 mm. 11. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, comprising at least one of: a) the longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions of the front section 1 have an average bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; b) the longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions of the front section 2 have an average bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; c) the longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions of the front section 3 have an average bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm; and d) the longitudinally extending bonds or bonding regions of the front section 4 have an average bond width of from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm. 12. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the preceding sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 has an Emtec TS7 value of less than about 12 and an Emtec TS750 value of less than 60. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 have an air permeability of at least one of: a) greater than about 40 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 0 gf/mm (no extension); b) greater than about 60 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 3 gf/mm (slight extension); and c) greater than about 80 cubic meters/square meter/minute of air permeability at 7 gf/mm (moderate extension). 14. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein at least two of sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 have a contact area percentage of at least one of: a) greater than about 13% at 100 μm, b) greater than about 27% at 200 μm and c) greater than about 36% at 300 μm.

Methods of the present revelation General sample preparation

[0325]General sample preparation is intended to be used for methods that do not have specific sample preparation instructions within the method itself.

[0326] When collecting a sample for testing, the sample shall contain a plurality of elastic threads and/or elastic material, elastic scrim, elastic tapes, elastic straps, etc. In situations where the elastic material and/or elastic threads are not fully entrapped within the sample, the test sample shall be obtained in such a manner that the elastic material and/or elastic threads in the test region of the sample are as they were intended and not altered as a result of the collection of the sample. If the elastic material or any elastic threads become loose, deformed, or become separated within or from the laminate, the sample shall be discarded and a new sample prepared. And, depending on the method, the portion or area of the fibrous elastomeric laminate to be tested shall include a plurality of elastic threads between an area of first and second nonwovens, excluding any cut window (such as an elastic-free zone or area overlapping the core or central chassis and excluding any joints connecting components of multiple articles). Certain methods, however, may require testing of the absorbent article component, including windows and cut seams (e.g., hip hoop testing).

[0327]For trousers, remove the side panels where they are attached to the chassis and separate the side panels at the side seams. Identify the stretch material that runs the full width of the panel. Identify the most longitudinally distal edge of the stretch material or elastic thread (closest to the waist edge) and the most longitudinally proximal edge of the stretch material or elastic thread (closest to the leg edge) Determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the stretch material or elastic thread and the most proximal edge of the stretch material or elastic thread. Cut a 40 mm wide strip laterally across the entire panel centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each front and back side panel that contains stretch material and/or elastic thread.

[0328]For the tape, remove the flap panels where they are attached to the chassis. Identify the elastic material that runs the full width of the panel. Identify the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread (closest to the waist edge) and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread (closest to the leg edge) Determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread. Cut a 40 mm wide strip laterally across the entire flap panel centered at the midpoint. Repeat for each front and back flap panel that contains elastic material and/or elastic thread.

[0329]For an article with a waistband, mark the product at the back and front by extending a line along the side of the core to the edge of the waistband. Remove the waistband from the article, using a suitable means (e.g. freezing spray), taking care not to delaminate the waistband or loosen the elastics. Separate the front waistband from the back waistband along any seams. Identify the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread (nearest the waistband edge) and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread (nearest the leg edge); determine the midpoint between the most distal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread and the most proximal edge of the elastic material or elastic thread. Cut a 40 mm wide strip parallel to the waistband edge if linear, or to the elastic threads if linear, and centered on the midpoint, along the entire waistband portion. If the tape has a region that does not contain elastic threads or elastic material (e.g., a portion that overlaps the core, etc.) cut along the ends of the elastic threads/elastic material to remove the non-elastic region and treat as two samples.

[0330]For waistbands, they are tested as a single piece of material. Remove the waistband from the article using a suitable means (e.g. freezing spray), taking care not to delaminate the waistband or loosen the elastics.

[0331] For leg braces, each leg brace is tested as a single piece of material. The inner leg brace sample is considered to be that portion of the inner leg brace that extends from the most proximal edge of the inner leg brace to and including the most distal elastic of the inner leg brace and extending longitudinally to the front and rear waist edges of the chassis. The outer leg brace sample is considered to be that portion of the outer leg brace that extends from the most distal edge of the outer leg brace to and including the most proximal elastic of the outer leg brace and extending longitudinally to the front and rear waist edges of the chassis.

[0332]For all sample strips, calculating a Span Corrected Width (SCW) is calculated as: where d is the distance (mm) between the two distal wires, and n is the number of wires when n>1. Clamp the strip at each end and measure the length between the jaws to the nearest 1 mm. Apply a weight equal to 3 g/mm SCW. After 10 seconds, measure the final length to the nearest 1 mm. Calculate the elongation as (Final length - Initial length)/Initial length.

Cantilever bending

[0333]Flexural Length and Flexural Stiffness at the waist is measured as the cantilever flexure value as determined using ASTM Method D1388, Cantilever Test Option A with the modifications described below. The test apparatus described in D1388 is used without modification. Articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0334]The method is applied to a nonwoven laminate sample dissected from an absorbent article rather than a woven fabric. For an article with a waistband, cut the waistband at the side seams and remove the waistband from the remainder of the article using, for example, a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick Freeze, Miller Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA). For pants, remove the side panel from the chassis and separate/cut along the side seam. The sample is cut as a 25.4 mm strip parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product, starting at the waist and extending toward the crotch region of the product. The length of the sample may be less than the 200 mm stated in D1388, but must be at least 10 mm longer than the projection length determined during testing. If the waist of the sample is folded, leave the fold intact for testing.

[0335]The sample is placed on the platform with the garment side down and the proximal end to the waist as the leading edge. Bending is performed as described in D1388. Record the projection length (OL) to the nearest 1 mm. Calculate the Bending Length (BL) in a similar manner as Projection Length divided by 2 and report to the nearest 1 mm. Hold the sample and measure the projection length from the leading edge and cut the strip. Measure and record the mass of the projection piece and record to the nearest 0.001 g. From the mass and dimensions of the projection piece calculate the basis weight (BW) and record to the nearest 0.01 g/m2.

Average wire spacing

[0336]Using a ruler calibrated by comparison with a NIST certified ruler and accurate to 0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal wires within a section to the nearest 0.5 mm and then divide by the number of wires in that section - 1 Average Wire Spacing = d/(n-1) where n>1 record to the nearest 0.1 mm. Pressure under wire (also called mean pressure under wire)

[0337]Defined as the average pressure imparted by each individual elastic thread of a section under specified conditions. These conditions are defined as (see Figure 21): - The section is pulled at a Tension of 7 gf/mm (within a range of consumer preferred tensions as determined experimentally) - The section is pulled about a cylinder whose circumference is defined as a Representative Circumference. Where: - Pressure on Yarn (psi)=1.422 * Yarn Force/(2 * Representative Radius * Average Yarn Diameter) - Representative Radius (mm)=Representative Circumference/(2 * pi) - Representative Circumference (mm)=460 mm - Tension (gf/mm) = (Sum of Forces on Yarn within a Section)/(Section Width) - Section Width (mm) = (Number of Elastic in Section)* Average Yarn Spacing (mm) - Yarn Force (gf) = Yarn Draw (%)* 0.046875 * Average Dtex - Yarn Draw (%) = draw in each elastic yarn within a section - Average Yarn Diameter (mm) = 2 * square root (Yarn Cross Sectional Area/pi) - Yarn Cross Sectional Area (mm2) = Average Dtex / Yarn Density / 10,000 - Yarn Density (g/cc) = 1.15 g/cc (industry standard for polyurethane-urea based spandex elastics) - Dtex (g/10,000 m) = Standard textile unit of measure. Dtex is weight in grams for 10,000 m of material - Average Draw = Amount of draw in elastic yarns in a section prior to combination with substrate layer(s). - Maximum Draw = Average Pre-Draw. This is the maximum amount of draw that each section can be drawn to. Cannot exceed Average Pre-Draw - Maximum Section Strength = Sum of each yarn in the drawn section up to Maximum Draw.

Section module

[0338]Defined as the modulus of a given section. The section modulus (also called modulus) is the linear slope of the stress-stretch (strain) data of the section between 3 gf/mm and 7 gf/mm (see Figure 7). The Section Modulus is calculated as: Section Modulus = [7 gf/mm - 3 gf/mm] / [(section stretch at 7 gf/mm) - (section stretch at 3 gf/mm section)] Where: - section stretch at 7 gf/mm=7 gf/mm * (Avg. Yarn Spacing)/DTEX FACTOR - section stretch at 3 gf/mm=3 gf/mm * (Avg. Yarn Spacing)/DTEX FACTOR - Average Yarn Spacing (mm)= d/(n-1) - d is the distance (mm) between the two yarns of the section - n is the number of yarns, when n>1 - DTEX FACTOR = 37.5 * Average dtex/800 (dtex as measured, specified) - Section Modulus is reported in units of (gf/mm) Average decitex (avg. dtex)

[0339]The Average Decitex Method is used to calculate the Average Dtex on a length-weighted basis for the elastic fibers present in an entire article or in a sample of interest taken from an article. The decitex value is the mass in grams of a fiber present in 10,000 meters of that material in the relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often expressed by manufacturers as part of a specification for an elastic fiber or an elastomeric laminate including elastic fibers. The Average Dtex should be calculated from these specifications, if available. Alternatively, if the specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individual elastic fiber is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of a fiber in a relaxed state by a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the fiber composition by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and then using a literature value for the composition density to calculate the mass in grams of fiber present in 10,000 meters of the fiber. The decitex values supplied by the manufacturer or measured experimentally for individual elastic fibers removed from an entire article, or sample taken from an article, are used in the expression below from which the length-weighted average decitex value among the elastic fibers present is determined.

[0340]The lengths of the elastic fibers present in an article or sample taken from an article are calculated from the overall dimensions of and the pre-stretch ratio of the elastic fibers associated with the components of the article or the sample, respectively, if known. Alternatively, if the dimensions and/or pre-stretch ratios of the elastic fibers are not known, an absorbent article or sample taken from an absorbent article is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. This disassembly may be accomplished, for example, by gentle heating to soften the adhesives, by a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick Freeze, Miller Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA), or by a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive but does not expand, alter or destroy the elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm. Calculation of the average dtex

[0341]For each of the individual elastic fibers fi of relaxed length Li and fiber decitex value di (obtained from the manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) present in an absorbent article, or sample extracted from an absorbent article, the Average Dtex for that absorbent article, or sample extracted from an absorbent article, is defined as: where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in an absorbent article or sample extracted from an absorbent article. Average Dtex is reported to the nearest whole decitex value (grams per 10,000 m).

[0342]If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specifications, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the decitex values of the resulting fibers are used in the above equation to determine the Average Dtex.

Experimental determination of the decitex value for a fiber

[0343] For each of the elastic fibers removed from an absorbent article or sample extracted from an absorbent article according to the procedure described above, the length of each elastic fiber Lk in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm. Each elastic fiber is analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its density pk is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed by SEM. The fiber is cut into three approximately equal locations, perpendicularly along its length, with a sharp blade to create a clear cross section for SEM analysis. Three fiber segments with these cross sections exposed are mounted on an SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, coated by gold ion sputtering, introduced into an SEM for analysis, and images obtained at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate the fiber cross sections. The fiber cross sections are oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector to minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross sections. Fiber cross sections can vary in shape, and some fibers may consist of a plurality of individual filaments. Independently, the area of each of the three fiber cross sections is determined (e.g., using diameters for circular fibers, major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and image analysis for more complicated shapes) and the average of the three areas ak for the elastic fiber, in units of square micrometers (μm2), is recorded to the nearest 0.1 μm2. The decitex dk of the kth elastic fiber measured is calculated by: where d is expressed in units of grams (per 10,000 meters of calculated length), ak is expressed in units of μm2, and pk is expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined values of Lk and dk are subsequently used in the above expression for the Average Dtex. Surface topography (percentage of contact area, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, and 2 to 98% height value)

[0344] In the surface topography method, an elastic laminate sample is removed from an absorbent article and extended along and in contact with the convex surface of a transparent horizontal cylindrical tubing segment, allowing the aerial surface topology of the user-facing side of the laminate to be measured through the transparent tubing segment using optical profilometry. The three-dimensional surface data is then sampled and processed to extract various parameters describing the percentage of contact area and surface height of an elastomeric laminate sample as well as the frequency and wavelength of its associated roughness. All sample preparation and testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at a temperature of about 23 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of about 50 ± 2%, and samples are equilibrated in this environment for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

Sample preparation

[0345] Each elastomeric laminate sample extracted from an article is mounted on a horizontal tubular segment as described below. The tubular segment is cut from a molded, optically clear, colorless acrylic cylindrical tube with an outside diameter of 8.0 inches (203 mm) and a wall thickness of 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm). The segment has a dimension of 4.0 inches (102 mm) along an axis parallel to the central cylindrical axis of the original tube and an outer circumferential arc length of 5.5 inches (140 mm).

[0346] The elastomeric laminate sample is extended in its principal stretching direction at a rate corresponding to its extension at 3 g/mm (mass per linear width), wherein its width is determined by measuring the width corrected for span as defined in the caliper test method, and wherein the extension is the average ratio measured under static load during the first ten seconds during which it is applied. In this extended state, the extended elastic laminate sample is oriented so that its user-facing surface is in contact with the convex surface of the tubular segment and the extension axis is oriented about the circumference of the tubular segment. The extended laminate is attached at both ends to the transparent tubular segment so that the user-facing surface of the laminate is visible through the concave side of the transparent tubular segment.

[0347]Five replicate elastomeric laminate samples are isolated and prepared in this manner from five equivalent absorbent articles for analysis.

Capture of three-dimensional surface image

[0348]A three-dimensional (3D) image of the surface topography of the user-facing surface of the rolled elastomeric laminate sample is obtained using a DLP-based 3D structured light surface topography measurement system (a suitable surface topography measurement system is the MikroCAD Premium instrument commercially available from LMI Technologies Inc., Vancouver, Canada, or equivalent). The system includes the following main components: a) a digital light processing (DLP) projector with digitally controlled direct micromirrors; b) a CCD camera with a pixel resolution of at least 1,600 x 1,200; c) projection optics adapted to a measurement area of at least 60 mm x 45 mm. d) recording optics adapted to a measurement area of 60 mm x 45 mm. e) a tabletop tripod based on a small hard stone plate; f) a blue LED light source; g) computer software for surface texture analysis that performs surface measurement, control, and evaluation (a suitable software is MikroCAD software with Mountains Map technology, or equivalent); and h) calibration plates for lateral (XY) and vertical (Z) calibration, available from the supplier.

[0349]The 3D surface topography optical measurement system measures the surface height of a sample using a digital micromirror pattern fringe projection technique. The nature of this pattern projection technique allows the surface topography of a sample to be interrogated through a transparent material. The measurement result is a 3D dataset of surface height (defined as the Z-axis) versus displacement in the horizontal (XY) plane. This 3D dataset can also be thought of as an image in which each pixel in the image is associated with an XY displacement, and the pixel value is the Z-axis height value. The system has a field of view of 60 x 45 mm with an XY pixel resolution of approximately 37 microns, and a height resolution of 0.5 microns, with a total possible height range of 32 mm.

[0350]The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's specifications and using the calibration plates for lateral (XY plane) and vertical (Z axis) calibration, available from the supplier.

[0351] The elastomeric laminate sample mounted on the transparent tubular segment is positioned with the concave surface of the tubular segment surface facing upwards, such that the surface facing the user is facing upwards and visible through the transparent material. The tubular segment is placed in a holder such that the convex (downwards facing) sample surface in the region to be analyzed is freely suspended and does not rest on a surface. The tubular segment is oriented such that its circumferential direction (that direction or axis along which the laminate is extended) is centered and perpendicular to the long axis of the camera's field of view (or either central axes if the field of view is square). A three-dimensional image of the elastomeric laminate sample surface topology is collected following measurement procedures recommended by the instrument manufacturer, which may include focusing the measurement system and performing a brightness adjustment. No pre-filtering options are used. The collected height image file is saved for evaluation by the computer running the surface texture analysis software.

[0352] If the field of view of the 3D surface topography measurement system exceeds the evaluation region on the elastomeric laminate sample, the image may be cropped to remove unwanted areas and retain a rectangular field of view of the relevant portion, while maintaining XY resolution, prior to performing the analysis.

3D surface image analysis

[0353]The 3D surface topography image is opened in surface texture analysis software. The following filtering procedure is then performed on each image: 1) removal of invalid or unmeasured points; 2) a 5x5 pixel median filter to remove noise; 3) a 5x5 pixel mean filter to smooth the surface; and 4) subtraction of a two-dimensional second-order polynomial (determined through least-squares fitting of the surface topology image) to remove the overall shape and flatten the surface. The second-order polynomial is defined by the equation described below:

[0354]Each data set that has been processed to this point as described above is called a "preprocessed sample data set". The highest points of the resulting topology image correspond to those areas in contact with the convex surface of the tubular segment, and the lowest points are those points most distal below the convex surface of the tubular segment. Percentage of contact area and value from 2 to 98% of height

[0355]For each of the three-dimensional images of the surface topography of the five replicate samples, the following analysis is performed on pre-processed sample data sets. Measurements of the percentage of contact area and 2 to 98% height are derived from the area material ratio curve (Abbott Firestone) described in ISO 13565-2:1996 extrapolated to the surfaces. This curve is the cumulative curve of the surface height distribution histogram over the range of measured surface heights. A material ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the area corresponding to points with heights equal to or above an intersection plane passing through the surface at a given height, or depth of cut, to the cross-sectional area of the evaluation region (field of view). The height at a material ratio of 2% is initially identified. A depth of cut of 100 μm below this height is then identified, and the material ratio at this depth is recorded as the percentage of the contact area at 100 μm. This procedure is repeated at a depth of cut of 200 μm and 300 μm below the identified height at a material ratio of 2%, and the material ratio at these depths are recorded as the percentage of the contact area at 200 μm and the percentage of the contact area at 300 μm, respectively. All values of the percentage of contact area are recorded to the nearest 0.1%.

[0356]The 2-98% specimen surface height value is defined as the difference in heights between two material ratios that exclude a small percentage of the highest peaks and lowest valleys. The 2-98% specimen surface height value is the height between the two depths of cut that correspond to a material ratio value of 2% at the 98% material ratio, and is recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm. Roughness Frequency and Roughness Wavelength

[0357]The preprocessed 3D surface topology images for each sample are subjected to Fourier transform spatial frequency analysis to determine the roughness frequency and roughness wavelength.

[0358]Each 3D image of the surface topology is deconstructed into individual line profiles by isolating each entire row of unique data points that run in the dimension parallel to the elastic strands (if present and evident) of the elastomeric laminate, or, more generally, perpendicular to the roughness presented by the elastomeric laminate in the relaxed state. These line profiles are therefore sets of data in the form of height (in millimeters) as a function of distance (in millimeters).

[0359]For each replicate of the deconstructed 3D surface topology image, each line profile is average centered, and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) is applied to calculate the amplitude frequency spectrum of each line profile. It is calculated by averaging the Fourier transform amplitude versus spatial frequency spectra of all extracted line profiles, and the resulting average amplitude versus spatial frequency spectrum is defined as F(1/d), where 1/d is the reciprocal distance in units of mm-1. Finally, the function P(1/d)=d x F2(1/d), the spatial frequency power spectral density with a distance prefactor d to correct for expected 1/d noise, is plotted against 1/d. The value of the reciprocal distance 1/d at which P(1/d) is at a maximum is defined as the roughness frequency and is recorded in units of mm-1 to the nearest 0.001 mm-1. The reciprocal of the roughness frequency is defined as the roughness wavelength and is recorded in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm. Reporting of method parameters

[0360] After the 3D surface image analysis described above is performed on 3D surface topology images of all five sample replicates, the following output parameters are defined and reported. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the percentage of contact area at 100 μm is defined as the average percentage of contact area at 100 μm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the percentage of contact area at 200 μm is defined as the average percentage of contact area at 200 μm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the percentage of contact area at 300 μm is defined as the average percentage of contact area at 300 μm and is recorded to the nearest 0.1%. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements from 2 to 98% of the height is defined as the average of 2 to 98% of the height and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five roughness frequency measurements is defined as the mean roughness frequency and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.001 mm-1. The arithmetic mean of all five roughness wavelength measurements is defined as the mean roughness wavelength and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.01 mm. Average pre-stretch

[0361]The Mean Pre-Stretch of a specimen is measured on a constant rate tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 90% of the cell limit. The articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0362]Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to break after an initial gage length adjustment. First raise the crosshead at 10 mm/min to a force of 0.05 N. Adjust the current gage to the adjusted gage length. Raise the crosshead at a rate of 100 mm/min until the specimen breaks (the force drops by 20% after the maximum peak force). Return the crosshead to its original position. Force and extension data are captured at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0363]Adjust the nominal gage length to 40 mm using a calibrated gage block and zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the upper grip so that the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The specimen can be bent perpendicular to the axis of pull and placed in the grip to achieve this position. After the grip is closed, excess material can be trimmed. Insert the specimen into the lower grips and close them. The strip can then be bent again and trimmed after the grip is closed. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have minimal clearance but a force of less than 0.05 N on the load cell. Start the test program.

[0364]From the data, plot a Force (N) versus Extension (mm) curve. The Mean Pre-Stretch is calculated from the bending in the curve corresponding to the extension to which the nonwovens in the elastic are engaged. Plot two lines, which correspond to the region of the curve before bending (mainly the elastics), and the region after bending (mainly the nonwovens). Read the extension at which these two lines intersect, and calculate the % pre-stretch from the extension and the corrected gauge length. Record as % Pre-Stretch 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of three replicate samples for each elastomeric laminate and the Mean Pre-Stretch to the nearest 0.1%. Force relaxation over time

[0365]The force relaxation over time of a specimen is measured in a constant rate tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 90% of the cell limit. The articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions. Prepare a specimen size that allows a gauge length of 25.4 mm (1 in) (parallel to the elastic extension) over a width of 12.7 mm (0.5 in).

[0366]Program the tensile tester to perform a stretch to determine the engineering stretch at which the tensile force reaches 0.0294 N/mm.

[0367] Prepare and condition a second sample as described above for the time-relaxation test of force. The experiment was performed in the same manner as described above at a temperature of 37.8°C. Extend the sample to stretch as determined above. Hold the sample for 10 hours and record the force at a rate of 100 Hz. During the experiment, a graph showing the data for a prior art extruded yarn product and an elastomeric laminate of the invention comprising the elastic bundle as described herein is shown in Figure 8. Air Permeability

[0368]Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 air permeability tester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC, USA) with a custom 1 cm2 aperture (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments). Standardize the instrument according to the manufacturer's procedures. Precondition specimens at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. Articles are preconditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing, and all testing is conducted under the same environmental conditions.

[0369]The test is intended for use with elastic laminate of the sample article such as waistbands, side panels, flaps, waist bands, etc. The elastic components are removed from the article by use of, for example, cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT, USA) or cutting. The samples are dissected from the laminate, avoiding material seams or other structures not integral to the stretch. Elastic laminates are collected from 3 articles for each test set.

[0370]Cut a sample from the elastic region of the laminate that is 25 mm by 25 mm. For a sample with non-uniformly spaced wires, a Span-Corrected Width (SCW) is calculated as: where d is the distance (mm) between the two distal wires, and n is the number of wires when n>1. Using the Span-Corrected Width determine the elongation required to achieve 3 g/mm SCW and 7 g/mm SCW by suspending the weights on a substantially similar sample and measuring the elongation.

[0371]The air pressure in the instrument is adjusted to 125 Pa. Place a sample in its relaxed state with the user-facing side down on the port plate. The elastic region must completely cover the instrument port. Close the sample collar and adjust the measuring range until it is within specification. Record the air permeability for the unstretched sample to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.

[0372]Select one edge of the laminate that is perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and secure it to the instrument port plate using adhesive tape. The sample is then extended in the machine direction to a length equivalent to 3 gf/mm and secured. The elastic region must completely cover the port. Close the sample ring and adjust the measuring range until it is within specification. Record the air permeability for the 3 g/mm extension to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min. Repeat similarly for the 7 g/mm extension and record the air permeability for the 3 g/mm extension to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.

[0373]A total of five measurements are made on replicate samples for each elastic laminate. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of the air permeability at 0 gf/mm, 3 gf/mm, and 7 gf/mm elongation and report each measurement to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min. Peel strength (value from the "180 Degree Peel Test Method")

[0374] Tensile properties are measured on a computer-interfaced constant rate tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 10% to 90% of the cell limit. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic grips are equipped with rubber face grippers wider than the width of the test specimen. The air pressure supplied to the grips must be sufficient to prevent slippage of the specimen. All tests are performed in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0375]Program the tensile tester to perform a 180-degree peel test. Raise the crosshead at a speed of 150 mm/min until the laminate separates. Then return the crosshead to its starting position. Force and extension data are collected at a rate of 100 Hz during the experiment.

[0376]Condition the samples at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 2 hours prior to testing. Prepare an elastic laminate as described in General Sample Preparation from the corresponding locations above on five (5) replicate products. Trim the samples to 60 mm long by 25.4 mm wide. If the sample is not 60 mm long, the length may be adjusted. Repeat in a similar manner for all five (5) sample strips.

[0377]Adjust the working length to 25.4 mm using a calibrated gage block and zero the crosshead. Manually peel off 15 mm from one end of the sample strip. Place the first peeled end in the upper grip and close. Insert the second end in the lower grip and close. The sample should have minimal clearance but a force of less than 0.05 N on the load cell. Start the test program and collect data.

[0378]From the force (N) versus extension (mm) curve, calculate the average force between the start of peeling and the end of peeling and record to the nearest 0.01 N. Repeat in a similar manner for each of the remaining 4 sample strips. Calculate an average for the 5 samples and record as the peeling force to the nearest 0.01 N/cm. Color contrast ("ΔE*") (value of the standard color contrast measurement)

[0379] Small-scale color measurements of the elasticized laminate where the elastic strands have significantly different colors than the regions between the strands can be produced from the calibrated scanned images. These paired color measurements are then used to calculate a color contrast for the laminate.

[0380]A flatbed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24-bit color at 1200 dpi is used. For calibration, the scanner's automatic color management must be disabled. If this is not possible, the scanner is not suitable for this application. A suitable scanner is the Epson Perfection V750 Pro available from Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA, USA, or equivalent. The scanner is calibrated against a color reflection target according to a color standard (such as ANSI ITS.7/2 - 1993 method or equivalent) using color management software (a suitable package is MonacoEZColor, available from X-Rite, Grand Rapids, MI, USA) to construct an ICC scanner profile. The resulting calibrated reader profile is opened within an imaging program that supports CIE L* a* b* sampling (a suitable program is Photoshop, available from Adobe Systems Inc, San Jose, CA, USA) to measure the color of elastic threads within a scanned image of the sample.

[0381]Using the calibration software, acquire a color standard reading in 24-bit color and construct an ICC profile according to the manufacturer's instructions. Save the profile for use in the image analysis software.

[0382] Prepare a sample of the elastic laminate having less than 25.4 mm DT as described in General Sample Preparation above from a corresponding location on the three product replicates. Clamp a sample with a length equivalent to 7 g/mm SCW to the reader glass. Support the sample with a white plate (in the present invention white is defined as L*>95, -2<a*<2 and -2<b*<2) and capture an image of a 25 mm square, in 24-bit color at 1200 dpi. Open the image in the image analysis program and select a location along the wire bundle. Select L*a*b* as the color mode. Adjust the diameter of the eyedropper tool to a diameter slightly smaller than the wire width and take a L*a*b* reading over the wire. Take a second L*a*b* reading at an adjacent location between wires where the laminate is not ultrasonically bonded. Similarly, acquire 19 more measurement pairs spaced throughout the image. Calculate the ΔE* value between each pair using the following equation:

[0383]Acquire 20 pairs of readings from the following two replicate samples and calculate the ΔE* for each pair. Calculate the average of the 60 ΔE* values and record as the standard contrast to the nearest 0.01 unit. Emtec (including the Emtec TS7 value and the Emtec TS750 value) (also called the Emtec test)

[0384]The Emtec test is performed on a portion of the elastic laminate material of interest. In this test, the TS7, TS750 and D values are measured using an Emtec Fabric Softness Analyzer ("Emtec TSA") (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) interfaced with a computer running Emtec TSA software (version 3.19 or equivalent). The Emtec TSA comprises a rotor with vertical blades that rotate on the test sample at a defined and calibrated rotational speed (set by the manufacturer) and contact force of 100 mN. The contact between the vertical blades and the test sample creates vibrations in both the blades and the test sample, and the resulting sound is recorded by a microphone inside the instrument. The recorded audio file is then analyzed by the Emtec TSA software to determine the TS7 and TS750 values. The D-value is a measure of the stiffness of the specimen and is based on the vertical distance required for the contact force of the blades on the test specimen to increase from 100 mN to 600 mN. Specimen preparation, instrument operation, and test procedures are performed in accordance with the instrument manufacturer's specifications.

Sample preparation

[0385] A test sample is prepared by cutting a square portion of interest from an absorbent article. The test samples are cut to a length and width of not less than about 90 mm and not more than about 120 mm to ensure that the sample can be adequately clamped in the Emtec TSA apparatus. If the construction of the laminate is such that the elastic strands are capable of moving independently of the nonwovens when the laminate is cut (e.g., evidenced by the retraction of the elastic strands in a cut sample when it is stretched), the laminate is heat-sealed (prior to cutting the sample) perpendicular to the elastic strands and just inside the intended edge of the sample so as to immobilize the ends of the elastic strands. (If a pad does not contain a sufficiently large area of the substrate of interest to extract a sample of the size specified above, it is acceptable to obtain a sample of equivalent material from the stock cylinder, making similar heat seals around the perimeter of the cut sample if necessary.) Test samples are selected to avoid unusually large creases or folds within the test region. Six substantially similar replicate samples are prepared for testing.

[0386]All samples are equilibrated under TAPPI standard temperature and relative humidity conditions (23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2%) for at least 2 hours prior to performing the Emtec TSA test, which is also conducted under TAPPI conditions.

Test procedure

[0387]The instrument is calibrated according to Emtec's instructions using the 1-point calibration method with suitable reference standards (so-called "ref.2 samples" or equivalent, available from Emtec).

[0388]A test specimen is mounted in the instrument with the surface of interest facing up, and testing is performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The software displays the values for TS7, TS750, and D when the automated routine testing of the instrument is complete. TS7 and TS750 are each recorded to within 0.01 dB V2 rms, and D is recorded to within 0.01 mm/N. The test specimen is then removed from the instrument and discarded. This test procedure is performed individually on the corresponding surfaces of interest of each of the six replicate specimens.

[0389]The average of the TS7, TS750 and D values are obtained (arithmetic mean) for all six sample replicates. The average TS7 and TS750 values are reported to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. The average D value is reported to the nearest 0.01 mm/N. Hip Hoop (value from hip hoop test or full outer shell waist opening circumference extension force test)

[0390] This method is a 2-cycle hysteresis test, which is used to determine: the maximum waist extension of the product at a tension of 18.2 gf/mm (and maximum elongation); the application force (and application tension); the sustained fit load force (and sustained fit load tension); and the sustained fit unload force (and sustained fit unload tension) of a disposable article with a continuous waistband. The article may be a pant or a closable article that has been pre-closed.

[0391]The waist opening circumference expansion forces (and stresses) of the overall product are measured on a computer-interfaced constant rate tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 10% to 90% of the cell limit. The initial waist circumference is measured using a flexible tape measure. The tape measure is traceable to NIST or other standards organization for accuracy, or checked for accuracy with a traceable ruler. All tests are performed in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity. Specimens are conditioned under the same conditions for 2 hours prior to testing. Five replicate articles are analyzed and the results are averaged.

[0392] For this test, a custom hook fixture 1510 (Figure 22) is used. The hook fixture 1510 comprises a pair of J-hooks 1512, each with a clamping member 1514 designed to be mounted to the tester's stationary base and upper movable crosshead (via the load cell). Each J-hook 1512 has a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter, D, of about 1 cm. The hooks 1512 have a width, W, of about 25 cm. If the elastic side panel to be tested extends beyond the end of the hook arm, or crowds the curve of the J of the fixture, the width is lengthened to accommodate the longer side panel. The hooks 1512 are gently curved to form two engagement arms 1516 that are perpendicular to the clamping member 1514. Each clamping member is provided with a locking collar 1513 that secures the engagement arms 1516 of the hooks parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of pull of the tensile tester.

[0393]The tension at the waist of the product is initially calculated by determining the narrowest longitudinal length within the closed waistband. For a disposable article with a continuous waistband, this is typically the length of the side seam. For a pant that is pre-closed, this is typically the longitudinal length of the fastening fastener. For example, for a closed form product with the longitudinal length within the narrowest band being a 11 cm side panel, the maximum tension to pull at 18.2 gf/mm would be 2,000 gf.

[0394]Manually move the crosshead upward. Hang the article from the upper coupling arm 1516 so that the article is supported by the upper arm only, and zero the load cell. Lower the upper coupling arm so that the article 1518 can be slid onto the coupling arms 1516 with the elastic sides centered along the axis of pull of the test rig, as illustrated in Figure. 22. Adjust the coupling arms 1516 to remove any slack from the article, but ensure that no more than 5 grams of force is measured at the load cell. Zero the crosshead. Using a flexible tape measure graduated in mm, measure the relaxed waist opening circumference by wrapping the tape 1519 around the coupling arms 1516 adjacent to the waist opening of the article of Figure. 22. Record the initial circumference to the nearest 1 mm. Remove the tape measure from the arms 1516.

[0395]The test consists of 7 distinct steps. 1. This step is called the first load. Program the tensile tester to move the crosshead up to a speed of 254 mm/min. Extend the crosshead until a tension of 18.2 gf/mm is obtained. At this point, record the extension as the maximum extension. The maximum extension is also calculated using the initial circumference. Maximum stretch = (maximum extension)/(initial circumference/2). 2. Hold the crosshead at this extension for 30 seconds. 3. This step is called the first discharge. Return the crosshead at a speed of 254 mm/min to the starting position. 4. Hold the crosshead at this extension for 60 seconds. 5. This step is called the second load. Move the crosshead upward at a speed of 254 mm/min. Extend until a tension of 18.2 gf/mm is obtained. 6. Hold the crosshead at this extension for 30 seconds. 7. This step is called the second discharge. Return the crosshead at a speed of 254 mm/min to the starting position.

[0396]Collect data at a capture rate of 100 Hz during the experiment.

[0397]Similarly, repeat for the other four replicates. Maximum stretch (maximum extension) = (maximum extension at 18.2 gf/mm)/(initial circumference/2) Application stretch (application extension) = maximum stretch multiplied by 80%. Application force (application tension) = force (gf/mm)(tension) at application stretch at first load (step 1 of hip hoop test). Sustained fit loading force (sustained fit loading tension) = force cycle (gf/mm)(tension) at (maximum stretch/2) at second load (step 5 of hip hoop test). Sustained fit unloading force (sustained fit unloading tension) = force cycle (gf/mm)(tension) at (maximum stretch/2) at second unloading (step 7 of hip hoop test). Melting point

[0398]The melting point of a polymer sample can be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using ASTM 794, Standard Test Method for Melting and Crystallization Temperatures by Thermal Analysis. The melting point is recorded as Tp (melting peak) from the endothermic curve to the nearest 0.1 °C. Stacking height in the bag

[0399]The stacking height in the bag of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows: Equipment

[0400] A thickness tester having a rigid, flat horizontal sliding plate is used. The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding plate moves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal sliding plate always maintained in a horizontal orientation directly above a rigid, flat horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a suitable device for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate to within ±0.5 mm horizontally. The horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent article package that contacts each plate, i.e., each plate extends past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all directions. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of 850 ± 1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package, which may be achieved by placing a suitable weight in the center of the package that does not contact the top surface of the horizontal sliding plate so that the total mass of the sliding plate plus the added weight is 850 ± 1 grams. Test procedure

[0401]Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity prior to measurement.

[0402]The horizontal slide plate is raised and an absorbent article package is placed centrally under the horizontal slide plate such that the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontal orientation (see Figure 20). Any cable or other package surface feature that could come into contact with the plates is folded flat against the package surface to minimize its impact on the measurement. The horizontal slide plate is slowly lowered until it contacts the top surface of the package and then released. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to within ± 0.5 mm ten seconds after the horizontal slide plate is released. Five identical packages (same size and same absorbent article count) are measured and the arithmetic mean is recorded as the package width. The "bag stack height" = (package width/absorbent article count per stack) x 10 is calculated and reported to within ± 0.5 mm. Conclusion

[0403]The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the value mentioned and a range of functionally equivalent values around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0404]Each document cited in this invention, including any patent or patent application in a cross-reference or related document, and any patent or patent application to which this application claims priority or benefit therefrom, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, except where expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Reference to any document is not an admission that it constitutes prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor that it, by itself or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Furthermore, if there is a conflict between any meaning or definition of a term mentioned herein and any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall govern.

[0405]While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. An elastomeric laminate (302) comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns (316) between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns (316) have an average yarn spacing of between about 0.25 mm and about 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns (316) have an average dtex of from about 10 to about 400; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns (316) have an average pre-stretch of from about 50% to about 300%; wherein a plurality of densified bonds (322) join the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of densified bonds (322) are distinct and spaced apart from one another; wherein the plurality of densified bonds (322) overlap and at least partially surround portions of the plurality of elastic yarns (316); wherein a ratio of dtex to nonwoven basis weight of a first elastic yarn and at least one of the first and second nonwovens is from 1.5 to 15; characterized in that a peel strength between the first and second nonwovens is from 1 N/cm to 15 N/cm. 2. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein a first elastic yarn of the first plurality of elastic yarns (316) comprises from 2 to 40 filaments, including first and second filaments, wherein the first and second filaments are disposed transversely side by side of each other and wherein at least one distinct bond of the plurality of distinct bonds surrounds at least the first and second filaments. 3. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 2, wherein the at least one distinct bond overlaps at least 10 elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands. 4. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 3, wherein the at least one distinct bond surrounds at least 20 filaments of the at least 10 elastic yarns. 5. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic threads have an average thread spacing of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. 6. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the densified bonds comprising the plurality of densified bonds overlaps and fully surrounds at least one of the elastic strands comprising the plurality of elastic strands and has a void area to strand area ratio of less than 1. 7. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein a ratio of dtex to the spacing of the plurality of elastic yarns is from 65:1 to 150:1. 8. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprises at least 100 elastic strands and wherein each of the at least 100 elastic strands comprises at least 3 filaments and wherein the plurality of densified bonds overlap at least 50 of the elastic strands comprising the plurality of elastic strands and surround at least 150 filaments of the at least 100 elastic strands, and wherein portions of the at least 100 elastic strands between the densified bonds are unbonded. 9. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a) a contact area percentage of at least one of: a) greater than 10% at 100 μm, b) greater than 20% at 200 μm, and c) greater than 30% at 300 μm; b) a force relaxation of 5% to 30%; c) a cantilever bending of less than 40 mm; d) a height value of 2% to 98% < 2.2 mm; e) a wire pressure of 0.1 to 1 psi; and f) a section modulus of 2 gf/mm to 15 gf/mm. 10. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric laminate forms at least a portion of a waistband (430), a chassis (200), a side panel (330), a topsheet (124), a bottomsheet (125), a flap panel (530), and combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of elastic yarns comprises from 40 to 1,000 elastic yarns, wherein each of the elastic yarns composing the 40 to 1,000 elastic yarns are overlapped and partially surrounded by the plurality of discrete bonds. 11. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein a third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven such that a tri-laminate is formed and wherein an outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven have different percentage contact areas. 12. Elastomeric laminate (302) according to claim 11, characterized in that the third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven by adhesive. 13. The elastomeric laminate (302) of claim 1, wherein the first non-woven layer has a basis weight of 6 grams per square meter to 35 grams per square meter and wherein the second non-woven layer has a basis weight of 6 grams per square meter to 35 grams per square meter. 14. An elastomeric laminate (302) comprising: a plurality of elastic yarns (316) between the first and second nonwovens; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns (316) have an average yarn spacing of 0.25 mm to 4 mm; wherein the plurality of elastic yarns (316) have an average Dtex of 10 to 400; wherein the first and second nonwovens are joined together and wherein a third nonwoven is joined to the second nonwoven such that the second nonwoven is an intermediate nonwoven; wherein a Dtex-to-spacing ratio of the plurality of elastic yarns is from 65:1 to 200:1; wherein the first and second nonwovens are joined together by means of an adhesive and wherein the adhesive overlaps and at least partially surrounds a portion of the plurality of elastic yarns; wherein the second and third nonwovens are joined by a plurality of bonds, wherein the plurality of bonds are discrete and laterally spaced from one another; and wherein an outer surface of the third nonwoven and an outer surface of the first nonwoven have different percentages of contact areas. 15. Elastomeric laminate according to claim 14, characterized in that elastic threads are not present between the second and third nonwovens.